Dover Motorsports (DVD) 10-K 6 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Feb. 27, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	DOVER MOTORSPORTS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1017673
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Public Float		$44,269,020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			18,220,484
Common Class A
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			18,510,975

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Admissions	$8,727,000	$9,521,000	$10,428,000
Event-related	8,450,000	9,190,000	9,889,000
Broadcasting	28,463,000	27,445,000	26,404,000
Other	34,000	24,000	26,000
Total revenues	45,674,000	46,180,000	46,747,000
Expenses:
Operating and marketing	27,171,000	26,648,000	26,688,000
Loss on disposal of long-lived assets	2,403,000
Impairment charges		4,329,000
General and administrative	7,146,000	7,252,000	7,560,000
Depreciation	3,262,000	3,291,000	3,314,000
Total expenses	39,982,000	41,520,000	37,562,000
Operating earnings	5,692,000	4,660,000	9,185,000
Interest expense, net	-467,000	-959,000	-1,396,000
Other income (expense)	26,000	157,000	-48,000
Benefit for contingent obligation	30,000	91,000	321,000
Earnings before income taxes	5,281,000	3,949,000	8,062,000
Income tax expense	-2,136,000	-1,925,000	-3,491,000
Net earnings	3,145,000	2,024,000	4,571,000
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes	7,000	34,000	27,000
Change in pension net actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of income taxes	-1,761,000	897,000	-265,000
Comprehensive income	$1,391,000	$2,955,000	$4,333,000
Net earnings per common share - basic:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.05	$0.12
Net earnings per common share - diluted:
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.05	$0.12

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash	$24,000	$4,000
Accounts receivable	139,000	28,000
Inventories	70,000	114,000
Prepaid expenses and other	1,042,000	1,050,000
Receivable from Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc.		4,000
Income taxes receivable	170,000	22,000
Deferred income taxes	79,000	76,000
Assets held for sale	26,000,000
Total current assets	27,524,000	1,298,000
Property and equipment, net	58,236,000	85,591,000
Other assets	925,000	919,000
Deferred income taxes	580,000	336,000
Total assets	87,265,000	88,144,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	889,000	25,000
Accrued liabilities	4,944,000	2,887,000
Payable to Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc.	22,000
Deferred revenue	1,348,000	1,743,000
Total current liabilities	7,203,000	4,655,000
Revolving line of credit	10,760,000	14,820,000
Liability for pension benefits	4,231,000	1,521,000
Provision for contingent obligation	1,813,000	1,843,000
Deferred income taxes	15,163,000	16,926,000
Total liabilities	39,170,000	39,765,000
Commitments and contingencies (see Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.10 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding: none
Additional paid-in capital	101,508,000	101,362,000
Accumulated deficit	-53,749,000	-55,063,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,327,000	-1,573,000
Total stockholders' equity	48,095,000	48,379,000
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	87,265,000	88,144,000
Common Stock
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	1,812,000	1,802,000
Common Class A
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	$1,851,000	$1,851,000

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	18,116,562	18,019,722
Common stock, shares outstanding	18,116,562	18,019,722
Common Class A
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	55,000,000	55,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	18,510,975	18,510,975
Common stock, shares outstanding	18,510,975	18,510,975

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating activities:
Net earnings	$3,145	$2,024	$4,571
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	3,262	3,291	3,314
Amortization of credit facility fees	96	219	228
Stock-based compensation	278	291	313
Deferred income taxes	-881	-836	2,489
Benefit for contingent obligation	-30	-91	-321
Loss on disposal of long-lived assets, non-cash	2,045
Gain on sale of property and equipment		-138
Impairment charges		4,329
Loss on sale of land			52
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-111	196	465
Inventories	44	10	-9
Prepaid expenses and other	-60	-34	-3
Income taxes receivable/payable	-69	30	-13
Accounts payable	48	-120	29
Accrued liabilities	190	-39	274
payable to/receivable from Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc.	26	-4	11
Deferred revenue	-395	-976	-410
Liability for pension benefits	-90	-9	-45
Net cash provided by operating activities	7,498	8,143	10,945
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-3,136	-315	-468
Non-refundable deposit received on expected sale of facility	1,700
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	-99	-102	-100
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities	77	90
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment		138	585
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-1,458	-189	17
Financing activities:
Borrowings from revolving line of credit	35,520	28,760	21,300
Repayments on revolving line of credit	-39,580	-33,640	-30,760
Dividends paid	-1,831	-1,831	-1,475
Repurchase of common stock	-129	-1,129	-27
Credit facility fees		-125
Net cash used in financing activities	-6,020	-7,965	-10,962
Net increase (decrease) in cash	20	-11
Cash, beginning of period	4	15	15
Cash, end of period	24	4	15
Supplemental information:
Interest paid	550	784	1,216
Income tax payments	3,087	2,779	1,015
Change in accounts payable for capital expenditures	$816

Business_Operations

Business Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Operations
Business Operations	NOTE 1 —  Business Operations
	References in this document to “we,” “us” and “our” mean Dover Motorsports, Inc. and/or its wholly owned subsidiaries, as appropriate.
	Dover Motorsports, Inc. is a public holding company that is a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States.  Through our subsidiaries, we own and operate Dover International Speedway® in Dover, Delaware and Nashville Superspeedway® near Nashville, Tennessee.  Our Dover facility promoted the following six events during 2014, all of which were under the auspices of the premier sanctioning body in motorsports - the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (“NASCAR”):
		·	2 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events;
		·	2 NASCAR Nationwide Series events;
		·	1 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event; and
		·	1 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East event.
	In 2015, we are scheduled to promote these same six events at Dover International Speedway.  Total revenues from these events were approximately 97%, 97% and 96% of total revenues for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	We have hosted the Firefly Music Festival on our property in Dover, Delaware for three consecutive years.  The inaugural three day festival with 40 musical acts was held in July 2012, followed by a three day festival in June 2013 with over 70 musical acts and an expanded four day festival in June 2014 with over 100 musical acts.  The promoter of the event, Red Frog Events LLC has announced that the event will return to Dover on June 18-21, 2015.  In September 2014, Red Frog Events formed RFGV Festivals LLC - a joint venture with Goldenvoice that will promote Firefly.  Goldenvoice is owned by AEG Live, one of the world’s largest presenters of live music and entertainment events.  We entered into an amended agreement with RFGV Festivals granting them two 5 year options to extend our facility rental agreement through 2032 (from its original expiration date of 2022) in exchange for a rental commitment to secure our property for up to two festivals per year.   Rent is at differing rates depending on how many events are actually held.  In December 2014, we announced that the inaugural Big Barrel Country Music Festival will be held at our facility on June 26-28, 2015.  The three day festival will be promoted by RFGV Festivals and will feature an estimated 50 musical acts.  We also receive a percentage of the concession sales we manage at the events.
	Nashville Superspeedway no longer promotes NASCAR events and has not entered into sanction agreements with NASCAR since 2011.  We currently use the facility on a limited basis for motorsports track rentals.  On May 29, 2014, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell the facility to NeXovation, Inc. for $27 million in cash and the assumption by NeXovation, Inc. of obligations of ours under certain Variable Rate Tax Exempt Infrastructure Revenue Bonds.  The sales agreement has been amended several times extending the closing date.  In consideration for these amendments, during 2014 we received $1.7 million in non-refundable deposits from the buyer which will be applied against the purchase price at closing.  These deposits are included in accrued liabilities at December 31, 2014 in our consolidated balance sheets.  Additionally, in 2015 we received $400,000 to amend the agreement which will not be applied against the purchase price.  The sale is now scheduled to close by the end of the first quarter of 2015.  Our gain will be the $27 million purchase price less the facility’s $26 million carrying value and less any costs to sell which are expected to be minimal and consist primarily of legal fees.  We also expect to pay income taxes of approximately $4.5-5.0 million as a result of this transaction.   As a result of the expected sale, the assets of Nashville Superspeedway are reported as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014.  We incurred a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $4,329,000 in the fourth quarter of 2013 relating to the Nashville facility as a result of economic conditions and their impact on real estate values (see NOTE 3 — Impairment Charge for further discussion).  In 2011 we recorded a $2,250,000 provision for contingent obligation reflecting the present value of the estimated portion of the revenue bonds debt service that may not be covered by the projected sales and incremental property taxes from the facility (see NOTE 12 — Commitments and Contingencies for further discussion).  Due to changing interest rates, the provision for contingent obligation decreased by $30,000, $91,000 and $316,000, net, in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is $1,813,000 at December 31, 2014.  Upon completion of the sale of the assets of Nashville Superspeedway, we will reverse the contingent obligation which will increase our pre-tax earnings by the amount of the obligation at the time it is reversed.  See NOTE 12 — Commitments and Contingencies for further discussion.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	NOTE 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of consolidation and presentation—The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dover Motorsports, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries.  Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
	Investments—Investments, which consist of mutual funds, are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair-value in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.  Changes in fair value are reported in other comprehensive income.  See NOTE 8 — Pension Plans, NOTE 9 — Stockholders’ Equity and NOTE 10 — Fair Value Measurements for further discussion.
	Accounts receivable—Accounts receivable are stated at their estimated collectible amount and do not bear interest.
	Inventories—Inventories of items for resale are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out basis.
	Property and equipment—Property and equipment is stated at cost.  Depreciation is provided for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Facilities	10-40 years
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3-10 years
	Impairment of long-lived assets—Long-lived assets are assessed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.  Generally, fair value is determined using valuation techniques such as the comparable sales approach based on either independent third party appraisals or pending/completed sales transactions.  See NOTE 3 — Impairment Charge for further discussion.
	Income taxes—Deferred income taxes are provided on all differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements based upon enacted statutory tax rates in effect at the balance sheet date.  We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when uncertainty regarding their realizability exists.  In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.  Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.  We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained.  Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized.  Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.  As of December 31, 2014, our valuation allowance on state net operating loss carry-forwards net of federal income taxes was $10,404,000, which increased by $44,000 in 2014.  These state net operating losses are related to our Midwest facilities that have not produced taxable income.  Valuation allowances fully reserve the state net operating loss carryforwards, net of federal tax benefit.
	Revenue recognition—We classify our revenues as admissions, event-related, broadcasting and other.  “Admissions” revenue includes ticket sales for all of our events.  “Event-related” revenue includes amounts received from sponsorship fees; luxury suite rentals; hospitality tent rentals and catering; concessions and souvenir sales and vendor commissions for the right to sell concessions and souvenirs at our facilities; sales of programs; track rentals and other event-related revenues.  Additionally, event related revenue includes amounts received for the use of our property and a portion of the concession sales we manage from the Firefly Music Festival.  “Broadcasting” revenue includes rights fees obtained for television and radio broadcasts of events held at our speedways and any ancillary media rights fees.
	Revenues pertaining to specific events are deferred until the event is held.  Concession and souvenir revenues are recorded at the time of sale.  Revenues and related expenses from barter transactions in which we provide advertising or other goods or services in exchange for sponsorships of motorsports events are recorded at fair value.  Barter transactions accounted for $550,000, $477,000 and $424,000 of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Under the terms of our sanction agreements, NASCAR retains 10% of the gross broadcast rights fees allocated to each NASCAR-sanctioned event as a component of its sanction fee.  The remaining 90% is recorded as revenue.  The event promoter is required to pay 25% of the gross broadcast rights fees to the event as part of the awards to the competitors, which we record as operating expenses.
	Expense recognition—The cost of non-event related advertising, promotion and marketing programs is expensed as incurred.  Certain direct expenses pertaining to specific events, including prize and point fund monies and sanction fees paid to NASCAR, a majority of our marketing expenses and other expenses associated with the promotion of our racing events are deferred until the event is held, at which point they are expensed.  Advertising expenses were $1,191,000, $1,160,000 and $1,093,000 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Net earnings per common share—Nonvested share-based payment awards that include rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are considered participating securities, and the two-class method of computing basic and diluted net earnings per common share (“EPS”) is applied for all periods presented. The following table sets forth the computation of EPS (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		2014		2013		2012
	Net earnings per common share — basic:
	Net earnings	$	3,145	$	2,024	$	4,571
	Allocation to nonvested restricted stock awards	50		33		67
	Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	3,095	$	1,991	$	4,504
	Weighted-average shares outstanding	36,047		36,252		36,299
	Net earnings per common share — basic	$	0.09	$	0.05	$	0.12
	Net earnings per common share — diluted:
	Net earnings	$	3,145	$	2,024	$	4,571
	Allocation to nonvested restricted stock awards	50		33		67
	Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	3,095	$	1,991	$	4,504
	Weighted-average shares and dilutive shares outstanding	36,047		36,252		36,299
	Net earnings per common share — diluted	$	0.09	$	0.05	$	0.12
	There were no options outstanding in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	Accounting for stock-based compensation—We recorded total stock-based compensation expense for our restricted stock awards of $278,000, $291,000 and $313,000 as general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  We recorded income tax benefits (expense) of $113,000, $56,000 and ($4,000) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to our restricted stock awards.
	Use of estimates—The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events.  These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  These estimates and assumptions are based on our best estimates and judgment.  We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.  We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate.  Volatility in credit and equity markets and declines in consumer spending have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions.  As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ from these estimates.  Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.

