Churchill Downs (CHDN) 10-K 26 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 21, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CHURCHILL DOWNS INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000020212	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	17,944,490	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,095,622,642

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets, Current [Abstract]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$44,708	$37,177
Restricted cash	36,074	38,241
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,338 in 2013 and $1,885 in 2012	46,572	47,152
Deferred income taxes	8,927	8,227
Income taxes receivable	12,398	2,915
Other current assets	12,036	13,352
Total current assets	160,715	147,064
Property and equipment, net	585,498	542,882
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliate	86,151	19,240
Goodwill	300,616	250,414
Other intangible assets, net	198,149	143,141
Other assets	21,132	11,596
Total assets	1,352,261	1,114,337
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts payable	43,123	47,791
Bank overdraft	973	6,027
Account wagering deposit liabilities	18,679	14,487
Purses payable	18,839	19,084
Accrued expenses	67,328	65,537
Dividends payable	15,186	0
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	209,728
Deferred revenue	49,078	43,916
Total current liabilities	213,206	406,570
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	369,191	0
Other liabilities	17,753	21,030
Deferred revenue	16,706	17,794
Deferred income taxes	30,616	24,648
Total liabilities	647,472	470,042
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, no par value; 250 shares authorized; no shares issued	0	0
Common stock, no par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 17,948 shares issued at December 31, 2013 and17,448 shares issued at December 31, 2012	295,955	274,709
Retained earnings	408,834	369,586
Total shareholders’ equity	704,789	644,295
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$1,352,261	$1,114,337

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$4,338	$1,885
Preferred stock, no par value	$0	$0
Preferred stock, shares authorized	250	250
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, no par value	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000	50,000
Common stock, shares issued	17,948	17,448

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net revenues:	'	'	'
Racing	$274,269	$302,088	$298,920
Gaming	297,473	223,112	212,629
Online	184,541	183,279	165,416
Other	23,042	22,817	19,889
Net revenues	779,325	731,296	696,854
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Racing	233,286	255,405	259,369
Gaming	222,879	163,686	157,875
Online	123,449	123,476	113,243
Other	26,540	25,356	20,828
Selling, general and administrative expenses	83,446	73,829	65,501
Insurance recoveries, net of losses	-375	-7,006	-972
Operating income	90,100	96,550	81,010
Other income (expense):	'	'	'
Interest income	112	90	468
Interest expense	-6,231	-4,531	-8,924
Equity in losses of unconsolidated investments	-4,142	-1,701	-1,113
Miscellaneous, net	5,667	819	23,643
Total other income (expense)	-4,594	-5,323	14,074
Earnings from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	85,506	91,227	95,084
Income tax provision	-30,473	-33,075	-34,289
Earnings from continuing operations	55,033	58,152	60,795
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes:	'	'	'
(Loss) gain from operations	-50	124	-1
(Loss) gain on sale of assets	-83	0	3,561
Net earnings and comprehensive income	$54,900	$58,276	$64,355
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations	$3.13	$3.38	$3.59
Discontinued operations	($0.01)	$0.01	$0.21
Net earnings	$3.12	$3.39	$3.80
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations	$3.07	$3.33	$3.55
Discontinued operations	($0.01)	$0.01	$0.21
Net earnings	$3.06	$3.34	$3.76
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'	'
Basic	17,294	17,047	16,638
Diluted	17,938	17,475	17,125

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Retained Earnings [Member]
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Beginning of Period at Dec. 31, 2010	$506,214	$236,503	$269,711
Shares, Outstanding, Beginning of Period at Dec. 31, 2010	'	16,571	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Net earnings and comprehensive income	64,355	'	64,355
Issuance of common stock for convertible note payable, shares	'	453	'
Issuance of common stock for convertible note payable, value	16,669	16,669	'
Issuance of common stock for employee benefit plans, shares	'	24	'
Issuance of common stock for employee benefit plan, value	725	725	'
Issuance of common stock for long-term incentive plan, shares	'	103	'
Issuance of common stock for long-term incentive plan, value	1,929	1,929	'
Tax windfall/(shortfall) provision from share-based compensation	151	151	'
Repurchase of common stock, shares	'	-25	'
Stock repurchased during period, value	-1,308	-1,308	'
Restricted stock forfeitures	0	-1	'
Grant of restricted stock, shares	'	53	'
Amortization of restricted stock, value	4,377	4,377	'
Cash dividends	-10,110	'	-10,110
Restricted dividends	-125	'	-125
Stock option plan expense	1,153	1,153	'
Cash dividends, in dollars per share	$0.60	'	'
Restricted dividends, in dollars per share	$0.60	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, End of Period at Dec. 31, 2011	584,030	260,199	323,831
Shares, Outstanding, End of Period at Dec. 31, 2011	'	17,178	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Net earnings and comprehensive income	58,276	'	58,276
Issuance of common stock, stock option exercises, shares	'	155	'
Issuance of common stock, stock option exercises, value	5,663	5,663	'
Issuance of common stock for employee benefit plans, shares	'	19	'
Issuance of common stock for employee benefit plan, value	714	714	'
Issuance of common stock for long-term incentive plan, shares	'	158	'
Issuance of common stock for long-term incentive plan, value	4,207	4,207	'
Tax windfall/(shortfall) provision from share-based compensation	1,407	1,407	'
Repurchase of common stock, shares	'	-84	'
Stock repurchased during period, value	-5,094	-5,094	'
Restricted stock forfeitures	'	-1	'
Grant of restricted stock, shares	'	23	'
Amortization of restricted stock, value	6,377	6,377	'
Cash dividends	-12,351	'	-12,351
Restricted dividends	-170	'	-170
Stock option plan expense	1,236	1,236	'
Cash dividends, in dollars per share	$0.72	'	'
Restricted dividends, in dollars per share	$0.72	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, End of Period at Dec. 31, 2012	644,295	274,709	369,586
Shares, Outstanding, End of Period at Dec. 31, 2012	'	17,448	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Net earnings and comprehensive income	54,900	'	54,900
Issuance of common stock, stock option exercises, shares	'	7	'
Issuance of common stock, stock option exercises, value	330	330	'
Issuance of common stock for employee benefit plans, shares	'	17	'
Issuance of common stock for employee benefit plan, value	805	805	'
Issuance of common stock for long-term incentive plan, shares	'	174	'
Issuance of common stock for long-term incentive plan, value	6,371	6,371	'
Tax windfall/(shortfall) provision from share-based compensation	2,981	2,981	'
Repurchase of common stock, shares	'	-133	'
Stock repurchased during period, value	-10,723	-10,723	'
Restricted stock forfeitures	'	-1	'
Grant of restricted stock, shares	'	436	'
Amortization of restricted stock, value	20,525	20,525	'
Cash dividends	-15,186	'	-15,186
Restricted dividends	-466	'	-466
Stock option plan expense	957	957	'
Cash dividends, in dollars per share	$0.87	'	'
Restricted dividends, in dollars per share	$0.87	'	'
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, End of Period at Dec. 31, 2013	$704,789	$295,955	$408,834
Shares, Outstanding, End of Period at Dec. 31, 2013	'	17,948	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Dividends Payable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$0.87	$0.72	$0.60
Dividends, Share-based Compensation, Per Share, Cash Paid	$0.87	$0.72	$0.60

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net earnings and comprehensive income	$54,900	$58,276	$64,355
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	61,750	55,600	55,170
Asset impairment loss	0	25	511
Loss (gain) on sale of business	131	0	-271
(Gain) loss on asset disposition	-497	-128	52
Equity in losses of unconsolidated investments	4,142	1,701	1,113
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments	0	0	-3,096
Share-based compensation	21,482	7,613	5,531
Deferred tax provision	5,284	9,659	14,097
Other	689	910	2,489
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions and dispositions:	'	'	'
Restricted cash	6,359	9,178	18,342
Accounts receivable	-495	-5,396	-407
Other current assets	1,372	-3,075	3,235
Income taxes	-11,023	764	7,995
Accounts payable	-5,879	3,459	14,447
Purses payable	-6,594	-10,148	7,301
Accrued expenses	4,866	9,923	2,441
Deferred revenue	6,029	8,804	3,633
Deferred riverboat subsidy	0	0	-40,492
Other assets and liabilities	2,399	-2,758	16,549
Net cash provided by operating activities	144,915	144,407	172,995
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-48,771	-41,298	-22,667
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	-154,872	-142,915	0
Acquisition of gaming licenses	-2,650	-2,250	-2,250
Investment in joint venture	-70,500	-19,850	0
Purchases of minority investments	-902	-2,153	-1,189
Proceeds from sale of assets	15	833	55
Proceeds from insurance recoveries	0	10,505	183
Change in deposit wagering asset	-4,192	-2,860	-1,010
Net cash used in investing activities	-281,872	-199,988	-26,878
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Borrowings on bank line of credit	740,131	554,248	320,181
Repayments of bank line of credit	-880,667	-472,083	-457,736
Proceeds from bond issuance	300,000	0	0
Change in bank overdraft	-5,053	555	-188
Payment of dividends	0	-22,461	-8,165
Repurchase of common stock	-10,723	-5,094	-1,308
Common stock issued	1,135	6,377	725
Windfall tax provision from share-based compensation	2,981	1,407	151
Loan origination fees	-2,258	-67	-155
Debt issuance costs	-5,250	0	0
Change in deposit wagering liability	4,192	2,551	802
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	144,488	65,433	-145,693
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	7,531	9,852	424
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	37,177	27,325	26,901
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	44,708	37,177	27,325
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'	'
Interest	4,032	2,856	5,521
State Tax Credit	1,298	'	'
Income taxes	31,324	24,462	24,785
Schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock in connection with the Company LTIP, the New Company LTIP and other restricted stock plans	30,678	5,459	5,058
Dividends	15,186	0	0
Restricted Stock or Unit Expense	466	170	125
Debt Issuance Costs Accrued	1,000	0	0
Property and equipment additions included in accounts payable and accrued expenses	3,769	5,254	787
Property and equipment reductions included in accounts receivable	0	0	9,870
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed from acquisition of businesses:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	252	486	0
Other current assets	799	688	0
Other non-current assets	0	282	0
Property and equipment, net	45,105	64,935	0
Goodwill	50,202	36,702	0
Other intangible assets	64,693	46,004	0
Accounts payable	-1,063	-780	0
Accrued expenses	-5,111	-5,234	0
Deferred revenue	-5	-168	0
Issuance Of Common Stock For Extinguishment Of Convertible Note Payable [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock	$0	$0	$19,399

Basis_Of_Presentation_and_Summ

Basis Of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis Of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Presentation
	Churchill Downs Incorporated (the “Company”) is a diversified provider of pari-mutuel horseracing, casino gaming, entertainment, and is the country’s premier source of online account wagering on horseracing events. The Company offers gaming products through its casinos in Mississippi, its slot and video poker operations in Louisiana, its slot and poker operations in Florida, and its casino in Maine.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Calder Race Course, Inc. and Tropical Park, Inc. which hold licenses to conduct pari-mutuel wagering and horseracing at Calder Race Course (“Calder”), Arlington International Race Course, LLC (“Arlington”), Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company, LLC (“CDI Louisiana”), Churchill Downs Louisiana Video Poker Company, LLC (“CD Louisiana Video”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Video Services, LLC (“VSI”), SW Gaming, LLC (“Harlow’s”), Oxford Casino (“Oxford”), Magnolia Hill, LLC ("Riverwalk"), Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company (“CDTIC”), the owner and operator of TwinSpires and United Tote Company, Inc. (“United Tote”), Churchill Downs Investment Company (“CDIC”), Bluff Media ("Bluff"), as well as the Company's equity investment in HRTV, LLC (“HRTV”) and a 50% joint venture in Miami Valley Gaming & Racing LLC ("MVG"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income include net revenues and operating expenses associated with the Company's Racing Operations, Gaming, Online Business and Other Investments operating segments and are defined as follows:
	Racing: net revenues and corresponding operating expenses associated with commissions earned on wagering at the Company’s racetracks, off-track betting facilities (“OTBs”) and simulcast fees earned from other wagering sites. In addition, amounts include ancillary revenues and expenses generated by the pari-mutuel facilities including admissions, sponsorships and licensing rights, food and beverage sales and fees for the alternative uses of its facilities.
	Gaming: net revenues and corresponding operating expenses generated from slot machines, table games and video poker. In addition, it includes ancillary revenues and expenses generated by food and beverage sales, hotel operations revenue and miscellaneous other revenue.
	Online: net revenues and corresponding operating expenses generated by the Company’s Advance Deposit Wagering (“ADW”) business from wagering through the Internet, telephone or other mobile devices on pari-mutuel events. In addition, it includes the Company’s information business that provides data information and processing services to the equine industry.
	Other: net revenues and corresponding operating expenses generated by United Tote Company, the Company’s provider of pari-mutuel wagering systems and Bluff.
	Current Year Reclassifications
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company completed the sale of 100% of the assets of Fight! Magazine ("Fight"), a division of Bluff which was acquired by the Company in February 2012. Net revenues, operating expenses and the loss on the sale of Fight for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, have been reclassified to discontinued operations. There was no impact from these reclassifications on net earnings or cash flows.
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company has, from time to time, cash in the bank in excess of federally insured limits. Checks issued but not presented to banks frequently result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes and are classified as a current liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash represents amounts due to horsemen for purses, stakes and awards as well as customer deposits collected for advance deposit wagering. In addition, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, restricted cash included $8.8 million and $12.9 million, respectively, of funds related to the Horse Racing Equity Trust Fund ("HRE Trust Fund") proceeds in Illinois, as further described in Note 22.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The allowance is maintained at a level considered appropriate based on historical and other factors that affect collectability. Uncollectible accounts receivable are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable when management determines that the probability of payment is remote and collection efforts have ceased.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets as follows: 10 to 40 years for grandstands and buildings, 2 to 10 years for equipment, 2 to 10 years for furniture and fixtures and 10 to 20 years for tracks and other improvements.
	Intangible Assets
	The Company determines the initial carrying value of its intangible assets in accordance with purchase accounting based on the anticipated future cash flows relating to the intangible asset. Definite-lived intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from one to thirty years using the straight-line method. Definite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with the Company's policy for long-lived assets below.
	Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of March 31 or between annual tests if events occur or circumstances indicate there may be impairment. Guidance related to goodwill impairment testing allows an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then the Company would perform the two step goodwill impairment test. The first step, used to identify potential impairment, is a comparison of the reporting unit's estimated fair value to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, applicable goodwill is considered not to be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, there is an indication of impairment and the second step is performed to measure the amount of the impairment, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test consists of comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized equal to such excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner, as when determining the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination.
	The Company considers its slots gaming rights and trademarks as indefinite-lived intangible assets that do not require amortization based on its future expectations to operate its gaming facilities indefinitely, as well as its historical experience in renewing these intangible assets at minimal cost with various state gaming commissions. Rather, these intangible assets are tested annually as of March 31, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. In 2013, in connection with its annual impairment testing, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other: Testing Indefinite-Lived Assets for Impairment which allows an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the slots gaming rights and trademark intangible assets exceed their fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. The Company completed the required annual impairment tests of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, and no adjustment to the carrying values of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets was required.
	Long-lived Assets-Impairments
	In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of tangible assets and other long-lived assets or groups of assets may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability is performed. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the assets is compared to the assets’ carrying amount to determine if an impairment loss should be recorded. The impairment loss is based on the excess, if any, of the carrying value over the fair value of the assets.
	Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
	The Company adheres to a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories: Level 1: Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The Company endeavors to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Internal Use Software
	The Company capitalized internal use software primarily related to its Online Business of approximately $7.4 million, $5.2 million and $3.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The estimated useful life of costs capitalized is generally three years. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the amortization of capitalized costs totaled approximately $5.1 million, $4.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively. Capitalized internal use software is included in property and equipment, net. The Company records internal use software in accordance with current accounting guidance governing computer software developed or obtained for internal use.
	Loan Origination Costs
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company incurred $2.3 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, in loan origination costs associated with the second and third amended and restated credit facility, which were capitalized and are being amortized as interest expense over the remaining term of the credit facility.
	Debt Issuance Costs
	Debt issuance costs are deferred and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the contractual term of the underlying indebtedness. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company incurred $6.3 million in debt issuance costs associated with the issuance of the Senior Unsecured Notes.
	Investment in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates
	The Company has investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for under the equity method. Under the equity method, carrying value is adjusted for the Company's share of the investees' earnings and losses, as well as capital contributions to and distributions from these companies. Distributions in excess of equity method earnings are recognized as a return of investment and recorded as investing cash inflows in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company classified operating income and losses as well as gains and impairments related to its investments in unconsolidated affiliates as a component of operating income or loss, as the Company's investment in such unconsolidated affiliates are an extension of the Company's core business operations.
	The Company evaluates its investment in unconsolidated affiliates for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of its investment may have experienced an "other-than-temporary" decline in value. If such conditions exist, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the investment to its carrying value to determine if an impairment is indicated and determines whether the impairment is "other-than-temporary" based on its assessment of all relevant factors, including consideration of the Company's intent and ability to retain its investment. The Company estimates fair value using a discounted cash flow analysis based on estimated future results of the investee.
	Revenue Recognition
	Pari-mutuel revenues are recognized upon occurrence of the live race that is presented for wagering and after that live race is made official by the respective state’s racing regulatory body. Gaming revenues represent net gaming wins, which is the difference between gaming wins and losses. Other operating revenues such as admissions, programs and concession revenues are recognized once delivery of the product or services has occurred.
	Approximately 42% of the Company’s revenues for the year ended December 31, 2013, are generated by pari-mutuel wagering on live and simulcast racing content through OTBs and ADW providers. Live racing handle includes patron wagers made on live races at the Company’s racetracks and also wagers made on imported simulcast signals by patrons at the Company’s racetracks during live meets. Import simulcasting handle includes wagers on imported signals at the Company’s racetracks when the respective tracks are not conducting live racing meets, at the Company’s OTBs and through the Company’s ADW providers throughout the year. Export handle includes all patron wagers made on live racing signals sent to other tracks, OTBs and ADW providers. Advance deposit wagering consists of patron wagers through an advance deposit account.
	The Company retains as revenue a predetermined percentage or commission on the total amount wagered, and the balance is distributed to the winning patrons. The gross percentages earned approximated 10% of handle for our Racing Operations segment and 19% of handle for our Online Business segment. The Company is subject to pari-mutuel and gaming taxes based on pari-mutuel and gaming revenues in the jurisdictions in which it operates. These taxes are recorded as an operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
	Customer Loyalty Programs
	The Company's customer loyalty programs offer incentives to customers who wager at the Company’s racetracks, through its advance deposit wagering platform, TwinSpires.com, or at its gaming facilities. The TSC Elite program, which was introduced during the year ended December 31, 2012, to replace the previous program, TwinSpires Club, is for pari-mutuel wagering at the Company’s racetracks or through TwinSpires.com. The Player’s Club is offered at the Company’s gaming facilities in Louisiana, Florida, Maine and Mississippi. Under the programs, customers are able to accumulate points over time that they may redeem for cash, free play, merchandise or food and beverage items at their discretion under the terms of the programs.  As a result of the ability of the customer to accumulate points, the Company accrues the cost of points, after consideration of estimated forfeitures, as they are earned.  For the TSC Elite program, the estimated value of the cost to redeem points is recorded as the points are earned.  To arrive at the estimated cost associated with points, estimates and assumptions are made regarding incremental costs of the benefits, rates and the mix of goods and services for which points will be redeemed. For the Player’s Cub program, the retail value of the points-based cash awards or complimentary goods and services is netted against revenue as a promotional allowance.  As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the outstanding reward point liability was $2.1 million, for each respective period.
	Account Wagering Deposit Liabilities
	Account wagering deposit liabilities consist of deposits received from TwinSpires.com and Velocity customers, to be used to fund wagering through the Online Business players' accounts. Account wagering deposit liability balances are also classified as restricted cash within the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Promotional Allowances
	Promotional allowances, which include the Company’s customer loyalty programs, primarily consist of the retail value of complimentary goods and services provided to guests at no charge. The retail value of these promotional allowances is included in gross revenue and then deducted to arrive at net revenue.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, promotional allowances of $33.0 million, $21.5 million and $17.1 million, respectively, were included as a reduction to net revenues. During those periods, Online promotional allowances were $12.3 million, $9.3 million and $6.5 million, Gaming promotional allowances were $19.8 million, $11.2 million and $8.7 million, and Racing promotional allowances were $0.9 million, $1.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively. The estimated cost of providing promotional allowances is included in operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and totaled $9.5 million, $5.7 million and $4.6 million, respectively.
	Deferred Revenue
	Deferred revenue includes advance sales related to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks races in Kentucky and other advance billings on racing events. Revenues from these advance billings are recognized when the related event occurs. Deferred revenue also includes advance sales of Personal Seat Licenses (“PSLs”) and luxury suites. PSLs represent the ownership of a specific seat for the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Breeders’ Cup races at Churchill Downs and have a contractual life of either one, two, three, five or thirty years.
	Revenue from PSLs is recognized when the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Breeders’ Cup races occur on a ratable basis over the term of the contract. Luxury suites are sold for specific racing events as well as for a predetermined contractual term. Revenue related to the sale of luxury suites is recognized as they are utilized when the related event occurs.
	Pari-mutuel and Gaming Taxes
	The Company recognizes pari-mutuel and gaming tax expense based on the statutorily required percentage of revenue that is required to be paid to state and local jurisdictions in the states in which wagering occurs. Individual states and local jurisdictions set pari-mutuel tax rates which range from 0.5% to 10.0% of the total handle wagered by patrons. Gaming tax rates range from 1.5% to 46% of net gaming revenue.
	Purse Expense
	The Company recognizes purse expense based on the statutorily required percentage of revenue that is required to be paid out in the form of purses to the qualifying finishers of horseraces run at the Company’s racetracks in the period in which wagering occurs. The Company incurs a liability for all unpaid purses to be paid out. The Company may pay out purses in excess of statutorily required amounts resulting in purse overpayments, which are expensed as incurred. Recoveries of purse overpayments are recognized in the period they are realized.
	Income Taxes
	In accordance with the liability method of accounting for income taxes, the Company recognizes the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns.
	Adjustments to deferred taxes are determined based upon the changes in differences between the book basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities, measured by enacted tax rates the Company estimates will be applicable when these differences are expected to reverse. Changes in current tax laws, enacted tax rates or the estimated level of taxable income or non-deductible expenses could change the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and affect the overall effective tax rate and tax provision.
	When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that will be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with the tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.
	Uncashed Winning Tickets
	The Company’s policy for uncashed winning pari-mutuel tickets follows the requirements as set forth by each state’s pari-mutuel wagering laws. The Company will either remit uncashed pari-mutuel ticket winnings to the state according to the state’s escheat or pari-mutuel laws or will maintain the liability during the required holding period according to state law at which time the Company will recognize it as income.
	Insurance Recoveries
	In connection with losses incurred from natural disasters, insurance proceeds are collected on existing business interruption and property and casualty insurance policies. When losses are sustained in one accounting period and the amounts to be recovered are collected in a subsequent accounting period, management uses estimates and judgment to determine the amounts that are probable of recovery. Estimated losses, net of anticipated insurance recoveries, are recognized in the period the natural disaster occurs and the amount of the loss is determinable. To the extent that insurance proceeds received are less than the carrying value of the assets impaired, the proceeds are reported in the statement of cash flows as an investing activity. Insurance recoveries in excess of estimated losses are recognized when realizable and are reported in net earnings in the statement of cash flows as an operating activity.
Workers’ Compensation and General Liability Self-Insurance
The Company is substantially self-insured for losses related to workers’ compensation and general liability claims with stop-loss insurance for both coverages. Losses are accrued based upon the Company’s undiscounted estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred based on historical experience and certain actuarial assumptions. Expected recoveries from third party insurance companies are also estimated and accrued.
Advertising
The Company expenses the costs of general advertising and associated promotional expenditures at the time the costs are incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company incurred advertising expenses of approximately $9.5 million, $6.9 million and $6.8 million, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation
All share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options and restricted stock, are recognized as compensation expense over the service period based on the fair value on the date of grant.
Computation of Net Earnings per Common Share
Net earnings per common share is presented for both basic earnings per common share (“Basic EPS”) and diluted earnings per common share (“Diluted EPS”). Earnings attributable to securities that are deemed to be participating securities are excluded from the calculation of Basic EPS using the two-class method. The Company has determined that employee restricted stock grants, including awards granted under its long-term incentive plans, are participating securities. Basic EPS is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding unvested restricted stock and stock options held by employees. Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of common and potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options as well as unvested restricted stock, the proceeds of which are then assumed to have been used to repurchase outstanding common stock using the treasury stock method. For periods that the Company reports a net loss, all potential common shares are considered anti-dilutive and are excluded from calculations of Diluted EPS. For periods when the Company reports net earnings, potential common shares with exercise prices in excess of the Company’s average common stock fair value for the related period are considered anti-dilutive and are excluded from calculations of Diluted EPS. See Note 19 for further details.
Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company’s most significant estimates relate to the valuation of property and equipment, income tax liabilities, goodwill and other intangible assets, which may be significantly affected by changes in the regulatory environment in which the Company operates, and to the aggregate costs for self-insured liability claims.
Comprehensive Income
The Company has no other components of comprehensive income and, as such, comprehensive income is the same as net earnings as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Reclassifications
Certain financial statement accounts have been reclassified in prior years to conform to current year presentation. There was no impact from these reclassifications on total assets, total liabilities, total net revenues, operating income or cash flows.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
As noted in Intangible Assets above, the Company adopted ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other: Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. ASU 2012-02 simplifies indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing by adding a qualitative review step to assess whether a quantitative impairment analysis is necessary. Under the amended rule, a testing methodology similar to that which is performed for goodwill impairment testing is acceptable for assessing a company's indefinite-lived intangible assets. The new standard became effective for indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012.

