Churchill Downs (CHDN) 10-Q 30 Jul 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 25, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
FALSE	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CHURCHILL DOWNS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000020212	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	17,361,997

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$46,670	$44,708
Restricted cash	35,740	36,074
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,705 at June 30, 2014 and $4,338 at December 31, 2013	45,913	46,572
Deferred income taxes	7,194	8,927
Income taxes receivable	0	12,398
Other current assets	18,362	12,036
Total current assets	153,879	160,715
Property and equipment, net	595,926	585,498
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	97,488	86,151
Goodwill	300,616	300,616
Other intangible assets, net	192,493	198,149
Other assets	22,737	21,132
Total assets	1,363,139	1,352,261
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Accounts payable	70,610	43,123
Bank overdraft	6,477	973
Account Wagering Deposit Liability	20,731	18,679
Purses payable	20,874	18,839
Accrued expenses	65,061	66,469
Interest Payable, Current	982	859
Dividends Payable, Current	0	15,186
Taxes Payable, Current	24,836	0
Deferred revenue	11,061	49,078
Total current liabilities	220,632	213,206
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	368,798	369,191
Other liabilities	19,572	17,753
Deferred revenue	14,436	16,706
Deferred income taxes	30,616	30,616
Total liabilities	654,054	647,472
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; 17,292 shares issued at June 30, 2014 and 17,948 shares issued at December 31, 2013	243,618	295,955
Retained earnings	465,467	408,834
Total shareholders' equity	709,085	704,789
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$1,363,139	$1,352,261

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$4,705	$4,338
Preferred stock, shares authorized	250	250
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000	50,000
Common stock, shares issued	17,292	17,948

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net revenues:	'	'	'	'
Racing	$159,435	$157,387	$190,014	$185,200
Gaming	81,958	66,887	168,513	138,976
Online	57,076	52,531	103,160	95,447
Other	5,182	6,789	9,274	11,847
Net revenues	303,651	283,594	470,961	431,470
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Racing	85,483	90,160	128,703	131,280
Gaming	62,184	49,624	124,399	100,612
Online	36,811	33,218	70,388	63,580
Other	6,350	6,377	12,048	11,559
Selling, general and administrative expenses	18,666	22,096	40,131	39,654
Insurance recoveries, net of losses	0	0	-431	-375
Operating income	94,157	82,119	95,723	85,160
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest income	5	89	9	99
Interest expense	-4,961	-1,256	-9,934	-2,732
Equity in gains (losses) of unconsolidated investments	2,506	-631	4,796	-795
Miscellaneous, net	393	1,023	368	1,030
Total other income (expense)	-2,057	-775	-4,761	-2,398
Earnings from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	92,100	81,344	90,962	82,762
Income tax provision	-34,767	-31,035	-34,329	-31,364
Earnings from continuing operations	57,333	50,309	56,633	51,398
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes:	'	'	'	'
Loss from operations	0	-11	0	-42
Net earnings and comprehensive income	$57,333	$50,298	$56,633	$51,356
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (in dollars per share), Basic	$3.23	$2.85	$3.20	$2.91
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (in dollars per share), Diluted	$3.21	$2.81	$3.17	$2.87
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	17,531	17,268	17,475	17,239
Diluted (in shares)	17,880	17,921	17,884	17,882

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net earnings and comprehensive income	$56,633	$51,356
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings and comprehensive income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	31,044	30,026
Loss (gain) on asset disposition	66	-1
Equity in (gain) loss of unconsolidated investments	-4,796	795
Share-based compensation	8,354	9,577
Other	302	421
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Restricted cash	2,385	-2,179
Accounts receivable	-13,828	-17,164
Other current assets	-4,981	-4,330
Accounts payable	28,433	16,405
Purses payable	2,036	2,956
Accrued expenses	-1,775	-601
Deferred revenue	-25,843	-16,270
Income taxes receivable and payable	38,967	28,763
Other assets and liabilities	2,091	510
Net cash provided by operating activities	119,088	100,264
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-38,475	-23,772
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries	0	-2,250
Investment in joint venture	-6,500	-12,500
Purchases of minority investments	-273	-365
Proceeds on sale of property and equipment	88	2
Change in deposit wagering asset	-2,052	-3,639
Net cash used in investing activities	-47,212	-42,524
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Borrowings on bank line of credit	210,854	350,956
Repayments on bank line of credit	-211,247	-407,199
Change in bank overdraft	5,504	1,320
Payment of dividends	-15,186	0
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	-61,561	0
Repurchase of common stock from share-based compensation	-8,121	-4,046
Common stock issued	4,525	244
Windfall tax benefit from share-based compensation	4,465	1,122
Loan Origination Fees	-170	-2,036
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs	-1,029	0
Change in deposit wagering liability	2,052	3,639
Net cash used in financing activities	-69,914	-56,000
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,962	1,740
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	44,708	37,177
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	46,670	38,917
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'
Interest	8,689	1,850
State tax credits	0	1,298
Income taxes	112	636
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	$2,943	$26,424