Impairment_Charges

Impairment Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Impairment Charges
Impairment Charges	NOTE 3 — Impairment Charge
	Impairment Charge Recorded in 2013
	Based upon the economic conditions that existed in the fourth quarter of 2013 and their impact on real estate values at that time, we concluded that it was necessary for us to review the carrying value of the long-lived assets at Nashville for impairment.  The Nashville assets recorded on our consolidated balance sheets consist exclusively of land.  The recoverability of assets to be held and used was measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the assets.  As a result of the recoverability test, we concluded that the carrying amount of our Nashville facility exceeded the undiscounted cash flows.
	Since the carrying amount of the assets exceeded the fair value, an impairment charge was recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeded the fair value.  Fair value of the assets for the Nashville facility was determined based on the value of owned real estate at the facility.  The long-lived assets deemed to be impaired consisted of land.
	Based on the results of this analysis, we recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2013 to write-down the carrying value of long-lived assets at our Nashville facility to fair value, as follows:
		Carrying Value of		Fair Value of		Non-Cash
		Long-Lived Assets		Long-Lived Assets		Impairment Charges
	Nashville facility	$	30,329,000	$	26,000,000	$	4,329,000

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment	NOTE 4 — Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consists of the following as of December 31:
		2014			2013
	Land	$	15,916,000		$	41,916,000
	Facilities	80,721,000			85,349,000
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	7,137,000			6,955,000
	Construction in progress	3,545,000			—
		107,319,000			134,220,000
	Less accumulated depreciation	(49,083,000		)	(48,629,000		)
		$	58,236,000		$	85,591,000
	Depreciation expense was $3,262,000, $3,291,000 and $3,314,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	In 2014, we removed certain grandstand seating at our Dover International Speedway facility and have written off the remaining net book value of the assets of $2,045,000 which is reported in our consolidated statements of earnings as loss on disposal of long-lived assets.  The cost to remove the grandstand seating of $358,000 is also included in loss on disposal of long-lived assets in our consolidated statements of earnings.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued Liabilities	NOTE 5 — Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following as of December 31:
		2014		2013
	Payroll and related items	$	446,000	$	436,000
	Real estate taxes	995,000		984,000
	Pension	897,000		729,000
	Non-refundable deposit on expected sale of facility	1,700,000		—
	Other	906,000		738,000
		$	4,944,000	$	2,887,000

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-Term Debt
Long-Term Debt	NOTE 6 — Long-Term Debt
	At December 31, 2014, Dover Motorsports, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries Dover International Speedway, Inc. and Nashville Speedway, USA, Inc., as co-borrowers had a $35,000,000 secured credit agreement with a bank group.  The credit facility expires on July 31, 2017.  Interest is based upon LIBOR plus a margin that varies between 125 and 175 basis points depending on the leverage ratio (150 basis points at December 31, 2014).  The facility provides that we may elect to enter into a negative pledge with the bank group in exchange for the release of the security interest in the collateral securing the agreement.  In the event we elect to enter into the negative pledge, interest will be based upon LIBOR plus a margin that varies between 150 and 200 basis points depending on the leverage ratio.  The credit facility contains certain covenants including maximum funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“leverage ratio”) and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.  Material adverse changes in our results of operations could impact our ability to maintain financial ratios necessary to satisfy these requirements.  In addition, the credit agreement includes a material adverse change clause and provides the lenders with a first lien on all of our assets.  The credit facility also provides that if we default under any other loan agreement, that would be a default under this facility.  At December 31, 2014, there was $10,760,000 outstanding under the credit facility at an interest rate of 1.66%.  The credit facility provides for seasonal funding needs, capital improvements, letter of credit requirements and other general corporate purposes.  At December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with the terms of the credit facility.  After consideration of stand-by letters of credit outstanding, the remaining maximum borrowings available pursuant to the credit facility were $5,938,000 at December 31, 2014.  We expect to be in compliance with the financial covenants, and all other covenants, for all measurement periods during the next twelve months.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes
Income Taxes	NOTE 7 — Income Taxes
	The current and deferred income tax (expense) benefit from continuing operations is as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	(2,273,000	)	$	(1,869,000	)	$	(136,000	)
	State	(744,000		)	(892,000		)	(866,000		)
		(3,017,000		)	(2,761,000		)	(1,002,000		)
	Deferred:
	Federal	703,000			773,000			(2,520,000		)
	State	178,000			63,000			31,000
		881,000			836,000			(2,489,000		)
	Total income tax expense	$	(2,136,000	)	$	(1,925,000	)	$	(3,491,000	)
	A reconciliation of the effective income tax rate with the applicable statutory federal income tax rate is as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Federal tax at statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
	State taxes, net of federal benefit	6.1	%	13.4	%	6.9	%
	Valuation allowance	0.9	%	0.1	%	(0.4	)%
	Non-deductible stock based compensation	—		1.6	%	1.6	%
	Other	(1.6	)%	(1.4	)%	0.2	%
	Effective income tax rate	40.4	%	48.7	%	43.3	%
	Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following as of December 31:
		2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Accruals not currently deductible for income taxes	$	2,985,000		$	1,846,000
	Net operating loss carry-forwards	10,948,000			11,070,000
	Total deferred income tax assets	13,933,000			12,916,000
	Valuation allowance	(10,404,000		)	(10,360,000		)
	Net deferred income tax assets	3,529,000			2,556,000
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Depreciation	(18,033,000		)	(19,070,000		)
	Total deferred income tax liabilities	(18,033,000		)	(19,070,000		)
	Net deferred income tax liability	$	(14,504,000	)	$	(16,514,000	)
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:
	Current deferred income tax assets	$	79,000		$	76,000
	Noncurrent deferred income tax assets	580,000			336,000
	Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities	(15,163,000		)	(16,926,000		)
		$	(14,504,000	)	$	(16,514,000	)
	Deferred income taxes relate to the temporary differences between financial accounting income and taxable income and are primarily attributable to differences between the book and tax basis of property and equipment and net operating loss carry-forwards (expiring through 2029).  At December 31, 2014, we have available state net operating loss carryforwards of $218,307,000.  Valuation allowances which fully reserve the state net operating loss carryforwards, net of federal tax benefit, increased (decreased) in 2014, 2013 and 2012 by $44,000, ($1,805,000) and ($24,000), respectively.
	We recognize interest expense and penalties on uncertain income tax positions as a component of interest expense.  No interest expense or penalties were recorded for uncertain income tax matters in 2014, 2013 or 2012.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had no liabilities for uncertain income tax matters.
	We file income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and the states in which we conduct business.  We have identified the U.S. federal and state of Delaware as our major tax jurisdictions.  As of December 31, 2014, tax years after 2010 remain open to examination for federal and Delaware income tax purposes.