Acquisitions_And_New_Ventures

Acquisitions And New Ventures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisitions and New Ventures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	'
	ACQUISITIONS AND NEW VENTURES
	Oxford Casino Acquisition
	On July 17, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of Oxford Casino (“Oxford”) in Oxford, Maine for cash consideration of approximately $168.6 million. The transaction included the acquisition of a 25,000-square-foot casino and various dining facilities. The acquisition continued the Company's diversification and growth strategies to invest in assets with rates of returns attractive to the Company's shareholders. The Company financed the acquisition with borrowings under its Senior Secured Credit Facility.
	During the period from July 17, 2013, through December 31, 2013, Oxford contributed revenues of $34.4 million and earnings from continuing operations before provision for income taxes of $6.1 million. In accordance with accounting standards, the Company completed the purchase price allocation during the year ended December 31, 2013. The following table summarizes (in thousands) the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net of cash acquired of $13.7 million, at the date of the acquisition.
		Total
	Accounts receivable	$	252
	Prepaid expenses	675
	Inventory	124
	Property and equipment	45,105
	Goodwill	50,202
	Other intangible assets	64,693
	Total assets acquired	161,051
	Accounts payable	1,063
	Accrued expenses	5,111
	Other liabilities	5
	Total liabilities acquired	6,179
	Purchase price, net of cash acquired	$	154,872
	The preliminary fair value of other intangible assets consists of the following (in thousands):
		Total
	Slot gaming rights	$	58,500
	Customer relationships	1,700
	Tradename	2,400
	Other intangibles	2,093
	Total intangible assets	$	64,693
	Depreciation of property and equipment acquired is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated remaining useful lives of the related assets as follows: 2 to 5 years for computer hardware and software, 2 to 9 years for equipment, 6 years for furniture and fixtures, 40 years for buildings and 14 years for building improvements. Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets acquired is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related intangible asset. Intangible assets include customer relationships valued at $1.7 million with a life of 6 years. Other intangibles include table game fees paid to the State of Maine which is amortized over the 20-year contract period. Slot gaming rights and tradename are determined to have indefinite lives and are not being amortized.
	Goodwill of $50.2 million was recognized given the expected contribution of the Oxford acquisition to the Company's overall business strategy. The entire balance of goodwill has been allocated to the Gaming business segment. The Company expects to deduct goodwill for tax purposes.
	Riverwalk Casino Hotel Acquisition
	On October 23, 2012, the Company completed its acquisition of Riverwalk Casino Hotel ("Riverwalk") in Vicksburg, Mississippi for cash consideration of approximately $145.6 million. The transaction includes the acquisition of a 25,000-square-foot casino, an 80-room hotel, a 5,600-square-foot event center and dining facilities on approximately 22 acres of land. The acquisition continues the Company's diversification and growth strategies to invest in assets with an expected yield on investment to enhance shareholder value. The Company financed the acquisition with borrowings under its Senior Secured Credit Facility.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, Riverwalk recognized revenues of $53.6 million and $10.3 million, respectively, and earnings from continuing operations of $9.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively, subsequent to its acquisition by the Company. In accordance with accounting standards, the company completed the purchase price allocation during the year ended December 31, 2013. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net of cash acquired of $9.4 million, at the date of the acquisition.
		Total
	Accounts receivable	$	228
	Prepaid expenses	589
	Inventory	99
	Other assets	282
	Property and equipment	64,908
	Goodwill	32,768
	Other intangible assets	43,100
	Total assets acquired	141,974
	Accounts payable	552
	Accrued expenses	5,234
	Other liabilities	1
	Total liabilities acquired	5,787
	Purchase price, net of cash acquired	$	136,187
	The fair value of other intangible assets consists of the following (in thousands):
		Total
	Slot gaming rights	$	25,300
	Customer relationships	10,300
	Tradename	7,500
	Total intangible assets	$	43,100
	Depreciation of property and equipment acquired is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated remaining useful lives of the related assets as follows: 3 to 5 years for computer hardware and software, 4 to 6 years for equipment, 4 to 6 years for furniture and fixtures, 40 years for buildings and 8 to 22 years for building improvements. Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets acquired is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related intangible asset. Intangible assets include customer relationships valued at $10.3 million with a life of 6 years. Slot gaming rights and tradename are determined to have indefinite lives and are not being amortized.
	Goodwill of $32.8 million was recognized given the expected contribution of the Riverwalk acquisition to the Company's overall business strategy. The entire balance of goodwill has been allocated to the Gaming business segment. The Company expects to deduct goodwill for tax purposes.
	Miami Valley Gaming & Racing Joint Venture
	During March 2012, the Company entered into a 50% joint venture with Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment Inc. (“DNC”) to develop a new harness racetrack and video lottery terminal (“VLT”) gaming facility in Lebanon, Ohio.
	Through the joint venture agreement, the Company and DNC formed a new company, MVG, which will manage both the Company’s and DNC’s interests in the development and operation of the racetrack and VLT gaming facility. On December 21, 2012, MVG completed the purchase of the harness racing licenses and certain assets held by Lebanon Trotting Club Inc. and Miami Valley Trotting Inc. (the "MVG Sellers") for total consideration of $60.0 million, of which $10.0 million was funded at closing with the remainder to be funded through a $50.0 million note payable over a six year term effective upon the commencement of gaming operations. In addition, there is a potential contingent consideration payment of $10.0 million based on the financial performance of the facility during the seven year period after gaming operations commence.
	Construction began in December 2012 on the new gaming and racing facility in Lebanon, Ohio on a 120-acre site. The new facility opened December 12, 2013, and includes a 5/8-mile harness racing track and a 186,000-square-foot gaming facility, featuring 1,600 VLTs, which the joint venture may increase to 1,800 VLTs, dependent on customer demand. MVG will invest approximately $212.0 million in the new facility, including the $50.0 million license fee payable to the Ohio Lottery Commission. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company funded $70.5 million and $19.9 million in initial capital contributions to the joint venture, respectively. The Company anticipates providing funding of $24.0 million to MVG during 2014.
	Bluff Media Acquisition
	During February 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of the assets of Bluff, a multimedia poker content brand and publishing company. Bluff’s assets include the poker periodical, BLUFF Magazine; BLUFF Magazine’s online counterpart, BluffMagazine.com; ThePokerDB, a comprehensive online database and resource that tracks and ranks the performance of poker players and tournaments; and various other news and content forums. In addition to the Company’s intention to further expand and build upon Bluff’s current content and business model, the Company believes this acquisition potentially provides it with new business avenues to pursue in the event there is a liberalization of state or federal laws with respect to Internet poker in the United States.
	The Company completed its acquisition of Bluff for cash consideration of $6.7 million and contingent consideration of $2.5 million based on the probability of the enactment of federal or state enabling legislation which permits Internet poker gaming during the five year period after acquisition. The contingent consideration was estimated at $2.3 million. Any changes in the fair value of contingent consideration subsequent to the acquisition date will be recognized in earnings in the period the estimated fair value changes. Since the transaction did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, additional disclosure was not deemed necessary. See Note 17 for further discussion of the fair value measurement of the contingent consideration.
	Pro Forma (unaudited)
	The following table illustrates the effect on net revenues, earnings from continuing operations and earnings from continuing operations per common share as if the Company had acquired Riverwalk and Oxford as of the beginning of 2011 and 2012, respectively. The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisitions of Riverwalk and Oxford been consummated at the beginning of 2011 and 2012, respectively.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012
	Net revenues	$	820,297	$	815,605
Earnings from continuing operations	$	59,002	$	62,626
Earnings from continuing operations per common share
Basic:
Earnings from continuing operations	$	3.36	$	3.64
Diluted:
Earnings from continuing operations	$	3.29	$	3.58
Shares used in computing earnings from continuing operations per common share:
Basic	17,294		17,047
Diluted	17,938		17,475
Pro forma results exclude the effect of the acquisition of Bluff, which did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontiued Operations	'
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	Sale of Fight! Magazine
	On December 16, 2013, the Company completed the sale of 100% of the assets of Fight! Magazine ("Fight") for an immaterial cash consideration. Fight is a division of Bluff which was acquired by the Company in February 2012. Net revenues, operating expenses and the loss on sale of Fight for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, have been reclassified to discontinued operations.
	Hoosier Park Consideration
	In accordance with the Company’s sale of its ownership interest in Hoosier Park to Centaur Racing, LLC (“Centaur”) during 2007, the Company received a promissory note (the “Note”) in the amount of $4.0 million plus interest. The Partnership Interest Purchase Agreement documenting such sale to Centaur also included a contingent consideration provision whereby the Company was entitled to payments of up to $15 million on the date which is 18 months after the date that slot machines are operational at Hoosier Park. During June 2008, Hoosier Park commenced its slot operations, fulfilling the terms of the contingency provision. However, due to uncertainties regarding collectability, the Company did not recognize the contingent consideration at the date of sale.
	On October 1, 2011, the Company received $5.1 million in repayment of the amount owed to the Company pursuant to the Note. In addition, the Company also received $3.4 million as the final settlement of the contingent consideration provision of the Partnership Interest Purchase Agreement, which was recognized as a gain in discontinued operations during the year ended December 31, 2011.
	Hollywood Park Racetrack
	The Company recognized operating expenses of $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2013, from adjustments related to workers' compensation reserves retained by the Company subsequent to its sale of Hollywood Park Racetrack during 2005 which have been reclassified to discontinued operations.
	Financial Information
	Fight, Hoosier Park and Hollywood Park have been accounted for as discontinued operations. Accordingly, the results of operations of the sold businesses for all periods presented and the (losses) gains on sold businesses have been classified as discontinued operations, net of income taxes, in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Set forth below is a summary of the results of operations of discontinued businesses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
		Year ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net revenues	$	632		$	1,087		$	—
	Operating expenses	857			885			12
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	—			—			(11		)
	Operating (loss) gain	(225		)	202			(1		)
	Other income (expense)	145			(2		)	—
	(Loss) earnings from operations before income taxes	(80		)	200			(1		)
	Income tax benefit (provision)	30			(76		)	—
	(Loss) gain from operations	(50		)	124			(1		)
	(Loss) gain on sale of assets, net of income taxes	(83		)	—			3,561
	Net (loss) gain	$	(133	)	$	124		$	3,560

Natural_Disasters

Natural Disasters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Natural Disasters	'
	NATURAL DISASTERS
	Kentucky Hailstorm
	On April 28, 2012, a hailstorm caused damage to portions of Louisville, Kentucky including Churchill Downs Racetrack ("Churchill Downs") and its separate training facility known as Trackside Louisville. Both locations sustained damage to their stable areas as well as damages to administrative offices and several other structures. The Company carries property and casualty insurance, subject to a $0.5 million deductible. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a reduction of property and equipment of $0.6 million and received $1.1 million from its insurance carriers in partial settlement of its claim. The Company recognized insurance recoveries, net of losses of $0.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company is currently working with its insurance carriers to finalize its claim and during the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company received an additional $0.4 million and recognized insurances recoveries, net of losses of $0.4 million as a component of operating income during 2013.
	Mississippi River Flooding
	As a result of the Mississippi River flooding during 2011, the Company temporarily ceased operations at Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa (“Harlow’s”) on May 6, 2011, and the Board of Mississippi Levee Commissioners ordered the closure of the Mainline Mississippi River Levee on May 7, 2011. On May 12, 2011, the property sustained damage to its 2,600-seat entertainment center and a portion of its dining facilities. On June 1, 2011, Harlow’s resumed casino operations with temporary dining facilities. During December 2012 and January 2013, the Company completed the renovation and improvement projects, which included a new buffet area, steakhouse, business center, spa facility, fitness center, pool and a multi-purpose event center.
	The Company carries flood, property and casualty insurance as well as business interruption insurance subject to a $1.3 million deductible for damages. As of December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a reduction of property and equipment of $8.5 million and incurred $2.0 million in repair expenditures. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company received $3.5 million from its insurance carriers in partial settlement of its claim. This amount has been included as insurance recoveries, summarized below, for the year ended December 31, 2012. In addition, the Company finalized its claim with its insurance carriers and received $12.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company recognized insurance recoveries, net of losses, of $5.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. The insurance claims for this event have been finalized with the Company's insurance carriers, and it does not expect to receive additional funds or recognize additional income from the claim.
	Mississippi Wind Damage
	On February 24, 2011, severe storms caused damage to portions of Mississippi, including Greenville, Mississippi, the location of Harlow’s. The Harlow’s property sustained damage to a portion of the hotel, including its roof, furniture and fixtures in approximately 61 hotel rooms and fixtures in other areas of the hotel. The hotel was closed to customers for renovations following the storm damage and reopened during June 2011. The Company carries property and casualty insurance as well as business interruption insurance subject to a $0.1 million deductible for damages. As of December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a reduction of property and equipment of $1.4 million and incurred $0.4 million in repair expenditures. The Company filed a preliminary claim with its insurance carriers for $1.0 million in damages, which it received during the second quarter of 2011. The Company received an additional $3.4 million from its insurance carriers during the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company recognized insurance recoveries, net of losses, of $1.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. The insurance claims for this event have been finalized with the Company's insurance carriers, and it does not expect to receive additional funds or recognize additional income from the claim.
	Financial Information
	The casualty losses and related insurance proceeds have been included as components of operating income in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Set forth below is a summary of the impact of the natural disasters on the results of operations of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Casualty Losses		Insurance Recoveries			Insurance Recoveries, Net of Losses
	Racing	$	—	$	(375	)	$	(375	)
	Total	$	—	$	(375	)	$	(375	)
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Casualty Losses		Insurance Recoveries			Insurance Recoveries, Net of Losses
	Gaming	$	12,331	$	(18,856	)	$	(6,525	)
	Racing	$	644	$	(1,125	)	$	(481	)
	Total	$	12,975	$	(19,981	)	$	(7,006	)
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Casualty Losses		Insurance Recoveries			Insurance Recoveries, Net of Losses
	Gaming	$	603	$	(1,000	)	$	(397	)
	Racing	$	425	$	(1,000	)	$	(575	)
	Total	$	1,028	$	(2,000	)	$	(972	)

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Receivable Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable	'
	ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
	The Company's accounts receivable at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Simulcast and ADW receivables	$	19,768		$	18,210
	Trade receivables	16,129			19,294
	PSL and hospitality receivables	9,410			8,335
	Other receivables	5,603			3,198
		50,910			49,037
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(4,338		)	(1,885		)
	Total	$	46,572		$	47,152
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized $0.5 million, $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of bad debt expense in its Online Business segment associated with customer wagering on TwinSpires.com. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized $2.5 million of bad debt expense associated with the collectibility of a third-party deposit related to an Internet gaming license.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
	Property and equipment is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Land	$	118,165		$	115,887
	Grandstands and buildings	435,125			413,896
	Equipment	208,966			180,452
	Furniture and fixtures	47,718			45,810
	Tracks and other improvements	121,085			92,197
	Construction in progress	15,214			7,793
		946,273			856,035
	Accumulated depreciation	(360,775		)	(313,153		)
	Total	$	585,498		$	542,882
	Depreciation expense was approximately $49.6 million, $44.4 million and $43.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and is classified in operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company began an assessment of potential alternative uses to its Trackside training facility at Churchill Downs. As such, the Company reviewed the useful lives of assets at this facility and commenced accelerated depreciation on certain of its long-term assets, resulting in additional depreciation expense of $1.5 million and $0.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to this facility. The Trackside assets were fully depreciated as of December 31, 2013.