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis Of Presentation	'
	NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in accordance with the requirements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and consequently do not include all of the disclosures normally required by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") in the United States of America or those normally made in Churchill Downs Incorporated’s (the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K. The year-end Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Accordingly, the reader of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further information. The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Company’s customary accounting practices and have not been audited.
	In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of this information have been made, and all such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature.
	The Company’s revenues and earnings are seasonal in nature, primarily due to its Racing Operations segment. Therefore, revenues and operating results for any interim quarter are generally not indicative of the revenues and operating results for the year and may not be comparable with results for the corresponding period of the previous year. For instance, the Company historically has had fewer live racing days during the first quarter of each year, and the majority of its live racing revenue occurs during the second quarter, with the running of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks. The Company conducted 114 live thoroughbred racing days during the second quarter of 2014, which compares to 124 live thoroughbred racing days during the second quarter of 2013. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company conducted 206 live thoroughbred racing days, which compares to 180 live racing days during the six months ended June 30, 2013. This increase is primarily due to Calder Race Course conducting 29 additional live race days during the first six months of 2014 because of its revised racing calendar, which included a 39-day live winter racing meet during the first quarter of 2014. Furthermore, gaming revenues and earnings have historically been higher during the first quarter due to seasonal revenues from the Company's predominately southern gaming properties.
	Discontinued Operations
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company ceased operations of Fight! Magazine, a division of Bluff Media. Fight! Magazine, which was previously a component of the Other Investments segment, and its results of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2013 have been reclassified to discontinued operations.
	Comprehensive Income
	The Company had no other components of comprehensive income and, as such, comprehensive income is the same as net earnings as presented in the accompanying Condensed 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 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. As of both June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the outstanding reward point liabilities were $2.1 million and were included in accrued expenses.
	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 three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, promotional allowances of $8.7 million and $9.1 million, respectively, were included as a reduction to net revenues. During those periods, Online Business promotional allowances were $3.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively. Gaming promotional allowances were $5.0 million and $5.1 million, respectively. Racing Operations promotional allowances were $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The estimated cost of providing promotional allowances included in operating expenses totaled $2.3 million and $2.5 million for each of the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, promotional allowances of $16.3 million and $16.4 million, respectively, were included as a reduction to net revenues. During those periods, Online Business promotional allowances were $6.2 million and $6.1 million, respectively. Gaming promotional allowances were $9.7 million and $9.8 million, respectively. Racing Operations promotional allowances were $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The estimated cost of providing promotional allowances included in operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 totaled $4.6 million and $4.8 million, respectively.

Acquisitions_And_New_Ventures_

Acquisitions And New Ventures Acquisition And New Ventures (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Acquisitions and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions And New Ventures	'
	NOTE 2 — 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 with approximately 800 slot machines, 22 table games 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 revolving credit facility. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, Oxford contributed revenues of $19.4 million and $36.9 million, respectively, and earnings from continuing operations before provision for income taxes of $4.0 million and $6.5 million, respectively.
	Pro Forma
	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 Oxford as of the beginning of 2013. 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 acquisition of Oxford been consummated at the beginning of 2013 (in thousands, except per common share data):
		Three Months Ended June 30,		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2013		2013
	Net revenues	$	302,943	$	468,420
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	52,480	$	55,219
	Earnings from continuing operations per common share
	Basic:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	2.97	$	3.13
	Diluted:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	2.93	$	3.09
	Shares used in computing earnings from continuing operations per common share:
	Basic	17,268		17,239
	Diluted	17,921		17,882

Natural_Disasters_Notes

Natural Disasters (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Natural Disasters [Abstract]	'
Natural Disasters	'
	NOTE 3 — 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 years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded a reduction of property and equipment of $0.6 million and received $1.5 million from its insurance carriers in partial settlement of its claim. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company received an additional $0.4 million from its insurance carriers and recognized insurance recoveries, net of losses of $0.4 million as a component of operating income. The insurance claims for this event have been finalized with our insurance carriers, and the Company does not expect to receive additional funds from this claim.