Pension_Plans

Pension Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Plans
Pension Plans	NOTE 8 — Pension Plans
	We maintain a non-contributory tax qualified defined benefit pension plan that has been frozen since July 2011.  All of our full time employees were eligible to participate in the qualified plan.  Benefits provided by our qualified pension plan were based on years of service and employees’ remuneration over their employment period.  Pension costs are funded in accordance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.  We also maintain a non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plan, the excess plan, for certain employees that has been frozen since July 2011.  This excess plan provided benefits that would otherwise be provided under the qualified pension plan but for maximum benefit and compensation limits applicable under federal tax law.  The cost associated with the excess plan is determined using the same actuarial methods and assumptions as those used for our qualified pension plan.  The assets for the excess plan aggregate $820,000 and $768,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are recorded in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets (see NOTE 10 — Fair Value Measurements).
	On June 15, 2011, we decided to freeze participation and benefit accruals under our pension plans, primarily to reduce some of the impact on earnings and volatility in cash flows that can accompany the maintenance of a defined benefit plan.  The freeze was effective July 31, 2011.  Compensation earned by employees up to July 31, 2011 is used for purposes of calculating benefits under our pension plan with no future benefit accruals after this date.  Participants as of July 31, 2011 continue to earn vesting credit with respect to their frozen accrued benefits as they continue to work.
	The following table sets forth the defined benefit plans’ funded status and amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31:
		2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	9,982,000		$	10,736,000
	Interest cost	491,000			443,000
	Actuarial loss (gain)	3,002,000			(1,013,000		)
	Benefits paid	(206,000		)	(182,000		)
	Other	4,000			(2,000		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	13,273,000			9,982,000
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7,797,000			7,024,000
	Actual gain on plan assets	583,000			951,000
	Employer contribution	40,000			—
	Benefits paid	(206,000		)	(182,000		)
	Other	4,000			4,000
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,218,000			7,797,000
	Unfunded status	$	(5,055,000	)	$	(2,185,000	)
	The following table presents the amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31:
		2014			2013
	Accrued benefit cost	$	(897,000	)	$	(729,000	)
	Liability for pension benefits	(4,158,000		)	(1,456,000		)
		$	(5,055,000	)	$	(2,185,000	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic (benefit) cost at December 31 are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Net actuarial loss, pre-tax	$	5,710,000		$	2,743,000
	The accumulated benefit obligation for our pension plans was $13,273,000 and $9,982,000, respectively, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The change in the funded status and accumulated other comprehensive loss is primarily a result of implementing a new set of mortality tables issued by the Society of Actuaries in October 2014 and lower discount rates.
	The components of net periodic pension (benefit) cost for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Interest cost	$	491,000		$	443,000		$	454,000
	Expected return on plan assets	(612,000		)	(552,000		)	(508,000		)
	Recognized net actuarial loss	64,000			100,000			80,000
		$	(57,000	)	$	(9,000	)	$	26,000
	For the year ending December 31, 2015, we expect to recognize the following amounts as components of net periodic (benefit) cost which are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2014:
	Actuarial loss	$	123,000
	The principal assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, and the actuarial value of the benefit obligation at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (the measurement dates) for our pension plans are as follows:
		Net Periodic Pension Cost						Benefit Obligation
		2014		2013		2012		2014		2013
	Weighted-average discount rate	5.0	%	4.4	%	5.0	%	4.1	%	5.0	%
	Weighted-average rate of compensation increase	n/a		n/a		n/a		n/a		n/a
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	8.0	%	8.0	%	8.0	%	n/a		n/a
	The weighted-average discount rates were determined by matching estimated benefit cash flows to a yield curve derived from long-term, high-quality corporate bond curves.
	For 2014, we assumed a long-term rate of return on plan assets of 8.0%.  In developing the 8.0% expected long-term rate of return assumption, we considered our historical compounded return and reviewed asset class return expectations and long-term inflation assumptions.
	Our investment goals are to achieve a combination of moderate growth of capital and income with moderate risk.  Acceptable investment vehicles will include mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), limited partnerships, and individual securities.  Our target allocations for plan assets are 60% equities and 40% fixed income.  Of the equity portion, 50% will be invested in passively managed securities using ETFs and the other 50% will be invested in actively managed investment vehicles.  We address diversification by investing in mutual funds and ETFs which hold large, mid and small capitalization U.S. stocks, international (non-U.S.) equity, REITS, and real assets (consisting of inflation-linked bonds, real estate and natural resources).  A sufficient percentage of investments will be readily marketable in order to be sold to fund benefit payment obligations as they become payable.
	The fair values of our pension assets as of December 31, 2014 by asset category are as follows (refer to NOTE 10 — Fair Value Measurements for a description of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 categories):
	Asset Category	Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Corporate common stocks	$	838,000		$	838,000		$	—		$	—
	Mutual funds/ETFs:
	Equity-large cap	1,695,000			1,695,000			—			—
	Equity-mid cap	774,000			774,000			—			—
	Equity-small cap	165,000			165,000			—			—
	Equity-international	1,046,000			1,046,000			—			—
	Fixed income	3,065,000			3,065,000			—			—
	Real estate	439,000			439,000			—			—
	Money market	196,000			196,000			—			—
	Total mutual funds/ETFs	7,380,000			7,380,000			—			—
	Grand total	$	8,218,000		$	8,218,000		$	—		$	—
	The fair values of our pension assets as of December 31, 2013 by asset category are as follows (refer to NOTE 10 — Fair Value Measurements for a description of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 categories):
	Asset Category	Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Corporate common stocks	$	779,000		$	779,000		$	—		$	—
	Mutual funds/ETFs:
Equity-large cap	1,583,000			1,583,000			—			—
Equity-mid cap	721,000			721,000			—			—
Equity-small cap	158,000			158,000			—			—
Equity-international	1,086,000			1,086,000			—			—
Fixed income	2,831,000			2,831,000			—			—
Real estate	346,000			346,000			—			—
Money market	293,000			293,000			—			—
Total mutual funds/ETFs	7,018,000			7,018,000			—			—
Grand total	$	7,797,000		$	7,797,000		$	—		$	—
We do not expect to contribute to our defined benefit pension plans in 2015.
Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:
2015	$	1,250,000
2016	$	400,000
2017	$	412,000
2018	$	460,000
2019	$	497,000
2020-2024	$	2,669,000
Effective December 1, 2012, we created a new non-elective, non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”) in connection with the freezing of our pension plan.  Its purpose is to provide deferred compensation to certain highly compensated employees that approximates the value of benefits lost by the freezing of the pension plan which are not offset by our enhanced matching contributions in our 401(k)  plan.  The SERP is a discretionary defined contribution plan and contributions made to the SERP in any given year are not guaranteed and will be at the sole discretion of our Compensation and Stock Incentive Committee.  In 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded expenses of $73,000, $60,000 and $60,000, respectively, related to the SERP.  During 2014, 2013 and 2012, we contributed $65,000, $55,000 and $0 to the plan, respectively.  The liability for pension benefits was $73,000 and $65,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
We also maintain a defined contribution 401(k) plan that permits participation by substantially all employees.  Our matching contributions to the 401(k) plan were $119,000, $110,000 and $108,000 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity	NOTE 9 — Stockholders’ Equity
	Changes in the components of stockholders’ equity are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Common			Class A			Additional			Accumulated			Accumulated
		Stock			Common			Paid-in			Deficit			Other
					Stock			Capital						Comprehensive
														Loss
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	1,828		$	1,851		$	101,888		$	(58,352	)	$	(2,266	)
	Net earnings	—			—			—			4,571			—
	Dividends paid, $0.04 per share	—			—			—			(1,475		)	—
	Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	10			—			(10		)	—			—
	Stock-based compensation	—			—			313			—			—
	Repurchase and retirement of common stock	(2		)	—			(25		)	—			—
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income tax expense of $19	—			—			—			—			27
	Change in net actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of income tax benefit of $182	—			—			—			—			(265		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	1,836			1,851			102,166			(55,256		)	(2,504		)
	Net earnings	—			—			—			2,024			—
	Dividends paid, $0.05 per share	—			—			—			(1,831		)	—
	Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	13			—			(13		)	—			—
	Stock-based compensation	—			—			291			—			—
	Repurchase and retirement of common stock	(47		)	—			(1,082		)	—			—
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income tax expense of $23	—			—			—			—			34
	Change in net actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of income tax expense of $615	—			—			—			—			897
	Balance at December 31, 2013	1,802			1,851			101,362			(55,063		)	(1,573		)
	Net earnings	—			—			—			3,145			—
	Dividends paid, $0.05 per share	—			—			—			(1,831		)	—
	Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	15			—			(15		)	—			—
	Stock-based compensation	—			—			278			—			—
	Repurchase and retirement of common stock	(5		)	—			(124		)	—			—
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income tax expense of $5	—			—			—			—			7
	Change in net actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of income tax benefit of $1,206	—			—			—			—			(1,761		)
	Excess tax benefit on restricted stock	—			—			7			—			—
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,812		$	1,851		$	101,508		$	(53,749	)	$	(3,327	)
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes, consists of the following:
		2014			2013
	Net actuarial loss and prior service cost not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost, net of income tax benefit of $2,323,000 and $1,117,000, respectively	$	(3,387,000	)	$	(1,626,000	)
	Accumulated unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income tax expense of $43,000 and $38,000, respectively	60,000			53,000
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(3,327,000	)	$	(1,573,000	)
	Holders of common stock have one vote per share and holders of Class A common stock have ten votes per share.  There is no cumulative voting.  Shares of Class A common stock are convertible at any time into shares of common stock on a share for share basis at the option of the holder thereof.  Dividends on Class A common stock cannot exceed dividends on common stock on a per share basis.  Dividends on common stock may be paid at a higher rate than dividends on Class A common stock.  The terms and conditions of each issue of preferred stock are determined by our Board of Directors.  No preferred shares have been issued.
	We adopted a stockholder rights plan in 2006. The rights are attached to and trade in tandem with our common stock and Class A common stock.  Each right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us one share of common stock.  The rights, unless earlier redeemed by our Board of Directors, will detach and trade separately from our common stock upon the occurrence of certain events such as the unsolicited acquisition by a third party of beneficial ownership of 10% or more of our outstanding combined common stock and Class A common stock or the announcement by a third party of the intent to commence a tender or exchange offer for 10% or more of our outstanding combined common stock and Class A common stock.  After the rights have detached, the holders of such rights would generally have the ability to purchase such number of either shares of our common stock or stock of an acquirer of ours having a market value equal to twice the exercise price of the right being exercised, thereby causing substantial dilution to a person or group of persons attempting to acquire control of us.  The rights may serve as a significant deterrent to unsolicited attempts to acquire control of us, including transactions involving a premium to the market price of our stock.  This rights agreement expires on June 13, 2016, unless earlier redeemed.
	On July 28, 2004, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of our outstanding common stock.  The purchases may be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions as conditions warrant.  The repurchase authorization has no expiration date, does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares and may be suspended at any time.  During 2014 and 2013, we purchased and retired 13,950 and 442,526 shares of our outstanding common stock, respectively, at an average purchase price of $2.27 and $2.36 per share, respectively, not including nominal brokerage commissions.  No purchases of our equity securities were made pursuant to this authorization during 2012.  At December 31, 2014, we had remaining repurchase authority of 1,178,131 shares.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we purchased and retired 40,210, 33,950 and 23,779 shares of our outstanding common stock at an average purchase price of $2.41, $1.80 and $1.16 per share, respectively.  These purchases were made from employees in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards under our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan and were not pursuant to the aforementioned repurchase authorization.  Since the vesting of a restricted stock award is a taxable event to our employees for which income tax withholding is required, the plan allows employees to surrender to us some of the shares that would otherwise have vested in satisfaction of their tax liability.  The surrender of these shares is treated by us as a purchase of the shares.
	We had a stock incentive plan, adopted in 2004, which provided for the grant of up to 1,500,000 shares of common stock to our officers and key employees through stock options and/or awards valued in whole or in part by reference to our common stock, such as nonvested restricted stock awards.  Under the plan, nonvested restricted stock vests an aggregate of twenty percent each year beginning on the second anniversary date of the grant.  The aggregate market value of the nonvested restricted stock at the date of issuance is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the six-year period.  We granted 151,000 and 153,000 stock awards under this plan during 2014 and 2013, respectively.  This plan expired on January 27, 2014; therefore, no further grants of stock options or stock awards can be made under this plan.
	On January 29, 2014, our board of directors adopted a new stock incentive plan.  The plan was approved by our shareholders on April 23, 2014.  The plan provides for the grant of up to 2,000,000 shares of common stock to our officers and key employees through stock options and/or awards valued in whole or in part by reference to our common stock, such as nonvested restricted stock awards.  Terms of the plan are similar to the 2004 plan discussed above.
	Nonvested restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
		Number of		Weighted
		Shares		Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	574,000		$	1.77
	Granted	151,000		$	2.5
	Vested	(139,200	)	$	2.28
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014	585,800		$	1.84
	The aggregate market value of the nonvested restricted stock at the date of issuance is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the six-year service period or the service period remaining until normal retirement age, if shorter.  The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 based on the weighted average grant date fair value was $318,000, $394,000 and $474,000, respectively.  The grant-date fair value of nonvested restricted stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $2.50, $1.80 and $1.04, respectively.  We recorded compensation expense of $278,000, $291,000 and $313,000 related to restricted stock awards for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  As of December 31, 2014, there was $601,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards granted to employees under our stock incentive plan.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.9 years.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements	NOTE 10 — Fair Value Measurements
	Our financial instruments are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
	Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
	Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
	Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
	The following table summarizes the valuation of our financial instrument pricing levels as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	2014:00:00
	Available-for-sale securities	$	820,000	$	820,000	$	—	$	—
	2013:00:00
	Available-for-sale securities	$	768,000	$	768,000	$	—	$	—
	Our investments in available-for-sale securities consist of mutual funds.  These investments are included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
	The carrying amounts of other financial instruments reported in our consolidated balance sheets for current assets and current liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there was $10,760,000 and $14,820,000, respectively, outstanding under our revolving credit agreement.  The borrowings under our revolving credit agreement bear interest at the variable rate described in NOTE 6 — Long-Term Debt and therefore we believe approximate fair value.
	The following table summarizes the valuation of our pricing levels for non-financial assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		2013 Losses
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	26,000,000	$	—	$	—	$	26,000,000	$	4,329,000
	Fair value of the long-lived assets held and used was determined using a valuation methodology which gave specific consideration to the value of the owned real estate (refer to NOTE 3 — Impairment Charge for further discussion).