Investment_In_and_Advances_To_

Investment In and Advances To Unconsolidated Affiliate (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment In and Advances To Unconsolidated Affiliate [Abstract]	'
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 7—INVESTMENT IN AND ADVANCES TO UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATE
	Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliate includes the Company's 50% joint venture with DNC to develop MVG, a new harness race track and VLT gaming facility in Lebanon, Ohio, as more fully described in Note 2-Acquisitions and New Ventures.
	Since both DNC and the Company have participating rights over MVG, and both must consent to MVG's operating, investing and financing decisions, the Company accounts for MVG using the equity method.
	Summarized financial information for MVG at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the two years ended December, 31, 2013 and 2012 is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Assets
	Current assets	$	18,002		$	1,982
	Property and equipment, net	151,434			3,662
	Other assets, net	80,665			74,823
	Total assets	$	250,101		$	80,467
	Liabilities and Members' Equity
	Current liabilities	$	46,966		$	1,986
	Long-term debt	40,758			50,000
	Other liabilities	75			—
	Members' equity	162,302			28,481
	Total liabilities and members' equity	$	250,101		$	80,467
	The joint venture's long-term debt consists of a $50 million secured note payable from MVG to the MVG Sellers. At December 31, 2013, the decrease in long-term debt from the balance at December 31, 2012 reflects an adjustment made to reflect the fair value of the long-term debt.
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Gaming revenue	$	6,033		$	—
	Non-gaming revenue	5,919			109
	Net revenues	11,952			109
	Operating and SG&A expenses	10,605			242
	Depreciation & amortization expenses	945			7
	Pre-opening expenses	7,240			1,079
	Operating loss	(6,838		)	(1,219		)
	Interest and other expenses, net	(340		)	—
	Net loss	$	(7,178	)	$	(1,219	)
	The Company's share of MVG's results have been included in our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Equity in losses of unconsolidated investments	$	(3,589	)	$	(610	)

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	GOODWILL
	Goodwill of the Company at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		Racing		Gaming		Online		Other			Total
		Operations				Business		Investments
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	50,400	$	34,689	$	127,364	$	1,259		$	213,712
	Reclassifications	1,259		—		—		(1,259		)	—
	Additions	—		32,768		—		3,934			36,702
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	51,659		67,457		127,364		3,934			250,414
	Additions	—		50,202		—		—			50,202
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	51,659	$	117,659	$	127,364	$	3,934		$	300,616
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company established goodwill of $50.2 million related to the acquisition of Oxford on July 17, 2013.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company reclassified goodwill between Other Investments and Racing Operations related to CDSP, one of its other investments, which was merged into Racing Operations during 2012. In addition, the Company established goodwill of $32.8 million and $3.9 million related to the Riverwalk and Bluff acquisitions, respectively.
	The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment analysis for the year ended December 31, 2013 in accordance with ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment. This analysis included an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting units is less than their carrying amounts. The impairment analysis included an assessment of certain qualitative factors including but not limited to macroeconomic, industry and market conditions; cost factors that have a negative effect on earnings; overall financial performance; the movement of the Company's share price; and other relevant entity and reporting unit specific events. This assessment included the determination of the likely effect of each factor on the fair value of each reporting unit. Although the Company believes the factors considered in the impairment analysis are reasonable, significant changes in any of the assumptions could produce a significantly different result. Based on the annual goodwill impairment analysis for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company concluded that goodwill had not been impaired.

Other_Intangible_Assets

Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other Intangible Assets	'
	OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The Company’s other intangible assets are comprised of the following (in thousands):
		December 31, 2013								December 31, 2012
		Gross			Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount		Amount					Amount
	Definite-lived intangible assets:
	Favorable contracts	$	11,000		$	(4,260	)	$	6,740	$	11,000	$	(3,613	)	$	7,387
	Customer relationships	56,540			(30,464		)	26,076		57,900		(24,594		)	33,306
	Slots gaming license	2,250			(1,125		)	1,125		2,250		(1,125		)	1,125
	Table games license	2,493			(50		)	2,443		—		—			—
	Other	3,719			(297		)	3,422		4,079		(267		)	3,812
		$	76,002		$	(36,196	)	39,806		$	75,229	$	(29,599	)	45,630
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Slots gaming rights							128,890							70,390
	Trademarks							25,729							23,397
	Illinois Horseracing Equity Trust							3,307							3,307
	Other							417							417
	Total							$	198,149						$	143,141
	Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets was approximately $12.2 million, $11.2 million and $11.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and is classified in operating expenses. The Company submitted payments of $2.3 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for annual license fees for Calder Casino. Payments are being amortized to expense over the annual license period.
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of state gaming licenses in Maine, Mississippi and Florida, rights to participate in the Horse Racing Equity Fund and trademarks.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company established definite-lived intangible assets of $3.8 million and indefinite-lived intangible assets of $60.9 million related to the Oxford acquisition. During November 2013, the Company paid $0.4 million to the State of Maine for table game fees that are being amortized over a 20-year contract period. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company reduced customer relationships and accumulated amortization by $2.8 million and other definite-lived intangibles and accumulated amortization by $0.4 million, related to the Harlow's acquisition, as these amounts were fully amortized. Finally, the Company expensed $0.2 million of definite-lived and indefinite lived assets related to the disposal of Fight! Magazine.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company established other definite-lived intangible assets of $10.3 million and indefinite-lived intangible assets of $32.8 million related to the Riverwalk acquisition. In addition, the Company established other definite-lived intangible assets of $0.3 million and indefinite-lived intangible assets of $4.8 million related to the Bluff acquisition.
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis as of March 31. In March 2013, the Company adopted ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other: Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. ASU 2012-02 simplifies indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing by adding a qualitative review step to assess whether a quantitative impairment analysis is necessary. Under the amended guidance, a testing methodology similar to that which is performed for goodwill impairment testing is acceptable for assessing a company's indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company completed the required annual impairment tests of indefinite-lived intangible assets as of March 31, 2013, and no adjustment to the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets was required. The Company assessed its indefinite-lived intangible assets by qualitatively evaluating events and circumstances that have both positive and negative factors, including macroeconomic conditions, industry events, financial performance and other changes and concluded that it was more likely than not that fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeds their carrying value.
	Future estimated amortization expense does not include additional payments of $2.3 million in 2013 and in each year thereafter for the ongoing amortization of future expected annual Florida slots gaming license fees not yet incurred or paid. Future estimated aggregate amortization expense on existing definite-lived intangible assets for each of the next five fiscal years is as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ended		Estimated
	December 31,		Amortization
			Expense
	2014		$	9,127
	2015		$	8,234
	2016		$	7,633
	2017		$	7,110
	2018		$	7,110

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	INCOME TAXES
	Components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Current provision:
	Federal	$	22,727		$	21,103		$	16,918
	State and local	2,462			2,351			3,423
	Foreign	—			(38		)	(149		)
		25,189			23,416			20,192
	Deferred:
	Federal	5,788			8,292			12,798
	State and local	(504		)	1,367			1,299
		5,284			9,659			14,097
		$	30,473		$	33,075		$	34,289
	The Company’s income tax expense is different from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to income before taxes as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Federal statutory tax on earnings before income taxes	$	29,928		$	31,929		$	33,280
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	1,514			2,185			3,283
	Non-deductible lobbying and contributions	723			946			517
	Tax credits and incentives	(663		)	(494		)	(775		)
	Tax adjustments	(174		)	(1,093		)	(434		)
	Accruals and settlements related to tax audits	(395		)	(686		)	(426		)
	Valuation allowance	(220		)	—			105
	Change in effective state tax rates	(383		)	197			(714		)
	Other permanent differences	143			91			(547		)
		$	30,473		$	33,075		$	34,289
	During 2003, the Company entered into a Tax Increment Financing (“TIF”) Agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company is entitled to receive reimbursement for 80% of the increase in Kentucky income and sales tax resulting from its 2005 renovation of the Churchill facility. During 2011, the Company resolved uncertainties with the Commonwealth of Kentucky related to the computation of the tax increase and the Company recognized a $3.1 million reduction of its operating expenses related to the years 2005 through 2011. In addition, the Company recognized a $0.8 million reduction in its income tax expense, net of federal taxes, related to the years 2005 through 2011. During 2012, the Company recognized an additional $0.7 million reduction to its operating expenses and $0.5 million reduction to its income tax expense, net of federal taxes, from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. During 2013, the Company recognized an additional $0.7 million reduction to its operating expenses and $0.2 million reduction to its income tax expense, net of federal taxes, from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has received $4.4 million of combined benefits and established a sales tax receivable of $1.2 million and an income tax receivable of $1.0 million related to the reimbursement.
	For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company received a refund of $8.5 million related to the overpayment of its 2010 federal income taxes and a refund of $1.9 million related to an amended prior year federal income tax return that served to adjust state lobbying expense deductions.
	Components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Deferred compensation plans	$	14,271		$	12,022
	Deferred income	6,328			8,396
	Allowance for uncollectible receivables	1,295			281
	Deferred liabilities	3,574			4,239
	Net operating losses and credit carryforward	19,186			20,749
	Deferred tax assets	44,654			45,687
	Valuation allowance	(1,213		)	(1,334		)
	Net deferred tax asset	43,441			44,353
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Intangible assets in excess of tax basis	22,749			18,725
	Property and equipment in excess of tax basis	40,135			40,175
	Other	2,246			1,874
	Deferred tax liabilities	65,130			60,774
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(21,689	)	$	(16,421	)
	Income taxes are classified in the balance sheet as follows:
	Net current deferred tax asset	$	8,927		$	8,227
	Net non-current deferred tax liability	(30,616		)	(24,648		)
		$	(21,689	)	$	(16,421	)
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had federal net operating losses of $13.8 million, which were acquired in conjunction with the acquisition of Youbet.com. The utilization of these losses, which expire between 2019 and 2030, is limited on an annual basis pursuant to IRC § 382. The Company believes that it will be able to fully utilize all of these losses. In addition, the Company has $4.3 million of state net operating losses; $1.9 million of this loss carryforward was acquired in conjunction with the acquisition of Youbet.com. These losses, which expire between 2015 and 2030, may be subject to annual limitations similar to IRC § 382. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $0.9 million against the state net operating losses due to the fact that it is unlikely that it will generate income in certain states, which is necessary to utilize the assets.
	The changes in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of the year	$	1,334		$	1,487
	Charged to costs and expenses	168			—
	Charged to other accounts	—			33
	Deductions	(289		)	(186		)
	Balance at end of the year	$	1,213		$	1,334
	The IRS has audited the Company through 2011. Subsequent years are open to examination. State and local tax years open for examination vary by jurisdiction. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $0.6 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest. If these benefits were recognized, there would be a $0.5 million effect to the annual effective tax rate. The company anticipates a decrease in its unrecognized tax positions of approximately $0.1 million during the next twelve months. This anticipated decrease is primarily due to the expiration of statutes of limitations.
	During October 2012, the Company funded a $2.9 million income tax payment to the State of Illinois related to a dispute over state income tax apportionment methodology which has been recorded as an other asset as of December 31, 2012. The Company filed its state income tax returns related to the years 2002 through 2005 following the methodology prescribed by Illinois statute, however the State of Illinois has taken a contrary tax position. The Company filed a formal protest with the State of Illinois during the fourth quarter of 2012. The Company does not expect this issue to have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations. See Note 18 for further discussion of this matter.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance as of January 1	$	8,565		$	2,109		$	2,926
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year	190			—			—
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	207			7,390			—
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(8,380		)	(934		)	(817		)
Balance as of December 31	$	582		$	8,565		$	2,109
The decrease in the uncertain tax position in 2013 was due to an IRS settlement related to the timing of the taxation of receipts from the HRE Trust Fund and the expiration of statute of limitations related to various tax positions. The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense and penalties in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The Company accrued less than $0.2 million of interest for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders Equity	'
	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Stock Repurchase Program
	On April 23, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $100 million of the Company's stock in a stock repurchase program. The Company may repurchase stock in open market purchases or through privately negotiated transactions in compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b-18, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other relevant factors. The Company expects to fund repurchases using available cash and borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facility. The Company is not obligated to purchase any stock under the stock repurchase program, and purchases may be discontinued, or the stock repurchase program may be modified or suspended at any time prior to the termination of the repurchase program on December 31, 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company did not repurchase any shares of stock under this program.
	Shareholder Rights Plan
	On March 13, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a shareholder rights plan, which granted each shareholder the right, in certain circumstances, to purchase a fraction of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock at the rate of one right for each share of the Company’s common stock. If a person or group, together with its affiliates and associates, become an acquiring person, defined as the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the Company’s common stock, each holder of a right (other than the person or group who has become an acquiring person) will have the right to receive, upon exercise, shares of the Company’s common stock having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the right. Certain persons and transactions are exempted from the definition of acquiring person. In the event that, at any time following the date such person or group becomes an acquiring person, (i) the Company engages in a merger or other business combination transaction in which the Company is not the surviving corporation (other than with an entity that acquired the shares pursuant to an offer for all outstanding shares of common stock that a majority of the independent directors determines to be fair and not inadequate and to otherwise be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, after receiving advice from one or more investment banking firms (a “Qualifying Offer”) ), (ii) the Company engages in a merger or other business combination transaction (other than with an entity that acquired the shares pursuant to a Qualifying Offer) in which the Company is the surviving corporation and the common stock of the Company is changed or exchanged, or (iii) 50% or more of the Company’s assets, cash flow or earnings power is sold or transferred, each holder of a right (other than the person or group who has become an acquiring person) shall thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise, common stock of the surviving entity having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the right. At any time after a person or group becomes an acquiring person, and prior to the acquisition by such person or group of fifty percent (50)% or more of the outstanding common stock, the Board may exchange the rights (other than rights owned by such acquiring person), in whole or in part, for common stock at an exchange ratio of one share of common stock, or one one-thousandth of a share of Preferred Stock (or of a share of a class or series of the Company’s preferred stock having equivalent rights, preferences and privileges), per right (subject to adjustment).

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans Text Block	'
	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	The Company has a profit-sharing plan that covers all employees, not otherwise participating in an associated profit-sharing plan, with three months or more of service. The Company will match contributions made by the employee up to 3% of the employee’s annual compensation and will also match, at 50%, contributions made by the employee up to an additional 2% of compensation with certain limits. The Company may also contribute a discretionary amount determined annually by the Board of Directors as well as a year-end discretionary match not to exceed 4% of compensation. The Company’s cash contribution to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $2.3 million, $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
	The Company is a member of a noncontributory defined benefit multi-employer retirement plan for all members of the Pari-mutuel Clerk’s Union of Kentucky and several other collectively bargained retirement plans, which are administered by unions. Cash contributions are made in accordance with negotiated labor contracts. Retirement plan expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $0.7 million, $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The Company’s policy is to fund this expense as accrued. The Company currently estimates that future contributions to these plans will not increase significantly from prior years.
	The Company provides eligible executives and directors of the Company an opportunity to defer to a future date the receipt of base and bonus compensation for services as well as director’s fees through a deferred compensation plan. The Company’s matching contribution on base compensation deferrals equals the matching contribution of the Company’s profit-sharing plan with certain limits. The Company’s cash contribution to the plan amounts to $0.1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Total_Debt

Total Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'
Total Debt	'
	TOTAL DEBT
	The following table presents our total debt outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Total long-term debt:
	$300 million senior unsecured notes	$	300,000		$	—
	$500 million senior secured credit facility	58,000			—
	Swing line of credit	11,191			—
	Total long-term debt	369,191			—
	Current maturities of long-term debt:
	$375 million senior secured credit facility	—			205,000
	Swing line of credit	—			4,728
	Current maturities of long-term debt	—			209,728
	Total debt	$	369,191		$	209,728
	5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes
	On December 16, 2013, the Company completed an offering of $300 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes that mature on December 15, 2021 (the “Senior Unsecured Notes”). The Senior Unsecured Notes were issued at par, with interest payable on June 15th and December 15th of each year. The Company received net proceeds of $295 million, after deducting underwriting fees, and used the net proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of its outstanding borrowings, and accrued and unpaid interest outstanding under its Senior Secured Credit Facility. In connection with the issuance, the Company capitalized $6.3 million of debt issuance costs which are being amortized as interest expense over the remaining term of the Senior Unsecured Notes.
	The Senior Unsecured Notes were issued in a private offering that was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and are senior unsecured obligations of the Company. The Senior Unsecured Notes are guaranteed by each of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries that guarantee its Senior Secured Credit Facility and will rank equally with the Company’s existing and future senior obligations. At any time prior to December 15, 2016, the Company may redeem all or part of the Senior Unsecured Notes at par plus the present value (discounted at the treasury rate plus 50 basis points) of scheduled interest payments through December 15, 2016, along with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. On or after December 15, 2016, the Company may redeem all or part of the Senior Unsecured Notes at a redemption price of 104.031% which gradually reduces to par by 2019.
	Senior Secured Credit Facility
	On May 17, 2013, the Company entered into the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”) which amended certain provisions of the credit agreement including increasing the maximum aggregate commitment from $375 million to $500 million. The Senior Secured Credit Facility also provides for an accordion feature which, if exercised, could increase the maximum aggregate commitment by up to an additional $225 million and reduce the pricing schedule for outstanding borrowings and commitment fees across all leverage pricing levels. The guarantors under the Senior Secured Credit Facility continue to be a majority of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company incurred loan origination costs of $2.3 million in connection with this amendment, which were capitalized and are being amortized as interest expense over the remaining term of the Senior Secured Credit Facility. The Senior Secured Credit Facility matures on May 17, 2018.
	Generally, borrowings made pursuant to the Senior Secured Credit Facility bear interest at a LIBOR-based rate per annum plus an applicable percentage ranging from 1.125% to 3.0% depending on the Company's total leverage ratio. In addition, under the Senior Secured Credit Facility, the Company agreed to pay a commitment fee at rates that range from 0.175% to 0.45% of the available aggregate commitment, depending on the Company's leverage ratio. The weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was 1.71% and 1.87%, respectively.
	The Senior Secured Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for credit facilities of this type, including limitations on the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to indebtedness, restricted payments, liens, investments, mergers and acquisitions, disposition of assets, sale-leaseback transactions and transactions with affiliates. The covenants permit the Company to use proceeds of the credit extended under the agreement for general corporate purposes, restricted payments and acquisition needs. The Senior Secured Credit Facility also contains financial covenants that require the Company (i) to maintain an interest coverage ratio (i.e., consolidated adjusted EBITDA to consolidated interest expense) that is greater than 3.0 to 1.0; (ii) not to permit the total leverage ratio (i.e., total consolidated funded indebtedness to consolidated adjusted EBITDA) to be greater than 4.5 to 1.0, provided that if a certain minimum consolidated adjusted EBITDA is reached then the total leverage ratio will be increased to 5.0 to 1.0 for such periods that the minimum is maintained; and (iii) not to permit the senior secured leverage ratio (i.e. senior secured consolidated funded indebtedness to consolidated adjusted EBITDA) to be greater than 3.5 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Senior Secured Credit Facility, and substantially all of the Company's assets continue to be pledged as collateral under the Senior Secured Credit Facility.
	As of December 31, 2013, we had $425 million of borrowing capacity under the Senior Secured Credit Facility.
	Future aggregate maturities of total debt are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ended
	December 31,
	2014		$	—
	2015		—
	2016		—
	2017		—
	Thereafter		369,191
	Total		$	369,191

Operating_Leases

Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Operating Leases	'
	OPERATING LEASES
	The Company leases facilities for nine of its eleven OTB operations at Arlington. eight of Arlington's OTB operations are conducted at non-owned Illinois restaurants under licensing agreements with varying payment terms, including payment contingent on handle. These OTB operations are generally multi-year agreements, renewable with 90 days notice by either party. Arlington's ninth leased facility, Waukegan, operates as a traditional OTB under a lease which will expire in 2015. The Company has ten operating lease agreements for Fair Grounds OTBs, which expire in various years from 2014 through 2021. Finally, the Company has an operating lease agreement for its corporate offices which expires in 2023.
	Future minimum operating lease payments are as follows, not including the variable portion of contingent leases and Arlington’s contingent licensing agreements (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014	$	8,024
	2015	6,264
	2016	4,805
	2017	3,390
	2018	2,483
	Thereafter	5,130
	Total	$	30,096
	The Company also leases totalisator equipment, gaming equipment, audio/visual equipment and operates certain facilities that are partially contingent on handle, bandwidth usage or race days. Total annual rent expense for contingent lease payments, including totalisator equipment, audio/visual equipment, gaming equipment, land and facilities, was approximately $3.7 million, $3.6 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company’s total rent expense for all operating leases, including the contingent lease payments, was approximately $20.2 million, $18.4 million and $19.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. During 2013, the increase in total rent expense primarily reflects an increase in slot machine expense, which is attributable to the acquisitions of Riverwalk and Oxford. During 2012, the reduction in total rent expense reflects a migration in the Company's Racing Operations from totalisator services performed by a third-party to services provided by United Tote.