Investment_in_and_Advances_to_

Investment in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliate (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 4—INVESTMENT IN AND ADVANCES TO UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATE
	Miami Valley Gaming
	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, Miami Valley Gaming, LLC (“MVG”), to 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. ("MVG Sellers") for total consideration of $60.0 million, of which $10.0 million was funded at closing with the remainder funded through a $50.0 million note payable with 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.
	On December 12, 2013, the new facility opened in Lebanon, Ohio on a 120-acre site. The facility includes a 5/8-mile harness racing track and a 186,000-square-foot gaming facility with approximately 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 a $50.0 million license fee to the Ohio Lottery Commission. One-half of the license fee was funded during 2012 and 2013, and the remaining $25 million license fee will be funded during the fourth quarter of 2014. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company funded $6.5 million in capital contributions to the joint venture.
	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 is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Current assets	$	17,531		$	18,002
	Property and equipment, net	146,498			151,434
	Other assets, net	80,815			80,665
	Total assets	$	244,844		$	250,101
	Liabilities and Members' Equity
	Current liabilities	$	21,989		$	46,966
	Current portion of long-term debt	8,332			8,332
	Long-term debt, excluding current portion	29,471			32,426
	Other liabilities	75			75
	Members' equity	184,977			162,302
	Total liabilities and members' equity	$	244,844		$	250,101
	The joint venture's long-term debt consists of a $50 million secured note payable from MVG to the MVG Sellers payable quarterly over 6 years at a 5.0% interest rate.
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Gaming revenue	$	34,400		$	—		$	65,563		$	—
	Non-gaming revenue	1,913			1,763			3,544			3,204
	Net revenues	36,313			1,763			69,107			3,204
	Operating and SG&A expenses	26,053			1,803			50,264			3,356
	Depreciation & amortization expenses	3,474			(10		)	6,841			13
	Pre-opening expenses	—			961			54			1,421
	Operating income (loss)	6,786			(991		)	11,948			(1,586		)
	Interest and other expenses, net	(1,194		)	—			(2,274		)	—
	Net income (loss)	$	5,592		$	(991	)	$	9,674		$	(1,586	)
	The Company's 50% share of MVG's results has been included in our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Equity in gains (losses) of unconsolidated investments	$	2,796		$	(495	)	$	4,837		$	(793	)
	Saratoga Harness Racing, Inc. Joint Venture
	On May 13, 2014, the Company announced an agreement to enter into a 50% joint venture with Saratoga Harness Racing, Inc. ("SHRI") to bid on the development, construction and operation of a destination resort casino near Albany, New York. On June 30, 2014, the joint venture filed an application with the New York State Facility Location Board to obtain a license to build and operate a facility with approximately 1,500 slot machines, 56 table games, a 100-room hotel and multiple entertainment and dining options. The expected cost of the project approximates $330 million, which includes a $50 million license fee. The Company intends to fund its share of the joint venture from its Senior Secured Credit Facility. The joint venture is one of five bidders competing for a license in the Capital-Saratoga region of New York, and the Company expects, but cannot guarantee, that the state will award a license to one bidder in this region during the second half of 2014. In addition, subject to regulatory approval, the Company is negotiating the acquisition of an ownership interest in SHRI and a management agreement wherein the Company will manage SHRI properties in Colorado and New York.
	During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company incurred $0.5 million in equity losses in its other investments segment associated with the license application process. The Company anticipates funding $2.6 million to the joint venture during the third quarter of 2014.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	NOTE 5 — INCOME TAXES
	The Company’s effective tax rate from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was 38% for each period. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was greater than the Federal statutory rate due to state income taxes and certain expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes.
	Certain tax authorities may periodically audit the Company, and the Company may occasionally be assessed interest and penalties by tax jurisdictions. The Company recognizes accrued interest from uncertain income tax benefits in its income tax provision, while penalties are accrued in selling, general and administrative expenses. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company accrued less than $0.1 million of interest expense related to uncertain income tax benefits and had gross uncertain tax benefits of $0.6 million as of June 30, 2014. If these benefits had been recognized, there would have been a $0.5 million decrease to annual income tax expense.
	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 was recorded as an other asset. 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 and results of operations.