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions	NOTE 11 — Related Party Transactions
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (“Gaming”), a company related through common ownership, allocated costs of $1,910,000, $1,854,000 and $1,865,000, respectively, to us for certain administrative and operating services, including leased space.  We allocated certain administrative and operating service costs of $240,000, $220,000 and $217,000, respectively, to Gaming for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.  The allocations were based on an analysis of each company’s share of the costs.  In connection with our NASCAR event weekends at Dover International Speedway, Gaming provided certain services, primarily catering, for which we were invoiced $689,000, $801,000 and $804,000, during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Additionally, we invoiced Gaming $184,000, $294,000 and $381,000, during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for tickets, display space, our commission for suite catering and other services to the events.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our consolidated balance sheets included a $22,000 payable to and $4,000 receivable from Gaming for the aforementioned items.  We settled these items in January of 2015 and 2014.  The net costs incurred by each company for these services are not necessarily indicative of the costs that would have been incurred if the companies had been unrelated entities and/or had otherwise independently managed these functions; however, management believes that these costs are reasonable.
	Prior to the spin-off of Gaming from our company in 2002, both companies shared certain real property in Dover, Delaware.  At the time of the spin-off, some of this real property was transferred to Gaming to ensure that the real property holdings of each company was aligned with its past uses and future business needs.  During its harness racing season, Gaming has historically used the 5/8-mile harness racing track that is located on our property and is on the inside of our one-mile motorsports superspeedway.  In order to continue this historic use, we granted a perpetual easement to the harness track to Gaming at the time of the spin-off.  This perpetual easement allows Gaming to have exclusive use of the harness track during the period beginning November 1 of each year and ending April 30 of the following year, together with set up and tear down rights for the two weeks before and after such period.  The easement requires that Gaming maintain the harness track but does not require the payment of any rent.
	Various easements and agreements relative to access, utilities and parking have also been entered into between us and Gaming relative to our respective Dover, Delaware facilities.  We pay rent to Gaming for the lease of our principal executive office space.  Gaming also allows us to use its indoor grandstands in connection with our two annual motorsports weekends.  This occasional grandstand use is not material to us and Gaming does not assess rent for it; Gaming may also discontinue our use at its discretion.
	In April of 2002, we spun-off our gaming business which was then owned by our subsidiary, Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc.  On a tax-free basis, we made a pro rata distribution of all of the capital stock of Gaming to our stockholders.  Our continuing operations subsequent to the spin-off consist solely of our motorsports activities.
	In conjunction with the spin-off of Gaming by us, the two companies entered into various agreements that addressed the allocation of assets and liabilities between the two companies and that define the companies’ relationship after the separation.  Among these are the Real Property Agreement and the Transition Support Services Agreement.
	The Real Property Agreement governs certain real property transfers, leases and easements affecting our Dover, Delaware facility.
	The Transition Support Services Agreement provides for each of the two companies to provide each other with certain administrative and operational services.  The party receiving the services is required to pay for them within 30 business days after receipt of an invoice at rates agreed upon by the companies.  The agreement may be terminated in whole or in part 90 days after the request of the party receiving the services or 180 days after the request of the party providing the services.
	Henry B. Tippie, Chairman of our Board of Directors, controls in excess of fifty percent of our voting power.  Mr. Tippie’s voting control emanates from his direct and indirect holdings of common stock and Class A common stock and from his status as trustee of the RMT Trust, our largest stockholder.  This means that Mr. Tippie has the ability to determine the outcome of the election of directors and to determine the outcome of many significant corporate transactions, many of which only require the approval of a majority of our voting power.
	Patrick J. Bagley, Timothy R. Horne, Denis McGlynn, Jeffrey W. Rollins, R. Randall Rollins, Richard K. Struthers and Henry B. Tippie are all Directors of Dover Motorsports, Inc. and Gaming.  Denis McGlynn is the President and Chief Executive Officer of both companies, Klaus M. Belohoubek is the Senior Vice President — General Counsel and Secretary of both companies and Timothy R. Horne is the Senior Vice President — Finance and Chief Financial Officer of both companies.  Mr. Tippie controls in excess of fifty percent of the voting power of Gaming.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies	NOTE 12 — Commitments and Contingencies
	We lease equipment at our facilities with leases expiring at various dates through 2016.  Total rental payments charged to operations amounted to $75,000, $44,000 and $52,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	In September 1999, the Sports Authority of the County of Wilson (Tennessee) issued $25,900,000 in Variable Rate Tax Exempt Infrastructure Revenue Bonds, Series 1999, to acquire, construct and develop certain public infrastructure improvements which benefit Nashville Superspeedway, of which $18,000,000 was outstanding at December 31, 2014.  Annual principal payments range from $800,000 in September 2015 to $1,600,000 in 2029 and are payable solely from sales taxes and incremental property taxes generated from the facility.  These bonds are direct obligations of the Sports Authority and therefore have historically not been required to be recorded on our consolidated balance sheet.  If the sales taxes and incremental property taxes (“applicable taxes”) are insufficient for the payment of principal and interest on the bonds, we would become responsible for the difference.  In the event we were unable to make the payments, they would be made pursuant to an $18,302,000 irrevocable direct-pay letter of credit issued by our bank group.  We are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates for these bonds.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, $1,932,000 and $1,908,000, respectively, was available in the sales and incremental property tax fund maintained by the Sports Authority to pay the remaining principal and interest due under the bonds.  During 2014, we paid $979,000 into the sales and incremental property tax fund and $955,000 was deducted from the fund for principal and interest payments.  If we fail to maintain the letter of credit that secures the bonds or we allow an uncured event of default to exist under our reimbursement agreement relative to the letter of credit, the bonds would be immediately redeemable.
	Nashville Superspeedway no longer promotes NASCAR events and has not entered into sanction agreements with NASCAR since 2011.  We currently use the facility on a limited basis for motorsports track rentals.  In 2011 we recorded a $2,250,000 provision for contingent obligation reflecting the present value of the estimated portion of the revenue bonds debt service that may not be covered by the projected sales and incremental property taxes from the facility.  Due to changing interest rates, the provision for contingent obligation decreased by $30,000, $91,000 and $316,000, net, in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is $1,813,000 at December 31, 2014.  An increase in interest rates would result in an increase in the portion of debt service not covered by applicable taxes and therefore an increase in our liability.  On May 29, 2014, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Nashville facility to NeXovation, Inc. for $27 million in cash and the assumption by NeXovation, Inc. of our obligations under the aforementioned revenue bonds.  The sale is scheduled to close by the end of the first quarter of 2015.  Upon completion of the sale of the assets of Nashville Superspeedway, we will reverse the contingent obligation which will increase our pre-tax earnings by the amount of the obligation at the time it is reversed.
	We have employment, severance and noncompete agreements with certain of our officers and directors under which certain change of control, severance and noncompete payments and benefits might become payable in the event of a change in our control, defined to include a tender offer or the closing of a merger or similar corporate transactions.  In the event of such a change in control and the subsequent termination of employment of all employees covered under these agreements, we estimate that the maximum contingent liability would range from $7,800,000 to $9,600,000 depending on the tax treatment of the payments.
	To the extent that any of the potential payments or benefits due under the agreements constitute an excess “parachute payment” under the Internal Revenue Code and result in the imposition of an excise tax, each agreement requires that we pay the amount of such excise tax plus any additional amounts necessary to place the officer or director in the same after-tax position as he would have been had no excise tax been imposed.  We estimate that the tax gross ups that could be paid under the agreements in the event the agreements were triggered due to a change of control could be between $1,100,000 and $2,900,000 and these amounts have been included in the maximum contingent liability disclosed above.  This maximum tax gross up figure assumes that none of the payments made after the hypothetical change in control would be characterized as reasonable compensation for services rendered.  Each agreement with an executive officer provides that fifty percent of the monthly amount paid during the term is paid in consideration of the executive officer’s non-compete covenants.  The exclusion of these amounts would reduce the calculated amount of excess parachute payments subject to tax.  We are unable to conclude whether the Internal Revenue Service would characterize all or some of these non-compete payments as reasonable compensation for services rendered.
	We are also a party to ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business.  Management does not believe that the resolution of any of these matters is likely to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Quarterly_Results_unaudited