LongTerm_Incentive_Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-Term Incentive Plan [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Incentive Plan	'
	LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
	During 2008, the Board of Directors approved the Terms and Conditions of Performance Share Awards Issued Pursuant to the Churchill Downs Incorporated 2007 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the “Company LTIP”) as well as the Terms and Conditions of Performance Share Awards Issued Pursuant to the Churchill Downs Incorporated 2007 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan for Employees of TwinSpires (the “TwinSpires LTIP”). The objective of the Company LTIP and the TwinSpires LTIP was to support the entrepreneurial mindset desired by management by providing an opportunity to earn significant equity in the Company for achieving significant performance targets.
	In accordance with the Company LTIP, participants earned performance share awards over a five year period (2008 through 2012) payable in either cash or stock of the Company, at the discretion of the Company, based on performance targets achieved by the Company as well as the participant. During the first quarter subsequent to each plan year during the term of the Company LTIP, performance share awards denominated in either cash or stock were awarded to participants based on assessment of the achievement of performance targets. Such awards had varying service conditions and vested on a quarterly basis.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company awarded the final performance share awards under the Company LTIP related to the 2011 and 2012 LTIP years and recognized compensation expense of $5.3 million for the Company LTIP awards. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the performance targets of the Company LTIP were achieved for the 2011 and 2012 plan years. Compensation expense of $6.4 million was recognized for the Company LTIP awards. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the performance targets of the Company LTIP were achieved for the 2010 plan year. Compensation expense of $4.2 million was recognized for the Company LTIP awards.
	See Note 16, Shared Based Compensation Plans for discussion of the 2013 long-term incentive award program.

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans

Share-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation Plans	'
	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company has share-based employee compensation plans as described below. The total compensation expense, which includes compensation expense related to restricted share awards, restricted stock unit awards, stock option awards, granted LTIP awards and stock options associated with an employee stock purchase plan, was $21.5 million, $7.6 million, and $5.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Employee Stock Options
	The Company sponsors the Churchill Downs Incorporated 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “97 Plan”) and the Churchill Downs Incorporated 2007 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the “07 Incentive Plan”). In addition, the Company may, from time to time, grant stock option awards to individuals outside of its share-based compensation plans. These share-based incentive compensation plans are described below.
	On March 13, 2003, the Board of Directors suspended the 97 Plan. Awards issued under the 97 Plan prior to its suspension were unaffected by such suspension.
	The 97 Plan and the 07 Incentive Plan provide that the exercise price of any incentive stock option may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Outstanding stock options under the 97 Plan have contractual terms of ten years and generally vest three years from the date of grant. Outstanding stock options under the 07 Incentive Plan have contractual terms of ten years and generally vest ratably on each anniversary of the grant date over a three year period.
	Activity for stock options granted by the Company during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is presented below (in thousands, except per common share data):
		Number of Shares Under Option		Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Balance as of December 31, 2010	360		$	36.36
	Granted	—		$	—
	Exercises	(6	)	$	27.23
	Canceled/forfeited	—		$	—
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	354		$	36.52
	Granted	—		$	—
	Exercises	(153	)	$	36.8
	Canceled/forfeited	—		$	—
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	201		$	36.3
	Granted	—		$	—
	Exercises	(7	)	$	42.94
	Canceled/forfeited	(1	)	$	36.12
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	193		$	36.04
	During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Robert L. Evans, the Company’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Evans received a stock option, vesting quarterly over approximately three years to purchase an aggregate of 180,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on September, 27, 2010, the date on which the award was granted. This stock option has a contractual term of six years expiring on November 14, 2016.
	Under Mr. Evans’ previous employment agreement, Mr. Evans received a stock option, vesting quarterly over three years, to purchase an aggregate of 130,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on July 18, 2006. During 2012, Mr. Evans exercised options for 130,000 shares of the Company's common stock which were granted at $36.16, for common stock at stock prices ranging from $57.36 to $60.05.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, no stock options were granted. Whenever the Company issues stock options, it estimates the fair value of the stock options as of the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in the Company’s opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the Company’s employee stock options. The Company calculates the expected term for its stock options based on historical exercise behavior and bases the risk-free interest rate on a traded zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond with a term substantially equal to the stock option’s expected term. The volatility used to value stock options is based on historical volatility. The Company calculates historical volatility using a simple average calculation methodology based on daily price intervals as measured over the expected term of the stock option.
	At December 31, 2013, all outstanding options were vested and exercisable. The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except contractual life and per share data):
		Shares Under		Remaining		Average				Intrinsic			Aggregate
		Option		Contractual		Exercise Price				Value per			Intrinsic
				Life		Per Share				Share(1)			Value
	Options exercisable and vested at December 31, 2013	193		3		$	36.04			$	53.61		$	10,358
	-1	Computed based upon the amount by which the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2013, of $89.65 per share exceeded the weighted average exercise price.
	The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $0.3 million, $5.7 million, and $0.1 million, respectively. Cash received from stock option exercises totaled $0.3 million, $3.4 million, and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	At December 31, 2012, there were 161 thousand options exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $36.57.
	Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units
	2013 New Company LTIP
	During 2013, the Board of Directors approved the terms and conditions of performance share awards issued pursuant to the Churchill Downs Incorporated 2007 Omnibus stock incentive plan (the "New Company LTIP"). As a way to continue to encourage innovation, an entrepreneurial approach, and careful risk assessment, and in order to retain key executives, the New Company LTIP offers long-term incentive compensation to the Company's named executive officers and other key executives ("Grantees") as reported in the Company's Schedule 14A Proxy Statement filing, with the exception of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.
	During 2013, the Grantees received 92,000 restricted shares of the Company's common stock vesting over approximately four years and 324,000 restricted shares of the Company's common stock with vesting contingent upon the Company's common stock reaching certain closing prices on NASDAQ for 20 consecutive trading days. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company's closing stock price achieved the twenty consecutive trading day closing stock price requirement for 155,000 restricted shares. Per the terms of the New Company LTIP, Grantees will vest in these shares during March, August and September 2014.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized $12.8 million of compensation expense related to the New Company LTIP. As of December 31, 2013, unrecognized compensation expense attributable to unvested market condition awards and service period awards was $6.2 million and $4.9 million, respectively. The weighted average period over which the Company expects to recognize the remaining compensation expense under the market condition awards and service period awards approximates 5 months and 29 months, respectively.
	Other Restricted Share Awards
	The Company sponsored the Churchill Downs Incorporated 2004 Restricted Stock Plan (the “04 Plan”). In addition, the Company, may, from time to time, grant restricted shares or restricted stock units to individuals outside of its share-based compensation plans.
	On March 15, 2007, the Board of Directors replaced the 04 Plan with the 07 Incentive Plan. Awards issued under the 04 Plan prior to its termination were unaffected by such termination. The 07 Incentive Plan permits the award of restricted shares or restricted stock units to directors and key employees, including officers, of the Company and its subsidiaries who are from time to time responsible for the management, growth and protection of the business of the Company and its subsidiaries.
	Restricted shares granted under the 04 Plan generally vest in full five years from the date of grant or upon retirement at or after age 60. Restricted shares granted under the 07 Incentive Plan generally vest in full three years from the date of grant or upon retirement at or after age 60. The fair value of restricted shares under both the 04 Plan and the 07 Incentive Plan is determined by the product of the number of shares granted and the grant date market price of the Company’s common stock, discounted to consider the fact that dividends are not paid on these shares.
	During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Robert L. Evans. Mr. Evans received (i) 45,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, with vesting contingent upon the Company’s common stock reaching certain closing prices on NASDAQ for twenty consecutive trading days, and (ii) 81,250 restricted stock shares, vesting quarterly over 6.0 years. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, 15,000 shares and 30,000 shares, respectively, with vesting contingent upon the Company's stock price, reached the required closing stock prices and vested.
	Under a previous employment agreement with Robert L. Evans, Mr. Evans received (i) 90,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, with vesting contingent upon the Company’s common stock reaching certain closing prices on NASDAQ for twenty consecutive trading days, (ii) 65,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, vesting quarterly over five years, and contingent upon the Company’s common stock reaching certain closing prices on NASDAQ for ten consecutive trading days and (iii) 65,000 restricted stock units representing shares of the Company’s common stock, vesting quarterly over five years, with Mr. Evans entitled to receive the shares underlying the units (along with a cash payment equal to accumulated dividend equivalents beginning with the lapse of forfeiture, plus interest at a 3% annual rate) six months after termination of employment. The restricted share awards were approved by the Company’s shareholders at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 28, 2007, the grant date of these awards. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, 60,000 shares and 52,500 shares, respectively, with vesting contingent upon the Company's stock price, reached the required closing stock prices and vested.
	Activity for the 04 Plan, the 07 Incentive Plan and awards made outside of share-based compensation plans for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, is presented below (in thousands, except per common share data):
		Market Condition (Performance-Based) Awards						Service Period Awards						Total
		Number of		Weighted				Number of			Weighted			Number of		Weighted
		Shares		Average				Shares			Average			Shares		Average
				Grant Date							Grant Date					Grant Date
				Fair Value							Fair Value					Fair Value
	Balance as of December 31, 2010	112		$	43.4			222			$	36.72		334		$	38.96
	Granted	—		$	—			156			$	42.95		156		$	42.95
	Vested	—		$	—			(70	)		$	42.41		(70	)	$	42.21
	Canceled/forfeited	—		$	—			(1	)		$	35.81		(1	)	$	35.81
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	112		$	43.76			307			$	38.63		419		$	40.01
	Granted	—		$	—			182			$	51.99		182		$	51.99
	Vested	(52	)	$	41.31			(169	)		$	45.85		(221	)	$	44.77
	Canceled/forfeited	—		$	—			(1	)		$	39.12		(1	)	$	39.12
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	60		$	45.9			319			$	42.42		379		$	42.97
	Granted	324		$	53.71			287			$	67.55		611		$	60.21
	Vested	(60	)	$	45.9			(256	)		$	59.54		(316	)	$	53.9
	Canceled/forfeited	—		$	—			(1	)		$	38.75		(1	)	$	38.75
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	324		$	53.71			349			$	53.58		673		$	53.64
	As of December 31, 2013, there was $14.9 million of unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to nonvested restricted share and restricted stock unit awards that the Company expects to recognize over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.
As of December 31, 2013, employees of the Company held 324,000 restricted shares subject to performance-based vesting criteria (all of which are considered market-based restricted shares), which were issued during the year ended December 31, 2013. The number of these shares that vest is based upon established market-based performance targets that will be assessed on an ongoing basis.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Company is authorized to sell, pursuant to short-term stock options, shares of its common stock to its full-time (or part-time for at least 20 hours per week and at least five months per year) employees at a discount from the common stock’s fair market value. The Employee Stock Purchase Plan operates on the basis of recurring, consecutive one-year periods. Each period commences on August 1 and ends on the following July 31.
Each August 1, the Company offers eligible employees the opportunity to purchase common stock. Employees who elect to participate for each period have a designated percentage of their compensation withheld (after-tax) and applied to the purchase of shares of common stock on the last day of the period, July 31. The Employee Stock Purchase Plan allows withdrawals, terminations and reductions on the amounts being deducted. The purchase price for the common stock is 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the common stock on (i) the first day of the period, or (ii) the last day of the period. No employee may purchase common stock under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan valued at more than $25 thousand for each calendar year.
Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Company sold approximately seventeen thousand shares of common stock to employees pursuant to options granted on August 1, 2012, and exercised on July 31, 2013. Because the plan year overlaps the Company’s fiscal year, the number of shares to be sold pursuant to options granted on August 1, 2013, can only be estimated because the 2013 plan year is not yet complete. The Company’s estimate of options granted in 2013 under the Plan is based on the number of shares sold to employees under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan for the 2012 plan year, adjusted to reflect the change in the number of employees participating in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan in 2013. The Company recognized compensation expense related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan of$0.4 million, $0.4 million, and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Fair_Value_Of_Assets_And_Liabi

Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities	'
	FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
	The Company endeavors to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following table presents the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		Fair Value
		Hierarchy	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Cash equivalents and restricted cash	Level 1	$	36,940		$	39,033
	Contingent consideration liability	Level 3	$	(2,331	)	$	(2,331	)
	Senior Unsecured Notes	Level 2	$	305,250		$	—
	The Company's cash equivalents and restricted cash, which are held in interest-bearing accounts, qualify for Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy which includes unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets.
	The Company's accrued liability for a contingent consideration recorded in conjunction with the Bluff acquisition was based on significant inputs not observed in the market and represents a Level 3 fair value measurement. The estimate of the contingent consideration liability uses an income approach and is based on the probability of achieving enabling legislation which permits Internet poker gaming and the probability-weighted discounted cash flows. Any change in the fair value of the contingent consideration subsequent to the acquisition date will be recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
	The Company's $300 million par value Senior Unsecured Notes, which were issued on December 16, 2013, via a private offering, represent a Level 2 fair value measurement. The fair value of the Senior Unsecured Notes is estimated based on unadjusted quoted prices for similar liabilities in markets that are not active.
	The Company currently has no other assets or liabilities subject to fair value measurement on a recurring basis. The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
	Cash Equivalents—The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for cash equivalents approximates its fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.
	Long-Term Debt: Senior Secured Credit Facility—The carrying amounts of the Company’s borrowings under its Senior Secured Credit Facility approximates fair value, based upon current interest rates and represents a Level 2 fair value measurement.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not measure any assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Legal Proceedings
	The Company records an accrual for legal contingencies to the extent that it concludes that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Except as disclosed below, no estimate of the possible loss or range of loss in excess of amounts accrued, if any, can be made at this time regarding the matters specifically described below. We do not believe that the final outcome of these matters will have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
	Illinois Department of Revenue
	In October 2012, the Company filed a verified complaint for preliminary and permanent injunctive relief and for declaratory judgment (the “Complaint”) against the Illinois Department of Revenue (the “Department”). The Company's complaint was filed in response to Notices of Deficiency issued by the Department on March 18, 2010, and September 6, 2012. In response to said Notices of Deficiency, the Company, on October 4, 2012, issued a payment in protest in the amount of $2.9 million (the “Protest Payment”) under the State Officers and Employees Money Disposition Act and recorded this amount as an other asset. The Company subsequently filed its complaint in November alleging that the Department erroneously included handle, instead of the Company's commissions from handle, in the computation of the Company's sales factor (a computation of the Company's gross receipts from wagering within the State of Illinois) for determining the applicable tax owed. On October 30, 2012, the Company's Motion for Preliminary Injunctive Relief was granted, which prevents the Department from depositing any monies from the Protest Payment into the State of Illinois General Fund and from taking any further action against the Company until the Circuit Court takes final action on the Company's Complaint. If successful with its Complaint, the Company will be entitled to a full or partial refund of the Protest Payment from the Department. On October 11, 2013, depositions were taken from the plaintiffs. This matter remains pending before the Tax and Miscellaneous Remedies Section of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
	Kentucky Downs
	On September 5, 2012, Kentucky Downs Management, Inc. (“KDMI”) filed a petition for declaration of rights in Kentucky Circuit Court located in Simpson County, Kentucky styled Kentucky Downs Management Inc. v. Churchill Downs Incorporated (Civil Action No. 12-CI-330) (the “Simpson County Case”) requesting a declaration that the Company does not have the right to exercise its put right and require Kentucky Downs, LLC (“Kentucky Downs”) and/or Kentucky Downs Partners, LLC (“KDP”) to purchase the Company’s ownership interest in Kentucky Downs. On September 18, 2012, the Company filed a complaint in Kentucky Circuit Court located in Jefferson County, Kentucky, styled Churchill Downs Incorporated v. Kentucky Downs, LLC; Kentucky Downs Partners, LLC; and Kentucky Downs Management Inc. (Civil Action No. 12-CI-04989) (the “Jefferson County Case”) claiming that Kentucky Downs and KDP had breached the operating agreement for Kentucky Downs and requesting a declaration that the Company had validly exercised its put right and a judgment compelling Kentucky Downs and/or KDP to purchase the Company’s ownership interest in Kentucky Downs pursuant to the terms of the applicable operating agreement. On October 9, 2012, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the Simpson County Case and Kentucky Downs, KDP and KDMI filed a motion to dismiss the Jefferson County Case. A hearing for the motion to dismiss in the Simpson County Case occurred November 30, 2012. At that hearing the Company’s motion to dismiss the Simpson County Case was denied. Subsequently, Kentucky Downs, KDMI and KDP’s motion to dismiss the Jefferson County Case was granted on January 23, 2013, due to the Simpson County Circuit Court’s assertion of jurisdiction over the dispute. On May 16, 2013, Kentucky Downs, KDP and KDMI filed a Motion for Summary Judgment against the Company and Turfway Park, LLC. On September 19, 2013, the Company filed its response to the Motion for Summary Judgment. A hearing occurred before the Simpson County Circuit Court on September 23, 2013 on the Kentucky Downs, KDP and KDMI Motion for Summary Judgment. All parties appeared before the Simpson County Court and oral arguments were heard. On October 31, 2013, the Simpson County Court entered an Order Denying Petitioners’ (Kentucky Downs Management Inc. et al.) Motion for Summary Judgment. The case will now move forward through discovery and to trial. No trial date has been set.
	Texas Pari-Mutuel Wagering
	On September 21, 2012, the Company filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas styled Churchill Downs Incorporated; Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company d/b/a TwinSpires.com v. Chuck Trout, in his official capacity as Executive Director of the Texas Racing Commission; Gary P. Aber, Susan Combs, Ronald F. Ederer, Gloria Hicks, Michael F. Martin, Allan Polunsky, Robert Schmidt, John T. Steen III, Vicki Smith Weinberg, in their official capacity as members of the Texas Racing Commission (Case No. 1:12-cv-00880-LY) challenging the constitutionality of a Texas law requiring residents of Texas that desire to wager on horseraces to wager in person at a Texas race track. In addition to its complaint, on September 21, 2012, the Company filed a motion for preliminary injunction seeking to enjoin the state from taking any action to enforce the law in question. In response, on October 9, 2012, counsel for the state assured both the Company and the court that the state would not enforce the law in question against the Company without prior notice, at which time the court could then consider the motion for preliminary injunction. On April 15, 2013, both parties filed their opening briefs, and a trial was held on May 2, 2013. On September 23, 2013, the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas ruled against the Company and upheld the Texas law at issue. Subsequently, on September 25, 2013, the Company ceased taking wagers from Texas residents via TwinSpires.com and returned deposited funds to Texas residents. The Company filed a motion for an expedited hearing in the United States Court of Appeals, which was granted on October 17, 2013. The Texas Racing Commission, et. al., filed an appellate brief on December 13, 2013. The Company filed its brief in reply on December 30, 2013. Oral arguments were heard before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on February 4, 2014, and the Company is awaiting a ruling from the Court.
	Balmoral, Maywood and Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association
	On February 14, 2011, Balmoral Racing Club, Inc., Maywood Park Trotting Association, Inc. and the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association, Inc. filed a lawsuit styled Balmoral Racing Club, Inc., Maywood Park Trotting Association, Inc. and the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association Inc. vs. Churchill Downs Incorporated, Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company d/b/a TwinSpires.com and Youbet.com, LLC (Case No. 11-CV-D1028) in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. The plaintiffs allege that Youbet.com breached a co-branding agreement dated December 2007, as amended on December 21, 2007, and September 26, 2008 (the “Agreement”), which was entered into between certain Illinois racetracks and a predecessor of Youbet.com. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants breached the agreement by virtue of an unauthorized assignment of the Agreement to TwinSpires.com and further allege that Youbet.com and TwinSpires have misappropriated trade secrets in violation of the Illinois Trade Secrets Act. Finally, the plaintiffs allege that the Company and TwinSpires.com tortiously interfered with the Agreement by causing Youbet.com to breach the Agreement. The plaintiffs have alleged damages of at least $3.6 million, or alternatively, of at least $0.8 million. On April 1, 2011, the plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, seeking an order compelling the defendants to turn over all Illinois customer accounts and prohibiting TwinSpires.com from using that list of Illinois customer accounts. On April 18, 2011, the defendants filed an answer and a motion to dismiss certain counts of the plaintiffs’ complaint, and Youbet.com asserted a counterclaim seeking certain declaratory relief relating to allegations that plaintiffs Maywood and Balmoral breached the Agreement in 2010, leading to its proper termination by Youbet.com on December 1, 2010. The preliminary injunction hearing took place on July 6, 2011, and, on July 21, 2011, the court denied the preliminary injunction. On March 9, 2012, the parties mediated the case without resolution. The parties filed motions for summary judgment in November and December 2012, respectively, and replies were filed in January 2013. During June 2013, the Court denied both parties’ motions for summary judgment. On November 1, 2013, the Company reached a final settlement in the matter and paid the plaintiffs $2.3 million, of which $2.0 million was reimbursed to the Company by its insurance carrier.
	There are no other material pending legal proceedings.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Comp