Goodwill_And_IndefiniteLived_I

Goodwill And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Test	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Indefinte-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Test	'
	NOTE 6 — GOODWILL AND INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS IMPAIRMENT TEST
	In accordance with ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment and ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other: Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, the Company completed the required annual impairment tests of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of March 31, 2014, and no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets was required. The Company assessed its goodwill and 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 reporting units was greater than their carrying value, and as such, the Company was not required to calculate the fair value of its reporting units.
	Definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014							December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value
	Definite-lived intangible assets	$	76,002	$	(41,852	)	$	34,150	$	76,002	$	(36,196	)	$	39,806
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets	158,343		—			158,343		158,343		—			158,343
	Total	$	234,345	$	(41,852	)	$	192,493	$	234,345	$	(36,196	)	$	198,149

Fair_Value_Of_Assets_And_Liabi

Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities	'
	NOTE 7 — 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 as of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
		Fair Value
		Hierarchy	June 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Cash equivalents and restricted cash	Level 1	$	36,485		$	36,940
	Contingent consideration liability	Level 3	$	(2,331	)	$	(2,331	)
	Senior Unsecured Notes	Level 2	$	(306,000	)	$	(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 Media 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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
	The Company's $300 million par value Senior Unsecured Notes 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 six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company did not measure any assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

Longterm_Incentive_Plan_Notes

Long-term Incentive Plan (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
LTIP [Abstract]	'
Long-term Incentive Plan	'
	NOTE 8- LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
	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 days closing stock price requirement for 155,000 restricted shares. Per the terms of the New Company LTIP, Grantees vested in 141,000 of these shares during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The remaining 14,000 shares will vest in August and September 2014.
	During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recognized $2.2 million and $6.4 million of compensation expense related to the New Company LTIP. As of June 30, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense attributable to unvested market condition awards and service period awards was $0.8 million and $3.8 million, respectively. The weighted average period over which the Company expects to recognize the remaining compensation expense under the market condition and service period awards approximates one month and 23 months, respectively.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Comp

Earnings Per Common Share Computations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Common Share Computations	'
	NOTE 9 — 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):
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator for basic earnings from continuing operations per common share
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	57,333		$	50,309		$	56,633		$	51,398
	Earnings from continuing operations allocated to participating securities	(674		)	(1,170		)	(668		)	(1,198		)
	Numerator for basic earnings from continuing operations per common share	$	56,659		$	49,139		$	55,965		$	50,200
	Numerator for basic earnings per common share
	Net earnings	$	57,333		$	50,298		$	56,633		$	51,356
	Net earnings allocated to participating securities	(674		)	(1,170		)	(668		)	(1,198		)
	Numerator for basic net earnings per common share	$	56,659		$	49,128		$	55,965		$	50,158
	Numerator for diluted earnings from continuing operations per common share	$	57,333		$	50,298		$	56,633		$	51,398
	Numerator for diluted earnings per common share	$	57,333		$	50,298		$	56,633		$	51,356
	Denominator for net earnings per common share:
	Basic	17,531			17,268			17,475			17,239
	Plus dilutive effect of stock options	140			242			200			232
	Plus dilutive effect of participating securities	209			411			209			411
	Diluted	17,880			17,921			17,884			17,882
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic
	Net earnings	$	3.23		$	2.85		$	3.2		$	2.91
	Diluted
	Net earnings	$	3.21		$	2.81		$	3.17		$	2.87