Quarterly Results - (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Results - (unaudited)
Quarterly Results - (unaudited)	NOTE 13 —  Quarterly Results  (unaudited)
			March 31			June 30		September 30(a)		December 31(b)
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Revenues		$	183,000		$	24,273,000	$	21,061,000	$	157,000
	Operating (loss) earnings		$	(3,537,000	)	$	8,411,000	$	4,251,000	$	(3,433,000	)
	Net (loss) earnings		$	(2,118,000	)	$	4,844,000	$	2,601,000	$	(2,182,000	)
	Net (loss) earnings per common share — basic		$	(0.06	)	$	0.13	$	0.07	$	(0.06	)
	Net (loss) earnings per common share — diluted		$	(0.06	)	$	0.13	$	0.07	$	(0.06	)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Revenues		$	116,000		$	24,465,000	$	21,470,000	$	129,000
	Operating (loss) earnings		$	(3,674,000	)	$	8,679,000	$	7,300,000	$	(7,645,000	)
	Net (loss) earnings		$	(2,279,000	)	$	4,903,000	$	4,158,000	$	(4,758,000	)
	Net (loss) earnings per common share — basic		$	(0.06	)	$	0.13	$	0.11	$	(0.13	)
	Net (loss) earnings per common share — diluted		$	(0.06	)	$	0.13	$	0.11	$	(0.13	)
		(a)		During the third quarter of 2014, we recorded a loss on disposal of long-lived assets of $2,403,000 ($1,447,000 after income taxes) related to the removal and disposal of certain grandstand seating at our Dover International Speedway facility.  See NOTE 4 — Property and Equipment.
		(b)		During the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $4,329,000 ($2,814,000 after income taxes) related to our long-lived assets at our Nashville Superspeedway facility.  See NOTE 3 — Impairment Charge.
	Our operations are seasonal in nature with a majority of our motorsports events occurring during the second and third quarters.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of consolidation and presentation	Basis of consolidation and presentation—The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dover Motorsports, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries.  Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Investments	Investments—Investments, which consist of mutual funds, are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair-value in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.  Changes in fair value are reported in other comprehensive income.  See NOTE 8 — Pension Plans, NOTE 9 — Stockholders’ Equity and NOTE 10 — Fair Value Measurements for further discussion.
Accounts receivable
	Accounts receivable—Accounts receivable are stated at their estimated collectible amount and do not bear interest.
Inventories	Inventories—Inventories of items for resale are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out basis.
Property and equipment	Property and equipment—Property and equipment is stated at cost.  Depreciation is provided for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Facilities	10-40 years
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3-10 years
Impairment of long-lived assets
	Impairment of long-lived assets—Long-lived assets are assessed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.  Generally, fair value is determined using valuation techniques such as the comparable sales approach based on either independent third party appraisals or pending/completed sales transactions.  See NOTE 3 — Impairment Charge for further discussion.
Income taxes	Income taxes—Deferred income taxes are provided on all differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements based upon enacted statutory tax rates in effect at the balance sheet date.  We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when uncertainty regarding their realizability exists.  In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.  Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.  We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained.  Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized.  Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.  As of December 31, 2014, our valuation allowance on state net operating loss carry-forwards net of federal income taxes was $10,404,000, which increased by $44,000 in 2014.  These state net operating losses are related to our Midwest facilities that have not produced taxable income.  Valuation allowances fully reserve the state net operating loss carryforwards, net of federal tax benefit.
Revenue recognition
	Revenue recognition—We classify our revenues as admissions, event-related, broadcasting and other.  “Admissions” revenue includes ticket sales for all of our events.  “Event-related” revenue includes amounts received from sponsorship fees; luxury suite rentals; hospitality tent rentals and catering; concessions and souvenir sales and vendor commissions for the right to sell concessions and souvenirs at our facilities; sales of programs; track rentals and other event-related revenues.  Additionally, event related revenue includes amounts received for the use of our property and a portion of the concession sales we manage from the Firefly Music Festival.  “Broadcasting” revenue includes rights fees obtained for television and radio broadcasts of events held at our speedways and any ancillary media rights fees.
	Revenues pertaining to specific events are deferred until the event is held.  Concession and souvenir revenues are recorded at the time of sale.  Revenues and related expenses from barter transactions in which we provide advertising or other goods or services in exchange for sponsorships of motorsports events are recorded at fair value.  Barter transactions accounted for $550,000, $477,000 and $424,000 of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Under the terms of our sanction agreements, NASCAR retains 10% of the gross broadcast rights fees allocated to each NASCAR-sanctioned event as a component of its sanction fee.  The remaining 90% is recorded as revenue.  The event promoter is required to pay 25% of the gross broadcast rights fees to the event as part of the awards to the competitors, which we record as operating expenses.
Expense recognition
	Expense recognition—The cost of non-event related advertising, promotion and marketing programs is expensed as incurred.  Certain direct expenses pertaining to specific events, including prize and point fund monies and sanction fees paid to NASCAR, a majority of our marketing expenses and other expenses associated with the promotion of our racing events are deferred until the event is held, at which point they are expensed.  Advertising expenses were $1,191,000, $1,160,000 and $1,093,000 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Net earnings (loss) per common share
	Net earnings per common share—Nonvested share-based payment awards that include rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are considered participating securities, and the two-class method of computing basic and diluted net earnings per common share (“EPS”) is applied for all periods presented. The following table sets forth the computation of EPS (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		2014		2013		2012
	Net earnings per common share — basic:
	Net earnings	$	3,145	$	2,024	$	4,571
	Allocation to nonvested restricted stock awards	50		33		67
	Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	3,095	$	1,991	$	4,504
	Weighted-average shares outstanding	36,047		36,252		36,299
	Net earnings per common share — basic	$	0.09	$	0.05	$	0.12
	Net earnings per common share — diluted:
	Net earnings	$	3,145	$	2,024	$	4,571
	Allocation to nonvested restricted stock awards	50		33		67
	Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	3,095	$	1,991	$	4,504
	Weighted-average shares and dilutive shares outstanding	36,047		36,252		36,299
	Net earnings per common share — diluted	$	0.09	$	0.05	$	0.12
	There were no options outstanding in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Accounting for stock-based compensation
	Accounting for stock-based compensation—We recorded total stock-based compensation expense for our restricted stock awards of $278,000, $291,000 and $313,000 as general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  We recorded income tax benefits (expense) of $113,000, $56,000 and ($4,000) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to our restricted stock awards.
Use of estimates
	Use of estimates—The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events.  These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  These estimates and assumptions are based on our best estimates and judgment.  We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.  We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate.  Volatility in credit and equity markets and declines in consumer spending have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions.  As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ from these estimates.  Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Schedule of estimated useful lives of property and equipment
	Facilities	10-40 years
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3-10 years
Schedule of the computation of EPS	The following table sets forth the computation of EPS (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		2014		2013		2012
	Net earnings per common share — basic:
	Net earnings	$	3,145	$	2,024	$	4,571
	Allocation to nonvested restricted stock awards	50		33		67
	Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	3,095	$	1,991	$	4,504
	Weighted-average shares outstanding	36,047		36,252		36,299
	Net earnings per common share — basic	$	0.09	$	0.05	$	0.12
	Net earnings per common share — diluted:
	Net earnings	$	3,145	$	2,024	$	4,571
	Allocation to nonvested restricted stock awards	50		33		67
	Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	3,095	$	1,991	$	4,504
	Weighted-average shares and dilutive shares outstanding	36,047		36,252		36,299
	Net earnings per common share — diluted	$	0.09	$	0.05	$	0.12

Impairment_Charges_Tables

Impairment Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Impairment Charges
Schedule of impairment of long lived assets
		Carrying Value of		Fair Value of		Non-Cash
		Long-Lived Assets		Long-Lived Assets		Impairment Charges
	Nashville facility	$	30,329,000	$	26,000,000	$	4,329,000

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property and Equipment
Schedule of components of property and equipment
		2014			2013
	Land	$	15,916,000		$	41,916,000
	Facilities	80,721,000			85,349,000
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	7,137,000			6,955,000
	Construction in progress	3,545,000			—
		107,319,000			134,220,000
	Less accumulated depreciation	(49,083,000		)	(48,629,000		)
		$	58,236,000		$	85,591,000

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities
Schedule of accrued liabilities
		2014		2013
	Payroll and related items	$	446,000	$	436,000
	Real estate taxes	995,000		984,000
	Pension	897,000		729,000
	Non-refundable deposit on expected sale of facility	1,700,000		—
	Other	906,000		738,000
		$	4,944,000	$	2,887,000