Earnings Per Common Share Computations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Common Share Computations	'
	EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE COMPUTATIONS
	The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the earnings per common share computations (in thousands, except per share data):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Numerator for basic earnings from continuing operations per
	common share:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	55,033		$	58,152		$	60,795
	Earnings from continuing operations allocated to participating securities	(873		)	(518		)	(1,103		)
	Numerator for basic earnings from continuing operations per	$	54,160		$	57,634		$	59,692
	common share
	Numerator for basic earnings per common share:
	Net earnings	$	54,900		$	58,276		$	64,355
	Net earnings allocated to participating securities	(870		)	(519		)	(1,180		)
	Numerator for basic net earnings per common share	$	54,030		$	57,757		$	63,175
	Numerator for diluted earnings from continuing operations per common share:	$	55,033		$	58,152		$	60,795
	Numerator for diluted earnings per common share	$	54,900		$	58,276		$	64,355
	Denominator for net earnings per common share:
	Basic	17,294			17,047			16,638
	Plus dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock	248			233			118
	Plus dilutive effect of participating securities	396			195			369
	Diluted	17,938			17,475			17,125
	Earnings (loss) per common share:
	Basic
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	3.13		$	3.38		$	3.59
	Discontinued operations	(0.01		)	0.01			0.21
	Net earnings	$	3.12		$	3.39		$	3.8
	Diluted
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	3.07		$	3.33		$	3.55
	Discontinued operations	(0.01		)	0.01			0.21
	Net earnings	$	3.06		$	3.34		$	3.76
	Options to purchase approximately 18 thousand shares for the year ended December 31, 2011, were not included in the computation of earnings per common share assuming dilution because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company operates in the following four segments: (1) Racing Operations, which includes Churchill Downs, Arlington and its eleven OTBs, Calder and Fair Grounds and the pari-mutuel activity generated at its twelve OTBs; (2) Gaming, which includes video poker and gaming operations at Calder Casino, Fair Grounds Slots, Harlow’s, Riverwalk, Oxford and VSI; (3) Online Business, which includes TwinSpires, our ADW business, Fair Grounds Account Wagering, Bloodstock Research Information Services, Velocity and Luckity, as well as the Company's equity investment in HRTV, LLC; and (4) Other Investments, which includes United Tote, MVG, Bluff and the Company's other minor investments. Eliminations include the elimination of intersegment transactions.
	Certain financial statement accounts have been reclassified in prior years to conform to current year presentation. There was no impact from these reclassifications on total assets, total liabilities, total net revenues, operating income, Adjusted EBITDA or cash flows.
	In order to evaluate the performance of these operating segments internally, the Company uses Adjusted EBITDA (defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, insurance recoveries net of losses, HRE Trust Fund proceeds, share-based compensation expenses, pre-opening expenses, the impairment of assets and other charges or recoveries). Adjusted EBITDA also includes 50% of the operating income or loss of our joint venture, MVG. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company implemented the Adjusted EBITDA metric because it believes the inclusion or exclusion of certain recurring and non-recurring items is necessary to provide a more accurate measure of its core operating results and enables management and investors to evaluate and compare from period to period our operating performance in a meaningful and consistent manner. The 2012 and 2011 financial information has been retrospectively revised to reflect the change in the segment profitability reporting measure. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to operating income as an indicator of performance, as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity, or as an alternative to any other measure provided in accordance with GAAP. The Company's calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may be different from the calculation used by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited.
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Note 1. The table below presents information about reported segments for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net revenues from external customers:
	Churchill Downs	$	132,845		$	124,255		$	121,886
	Arlington	64,483			69,077			69,694
	Calder	36,264			64,566			62,715
	Fair Grounds	40,677			44,190			44,625
	Total Racing Operations	274,269			302,088			298,920
	Calder Casino	78,951			77,864			82,819
	Fair Grounds Slots	42,156			42,881			41,553
	VSI	35,931			35,433			35,052
	Harlow’s Casino	52,440			56,604			53,205
	Oxford Casino	34,350			—			—
	Riverwalk Casino	53,645			10,330			—
	Total Gaming	297,473			223,112			212,629
	Online Business	184,541			183,279			165,416
	Other Investments	21,899			21,785			19,563
	Corporate	1,143			1,032			326
	Net revenues from external customers	$	779,325		$	731,296		$	696,854
	Intercompany net revenues:
	Churchill Downs	$	6,686		$	5,592		$	5,088
	Arlington	3,395			4,712			3,725
	Calder	1,263			1,583			2,307
	Fair Grounds	1,151			1,270			1,164
	Total Racing Operations	12,495			13,157			12,284
	Online Business	853			836			786
	Other Investments	4,409			3,466			2,015
	Eliminations	(17,757		)	(17,459		)	(15,085		)
	Net revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Reconciliation of segment Adjusted EBITDA to net earnings:
	Racing Operations	$	50,275		$	54,357		$	47,236
	Gaming	80,429			64,231			58,590
	Online Business	49,122			44,618			40,918
	Other Investments	1,011			(117		)	1,269
	Total segment Adjusted EBITDA	180,837			163,089			148,013
	Corporate Adjusted EBITDA	(4,606		)	(4,834		)	(2,523		)
	Insurance recoveries, net of losses	375			7,006			972
	HRE Trust Fund proceeds	4,541			—			19,258
	Share-based compensation expense	(21,482		)	(13,993		)	(9,730		)
	Pre-opening expenses	(3,620		)	—			—
	MVG interest expense, net	(170		)	—			—
	Other charges and recoveries, net	(2,500		)	—			2,720
	Depreciation and amortization	(61,750		)	(55,600		)	(55,170		)
	Interest income (expense), net	(6,119		)	(4,441		)	(8,456		)
	Income tax provision	(30,473		)	(33,075		)	(34,289		)
	Earnings from continuing operations	55,033			58,152			60,795
	Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(133		)	124			3,560
	Net earnings and comprehensive income	$	54,900		$	58,276		$	64,355
	The table below presents information about equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated investments included in the Company's reported segments for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Online Business	$	(848	)	$	(1,413	)	$	(1,198	)
	Other Investments	(3,294		)	(288		)	85
		$	(4,142	)	$	(1,701	)	$	(1,113	)
	The tables below present total asset information about reported segments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
	2013			2012
Total assets:
Racing Operations	$	513,345		$	502,993
Gaming	535,887			382,054
Online Business	186,621			184,638
Other Investments	116,408			44,652
	$	1,352,261		$	1,114,337
	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Capital expenditures, net:
Racing Operations	$	20,184		$	14,027		$	7,484
Gaming	13,643			14,524			7,490
Online Business	5,908			4,427			2,774
Other Investments	9,036			8,320			4,919
	$	48,771		$	41,298		$	22,667

Related_Party_Transactions_Not

Related Party Transactions (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	Directors and employees of the Company may from time to time own or have interests in horses racing at the Company’s racetracks. All such races are conducted, as applicable, under the regulations of each state’s respective regulatory agency, and no director receives any extra or special benefit with regard to having his or her horses selected to run in races or in connection with the actual running of races. There is no material financial statement impact attributable to directors who may have interests in horses racing at our racetracks.
	In its ordinary course of business, the Company may enter into transactions with certain of its officers and directors for the sale of personal seat licenses and suite accommodations at its racetracks, and tickets for its live racing events. The Company believes that each such transaction has been on terms no less favorable for the Company than could have been obtained in a transaction with a third party and no such person received any extra or special benefit in connection with such transactions.

HRE_Trust_Fund_Proceeds_Notes

HRE Trust Fund Proceeds (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
HRE Trust Fund Proceeds [Abstract]	'
HRE Trust Fund Proceeds [Table Text Block]	'
	NOTE 22 — HRE TRUST FUND PROCEEDS
	Under legislation enacted in 1999, the HRE Trust Fund was scheduled to receive amounts equal to 15% of the adjusted gross receipts generated by a tenth riverboat casino license to be granted in Illinois. The funds were to be distributed to racetracks in Illinois for purses as well as racetrack discretionary spending. During December 2008, the Illinois Gaming Board awarded the tenth riverboat license to a casino in Des Plaines, Illinois. This casino opened during July 2011, entitling the Illinois racing industry to receive an amount equal to 15% of the adjusted gross receipts of this casino from the gaming taxes generated by that casino, once the accumulated funds were appropriated by the state.
	On July 10, 2013, the Governor of Illinois signed Illinois House Bill 214 into law, providing for the release of $23.0 million of funds collected from the tenth riverboat licensee since its opening during 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2013, Arlington received $7.9 million as its share of the proceeds, of which $3.6 million was designated for Arlington purses. The remaining $4.2 million was recognized as miscellaneous other income in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income during the year ended December 31, 2013. No additional proceeds related to future funds of the tenth riverboat are expected to be distributed to Illinois racetracks under the provisions of House Bill 214.

Basis_Of_Presentation_and_Summ1

Basis Of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	Churchill Downs Incorporated (the “Company”) is a diversified provider of pari-mutuel horseracing, casino gaming, entertainment, and is the country’s premier source of online account wagering on horseracing events. The Company offers gaming products through its casinos in Mississippi, its slot and video poker operations in Louisiana, its slot and poker operations in Florida, and its casino in Maine.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Calder Race Course, Inc. and Tropical Park, Inc. which hold licenses to conduct pari-mutuel wagering and horseracing at Calder Race Course (“Calder”), Arlington International Race Course, LLC (“Arlington”), Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company, LLC (“CDI Louisiana”), Churchill Downs Louisiana Video Poker Company, LLC (“CD Louisiana Video”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Video Services, LLC (“VSI”), SW Gaming, LLC (“Harlow’s”), Oxford Casino (“Oxford”), Magnolia Hill, LLC ("Riverwalk"), Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company (“CDTIC”), the owner and operator of TwinSpires and United Tote Company, Inc. (“United Tote”), Churchill Downs Investment Company (“CDIC”), Bluff Media ("Bluff"), as well as the Company's equity investment in HRTV, LLC (“HRTV”) and a 50% joint venture in Miami Valley Gaming & Racing LLC ("MVG"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income include net revenues and operating expenses associated with the Company's Racing Operations, Gaming, Online Business and Other Investments operating segments and are defined as follows:
	Racing: net revenues and corresponding operating expenses associated with commissions earned on wagering at the Company’s racetracks, off-track betting facilities (“OTBs”) and simulcast fees earned from other wagering sites. In addition, amounts include ancillary revenues and expenses generated by the pari-mutuel facilities including admissions, sponsorships and licensing rights, food and beverage sales and fees for the alternative uses of its facilities.
	Gaming: net revenues and corresponding operating expenses generated from slot machines, table games and video poker. In addition, it includes ancillary revenues and expenses generated by food and beverage sales, hotel operations revenue and miscellaneous other revenue.
	Online: net revenues and corresponding operating expenses generated by the Company’s Advance Deposit Wagering (“ADW”) business from wagering through the Internet, telephone or other mobile devices on pari-mutuel events. In addition, it includes the Company’s information business that provides data information and processing services to the equine industry.
	Other: net revenues and corresponding operating expenses generated by United Tote Company, the Company’s provider of pari-mutuel wagering systems and Bluff.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain financial statement accounts have been reclassified in prior years to conform to current year presentation. There was no impact from these reclassifications on total assets, total liabilities, total net revenues, operating income or cash flows.
	Current Year Reclassifications
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company completed the sale of 100% of the assets of Fight! Magazine ("Fight"), a division of Bluff which was acquired by the Company in February 2012. Net revenues, operating expenses and the loss on the sale of Fight for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, have been reclassified to discontinued operations. There was no impact from these reclassifications on net earnings or cash flows.
Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company has, from time to time, cash in the bank in excess of federally insured limits. Checks issued but not presented to banks frequently result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes and are classified as a current liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash represents amounts due to horsemen for purses, stakes and awards as well as customer deposits collected for advance deposit wagering. In addition, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, restricted cash included $8.8 million and $12.9 million, respectively, of funds related to the Horse Racing Equity Trust Fund ("HRE Trust Fund") proceeds in Illinois, as further described in Note 22.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	'
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The allowance is maintained at a level considered appropriate based on historical and other factors that affect collectability. Uncollectible accounts receivable are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable when management determines that the probability of payment is remote and collection efforts have ceased.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets as follows: 10 to 40 years for grandstands and buildings, 2 to 10 years for equipment, 2 to 10 years for furniture and fixtures and 10 to 20 years for tracks and other improvements.
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible Assets
	The Company determines the initial carrying value of its intangible assets in accordance with purchase accounting based on the anticipated future cash flows relating to the intangible asset. Definite-lived intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from one to thirty years using the straight-line method. Definite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with the Company's policy for long-lived assets below.
	Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of March 31 or between annual tests if events occur or circumstances indicate there may be impairment. Guidance related to goodwill impairment testing allows an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then the Company would perform the two step goodwill impairment test. The first step, used to identify potential impairment, is a comparison of the reporting unit's estimated fair value to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, applicable goodwill is considered not to be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, there is an indication of impairment and the second step is performed to measure the amount of the impairment, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test consists of comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized equal to such excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner, as when determining the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination.
	The Company considers its slots gaming rights and trademarks as indefinite-lived intangible assets that do not require amortization based on its future expectations to operate its gaming facilities indefinitely, as well as its historical experience in renewing these intangible assets at minimal cost with various state gaming commissions. Rather, these intangible assets are tested annually as of March 31, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. In 2013, in connection with its annual impairment testing, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other: Testing Indefinite-Lived Assets for Impairment which allows an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the slots gaming rights and trademark intangible assets exceed their fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. The Company completed the required annual impairment tests of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, and no adjustment to the carrying values of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets was required.
Long-lived Assets-Impairments	'
	Long-lived Assets-Impairments
	In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of tangible assets and other long-lived assets or groups of assets may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability is performed. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the assets is compared to the assets’ carrying amount to determine if an impairment loss should be recorded. The impairment loss is based on the excess, if any, of the carrying value over the fair value of the assets.
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	'
	Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
	The Company adheres to a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories: Level 1: Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The Company endeavors to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Internal Use Software	'
	Internal Use Software
	The Company capitalized internal use software primarily related to its Online Business of approximately $7.4 million, $5.2 million and $3.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The estimated useful life of costs capitalized is generally three years. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the amortization of capitalized costs totaled approximately $5.1 million, $4.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively. Capitalized internal use software is included in property and equipment, net. The Company records internal use software in accordance with current accounting guidance governing computer software developed or obtained for internal use.
Loan Orgination Costs	'
	Loan Origination Costs
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company incurred $2.3 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, in loan origination costs associated with the second and third amended and restated credit facility, which were capitalized and are being amortized as interest expense over the remaining term of the credit facility.
Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Debt Issuance Costs
	Debt issuance costs are deferred and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the contractual term of the underlying indebtedness. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company incurred $6.3 million in debt issuance costs associated with the issuance of the Senior Unsecured Notes.
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Text Block]	'
	Investment in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates
	The Company has investments in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for under the equity method. Under the equity method, carrying value is adjusted for the Company's share of the investees' earnings and losses, as well as capital contributions to and distributions from these companies. Distributions in excess of equity method earnings are recognized as a return of investment and recorded as investing cash inflows in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company classified operating income and losses as well as gains and impairments related to its investments in unconsolidated affiliates as a component of operating income or loss, as the Company's investment in such unconsolidated affiliates are an extension of the Company's core business operations.
	The Company evaluates its investment in unconsolidated affiliates for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of its investment may have experienced an "other-than-temporary" decline in value. If such conditions exist, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the investment to its carrying value to determine if an impairment is indicated and determines whether the impairment is "other-than-temporary" based on its assessment of all relevant factors, including consideration of the Company's intent and ability to retain its investment. The Company estimates fair value using a discounted cash flow analysis based on estimated future results of the investee.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Pari-mutuel revenues are recognized upon occurrence of the live race that is presented for wagering and after that live race is made official by the respective state’s racing regulatory body. Gaming revenues represent net gaming wins, which is the difference between gaming wins and losses. Other operating revenues such as admissions, programs and concession revenues are recognized once delivery of the product or services has occurred.
	Approximately 42% of the Company’s revenues for the year ended December 31, 2013, are generated by pari-mutuel wagering on live and simulcast racing content through OTBs and ADW providers. Live racing handle includes patron wagers made on live races at the Company’s racetracks and also wagers made on imported simulcast signals by patrons at the Company’s racetracks during live meets. Import simulcasting handle includes wagers on imported signals at the Company’s racetracks when the respective tracks are not conducting live racing meets, at the Company’s OTBs and through the Company’s ADW providers throughout the year. Export handle includes all patron wagers made on live racing signals sent to other tracks, OTBs and ADW providers. Advance deposit wagering consists of patron wagers through an advance deposit account.
	The Company retains as revenue a predetermined percentage or commission on the total amount wagered, and the balance is distributed to the winning patrons. The gross percentages earned approximated 10% of handle for our Racing Operations segment and 19% of handle for our Online Business segment. The Company is subject to pari-mutuel and gaming taxes based on pari-mutuel and gaming revenues in the jurisdictions in which it operates. These taxes are recorded as an operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Customer Loyalty Programs	'
	Customer Loyalty Programs
	The Company's customer loyalty programs offer incentives to customers who wager at the Company’s racetracks, through its advance deposit wagering platform, TwinSpires.com, or at its gaming facilities. The TSC Elite program, which was introduced during the year ended December 31, 2012, to replace the previous program, TwinSpires Club, is for pari-mutuel wagering at the Company’s racetracks or through TwinSpires.com. The Player’s Club is offered at the Company’s gaming facilities in Louisiana, Florida, Maine and Mississippi. Under the programs, customers are able to accumulate points over time that they may redeem for cash, free play, merchandise or food and beverage items at their discretion under the terms of the programs.  As a result of the ability of the customer to accumulate points, the Company accrues the cost of points, after consideration of estimated forfeitures, as they are earned.  For the TSC Elite program, the estimated value of the cost to redeem points is recorded as the points are earned.  To arrive at the estimated cost associated with points, estimates and assumptions are made regarding incremental costs of the benefits, rates and the mix of goods and services for which points will be redeemed. For the Player’s Cub program, the retail value of the points-based cash awards or complimentary goods and services is netted against revenue as a promotional allowance.
Account Wagering Deposit Liabilities	'
	Account Wagering Deposit Liabilities
	Account wagering deposit liabilities consist of deposits received from TwinSpires.com and Velocity customers, to be used to fund wagering through the Online Business players' accounts. Account wagering deposit liability balances are also classified as restricted cash within the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Promotional Allowances	'
	Promotional Allowances
	Promotional allowances, which include the Company’s customer loyalty programs, primarily consist of the retail value of complimentary goods and services provided to guests at no charge. The retail value of these promotional allowances is included in gross revenue and then deducted to arrive at net revenue.
Deferred Revenue	'
	Deferred Revenue
	Deferred revenue includes advance sales related to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks races in Kentucky and other advance billings on racing events. Revenues from these advance billings are recognized when the related event occurs. Deferred revenue also includes advance sales of Personal Seat Licenses (“PSLs”) and luxury suites. PSLs represent the ownership of a specific seat for the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Breeders’ Cup races at Churchill Downs and have a contractual life of either one, two, three, five or thirty years.
	Revenue from PSLs is recognized when the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Breeders’ Cup races occur on a ratable basis over the term of the contract. Luxury suites are sold for specific racing events as well as for a predetermined contractual term. Revenue related to the sale of luxury suites is recognized as they are utilized when the related event occurs.
Pari-mutuel and Gaming Taxes	'
	Pari-mutuel and Gaming Taxes
	The Company recognizes pari-mutuel and gaming tax expense based on the statutorily required percentage of revenue that is required to be paid to state and local jurisdictions in the states in which wagering occurs. Individual states and local jurisdictions set pari-mutuel tax rates which range from 0.5% to 10.0% of the total handle wagered by patrons. Gaming tax rates range from 1.5% to 46% of net gaming revenue.
Purse Expense	'
	Purse Expense
	The Company recognizes purse expense based on the statutorily required percentage of revenue that is required to be paid out in the form of purses to the qualifying finishers of horseraces run at the Company’s racetracks in the period in which wagering occurs. The Company incurs a liability for all unpaid purses to be paid out. The Company may pay out purses in excess of statutorily required amounts resulting in purse overpayments, which are expensed as incurred. Recoveries of purse overpayments are recognized in the period they are realized.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	In accordance with the liability method of accounting for income taxes, the Company recognizes the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns.
	Adjustments to deferred taxes are determined based upon the changes in differences between the book basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities, measured by enacted tax rates the Company estimates will be applicable when these differences are expected to reverse. Changes in current tax laws, enacted tax rates or the estimated level of taxable income or non-deductible expenses could change the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and affect the overall effective tax rate and tax provision.
	When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that will be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with the tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.
Uncashed Winning Tickets	'
	Uncashed Winning Tickets
	The Company’s policy for uncashed winning pari-mutuel tickets follows the requirements as set forth by each state’s pari-mutuel wagering laws. The Company will either remit uncashed pari-mutuel ticket winnings to the state according to the state’s escheat or pari-mutuel laws or will maintain the liability during the required holding period according to state law at which time the Company will recognize it as income.
Insurance Recoveries	'
	Insurance Recoveries
	In connection with losses incurred from natural disasters, insurance proceeds are collected on existing business interruption and property and casualty insurance policies. When losses are sustained in one accounting period and the amounts to be recovered are collected in a subsequent accounting period, management uses estimates and judgment to determine the amounts that are probable of recovery. Estimated losses, net of anticipated insurance recoveries, are recognized in the period the natural disaster occurs and the amount of the loss is determinable. To the extent that insurance proceeds received are less than the carrying value of the assets impaired, the proceeds are reported in the statement of cash flows as an investing activity. Insurance recoveries in excess of estimated losses are recognized when realizable and are reported in net earnings in the statement of cash flows as an operating activity.
Workers' Compensation and General Liability Self-Insurance	'
	Workers’ Compensation and General Liability Self-Insurance
	The Company is substantially self-insured for losses related to workers’ compensation and general liability claims with stop-loss insurance for both coverages. Losses are accrued based upon the Company’s undiscounted estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred based on historical experience and certain actuarial assumptions. Expected recoveries from third party insurance companies are also estimated and accrued.
Advertising	'
	Advertising
	The Company expenses the costs of general advertising and associated promotional expenditures at the time the costs are incurred.
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	All share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options and restricted stock, are recognized as compensation expense over the service period based on the fair value on the date of grant.
Computation of Net Earnings per Common Share	'
	Computation of Net Earnings per Common Share
	Net earnings per common share is presented for both basic earnings per common share (“Basic EPS”) and diluted earnings per common share (“Diluted EPS”). Earnings attributable to securities that are deemed to be participating securities are excluded from the calculation of Basic EPS using the two-class method. The Company has determined that employee restricted stock grants, including awards granted under its long-term incentive plans, are participating securities. Basic EPS is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding unvested restricted stock and stock options held by employees. Diluted EPS is based upon the weighted average number of common and potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options as well as unvested restricted stock, the proceeds of which are then assumed to have been used to repurchase outstanding common stock using the treasury stock method. For periods that the Company reports a net loss, all potential common shares are considered anti-dilutive and are excluded from calculations of Diluted EPS. For periods when the Company reports net earnings, potential common shares with exercise prices in excess of the Company’s average common stock fair value for the related period are considered anti-dilutive and are excluded from calculations of Diluted EPS. See Note 19 for further details.
Use of Estimates,	'
	Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company’s most significant estimates relate to the valuation of property and equipment, income tax liabilities, goodwill and other intangible assets, which may be significantly affected by changes in the regulatory environment in which the Company operates, and to the aggregate costs for self-insured liability claims.
Comprehensive Income, Policy	'
	Comprehensive Income
	The Company has no other components of comprehensive income and, as such, comprehensive income is the same as net earnings as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	As noted in Intangible Assets above, the Company adopted ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other: Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. ASU 2012-02 simplifies indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing by adding a qualitative review step to assess whether a quantitative impairment analysis is necessary. Under the amended rule, a testing methodology similar to that which is performed for goodwill impairment testing is acceptable for assessing a company's indefinite-lived intangible assets. The new standard became effective for indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012.