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes
Schedule of current and deferred income tax (expense) benefit from continuing operations
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	(2,273,000	)	$	(1,869,000	)	$	(136,000	)
	State	(744,000		)	(892,000		)	(866,000		)
		(3,017,000		)	(2,761,000		)	(1,002,000		)
	Deferred:
	Federal	703,000			773,000			(2,520,000		)
	State	178,000			63,000			31,000
		881,000			836,000			(2,489,000		)
	Total income tax expense	$	(2,136,000	)	$	(1,925,000	)	$	(3,491,000	)
Schedule of reconciliation of the effective income tax rate with the applicable statutory federal income tax rate
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Federal tax at statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
	State taxes, net of federal benefit	6.1	%	13.4	%	6.9	%
	Valuation allowance	0.9	%	0.1	%	(0.4	)%
	Non-deductible stock based compensation	—		1.6	%	1.6	%
	Other	(1.6	)%	(1.4	)%	0.2	%
	Effective income tax rate	40.4	%	48.7	%	43.3	%
Schedule of deferred income tax assets and liabilities
		2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Accruals not currently deductible for income taxes	$	2,985,000		$	1,846,000
	Net operating loss carry-forwards	10,948,000			11,070,000
	Total deferred income tax assets	13,933,000			12,916,000
	Valuation allowance	(10,404,000		)	(10,360,000		)
	Net deferred income tax assets	3,529,000			2,556,000
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Depreciation	(18,033,000		)	(19,070,000		)
	Total deferred income tax liabilities	(18,033,000		)	(19,070,000		)
	Net deferred income tax liability	$	(14,504,000	)	$	(16,514,000	)
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:
	Current deferred income tax assets	$	79,000		$	76,000
	Noncurrent deferred income tax assets	580,000			336,000
	Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities	(15,163,000		)	(16,926,000		)
		$	(14,504,000	)	$	(16,514,000	)

Pension_Plans_Tables

Pension Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Plans
Schedule of defined benefit plans' funded status and amounts recognized in the entity's consolidated balance sheets
		2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	9,982,000		$	10,736,000
	Interest cost	491,000			443,000
	Actuarial loss (gain)	3,002,000			(1,013,000		)
	Benefits paid	(206,000		)	(182,000		)
	Other	4,000			(2,000		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	13,273,000			9,982,000
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7,797,000			7,024,000
	Actual gain on plan assets	583,000			951,000
	Employer contribution	40,000			—
	Benefits paid	(206,000		)	(182,000		)
	Other	4,000			4,000
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,218,000			7,797,000
	Unfunded status	$	(5,055,000	)	$	(2,185,000	)
Schedule of amounts recognized in the entity's consolidated balance sheets
		2014			2013
	Accrued benefit cost	$	(897,000	)	$	(729,000	)
	Liability for pension benefits	(4,158,000		)	(1,456,000		)
		$	(5,055,000	)	$	(2,185,000	)
Schedule of amounts expected to recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, which are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
		2014			2013
	Net actuarial loss, pre-tax	$	5,710,000		$	2,743,000
Schedule of components of net periodic pension cost for the entity's defined benefit pension plans
		2014			2013			2012
	Interest cost	$	491,000		$	443,000		$	454,000
	Expected return on plan assets	(612,000		)	(552,000		)	(508,000		)
	Recognized net actuarial loss	64,000			100,000			80,000
		$	(57,000	)	$	(9,000	)	$	26,000
Schedule of amounts included in accumulated comprehensive loss which are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in next fiscal year
	For the year ending December 31, 2015, we expect to recognize the following amounts as components of net periodic (benefit) cost which are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2014:
	Actuarial loss	$	123,000
Schedule of principal assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost and the actuarial value of the benefit obligation
		Net Periodic Pension Cost						Benefit Obligation
		2014		2013		2012		2014		2013
	Weighted-average discount rate	5.0	%	4.4	%	5.0	%	4.1	%	5.0	%
	Weighted-average rate of compensation increase	n/a		n/a		n/a		n/a		n/a
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	8.0	%	8.0	%	8.0	%	n/a		n/a
Schedule of fair values of the entity's pension assets
	The fair values of our pension assets as of December 31, 2014 by asset category are as follows (refer to NOTE 10 — Fair Value Measurements for a description of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 categories):
	Asset Category	Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Corporate common stocks	$	838,000		$	838,000		$	—		$	—
	Mutual funds/ETFs:
	Equity-large cap	1,695,000			1,695,000			—			—
	Equity-mid cap	774,000			774,000			—			—
	Equity-small cap	165,000			165,000			—			—
	Equity-international	1,046,000			1,046,000			—			—
	Fixed income	3,065,000			3,065,000			—			—
	Real estate	439,000			439,000			—			—
	Money market	196,000			196,000			—			—
	Total mutual funds/ETFs	7,380,000			7,380,000			—			—
	Grand total	$	8,218,000		$	8,218,000		$	—		$	—
	The fair values of our pension assets as of December 31, 2013 by asset category are as follows (refer to NOTE 10 — Fair Value Measurements for a description of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 categories):
	Asset Category	Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Corporate common stocks	$	779,000		$	779,000		$	—		$	—
	Mutual funds/ETFs:
	Equity-large cap	1,583,000			1,583,000			—			—
	Equity-mid cap	721,000			721,000			—			—
	Equity-small cap	158,000			158,000			—			—
	Equity-international	1,086,000			1,086,000			—			—
	Fixed income	2,831,000			2,831,000			—			—
	Real estate	346,000			346,000			—			—
	Money market	293,000			293,000			—			—
	Total mutual funds/ETFs	7,018,000			7,018,000			—			—
	Grand total	$	7,797,000		$	7,797,000		$	—		$	—
Schedule of estimated future benefit payments
	2015	$	1,250,000
	2016	$	400,000
	2017	$	412,000
	2018	$	460,000
	2019	$	497,000
	2020-2024	$	2,669,000

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity
Schedule of changes in the components of stockholders' equity
	Changes in the components of stockholders’ equity are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Common			Class A			Additional			Accumulated			Accumulated
		Stock			Common			Paid-in			Deficit			Other
					Stock			Capital						Comprehensive
														Loss
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	1,828		$	1,851		$	101,888		$	(58,352	)	$	(2,266	)
	Net earnings	—			—			—			4,571			—
	Dividends paid, $0.04 per share	—			—			—			(1,475		)	—
	Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	10			—			(10		)	—			—
	Stock-based compensation	—			—			313			—			—
	Repurchase and retirement of common stock	(2		)	—			(25		)	—			—
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income tax expense of $19	—			—			—			—			27
	Change in net actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of income tax benefit of $182	—			—			—			—			(265		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	1,836			1,851			102,166			(55,256		)	(2,504		)
	Net earnings	—			—			—			2,024			—
	Dividends paid, $0.05 per share	—			—			—			(1,831		)	—
	Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	13			—			(13		)	—			—
	Stock-based compensation	—			—			291			—			—
	Repurchase and retirement of common stock	(47		)	—			(1,082		)	—			—
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income tax expense of $23	—			—			—			—			34
	Change in net actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of income tax expense of $615	—			—			—			—			897
	Balance at December 31, 2013	1,802			1,851			101,362			(55,063		)	(1,573		)
	Net earnings	—			—			—			3,145			—
	Dividends paid, $0.05 per share	—			—			—			(1,831		)	—
	Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	15			—			(15		)	—			—
	Stock-based compensation	—			—			278			—			—
	Repurchase and retirement of common stock	(5		)	—			(124		)	—			—
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income tax expense of $5	—			—			—			—			7
	Change in net actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of income tax benefit of $1,206	—			—			—			—			(1,761		)
	Excess tax benefit on restricted stock	—			—			7			—			—
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,812		$	1,851		$	101,508		$	(53,749	)	$	(3,327	)
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
		2014			2013
	Net actuarial loss and prior service cost not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost, net of income tax benefit of $2,323,000 and $1,117,000, respectively	$	(3,387,000	)	$	(1,626,000	)
	Accumulated unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income tax expense of $43,000 and $38,000, respectively	60,000			53,000
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(3,327,000	)	$	(1,573,000	)
Schedule of nonvested restricted stock activity
		Number of		Weighted
		Shares		Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	574,000		$	1.77
	Granted	151,000		$	2.5
	Vested	(139,200	)	$	2.28
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014	585,800		$	1.84

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements
Summary of valuation of financial instrument pricing levels
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	2014:00:00
	Available-for-sale securities	$	820,000	$	820,000	$	—	$	—
	2013:00:00
	Available-for-sale securities	$	768,000	$	768,000	$	—	$	—
Summary of the valuation of pricing levels for non-financial assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis
	The following table summarizes the valuation of our pricing levels for non-financial assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		2013 Losses
	Long-lived assets held and used	$	26,000,000	$	—	$	—	$	26,000,000	$	4,329,000

Quarterly_Results_unaudited_Ta

Quarterly Results - (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Results - (unaudited)
Schedule of quarterly results
			March 31			June 30		September 30(a)		December 31(b)
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Revenues		$	183,000		$	24,273,000	$	21,061,000	$	157,000
	Operating (loss) earnings		$	(3,537,000	)	$	8,411,000	$	4,251,000	$	(3,433,000	)
	Net (loss) earnings		$	(2,118,000	)	$	4,844,000	$	2,601,000	$	(2,182,000	)
	Net (loss) earnings per common share — basic		$	(0.06	)	$	0.13	$	0.07	$	(0.06	)
	Net (loss) earnings per common share — diluted		$	(0.06	)	$	0.13	$	0.07	$	(0.06	)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Revenues		$	116,000		$	24,465,000	$	21,470,000	$	129,000
	Operating (loss) earnings		$	(3,674,000	)	$	8,679,000	$	7,300,000	$	(7,645,000	)
	Net (loss) earnings		$	(2,279,000	)	$	4,903,000	$	4,158,000	$	(4,758,000	)
	Net (loss) earnings per common share — basic		$	(0.06	)	$	0.13	$	0.11	$	(0.13	)
	Net (loss) earnings per common share — diluted		$	(0.06	)	$	0.13	$	0.11	$	(0.13	)
		(a)		During the third quarter of 2014, we recorded a loss on disposal of long-lived assets of $2,403,000 ($1,447,000 after income taxes) related to the removal and disposal of certain grandstand seating at our Dover International Speedway facility.  See NOTE 4 — Property and Equipment.
		(b)		During the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $4,329,000 ($2,814,000 after income taxes) related to our long-lived assets at our Nashville Superspeedway facility.  See NOTE 3 — Impairment Charge.