Acquisitions_And_New_Ventures_

Acquisitions And New Ventures Acquisitions And New Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Oxford Acquisition [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	'
	The preliminary fair value of other intangible assets consists of the following (in thousands):
		Total
	Slot gaming rights	$	58,500
	Customer relationships	1,700
	Tradename	2,400
	Other intangibles	2,093
	Total intangible assets	$	64,693
Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	'
	The fair value of other intangible assets consists of the following (in thousands):
		Total
	Slot gaming rights	$	25,300
	Customer relationships	10,300
	Tradename	7,500
	Total intangible assets	$	43,100

Discontinued_Operations_Discon

Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Summary of results of operations of discontinued businesses	'
	Set forth below is a summary of the results of operations of discontinued businesses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
		Year ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net revenues	$	632		$	1,087		$	—
	Operating expenses	857			885			12
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	—			—			(11		)
	Operating (loss) gain	(225		)	202			(1		)
	Other income (expense)	145			(2		)	—
	(Loss) earnings from operations before income taxes	(80		)	200			(1		)
	Income tax benefit (provision)	30			(76		)	—
	(Loss) gain from operations	(50		)	124			(1		)
	(Loss) gain on sale of assets, net of income taxes	(83		)	—			3,561
	Net (loss) gain	$	(133	)	$	124		$	3,560

Natural_Disasters_Tables

Natural Disasters (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Summary Of The Impact Of The Natural Disasters Results Of Operations	'
	Set forth below is a summary of the impact of the natural disasters on the results of operations of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Casualty Losses		Insurance Recoveries			Insurance Recoveries, Net of Losses
	Racing	$	—	$	(375	)	$	(375	)
	Total	$	—	$	(375	)	$	(375	)
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Casualty Losses		Insurance Recoveries			Insurance Recoveries, Net of Losses
	Gaming	$	12,331	$	(18,856	)	$	(6,525	)
	Racing	$	644	$	(1,125	)	$	(481	)
	Total	$	12,975	$	(19,981	)	$	(7,006	)
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Casualty Losses		Insurance Recoveries			Insurance Recoveries, Net of Losses
	Gaming	$	603	$	(1,000	)	$	(397	)
	Racing	$	425	$	(1,000	)	$	(575	)
	Total	$	1,028	$	(2,000	)	$	(972	)

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	'
	The Company's accounts receivable at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Simulcast and ADW receivables	$	19,768		$	18,210
	Trade receivables	16,129			19,294
	PSL and hospitality receivables	9,410			8,335
	Other receivables	5,603			3,198
		50,910			49,037
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(4,338		)	(1,885		)
	Total	$	46,572		$	47,152

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Schedule of property and equipment	'
	Property and equipment is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Land	$	118,165		$	115,887
	Grandstands and buildings	435,125			413,896
	Equipment	208,966			180,452
	Furniture and fixtures	47,718			45,810
	Tracks and other improvements	121,085			92,197
	Construction in progress	15,214			7,793
		946,273			856,035
	Accumulated depreciation	(360,775		)	(313,153		)
	Total	$	585,498		$	542,882

Investment_In_and_Advances_To_1

Investment In and Advances To Unconsolidated Affiliate (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Affiliate Income Statement [Abstract]	'
Affiliate Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	'
	Summarized financial information for MVG at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the two years ended December, 31, 2013 and 2012 is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Assets
	Current assets	$	18,002		$	1,982
	Property and equipment, net	151,434			3,662
	Other assets, net	80,665			74,823
	Total assets	$	250,101		$	80,467
	Liabilities and Members' Equity
	Current liabilities	$	46,966		$	1,986
	Long-term debt	40,758			50,000
	Other liabilities	75			—
	Members' equity	162,302			28,481
	Total liabilities and members' equity	$	250,101		$	80,467
Affiliate Income Statement [Table Text Block]	'
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Gaming revenue	$	6,033		$	—
	Non-gaming revenue	5,919			109
	Net revenues	11,952			109
	Operating and SG&A expenses	10,605			242
	Depreciation & amortization expenses	945			7
	Pre-opening expenses	7,240			1,079
	Operating loss	(6,838		)	(1,219		)
	Interest and other expenses, net	(340		)	—
	Net loss	$	(7,178	)	$	(1,219	)
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company's share of MVG's results have been included in our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Equity in losses of unconsolidated investments	$	(3,589	)	$	(610	)

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	Goodwill of the Company at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		Racing		Gaming		Online		Other			Total
		Operations				Business		Investments
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	50,400	$	34,689	$	127,364	$	1,259		$	213,712
	Reclassifications	1,259		—		—		(1,259		)	—
	Additions	—		32,768		—		3,934			36,702
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	51,659		67,457		127,364		3,934			250,414
	Additions	—		50,202		—		—			50,202
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	51,659	$	117,659	$	127,364	$	3,934		$	300,616

Other_Intangible_Assets_Other_

Other Intangible Assets Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Indefinite and Finite Lived Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company’s other intangible assets are comprised of the following (in thousands):
		December 31, 2013								December 31, 2012
		Gross			Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount		Amount					Amount
	Definite-lived intangible assets:
	Favorable contracts	$	11,000		$	(4,260	)	$	6,740	$	11,000	$	(3,613	)	$	7,387
	Customer relationships	56,540			(30,464		)	26,076		57,900		(24,594		)	33,306
	Slots gaming license	2,250			(1,125		)	1,125		2,250		(1,125		)	1,125
	Table games license	2,493			(50		)	2,443		—		—			—
	Other	3,719			(297		)	3,422		4,079		(267		)	3,812
		$	76,002		$	(36,196	)	39,806		$	75,229	$	(29,599	)	45,630
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Slots gaming rights							128,890							70,390
	Trademarks							25,729							23,397
	Illinois Horseracing Equity Trust							3,307							3,307
	Other							417							417
	Total							$	198,149						$	143,141
Schedule of future estimated amortization expense	'
	Future estimated aggregate amortization expense on existing definite-lived intangible assets for each of the next five fiscal years is as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ended		Estimated
	December 31,		Amortization
			Expense
	2014		$	9,127
	2015		$	8,234
	2016		$	7,633
	2017		$	7,110
	2018		$	7,110

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Tabl

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of components of income tax expense (benefit)	'
	Components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Current provision:
	Federal	$	22,727		$	21,103		$	16,918
	State and local	2,462			2,351			3,423
	Foreign	—			(38		)	(149		)
		25,189			23,416			20,192
	Deferred:
	Federal	5,788			8,292			12,798
	State and local	(504		)	1,367			1,299
		5,284			9,659			14,097
		$	30,473		$	33,075		$	34,289
	The Company’s income tax expense is different from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to income before taxes as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Federal statutory tax on earnings before income taxes	$	29,928		$	31,929		$	33,280
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	1,514			2,185			3,283
	Non-deductible lobbying and contributions	723			946			517
	Tax credits and incentives	(663		)	(494		)	(775		)
	Tax adjustments	(174		)	(1,093		)	(434		)
	Accruals and settlements related to tax audits	(395		)	(686		)	(426		)
	Valuation allowance	(220		)	—			105
	Change in effective state tax rates	(383		)	197			(714		)
	Other permanent differences	143			91			(547		)
		$	30,473		$	33,075		$	34,289
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
	Components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Deferred compensation plans	$	14,271		$	12,022
	Deferred income	6,328			8,396
	Allowance for uncollectible receivables	1,295			281
	Deferred liabilities	3,574			4,239
	Net operating losses and credit carryforward	19,186			20,749
	Deferred tax assets	44,654			45,687
	Valuation allowance	(1,213		)	(1,334		)
	Net deferred tax asset	43,441			44,353
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Intangible assets in excess of tax basis	22,749			18,725
	Property and equipment in excess of tax basis	40,135			40,175
	Other	2,246			1,874
	Deferred tax liabilities	65,130			60,774
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(21,689	)	$	(16,421	)
	Income taxes are classified in the balance sheet as follows:
	Net current deferred tax asset	$	8,927		$	8,227
	Net non-current deferred tax liability	(30,616		)	(24,648		)
		$	(21,689	)	$	(16,421	)
Schedule of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	'
	The changes in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of the year	$	1,334		$	1,487
	Charged to costs and expenses	168			—
	Charged to other accounts	—			33
	Deductions	(289		)	(186		)
	Balance at end of the year	$	1,213		$	1,334
Summary of income tax contingencies	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance as of January 1	$	8,565		$	2,109		$	2,926
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year	190			—			—
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	207			7,390			—
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(8,380		)	(934		)	(817		)
	Balance as of December 31	$	582		$	8,565		$	2,109

Total_Debt_Tables

Total Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents our total debt outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Total long-term debt:
	$300 million senior unsecured notes	$	300,000		$	—
	$500 million senior secured credit facility	58,000			—
	Swing line of credit	11,191			—
	Total long-term debt	369,191			—
	Current maturities of long-term debt:
	$375 million senior secured credit facility	—			205,000
	Swing line of credit	—			4,728
	Current maturities of long-term debt	—			209,728
	Total debt	$	369,191		$	209,728
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	Future aggregate maturities of total debt are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ended
	December 31,
	2014		$	—
	2015		—
	2016		—
	2017		—
	Thereafter		369,191
	Total		$	369,191

Operating_Leases_Tables

Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Future minimum operating lease payments	'
	Future minimum operating lease payments are as follows, not including the variable portion of contingent leases and Arlington’s contingent licensing agreements (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014	$	8,024
	2015	6,264
	2016	4,805
	2017	3,390
	2018	2,483
	Thereafter	5,130
	Total	$	30,096

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of stock option activity	'
	Activity for the 04 Plan, the 07 Incentive Plan and awards made outside of share-based compensation plans for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, is presented below (in thousands, except per common share data):
		Market Condition (Performance-Based) Awards						Service Period Awards						Total
		Number of		Weighted				Number of			Weighted			Number of		Weighted
		Shares		Average				Shares			Average			Shares		Average
				Grant Date							Grant Date					Grant Date
				Fair Value							Fair Value					Fair Value
	Balance as of December 31, 2010	112		$	43.4			222			$	36.72		334		$	38.96
	Granted	—		$	—			156			$	42.95		156		$	42.95
	Vested	—		$	—			(70	)		$	42.41		(70	)	$	42.21
	Canceled/forfeited	—		$	—			(1	)		$	35.81		(1	)	$	35.81
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	112		$	43.76			307			$	38.63		419		$	40.01
	Granted	—		$	—			182			$	51.99		182		$	51.99
	Vested	(52	)	$	41.31			(169	)		$	45.85		(221	)	$	44.77
	Canceled/forfeited	—		$	—			(1	)		$	39.12		(1	)	$	39.12
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	60		$	45.9			319			$	42.42		379		$	42.97
	Granted	324		$	53.71			287			$	67.55		611		$	60.21
	Vested	(60	)	$	45.9			(256	)		$	59.54		(316	)	$	53.9
	Canceled/forfeited	—		$	—			(1	)		$	38.75		(1	)	$	38.75
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	324		$	53.71			349			$	53.58		673		$	53.64
	Activity for stock options granted by the Company during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is presented below (in thousands, except per common share data):
		Number of Shares Under Option		Weighted Average Exercise Price
	Balance as of December 31, 2010	360		$	36.36
	Granted	—		$	—
	Exercises	(6	)	$	27.23
	Canceled/forfeited	—		$	—
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	354		$	36.52
	Granted	—		$	—
	Exercises	(153	)	$	36.8
	Canceled/forfeited	—		$	—
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	201		$	36.3
	Granted	—		$	—
	Exercises	(7	)	$	42.94
	Canceled/forfeited	(1	)	$	36.12
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	193		$	36.04
Disclosure of share based compensation award activity	'
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except contractual life and per share data):
		Shares Under		Remaining		Average				Intrinsic			Aggregate
		Option		Contractual		Exercise Price				Value per			Intrinsic
				Life		Per Share				Share(1)			Value
	Options exercisable and vested at December 31, 2013	193		3		$	36.04			$	53.61		$	10,358
	-1	Computed based upon the amount by which the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2013, of $89.65 per share exceeded the weighted average exercise price.
	estimates the fair value of the stock options as of the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Fair_Value_Of_Assets_And_Liabi1

Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring	'
	The following table presents the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		Fair Value
		Hierarchy	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Cash equivalents and restricted cash	Level 1	$	36,940		$	39,033
	Contingent consideration liability	Level 3	$	(2,331	)	$	(2,331	)
	Senior Unsecured Notes	Level 2	$	305,250		$	—