Business_Operations_Details

Business Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	29-May-14	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
								item	item	item
Business Operations
Number of days the Firefly Music Festival is held	3 days
Non-refundable deposit received on expected sale of facility		$1,700,000
Assets held for sale	26,000,000	26,000,000
Non-cash pre-tax impairment charge			4,329,000
Benefit for contingent obligation		-30,000	-91,000	-321,000
Provision for contingent obligation	1,813,000	1,813,000	1,843,000			1,843,000
Nashville Superspeedway
Business Operations
Proceeds from sale of facility					27,000,000
Non-refundable deposit received on expected sale of facility		1,700,000
Additional consideration received		400,000
Assets held for sale	26,000,000	26,000,000
Non-cash pre-tax impairment charge						4,329,000
Nashville Superspeedway | Scenario Forecast | Minimum
Business Operations
Income tax on expected gains (losses) on sale of facility	4,500,000	4,500,000
Nashville Superspeedway | Scenario Forecast | Maximum
Business Operations
Income tax on expected gains (losses) on sale of facility	5,000,000	5,000,000
Nashville Superspeedway | Nontaxable Municipal Bonds
Business Operations
Benefit for contingent obligation							2,250,000
Decrease in the provision for contingent obligation due to changing interest rates		-30,000	-91,000	-316,000
Provision for contingent obligation	$1,813,000	$1,813,000
Dover International Speedway
Business Operations
Number of events scheduled to be promoted		6
Dover Facility
Business Operations
Number of years Firefly Music Festival hosted		3 years						4 days	3 days
Number of events promoted		6
Number of days the Firefly Music Festival is held										3 days
Number of music acts featured in Firefly Music Festival	50							100	70	40
Percentage of total revenues		97.00%	97.00%	96.00%
Number of options granted to extend rent agreement		2
Number of years each agreement permits to use our facility		5 years
Dover Facility | NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Events
Business Operations
Number of events promoted		2
Dover Facility | NASCAR Nationwide Series Events
Business Operations
Number of events promoted		2
Dover Facility | NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Events
Business Operations
Number of events promoted		1
Dover Facility | NASCAR K and N Pro Series East Event
Business Operations
Number of events promoted		1

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Facilities | Minimum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Facilities | Maximum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	40 years
Furniture Fixtures and Equipment | Minimum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Furniture Fixtures and Equipment | Maximum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	10 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Detail2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property and Equipment
Accumulated depreciation	$49,083,000	$48,629,000
Operating loss carryforwards
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	10,404,000	10,360,000
State and Local Jurisdiction
Operating loss carryforwards
Increase in valuation allowances	44,000	1,805,000	-24,000
State and Local Jurisdiction | Valuation Allowance, Operating Loss Carryforwards
Operating loss carryforwards
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	10,404,000
Increase in valuation allowances	$44,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue recognition
Revenues from barter transactions									$550,000	$477,000	$424,000
Percentage of gross broadcast rights fees retained by NASCAR	10.00%								10.00%
Percentage of gross broadcast rights fees recorded as revenue	90.00%								90.00%
Percentage of gross broadcast rights fees payable to the event as part of the awards to the competitors	25.00%								25.00%
Expense recognition
Advertising expenses									1,191,000	1,160,000	1,093,000
Net earnings per common share - basic:
Net earnings									3,145,000	2,024,000	4,571,000
Allocation to nonvested restricted stock awards									50,000	33,000	67,000
Net earnings available to common stockholders	-2,182,000	2,601,000	4,844,000	-2,118,000	-4,758,000	4,158,000	4,903,000	-2,279,000	3,095,000	1,991,000	4,504,000
Weighted-average shares outstanding									36,047,000	36,252,000	36,299,000
Net earnings per share - basic (in dollars per share)	($0.06)	$0.07	$0.13	($0.06)	($0.13)	$0.11	$0.13	($0.06)	$0.09	$0.05	$0.12
Net earnings per common share - diluted:
Net earnings (loss)									3,145,000	2,024,000	4,571,000
Allocation to nonvested restricted stock awards									50,000	33,000	67,000
Net earnings available to common stockholders									3,095,000	1,991,000	4,504,000
Weighted-average shares and dilutive shares outstanding									36,047,000	36,252,000	36,299,000
Net earnings per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.06)	$0.07	$0.13	($0.06)	($0.13)	$0.11	$0.13	($0.06)	$0.09	$0.05	$0.12
Options outstanding (in shares)	0				0				0	0	0
Accounting for stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation expense									278,000	291,000	313,000
Income tax benefit (expense) related to restricted stock awards											-4,000
Restricted Stock
Accounting for stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation expense									278,000	291,000	313,000
Income tax benefit (expense) related to restricted stock awards									$113,000	$56,000		($4,000)

Impairment_Charges_Details

Impairment Charges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Impairment Charges
Non-cash pre-tax impairment charge	$4,329,000
Nashville Facility
Impairment Charges
Carrying Value of Long-Lived Assets	30,329,000	30,329,000
Fair Value of Long-Lived Assets	26,000,000	26,000,000
Non-cash pre-tax impairment charge		$4,329,000

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property and equipment
Gross	$107,319,000	$134,220,000
Less accumulated depreciation	-49,083,000	-48,629,000
Net	58,236,000	85,591,000
Depreciation expense	3,262,000	3,291,000	3,314,000
Loss on disposal of long-lived assets, non-cash	2,045,000
Cost to remove the grandstand seating	358,000
Land
Property and equipment
Gross	15,916,000	41,916,000
Facilities
Property and equipment
Gross	80,721,000	85,349,000
Furniture Fixtures and Equipment
Property and equipment
Gross	7,137,000	6,955,000
Construction in progress
Property and equipment
Gross	$3,545,000

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities
Payroll and related items	$446,000	$436,000
Real estate taxes	995,000	984,000
Pension	897,000	729,000
Non-refundable deposit received on expected sale of facility	1,700,000
Other	906,000	738,000
Total	$4,944,000	$2,887,000

LongTerm_Debt_Details

Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-Term Debt
Amount outstanding under the credit facility	$10,760,000	$14,820,000
Line of Credit
Long-Term Debt
Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility	35,000,000
Amount outstanding under the credit facility	10,760,000
Interest rate at the end of the period (as a percent)	1.66%
Reference rate	LIBOR
Interest rate added to the reference rate (as a percent)	150.00%
Remaining maximum borrowings available pursuant to the credit facility	$5,938,000
Line of Credit | Minimum
Long-Term Debt
Interest rate added to the reference rate (as a percent)	125.00%
Interest rate added to the reference rate, if the entity entered into the negative pledge (as a percent)	150.00%
Line of Credit | Maximum
Long-Term Debt
Interest rate added to the reference rate (as a percent)	175.00%
Interest rate added to the reference rate, if the entity entered into the negative pledge (as a percent)	200.00%

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal	($2,273,000)	($1,869,000)	($136,000)
State	-744,000	-892,000	-866,000
Total	-3,017,000	-2,761,000	-1,002,000
Deferred:
Federal	703,000	773,000	-2,520,000
State	178,000	63,000	31,000
Total	881,000	836,000	-2,489,000
Total income tax expense	-2,136,000	-1,925,000	-3,491,000
Reconciliation of the effective income tax rate with the applicable statutory federal income tax rate
Federal tax at statutory rate (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State taxes, net of federal benefit (as a percent)	6.10%	13.40%	6.90%
Valuation allowance (as a percent)	0.90%	0.10%	-0.40%
Non-deductible stock based compensation (as a percent)		1.60%	1.60%
Other (as a percent)	-1.60%	-1.40%	0.20%
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)	40.40%	48.70%	43.30%
Deferred income tax assets:
Accruals not currently deductible for income taxes	2,985,000	1,846,000
Net operating loss carry-forwards	10,948,000	11,070,000
Total deferred income tax assets	13,933,000	12,916,000
Valuation allowance	-10,404,000	-10,360,000
Net deferred income tax assets	3,529,000	2,556,000
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation	-18,033,000	-19,070,000
Total deferred income tax liability	-18,033,000	-19,070,000
Net deferred income tax liability	-14,504,000	-16,514,000
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:
Current deferred income tax assets	79,000	76,000
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets	580,000	336,000
Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities	-15,163,000	-16,926,000
Net deferred income tax liability	($14,504,000)	($16,514,000)

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Uncertain income tax positions
Interest expense recorded	$0	$0	$0
Liability for uncertain income tax matters	0	0
State and Local Jurisdiction
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	218,307,000
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowances	$44,000	$1,805,000	($24,000)

Pension_Plans_Details

Pension Plans (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	$8,218,000	$7,797,000	$7,024,000
Future benefit accruals	0
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	$820,000	$768,000

Pension_Plans_Details_2

Pension Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$9,982,000	$10,736,000
Interest cost	491,000	443,000	454,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	3,002,000	-1,013,000
Benefits paid	-206,000	-182,000
Other	4,000	-2,000
Benefit obligation at end of year	13,273,000	9,982,000	10,736,000
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7,797,000	7,024,000
Actual gain (loss) on plan assets	583,000	951,000
Employer contribution	40,000
Benefits paid	-206,000	-182,000
Other	4,000	4,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,218,000	7,797,000	7,024,000
Unfunded status	-5,055,000	-2,185,000
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets
Accrued benefit cost	-897,000	-729,000
Liability for pension benefits	-4,158,000	-1,456,000
Total	-5,055,000	-2,185,000
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not been recognized as components of net periodic (benefit) cost
Net actuarial loss, pre-tax	5,710,000	2,743,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	13,273,000	9,982,000
Components of net periodic pension (benefit) cost
Interest cost	491,000	443,000	454,000
Expected return on plan assets	-612,000	-552,000	-508,000
Recognized net actuarial loss	64,000	100,000	80,000
Net periodic pension cost	-57,000	-9,000	26,000
Amounts expected to recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, which are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Actuarial loss	$123,000
Net Periodic Pension Cost
Weighted-average discount rate (as a percent)	5.00%	4.40%	5.00%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Benefit Obligation
Weighted-average discount rate (as a percent)	4.10%	5.00%

Pension_Plans_Details_3

Pension Plans (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	8,218,000	$7,797,000	$7,024,000
Estimated future benefit payments
2015	1,250,000
2016	400,000
2017	412,000
2018	460,000
2019	497,000
2020-2024	2,669,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	8,218,000	7,797,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	8,218,000	7,797,000
Equity Funds
Pension plans
Target allocations for plan assets (as a percent)	60.00%
Passively Managed Exchange Traded Funds
Pension plans
Target allocations for plan assets (as a percent)	50.00%
Actively Managed Exchange Traded Funds
Pension plans
Target allocations for plan assets (as a percent)	50.00%
Common Stock | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	838,000	779,000
Common Stock | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	838,000	779,000
Equity and Exchange Traded Funds | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	7,380,000	7,018,000
Equity and Exchange Traded Funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	7,380,000	7,018,000
Equity Large Cap | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	1,695,000	1,583,000
Equity Large Cap | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	1,695,000	1,583,000
Equity Mid Cap | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	774,000	721,000
Equity Mid Cap | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	774,000	721,000
Equity Small Cap | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	165,000	158,000
Equity Small Cap | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	165,000	158,000
Equity Funds Foreign | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	1,046,000	1,086,000
Equity Funds Foreign | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	1,046,000	1,086,000
Fixed Income Funds
Pension plans
Target allocations for plan assets (as a percent)	40.00%
Fixed Income Funds | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	3,065,000	2,831,000
Fixed Income Funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	3,065,000	2,831,000
Real Estate | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	439,000	346,000
Real Estate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	439,000	346,000
Money Market Funds | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	196,000	293,000
Money Market Funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Pension plans
Fair values of pension assets	196,000	$293,000

Pension_Plans_Details_4

Pension Plans (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined contribution plan disclosures
Expenses recorded under the plan	$73,000	$60,000	$60,000
Employer contributions	65,000	55,000	0
Liability for benefits	73,000	65,000
Defined Contribution 401 K Plan
Defined contribution plan disclosures
Expenses recorded under the plan	$119,000	$110,000	$108,000

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 28, 2004	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in the components of stockholders equity
Balance at the beginning of the period	$48,379,000
Net earnings (loss)	3,145,000	2,024,000	4,571,000
Dividends paid	-1,831,000	-1,831,000	-1,475,000
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes	7,000	34,000	27,000
Change in net actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of income taxes	-1,761,000	897,000	-265,000
Balance at the end of the period	48,095,000	48,379,000
Income tax expense on unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	5,000	23,000	19,000
Income tax expense on change in net actuarial loss and prior service cost	1,206,000	615,000	182,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
Net actuarial loss and prior service cost not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost, net of income tax benefit	-3,387,000	-1,626,000
Accumulated unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income tax expense	60,000	53,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,327,000	-1,573,000
Income tax benefit on net actuarial loss and prior service cost not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost	2,323,000	1,117,000
Income tax expense on accumulated unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	43,000	38,000
Minimum percentage of common stock to be acquired for rights to detach and be traded separately from common stock	10.00%
Minimum percentage of common stock to be announced for tender or exchange for rights to detach and be traded separately from common stock	10.00%
Share Repurchase Authorization 2004
Changes in the components of stockholders equity
Number of shares purchased and retired	442,526
Average purchase price of shares purchased and retired (in dollars per share)	$2.36
Number of shares repurchased	0	0	0
Number of shares of common stock authorized to be repurchased				2,000,000
Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased	1,178,131
Restricted Stock
Changes in the components of stockholders equity
Number of shares purchased and retired	40,210	33,950	23,779
Average purchase price of shares purchased and retired (in dollars per share)	$2.41	$1.80	$1.16
Common Class A
Changes in the components of stockholders equity
Number of votes per share	10
Common Stock
Changes in the components of stockholders equity
Number of shares issued, entitled by each right	1
Common Stock | Common Stock
Changes in the components of stockholders equity
Balance at the beginning of the period	1,802,000	1,836,000	1,828,000
Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	15,000	13,000	10,000
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	-5,000	-47,000	-2,000
Balance at the end of the period	1,812,000	1,802,000	1,836,000
Number of votes per share	1
Common Stock | Common Class A
Changes in the components of stockholders equity
Balance at the beginning of the period					1,851,000
Balance at the end of the period	1,851,000	1,851,000	1,851,000		1,851,000
Additional Paid-in Capital
Changes in the components of stockholders equity
Balance at the beginning of the period	101,362,000	102,166,000	101,888,000
Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	-15,000	-13,000	-10,000
Stock-based compensation	278,000	291,000	313,000
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	-124,000	-1,082,000	-25,000
Excess tax benefit on restricted stock	7,000
Balance at the end of the period	101,508,000	101,362,000	102,166,000
Retained Earnings
Changes in the components of stockholders equity
Balance at the beginning of the period	-55,063,000	-55,256,000	-58,352,000
Net earnings (loss)	3,145,000	2,024,000	4,571,000
Dividends paid	-1,831,000	-1,831,000	-1,475,000
Dividends paid (in dollars per share)	$0.05	$0.05	$0.04
Balance at the end of the period	-53,749,000	-55,063,000	-55,256,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes in the components of stockholders equity
Balance at the beginning of the period	-1,573,000	-2,504,000	-2,266,000
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes	7,000	34,000	27,000
Change in net actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of income taxes	-1,761,000	897,000	-265,000
Balance at the end of the period	($3,327,000)	($1,573,000)	($2,504,000)

Stockholders_Equity_Details_2

Stockholders' Equity (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 29, 2014
Stockholders Equity
Maximum number of shares authorized for grant	1,500,000
Additional disclosure
Compensation expense (in dollars)	$278,000	$291,000	$313,000
Restricted Stock
Stockholders Equity
Vesting rights percentage each year beginning on the second anniversary date of the grant	20.00%
Service period over which the aggregate market value of stock is being amortized	6 years
Number of Shares
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in shares)	574,000
Granted (in shares)	151,000
Vested (in shares)	-139,200
Nonvested at the end of the period (in shares)	585,800	574,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$1.77
Granted (in dollars per share)	$2.50	$1.80	$1.04
Vested (in dollars per share)	$2.28
Nonvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$1.84	$1.77
Additional disclosure
Total fair value of shares vested during the period (in dollars)	318,000	394,000	474,000
Compensation expense (in dollars)	278,000	291,000	313,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost (in dollars)	$601,000
Weighted-average period for recognition of total unrecognized compensation cost	3 years 10 months 24 days
Stock Options
Stockholders Equity
Maximum number of shares authorized for grant				2,000,000
Options granted (in shares)	151,000	153,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements
Amount outstanding under revolving credit agreement	$14,820,000	$10,760,000
Long-lived assets held and used, losses	4,329,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring
Fair Value Measurements
Long-lived assets held and used, losses	4,329,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Fair Value Measurements
Available-for-sale securities	768,000	820,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring
Fair Value Measurements
Long-lived assets held and used		26,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value Measurements
Available-for-sale securities	768,000	820,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring
Fair Value Measurements
Long-lived assets held and used		$26,000,000

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transactions
Amount due from related party		$4,000
Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transactions
Amount due from related party	22,000	4,000
Length of harness racing track used (in miles)	0.625
Period, before and after the period of exclusive use of harness track, for which related party has set up and tear down rights ( in weeks)	14 days
Number of annual motorsports weekends for which use of indoor grandstands is allowed by related party	2
Affiliated Entity | Various Agreements
Related Party Transactions
Number of companies between which assets and liabilities are allocated	2
Affiliated Entity | Transition Support Services Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Number of business days after receipt of an invoice within which the party receiving the services is required to pay	30 days
Period within which the agreement may be terminated after the request of the party receiving the services	90 days
Period within which the agreement may be terminated after the request of the party providing the services	180 days
Affiliated Entity | Dover Facility
Related Party Transactions
Costs for administrative and operating services, including leased space allocated by related party	689,000	801,000	804,000
Administrative and operating service costs allocated to related party	184,000	294,000	381,000
Administrative and Operating Cost Allocation
Related Party Transactions
Costs for administrative and operating services, including leased space allocated by related party	1,910,000	1,854,000	1,865,000
Administrative and operating service costs allocated to related party	$240,000	$220,000	$217,000
Board of Directors Chairman
Related Party Transactions
Minimum percentage of voting power controlled by related party	50.00%
Minimum percentage of voting power of Gaming controlled by other related party	50.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	29-May-14	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 1999
Commitments and Contingencies
Rental payments charged to operations	$75,000	$44,000	$52,000
Provision for Contingent Obligation	-30,000	-91,000	-321,000
Provision for contingent obligation	1,813,000	1,843,000
Indirect Guarantee of Indebtedness
Commitments and Contingencies
Balance available in the sales and incremental property tax fund	1,932,000	1,908,000
Amount paid into the sales and incremental property tax fund	979,000
Deduction from the sales and incremental property tax fund for principal and interest payments	955,000
Change in Control Severance and Noncompete Payments and Benefits
Commitments and Contingencies
Maximum contingent liability, minimum	7,800,000
Maximum contingent liability, maximum	9,600,000
Excise Tax under Excess Parachute Payment
Commitments and Contingencies
Maximum contingent liability, minimum	1,100,000
Maximum contingent liability, maximum	2,900,000
Percentage of monthly amount paid in consideration of non-compete covenants	50.00%
Nontaxable Municipal Bonds | Indirect Guarantee of Indebtedness
Commitments and Contingencies
Debt issued						25,900,000
Outstanding amount of debt	18,000,000
Irrevocable direct-pay letter of credit issued	18,302,000
Nontaxable Municipal Bonds | Minimum | Indirect Guarantee of Indebtedness
Commitments and Contingencies
Annual principal payments	800,000
Nontaxable Municipal Bonds | Maximum | Indirect Guarantee of Indebtedness
Commitments and Contingencies
Annual principal payments	1,600,000
Nashville Superspeedway
Commitments and Contingencies
Proceeds from sale of facility				27,000,000
Nashville Superspeedway | Nontaxable Municipal Bonds
Commitments and Contingencies
Provision for Contingent Obligation					2,250,000
(Increased) decreased in the provision for contingent obligation due to changing interest rates	30,000	91,000	316,000
Provision for contingent obligation	$1,813,000

Quarterly_Results_unaudited_De

Quarterly Results - (unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Results - (unaudited)
Revenues	$157,000	$21,061,000	$24,273,000	$183,000	$129,000	$21,470,000	$24,465,000	$116,000
Operating (loss) earnings	-3,433,000	4,251,000	8,411,000	-3,537,000	-7,645,000	7,300,000	8,679,000	-3,674,000	5,692,000	4,660,000	9,185,000
Net (loss) earnings	-2,182,000	2,601,000	4,844,000	-2,118,000	-4,758,000	4,158,000	4,903,000	-2,279,000	3,095,000	1,991,000	4,504,000
Net earnings (loss) per common share - basic (in dollars per share)	($0.06)	$0.07	$0.13	($0.06)	($0.13)	$0.11	$0.13	($0.06)	$0.09	$0.05	$0.12
Net earnings (loss) per common share - diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.06)	$0.07	$0.13	($0.06)	($0.13)	$0.11	$0.13	($0.06)	$0.09	$0.05	$0.12
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Loss on disposal of long-lived assets		2,403,000							-2,403,000
Loss on disposal of long-lived assets after income taxes		1,447,000
Non-cash pre-tax impairment charge										4,329,000
Nashville Superspeedway
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Non-cash pre-tax impairment charge					4,329,000
Non-cash pre-tax impairment charges after income taxes					$2,814,000