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Comp1

Earnings Per Common Share Computations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the earnings per common share computations (in thousands, except per share data):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Numerator for basic earnings from continuing operations per
	common share:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	55,033		$	58,152		$	60,795
	Earnings from continuing operations allocated to participating securities	(873		)	(518		)	(1,103		)
	Numerator for basic earnings from continuing operations per	$	54,160		$	57,634		$	59,692
	common share
	Numerator for basic earnings per common share:
	Net earnings	$	54,900		$	58,276		$	64,355
	Net earnings allocated to participating securities	(870		)	(519		)	(1,180		)
	Numerator for basic net earnings per common share	$	54,030		$	57,757		$	63,175
	Numerator for diluted earnings from continuing operations per common share:	$	55,033		$	58,152		$	60,795
	Numerator for diluted earnings per common share	$	54,900		$	58,276		$	64,355
	Denominator for net earnings per common share:
	Basic	17,294			17,047			16,638
	Plus dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock	248			233			118
	Plus dilutive effect of participating securities	396			195			369
	Diluted	17,938			17,475			17,125
	Earnings (loss) per common share:
	Basic
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	3.13		$	3.38		$	3.59
	Discontinued operations	(0.01		)	0.01			0.21
	Net earnings	$	3.12		$	3.39		$	3.8
	Diluted
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	3.07		$	3.33		$	3.55
	Discontinued operations	(0.01		)	0.01			0.21
	Net earnings	$	3.06		$	3.34		$	3.76

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	The table below presents information about equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated investments included in the Company's reported segments for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Online Business	$	(848	)	$	(1,413	)	$	(1,198	)
	Other Investments	(3,294		)	(288		)	85
		$	(4,142	)	$	(1,701	)	$	(1,113	)
	The tables below present total asset information about reported segments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
	Total assets:
	Racing Operations	$	513,345		$	502,993
	Gaming	535,887			382,054
	Online Business	186,621			184,638
	Other Investments	116,408			44,652
		$	1,352,261		$	1,114,337
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Capital expenditures, net:
	Racing Operations	$	20,184		$	14,027		$	7,484
	Gaming	13,643			14,524			7,490
	Online Business	5,908			4,427			2,774
	Other Investments	9,036			8,320			4,919
		$	48,771		$	41,298		$	22,667
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Note 1. The table below presents information about reported segments for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net revenues from external customers:
	Churchill Downs	$	132,845		$	124,255		$	121,886
	Arlington	64,483			69,077			69,694
	Calder	36,264			64,566			62,715
	Fair Grounds	40,677			44,190			44,625
	Total Racing Operations	274,269			302,088			298,920
	Calder Casino	78,951			77,864			82,819
	Fair Grounds Slots	42,156			42,881			41,553
	VSI	35,931			35,433			35,052
	Harlow’s Casino	52,440			56,604			53,205
	Oxford Casino	34,350			—			—
	Riverwalk Casino	53,645			10,330			—
	Total Gaming	297,473			223,112			212,629
	Online Business	184,541			183,279			165,416
	Other Investments	21,899			21,785			19,563
	Corporate	1,143			1,032			326
	Net revenues from external customers	$	779,325		$	731,296		$	696,854
	Intercompany net revenues:
	Churchill Downs	$	6,686		$	5,592		$	5,088
	Arlington	3,395			4,712			3,725
	Calder	1,263			1,583			2,307
	Fair Grounds	1,151			1,270			1,164
	Total Racing Operations	12,495			13,157			12,284
	Online Business	853			836			786
	Other Investments	4,409			3,466			2,015
	Eliminations	(17,757		)	(17,459		)	(15,085		)
	Net revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated	'
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Reconciliation of segment Adjusted EBITDA to net earnings:
	Racing Operations	$	50,275		$	54,357		$	47,236
	Gaming	80,429			64,231			58,590
	Online Business	49,122			44,618			40,918
	Other Investments	1,011			(117		)	1,269
	Total segment Adjusted EBITDA	180,837			163,089			148,013
	Corporate Adjusted EBITDA	(4,606		)	(4,834		)	(2,523		)
	Insurance recoveries, net of losses	375			7,006			972
	HRE Trust Fund proceeds	4,541			—			19,258
	Share-based compensation expense	(21,482		)	(13,993		)	(9,730		)
	Pre-opening expenses	(3,620		)	—			—
	MVG interest expense, net	(170		)	—			—
	Other charges and recoveries, net	(2,500		)	—			2,720
	Depreciation and amortization	(61,750		)	(55,600		)	(55,170		)
	Interest income (expense), net	(6,119		)	(4,441		)	(8,456		)
	Income tax provision	(30,473		)	(33,075		)	(34,289		)
	Earnings from continuing operations	55,033			58,152			60,795
	Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(133		)	124			3,560
	Net earnings and comprehensive income	$	54,900		$	58,276		$	64,355

Basis_Of_Presentation_and_Summ2

Basis Of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Customer Loyalty Program Liability	$2,102,442	$2,130,765	'
Advertising Expense	9,500,000	6,900,000	6,800,000
Restricted cash	36,074,000	38,241,000	'
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'
Loan origination costs	2,300,000	100,000	200,000
Personal Seat License [Abstract]	'	'	'
Contractual life, term one	'1 year	'	'
Contractual life, term two	'2 years	'	'
Contractual life, term three	'3 years	'	'
Contractual Life, Term Four	'5 years	'	'
Contractual life, term five	'30 years	'	'
Pari-mutuelGamingtax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Debt Issuance Cost	6,300,000	'	'
Minimum	'	'	'
Pari-mutuelGamingtax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Gaming tax rate	1.50%	'	'
Pari-mutuel tax rate	0.50%	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Pari-mutuelGamingtax [Abstract]	'	'	'
Gaming tax rate	46.00%	'	'
Pari-mutuel tax rate	10.00%	'	'
HRE Trust Fund	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restricted cash	$8,800,000	$12,900,000	'

Basis_Of_Presentation_and_Summ3

Basis Of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis Of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Customer Loyalty Program Liability	$2,102,442	$2,130,765	'
Grandstands and buildings | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'10 years	'	'
Grandstands and buildings | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'40 years	'	'
Equipment | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'2 years	'	'
Equipment | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'10 years	'	'
Furniture and fixtures | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'2 years	'	'
Furniture and fixtures | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'10 years	'	'
Tracks and other improvements | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'10 years	'	'
Tracks and other improvements | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'20 years	'	'
Internal use software	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful life of capitalized costs	'3 years	'	'
Capitalized costs, amortization	5,100,000	4,200,000	3,500,000
Online Business | Internal use software	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capitalized internal use software	$7,400,000	$5,200,000	$3,200,000

Basis_Of_Presentation_and_Summ4

Basis Of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis Of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Intangible Assets (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'1 year
Maximum	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'30 years

Basis_Of_Presentation_and_Summ5

Basis Of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Promotional Allowance (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Promotional Allowance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Promotional allowances	$33	$21.50	$17.10
Estimated cost of providing promotional allowances	9.5	5.7	4.6
Racing Operations	'	'	'
Promotional Allowance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Promotional allowances	0.9	1	2
Online Operations	'	'	'
Promotional Allowance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Promotional allowances	12.3	9.3	6.5
Gaming Operations	'	'	'
Promotional Allowance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Promotional allowances	$19.80	$11.20	$8.70

Basis_Of_Presentation_and_Summ6

Basis Of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policiies (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%

Acquisitions_And_New_Ventures_1

Acquisitions And New Ventures (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 17, 2013

Oct. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Oct. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 23, 2012

Oct. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 17, 2013

Oct. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 17, 2013

Jul. 17, 2013

Oct. 23, 2012

Jul. 17, 2013

Oct. 23, 2012

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 21, 2012

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Bluff Media Acquisition

Bluff Media Acquisition

Gaming Operations

Gaming Operations

Gaming Operations

Gaming Operations

Furniture and fixtures

Buildings

Building Improvements [Member]

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Customer relationships

Customer relationships

Customer relationships

Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Slots gaming rights

Slots gaming rights

Trade Names [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [Member]

Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [Member]

Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [Member]

Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [Member]

License Fee Payable [Member]

Funded at Closing [Member]

Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]

sqft

sqft

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Computer Equipment and Software [Member]

Equipment

Equipment

Equipment

Furniture and fixtures

Furniture and fixtures

Buildings

Buildings

Building Improvements [Member]

Computer Equipment [Member]

Computer Equipment and Software [Member]

Equipment

Equipment

Equipment

Furniture and fixtures

Furniture and fixtures

Buildings

Building Improvements [Member]

Computer Equipment [Member]

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

sqft

mi

Maximum

Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [Member]

Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [Member]

Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [Member]

acre

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

mi

terminal

hotel_rooms

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents

'

'

'

'

$13,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Acquired from Acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

9,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other intangible assets

'

'

'

'

64,693,000

43,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,700,000

10,300,000

'

2,093,000

58,500,000

25,300,000

2,400,000

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

'

'

'

50,200,000

50,202,000

32,768,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 years

'

'6 years

'20 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

300,616,000

250,414,000

213,712,000

'

'

'

'

32,800,000

'

3,900,000

117,659,000

67,457,000

34,689,000

32,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 years

'40 years

'14 years

'

'3 years

'2 years

'2 years

'4 years

'2 years

'4 years

'10 years

'40 years

'8 years

'2 years

'

'5 years

'10 years

'9 years

'6 years

'10 years

'6 years

'40 years

'22 years

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price of the entity to be acquired

'

'

'

'

168,600,000

145,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Square footage of Casino

'

'

'

'

25,000

25,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

186,000

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Lottery Terminals

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,600

'

'

'

Number of Hotel rooms

'

'

'

'

'

80

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Square footage of Event Center

'

'

'

'

'

5,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acres

'

'

'

'

'

22

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity Method Investments, Facility Cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

212,000,000

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Potential cash payment to sellers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity Method Investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60,000,000

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

50,000,000

Note Payable, Term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity Method Investments, Contingent Payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Initial Capital Contributions To Joint Ventures

70,500,000

19,850,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

70,500,000

19,900,000

'

'

'

'

Anticipated Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture

24,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

154,872,000

142,915,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

6,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Potential Cash Payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Consideration Term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

'

'

'

'

'

'

53,600,000

10,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,800,000

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Race Track, Length

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.625

0.625

'

'

'

'

Revenues

0

0

0

34,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest

$85,506,000

$91,227,000

$95,084,000

$6,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions_And_New_Ventures_2

Acquisitions And New Ventures Acquisitions And New Ventures - Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 17, 2013	Oct. 23, 2012	Jul. 17, 2013	Oct. 23, 2012	Jul. 17, 2013	Oct. 23, 2012	Jul. 17, 2013	Jul. 17, 2013	Oct. 23, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oxford Acquisition [Member]	Oxford Acquisition [Member]	Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]	Contractual Rights [Member]	Contractual Rights [Member]	Trade Names [Member]	Trade Names [Member]	Other Intangible Assets [Member]	Customer Relationships [Member]	Customer Relationships [Member]
				Oxford Acquisition [Member]	Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]	Oxford Acquisition [Member]	Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]	Oxford Acquisition [Member]	Oxford Acquisition [Member]	Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	$252	$228	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses	'	675	589	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Inventory	'	124	99	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other assets	'	'	282	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property and equipment	'	45,105	64,908	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	50,200	50,202	32,768	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other intangible assets	'	64,693	43,100	58,500	25,300	2,400	7,500	2,093	1,700	10,300
Total assets acquired	'	161,051	141,974	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	'	1,063	552	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accrued expenses	'	5,111	5,234	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other liabilities	'	5	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities acquired	'	6,179	5,787	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price, net of cash acquired	'	$154,872	$136,187	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Acquisitions_And_New_Ventures_3

Acquisitions And New Ventures Acquisitions And New Ventures - Pro Forma Information (Details) (Riverwalk Acquisition [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]	'	'
Net revenues	$820,297	$815,605
Earnings from continuing operations	$59,002	$62,626
Earnings from continuing operations per common share	'	'
Basic earnings from continuing operations, in dollars per share	$3.36	$3.64
Diluted earnings from continuing operations, in dollars per share	$3.29	$3.58
Shares used in computing earnings from continuing operations per common share:	'	'
Basic, shares	17,294	17,047
Diluted, shares	17,938	17,475

Discontinued_Operations_Discon1

Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 01, 2011	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2013
				Hoosier Park	Hoosier Park	Hollywood Park Racetrack [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount Of Promissory Note Received	'	'	'	'	$4,000,000	'
Potential Amount Receivable From Contingent Consideration	'	'	'	'	15,000,000	'
Term Period To Collect Full Amount Of Contingent Consideration	'	'	'	'	'P18M	'
Cash Payment Received From Contingent Consideration	'	'	'	5,100,000	'	'
Amount Received As Final Settlement Of Contingent Consideration	'	'	'	3,400,000	'	'
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Discontinued Operation, Revenue	632,000	1,087,000	0	'	'	'
Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense	857,000	885,000	12,000	'	'	'
Discontinued Operations, Selling, General and Adminstrative Expenses	0	0	-11,000	'	'	'
Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss)	-225,000	202,000	-1,000	'	'	'
Discontinued Operations, Other (Expense) Income	145,000	-2,000	0	'	'	'
Discontinued Operation, (Loss) Earnings From Operations Before Benefit (Provision) For Income Taxes	-80,000	200,000	-1,000	'	'	'
Discontinued Operation Income Tax Benefit (Provision)	30,000	-76,000	0	'	'	'
Discontinued Operation, Loss From Operations	-50,000	124,000	-1,000	'	'	'
(Loss) gain on sale of assets	-83,000	0	3,561,000	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	-133,000	124,000	3,560,000	'	'	'
Operating Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	$100,000

Natural_Disasters_Details

Natural Disasters (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Nov. 01, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 24, 2011

Feb. 24, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

12-May-11

Gaming Operations

Gaming Operations

Racing Operations

Racing Operations

Racing Operations

Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs

Harlows Casino

Harlows Casino

Harlows Casino

Harlows Casino

Harlows Casino

Harlows Casino

Harlows Casino

Harlows Casino

Hail

Hail

Hail

Hail

hotel_rooms

Wind

Wind

Wind

Flood

Flood

Flood

Flood

Subsequent Event

Forecast

seats

Subsequent Event

Business Interruption Loss [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number Of Seats In Entertainment Center

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,600

Insurance Deductible

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$500,000

'

'

'

'

'

$100,000

'

$1,300,000

'

'

'

Reduction To Property And Equipment Due To Natural Disaster

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,400,000

'

8,500,000

'

'

Repair expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

2,000,000

'

'

Insurance Settlements, Partial Settlement Received

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,500,000

'

Insurance Settlements Received

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000

400,000

'

'

'

'

3,400,000

'

12,000,000

'

'

Unusual or Infrequent Item, Net of Insurance Proceeds

'

-375,000

-7,006,000

-972,000

-6,525,000

-397,000

-375,000

-481,000

-575,000

'

500,000

'

400,000

'

'

'

1,500,000

'

5,000,000

'

'

Number Of Hotels Rooms Damaged

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

61

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preliminary Claim For Damages Incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Casualty Losses

'

0

12,975,000

1,028,000

12,331,000

603,000

0

644,000

425,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Insurance Recoveries

'

($375,000)

($19,981,000)

($2,000,000)

($18,856,000)

($1,000,000)

($375,000)

($1,125,000)

($1,000,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts_Receivable_Details

Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, gross	$50,910	$49,037	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	-4,338	-1,885	'
Accounts receivable, net	46,572	47,152	'
Insurance Recoveries	375	19,981	2,000
Bad debt expense	-2,500	0	'
Online Operations	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'
Bad debt expense	-500	-900	-900
Simulcast and ADW Receivables	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, gross	19,768	18,210	'
Trade Account Receivable	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, gross	16,129	19,294	'
PSL and Hospitality Receivables	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, gross	9,410	8,335	'
Other receivables	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, gross	$5,603	$3,198	'

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$946,273,000	$856,035,000	'
Accumulated depreciation	-360,775,000	-313,153,000	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	585,498,000	542,882,000	'
Depreciation	49,600,000	44,400,000	43,300,000
Land	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	118,165,000	115,887,000	'
Grandstands and buildings	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	435,125,000	413,896,000	'
Equipment	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	208,966,000	180,452,000	'
Furniture and fixtures	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	47,718,000	45,810,000	'
Tracks and other improvements	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	121,085,000	92,197,000	'
Construction in progress	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	15,214,000	7,793,000	'
Trackside	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation	$1,500,000	$900,000	'

Investment_In_and_Advances_To_2

Investment In and Advances To Unconsolidated Affiliate (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets	$18,002	$1,982	'
Equity in losses of unconsolidated investments	-4,142	-1,701	-1,113
Investment Affiliate-Property Plant & Equipment	151,434	3,662	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets	80,665	74,823	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets	250,101	80,467	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities	46,966	1,986	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities	40,758	50,000	'
Investment Affiliate-Other Liabilities	75	0	'
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Equity	162,302	28,481	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity	250,101	80,467	'
Investment Affiliate-Gaming Revenue	6,033	0	'
Investment Affiliate-Non-Gaming Revenue	5,919	109	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	11,952	109	'
Investment Affiliate-Expenses	10,605	242	'
Equity Method, Depreciation & Amortization	945	7	'
Investment Affiliate-Pre-Opening Expenses	7,240	1,079	'
Equity Method Investment Operating Income Loss	-6,838	-1,219	'
Investment Affiliate-Interest	-340	0	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)	-7,178	-1,219	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%	'	'
Other Investments	'	'	'
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity in losses of unconsolidated investments	-3,294	-288	85
Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [Member] | Other Investments	'	'	'
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity in losses of unconsolidated investments	($3,589)	($610)	'

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 17, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 23, 2012

Oct. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Racing Operations

Racing Operations

Gaming Operations

Gaming Operations

Online Operations

Online Operations

Other Investments

Other Investments

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Bluff

Gaming Operations

Goodwill [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$50,200

$50,202

'

$32,768

'

'

Goodwill [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, beginning of period

250,414

213,712

51,659

50,400

67,457

34,689

127,364

127,364

3,934

1,259

'

'

32,800

'

32,800

3,900

Reclassifications

'

0

'

1,259

'

'

'

'

'

-1,259

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additions

50,202

36,702

0

0

50,202

32,768

0

0

0

3,934

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, end of period

$300,616

$250,414

$51,659

$51,659

$117,659

$67,457

$127,364

$127,364

$3,934

$3,934

'

'

$32,800

'

$32,800

$3,900

Other_Intangible_Assets_Other_1

Other Intangible Assets Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 17, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Subsequent Event

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Riverwalk Acquisition [Member]

Bluff Media Acquisition

Calder

Calder

Slots gaming rights

Slots gaming rights

Trademarks

Trademarks

Illinois Horseracing Equity Trust

Illinois Horseracing Equity Trust

Other

Other

Favorable contracts

Favorable contracts

Customer relationships

Customer relationships

Slot gaming license

Slot gaming license

Table Games License [Member]

Other

Other

Oxford Acquisition [Member]

Harlows Casino [Member]

Harlows Casino [Member]

Table Games License [Member]

Customer relationships

Other

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross carrying amount

$76,002,000

$75,229,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$11,000,000

$11,000,000

$56,540,000

$57,900,000

$2,250,000

$2,250,000

$2,493,000

$3,719,000

$4,079,000

$400,000

$2,800,000

$400,000

Accumulated amortization

-36,196,000

-29,599,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,260,000

-3,613,000

-30,464,000

-24,594,000

-1,125,000

-1,125,000

-50,000

-297,000

-267,000

'

'

'

Net carrying amount

39,806,000

45,630,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,740,000

7,387,000

26,076,000

33,306,000

1,125,000

1,125,000

2,443,000

3,422,000

3,812,000

'

'

'

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net carrying amount

198,149,000

143,141,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

128,890,000

70,390,000

25,729,000

23,397,000

3,307,000

3,307,000

417,000

417,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense

12,200,000

11,200,000

11,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual license fees paid

'

'

'

2,300,000

'

'

'

2,300,000

2,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquired definite-lived intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

10,300,000

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

32,800,000

4,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2013

9,127,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2014

8,234,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2015

7,633,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

7,110,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

7,110,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles

'

'

'

'

3,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

'

'

'

'

$60,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Prov

Income Taxes Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal	$22,727	$21,103	$16,918
State and local	2,462	2,351	3,423
Foreign	0	-38	-149
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	25,189	23,416	20,192
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal	5,788	8,292	12,798
State and local	-504	1,367	1,299
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	5,284	9,659	14,097
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	$30,473	$33,075	$34,289

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Inco

Income Taxes Income Taxes - Income Tax Reconcilation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal statutory tax on earnings before income taxes	$29,928	$31,929	$33,280
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	1,514	2,185	3,283
Non-deductible lobbying and contributions	723	946	517
Tax credits and incentives	-663	-494	-775
Tax adjustments	-174	-1,093	-434
Accruals and settlements related to tax audits	-395	-686	-426
Valuation allowance	-220	0	105
Change in effective state tax rates	-383	197	-714
Other permanent differences	143	91	-547
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	$30,473	$33,075	$34,289

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Comp

Income Taxes Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred compensation plans	$14,271	$12,022
Deferred income	6,328	8,396
Allowance for uncollectible receivables	1,295	281
Deferred liabilities	3,574	4,239
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	19,186	20,749
Deferred tax assets	44,654	45,687
Valuation allowance	-1,213	-1,334
Net deferred tax asset	43,441	44,353
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract]	'	'
Intangible assets in excess of tax basis	22,749	18,725
Property and equipment in excess of tax basis	40,135	40,175
Other	2,246	1,874
Deferred tax liabilities	65,130	60,774
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	-21,689	-16,421
Deferred income taxes	8,927	8,227
Net non-current deferred tax liability	($30,616)	($24,648)

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Valu

Income Taxes Income Taxes - Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (Details) (Deferred Income Tax Asset Valuation Allowance, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred Income Tax Asset Valuation Allowance	'	'	'
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of the year	$1,334	$1,487	$1,381
Charged to Expenses	168	0	'
Charged to other accounts	0	33	'
Deductions	-289	-186	0
Balance at end of the year	$1,213	$1,334	$1,487

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Unre

Income Taxes Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefit, beginning of period	$8,565	$2,109	$2,926
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	190	0	0
Additions for tax positions of prior years	207	7,390	0
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-8,380	-934	-817
Unrecognized tax benefit, end of period	$582	$8,565	$2,109

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2003

Oct. 31, 2012

Adjustment

Adjustment

Adjustment

Federal

State

Youbet.com

Youbet.com

KENTUCKY

ILLINOIS

Federal

State

State

State

Income Taxes [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions

$8,380,000

$934,000

$817,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reimbursement percentage of income and sales tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80.00%

'

Reduction in operating expense

'

'

'

'

700,000

700,000

3,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax provision

-30,473,000

-33,075,000

-34,289,000

'

200,000

500,000

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Combined benefits received

4,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sales tax receivable

1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax receivable recorded

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Refund received related to overpayment of income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds, Tax Amendment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Loss Carryforwards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,300,000

13,800,000

1,900,000

'

'

Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

582,000

8,565,000

2,109,000

2,926,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income taxes paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,900,000

Accrued interest epense related to unrecognized income tax benefits

$200,000

$200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders Equity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 24, 2013	Mar. 13, 2008
		firm
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$100	'
Number of investment banking firms consulting with company	'	1
Percent of common stock issued	'	200.00%
Maximum percentage of companies assets, cash flow or earnings power before shareholders will lose right to exercise shares	'	50.00%
Class of Warrant or Right, Triggering Event, Repurchase, Beneficial Owner, Percentage	'	50.00%
Preferred Stock	'	'
Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued	'	0.0001
Minimum	'	'
Beneficial ownership percentage	'	15.00%
Common Stock | Common Stock	'	'
Class or Warrant or Right, Percent of Common Stock Issued	'	200.00%
Class of Warrant or Right, Repurchase Rate	'	1
Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | Common Stock	'	'
Class of Warrant or Right, Issuance Rate	'	1

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employer matching contribution, percent	3.00%	'	'
Maximum annual contribution per employee, percent	50.00%	'	'
Employers maximum additional match, percentage	2.00%	'	'
Employers matching contribution, annual vesting percentage	4.00%	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$2.30	$1.80	$1.70
Company's cash contribution to deferred compensation plans	0.1	0.1	0.1
Noncontributory Defined Benefit Multi-Employer Retirement Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Retirement plan expense	$0.70	$0.60	$0.60

Total_Debt_Details

Total Debt (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

17-May-13

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Minimum

Maximum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total long-term debt

$369,191,000

$0

'

$300,000,000

$0

$58,000,000

$0

'

$205,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

$11,191,000

$0

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

5.38%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt

295,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Issuance Cost

6,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed

104.03%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current maturities of long-term debt

0

209,728,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

4,728,000

Total debt

369,191,000

209,728,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

375,000,000

'

'

'

'

Loan origination fees

-2,258,000

-67,000

-155,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amendment, decrease in pricing schedule

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.38%

'

'

'

'

Amendment, decrease in commitment fee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.05%

'

'

'

'

Variable rate basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

Margin on variable rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.13%

3.00%

'

'

Commitment fee, unused capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.18%

0.45%

'

'

Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate

1.71%

1.87%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt covenant, interest coverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

Debt covenant, leverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.5

5

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms,SeniorSecuredLeverage Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.5

'

'

Remaining borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

425,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Expense

6,231,000

4,531,000

8,924,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument additional amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

225,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments of Financing Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total_Debt_Fiscal_Year_Maturit

Total Debt - Fiscal Year Maturities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
2013	$0	'
2014	0	'
2015	0	'
2016	0	'
Thereafter	369,191	'
Total debt	$369,191	$209,728

Operating_Leases_Details

Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
2013	$8,024,000	'	'
2014	6,264,000	'	'
2015	4,805,000	'	'
2016	3,390,000	'	'
2017	2,483,000	'	'
Thereafter	5,130,000	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	30,096,000	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Contingent Rentals	3,700,000	3,600,000	2,500,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$20,200,000	$18,400,000	$19,900,000
Arlington Park	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number Of Operating Lease Agreements	9	'	'
Number Of Off Track Betting Palors	11	'	'
Number Of Off Track Betting Sites Operated By Third Party	8	'	'
Fair Grounds	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number Of Operating Lease Agreements	10	'	'
Number Of Off Track Betting Palors	12	'	'

LongTerm_Incentive_Plan_Detail

Long-Term Incentive Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Compensation expense recognized	$21,482	$13,993	$9,730
Omnibus Stock Incentive Plans, 2007 [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'5 years	'	'
Compensation expense recognized	$5,300	$6,400	$4,200

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_1

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

29-May-13

Mar. 21, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Restricted stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Stock Options

Stock Options

Stock Options

97 Plan

07 Incentive Plan

Amended and restated employment agreement

Amended and restated employment agreement

Employee agreement

Employee agreement

Employee agreement

Omnibus Stock Incentive Plans, 2007 New LTIP [Member]

Omnibus Stock Incentive Plans, 2007 [Member]

Omnibus Stock Incentive Plans, 2007 [Member]

Omnibus Stock Incentive Plans, 2007 [Member]

04 Plan

Previous employment agreement

Churchill 2004 and 2007 Plan [Member]

Churchill 2004 and 2007 Plan [Member]

Churchill 2004 and 2007 Plan [Member]

Churchill 2004 and 2007 Plan [Member]

Minimum

Maximum [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Criteria One

Criteria One

Criteria One

Criteria One

Criteria One

Criteria One

Criteria Two

Criteria Two

Criteria Three

Performance-Based Awards [Member]

Performance-Based Awards [Member]

Performance-Based Awards [Member]

Performance-Based Awards [Member]

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Amended and restated employment agreement

Amended and restated employment agreement

Amended and restated employment agreement

Previous employment agreement

Previous employment agreement

Previous employment agreement

Amended and restated employment agreement

Previous employment agreement

Previous employment agreement

Churchill 2004 and 2007 Plan [Member]

Churchill 2004 and 2007 Plan [Member]

Churchill 2004 and 2007 Plan [Member]

Churchill 2004 and 2007 Plan [Member]

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Restricted stock

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Compensation expense

$21,482,000

$7,613,000

$5,531,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized

4,900,000

'

'

'

'

14,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options, contractual term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'10 years

'6 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Award vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'3 years

'3 years

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 years

'5 years

'5 years

'

'

'

'

Shares authorized to be purchased

50,000,000

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

180,000

'

'

130,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares exercised

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,000

-153,000

-6,000

'

'

'

'

-130,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares granted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$36.16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares exercised, minimum price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$57.36

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares exercised, maximum price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$60.05

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average value of options granted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total intrinsic value of options exercised

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

5,700,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash received from exercised options

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

3,400,000

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares exercisable at period end

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

161,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares exercised, weighted average exercise price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$36.57

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized

'

'

'

155,000

92,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimal age when award becomes fully vested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'60 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'60 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted shares issued to director

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,000

15,000

45,000

60,000

52,500

90,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted shares required before shares become exercisable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

81,250

65,000

65,000

'

'

'

'

Options vested in period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

316,000

221,000

70,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60,000

52,000

0

'

Consecutive trading days mimimum price per share must be met for options to vest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'20 days

'

'

'20 days

'

'10 days

'

'

'

'

'

Annual interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period before options become vested subsequent to termination

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recognization of share-based compensation expenses, weighted average period

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 11 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 months

'29 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares held by Company subject to performance-based vesting criteria

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

673,000

379,000

419,000

334,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

324,000

60,000

112,000

112,000

Trading Days

'20 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of hours required to be considered a full time employee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'20 hours

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of months per year that an employee needs to work to be considered full-time

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of common stock purchase price that employee allowed to purchase at

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

85.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum stock allowed to be purchased by employee in one year, value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock sold by company to employees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Compensation expense recognized

21,482,000

13,993,000

9,730,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,800,000

5,300,000

6,400,000

4,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

400,000

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options

$6,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_2

Share-Based Compensation Plans Share-Based Compensation Plans - Stock Option Activity (Details) (Stock Options, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Options	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Shares outstanding, beginning of period	201	354	360
Shares granted	0	0	0
Shares exercised	-7	-153	-6
Shares cancelled/forfeited	-1	0	0
Shares outstanding, end of period	193	201	354
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Shares outstanding, weighted average exercise price, beginning of period	$36.30	$36.52	$36.36
Shares granted, weighted average exercise price	$0	$0	$0
Shares exercised, weighted average exercise price	$42.94	$36.80	$27.23
Shares cancelled/forfeited, weighted average exercise price	$36.12	$0	$0
Shares outstanding, weighted average exercise price, end of period	$36.04	$36.30	$36.52

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_3

Share-Based Compensation Plans Share-Based Compensation Plans - Activity of Stock Options Exercisable and Outstanding (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest [Abstract]	'
Exercisable and vested options at period end, shares under option	193
Exercisable and vested options at period end, remaining contractual life (in years)	'3 years
Exercisable and vested options at period end, average exercise price per share	$36.04
Exercisable and vested options at period end, intrinsic value per share	$53.61	[1]
Exercisable and vested options at period end, aggregate intrinsic value	$10,358
Common Stock, Market Fair Value	$89.65
[1]	Computed based upon the amount by which the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2013, of $89.65 per share exceeded the weighted average exercise price.

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_4

Share-Based Compensation Plans Share-Based Compensation Plans, Restricted Stock Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	29-May-13	Mar. 21, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options	$6,200,000	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	4,900,000	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	'	'	'	155,000	92,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	21,482,000	13,993,000	9,730,000	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Trading Days	'20 days	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	14,900,000	'	'	'	'
Omnibus Stock Incentive Plans, 2007 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$5,300,000	$6,400,000	$4,200,000	'	'
Churchill 2004 and 2007 Plan [Member] | Restricted stock	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Shares outstanding, beginning of period	379,000	419,000	334,000	'	'
Shares, granted	611,000	182,000	156,000	'	'
Shares, vested	-316,000	-221,000	-70,000	'	'
Shares cancelled/forfeited	-1,000	-1,000	-1,000	'	'
Shares outstanding, end of period	673,000	379,000	419,000	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Shares outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value, beginning of period	$42.97	$40.01	$38.96	'	'
Shares, weighted average grant date fair value, granted	$60.21	$51.99	$42.95	'	'
Shares, weighted average grant date fair value, vested	$53.90	$44.77	$42.21	'	'
Shares, weighted average grant date fair value, cancelled/forfeited	$38.75	$39.12	$35.81	'	'
Shares outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value, end of period	$53.64	$42.97	$40.01	'	'
Performance-Based Awards [Member] | Churchill 2004 and 2007 Plan [Member] | Restricted stock	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Shares outstanding, beginning of period	60,000	112,000	112,000	'	'
Shares, granted	324,000	0	0	'	'
Shares, vested	-60,000	-52,000	0	'	'
Shares cancelled/forfeited	0	0	0	'	'
Shares outstanding, end of period	324,000	60,000	112,000	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Shares outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value, beginning of period	$45.90	$43.76	$43.40	'	'
Shares, weighted average grant date fair value, granted	$53.71	$0	$0	'	'
Shares, weighted average grant date fair value, vested	$45.90	$41.31	$0	'	'
Shares, weighted average grant date fair value, cancelled/forfeited	$0	$0	$0	'	'
Shares outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value, end of period	$53.71	$45.90	$43.76	'	'
Service Period Awards [Member] | Churchill 2004 and 2007 Plan [Member] | Restricted stock	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Shares outstanding, beginning of period	319,000	307,000	222,000	'	'
Shares, granted	287,000	182,000	156,000	'	'
Shares, vested	-256,000	-169,000	-70,000	'	'
Shares cancelled/forfeited	-1,000	-1,000	-1,000	'	'
Shares outstanding, end of period	349,000	319,000	307,000	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Shares outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value, beginning of period	$42.42	$38.63	$36.72	'	'
Shares, weighted average grant date fair value, granted	$67.55	$51.99	$42.95	'	'
Shares, weighted average grant date fair value, vested	$59.54	$45.85	$42.41	'	'
Shares, weighted average grant date fair value, cancelled/forfeited	$38.75	$39.12	$35.81	'	'
Shares outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value, end of period	$53.58	$42.42	$38.63	'	'

Fair_Value_Of_Assets_And_Liabi2

Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	$369,191	$0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents and restricted cash	36,940	39,033
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent Consideration Classified as Equity, Fair Value Disclosure	-2,331	-2,331
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	305,250	0
Unsecured Debt [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	$300,000	$0

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 01, 2013	Oct. 04, 2012
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Payments for Legal Settlements	$2.30	'
Other Assets	'	2.9
Insurance Settlements Received	$2	'

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies - Loss Contingencies (Details) (Threatened Litigation, USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 15, 2011
Maximum	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Alleged Damages	$3.60
Minimum	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Alleged Damages	$0.80

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Comp2

Earnings Per Common Share Computations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations	$55,033	$58,152	$60,795
Earnings from continuing operations allocated to participating securities	-873	-518	-1,103
Numerator for basic earnings from continuing operations per common share	54,160	57,634	59,692
Net earnings	54,900	58,276	64,355
Net earnings allocated to participating securities	-870	-519	-1,180
Numerator for basic net earnings per common share	$54,030	$57,757	$63,175
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'
Basic	17,294	17,047	16,638
Plus dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)	248	233	118
Plus dilutive effect of participating securities (in shares)	396	195	369
Diluted (in shares)	17,938	17,475	17,125
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations	$3.13	$3.38	$3.59
Discontinued operations	($0.01)	$0.01	$0.21
Net earnings (per basic share)	$3.12	$3.39	$3.80
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations	$3.07	$3.33	$3.55
Discontinued operations	($0.01)	$0.01	$0.21
Net earnings (per share, diluted)	$3.06	$3.34	$3.76
Number Of Shares Excluded From Computation Of Diluated Loss Per Common Share (in shares)	'	'	18

Segment_Information_Informatio

Segment Information - Information About Reported Segments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of Operating Segments	4	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	$779,325	$731,296	$696,854
Intercompany net revenues	0	0	0
Adjusted Segment EBITDA	180,837	163,089	148,013
Adjusted Corporate EBITDA	-4,606	-4,834	-2,523
Insurance Recoveries, Net of Losses	375	7,006	972
Illinois HRE Trust Fund Proceeds	4,541	0	19,258
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	-21,482	-13,993	-9,730
Pre-opening expenses	-3,620	0	0
MVG interest expense, net	-170	0	0
Other charges and recoveries, net	-2,500	0	'
Other charges and recoveries, net	'	'	2,720
Depreciation and amortization	-61,750	-55,600	-55,170
Interest Income (Expense), Net	-6,119	-4,441	-8,456
Income tax provision	-30,473	-33,075	-34,289
Earnings from continuing operations	55,033	58,152	60,795
Discontinued Operation, Net Gain (Loss)	-133	124	3,560
Net earnings and comprehensive income	54,900	58,276	64,355
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%	'	'
Racing Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	274,269	302,088	298,920
Intercompany net revenues	12,495	13,157	12,284
Adjusted Segment EBITDA	50,275	54,357	47,236
Gaming Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	297,473	223,112	212,629
Adjusted Segment EBITDA	80,429	64,231	58,590
Online Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	184,541	183,279	165,416
Intercompany net revenues	853	836	786
Adjusted Segment EBITDA	49,122	44,618	40,918
Other charges and recoveries, net	-500	-900	-900
Intersegment Elimination	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intercompany net revenues	-17,757	-17,459	-15,085
Other Investments	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	21,899	21,785	19,563
Intercompany net revenues	4,409	3,466	2,015
Adjusted Segment EBITDA	1,011	-117	1,269
Corporate	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	1,143	1,032	326
Churchill Downs | Racing Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	132,845	124,255	121,886
Intercompany net revenues	6,686	5,592	5,088
Arlington Park	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number Of Off Track Betting Palors	11	'	'
Arlington Park | Racing Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	64,483	69,077	69,694
Intercompany net revenues	3,395	4,712	3,725
Calder | Racing Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	36,264	64,566	62,715
Intercompany net revenues	1,263	1,583	2,307
Fair Grounds	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number Of Off Track Betting Palors	12	'	'
Fair Grounds | Racing Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	40,677	44,190	44,625
Intercompany net revenues	1,151	1,270	1,164
Calder Casinos | Gaming Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	78,951	77,864	82,819
Fair Grounds Slots | Gaming Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	42,156	42,881	41,553
VSI | Gaming Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	35,931	35,433	35,052
Harlows Casino | Gaming Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	52,440	56,604	53,205
Oxford Casino | Gaming Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	34,350	0	0
Riverwalk Casino | Gaming Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	$53,645	$10,330	$0

Segment_Information_Equity_in_

Segment Information - Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Investments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information, Investments	($4,142)	($1,701)	($1,113)
Online Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information, Investments	-848	-1,413	-1,198
Other Investments	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information, Investments	($3,294)	($288)	$85

Segment_Information_Total_Asse

Segment Information - Total Asset Information For Segments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	$1,352,261	$1,114,337	'
Capital expenditures	48,771	41,298	22,667
Racing Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	513,345	502,993	'
Capital expenditures	20,184	14,027	7,484
Gaming Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	535,887	382,054	'
Capital expenditures	13,643	14,524	7,490
Online Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	186,621	184,638	'
Capital expenditures	5,908	4,427	2,774
Other Investments	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	116,408	44,652	'
Capital expenditures	$9,036	$8,320	$4,919

HRE_Trust_Fund_Proceeds_Detail

HRE Trust Fund Proceeds (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 22, 2013	Jul. 18, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
HRE Trust Fund Proceeds [Line Items]	'	'	'
HRE Trust Fund Proceeds	15.00%	'	'
Gross Proceeds from HRE Trust	'	$23	$7.90
Other Income [Member]	'	'	'
HRE Trust Fund Proceeds [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross Proceeds from HRE Trust	'	'	4.2
Purses [Member]	'	'	'
HRE Trust Fund Proceeds [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross Proceeds from HRE Trust	'	'	$3.60

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of the year	$1,885	$2,408	$4,098
Acquired Balances	0	0	0
Charged to Expenses	3,785	1,937	1,386
Deductions	-1,332	-2,460	-3,076
Balance at end of the year	4,338	1,885	2,408
Deferred Income Tax Asset Valuation Allowance	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of the year	1,334	1,487	1,381
Additions	168	33	106
Charged to Expenses	168	0	'
Deductions	-289	-186	0
Balance at end of the year	$1,213	$1,334	$1,487