Share_Repurchase_Notes

Share Repurchase (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Share Repurchase [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 10 — COMMON STOCK SHARE REPURCHASE
	On April 23, 2013, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $100 million of its common stock outstanding in a stock repurchase program. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 691 thousand shares for $61.6 million in a privately negotiated transaction. The shares were retired, and the cost of the shares acquired was treated as a deduction from shareholders' equity. The Company funded this repurchase using available cash and borrowing under its Senior Secured Credit Facility. Under the terms of the stock repurchase program, the Company may repurchase an additional $38.4 million of common stock prior to the termination of the repurchase program on December 31, 2015.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	NOTE 11 — SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company operates in the following four segments: (1) Racing Operations, which includes Churchill Downs, Arlington International Race Course ("Arlington") and its eleven off-track betting facilities ("OTBs"), Calder Race Course ("Calder") and Fair Grounds Race Course ("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 Casino Resort & Spa ("Harlow's"), the Company's equity investment in MVG, Oxford, Riverwalk Casino Hotel ("Riverwalk") and Video Services, LLC (“VSI”); (3) Online Business, which includes TwinSpires, our Advance Deposit Wagering (“ADW”) business, Fair Grounds Account Wagering, Bloodstock Research Information Services, Velocity, a business focused on high wagering-volume international customers and Luckity, an ADW business that offers real-money Bingo online with outcomes based on and determined by pari-mutuel wagers on live horseraces, as well as the Company's equity investment in HRTV, LLC; and (4) Other Investments, which includes United Tote, Bluff Media and the Company's other minor investments. Eliminations include the elimination of intersegment transactions.
	On January 1, 2014, the Company reclassified its equity investment in MVG from Other Investments to Gaming, to coincide with the first full period of operations for the venture, which opened on December 12, 2013. MVG's results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 have been reclassified to the Gaming segment.
	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. The Company utilizes 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. 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 Company implemented the Adjusted EBITDA measure during the second quarter of 2013. The table below presents information about the reported segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net revenues from external customers:
	Churchill Downs	$	118,348		$	108,278		$	120,490		$	110,578
	Arlington	21,193			22,006			27,315			29,247
	Calder	9,714			17,031			17,738			19,311
	Fair Grounds	10,180			10,072			24,471			26,064
	Total Racing Operations	159,435			157,387			190,014			185,200
	Calder Casino	19,873			20,466			40,456			40,952
	Fair Grounds Slots	9,586			9,978			21,370			22,342
	VSI	8,658			9,245			17,581			19,006
	Harlow's Casino	11,777			13,097			26,228			28,451
	Oxford Casino	19,402			—			36,921			—
	Riverwalk Casino	12,662			14,101			25,957			28,225
	Total Gaming	81,958			66,887			168,513			138,976
	Online Business	57,076			52,531			103,160			95,447
	Other Investments	4,778			6,371			8,615			11,273
	Corporate	404			418			659			574
	Net revenues from external customers	$	303,651		$	283,594		$	470,961		$	431,470
	Intercompany net revenues:
	Churchill Downs	$	4,945		$	4,607		$	5,173		$	4,796
	Arlington	1,777			903			2,794			1,040
	Calder	351			492			707			505
	Fair Grounds	(3		)	—			729			833
	Total Racing Operations	7,070			6,002			9,403			7,174
	Online Business	244			233			474			446
	Other Investments	1,210			1,348			2,108			2,250
	Eliminations	(8,524		)	(7,583		)	(11,985		)	(9,870		)
	Net revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Reconciliation of segment Adjusted EBITDA to net earnings:
	Racing Operations	$	78,079		$	70,517		$	67,829		$	59,260
	Gaming	26,174			19,365			53,425			41,292
	Online Business	14,087			14,091			24,037			25,426
	Other Investments	(673		)	920			(2,026		)	1,229
	Total segment Adjusted EBITDA	117,667			104,893			143,265			127,207
	Corporate Adjusted EBITDA	(1,141		)	(988		)	(2,247		)	(2,165		)
	Insurance recoveries, net of losses	—			—			431			375
	HRE Trust Fund proceeds	—			292			—			292
	Share-based compensation expense	(3,113		)	(6,214		)	(8,354		)	(9,577		)
	Pre-opening expenses	—			(481		)	(27		)	(711		)
	MVG interest expense, net	(597		)	—			(1,137		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization	(15,760		)	(14,991		)	(31,044		)	(30,026		)
	Interest income (expense), net	(4,956		)	(1,167		)	(9,925		)	(2,633		)
	Income tax provision	(34,767		)	(31,035		)	(34,329		)	(31,364		)
	Earnings from continuing operations	57,333			50,309			56,633			51,398
	Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	—			(11		)	—			(42		)
	Net earnings and comprehensive income	$	57,333		$	50,298		$	56,633		$	51,356
	The table below presents equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated investments included in the Company’s reported segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Gaming	$	2,796		$	(495	)	$	4,837		$	(793	)
	Online Business	28			(239		)	248			(130		)
	Other Investments	(318		)	103			(289		)	128
		$	2,506		$	(631	)	$	4,796		$	(795	)
	The table below presents total assets for the reported segments (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Total assets:
	Racing Operations	$	521,657		$	513,345
Gaming	617,792			622,038
Online Business	191,450			186,621
Other Investments	32,240			30,257
	$	1,363,139		$	1,352,261
The table below presents total capital expenditures for the reported segments for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014			2013
Capital expenditures:
Racing Operations	$	27,915		$	10,210
Gaming	4,119			9,048
Online Business	3,174			3,528
Other Investments	3,267			986
	$	38,475		$	23,772

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	NOTE 12 — 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.
	Pennsylvania ADW Taxation
	On June 13, 2014, the Company filed a lawsuit in the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania styled Churchill Downs Incorporated and Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company vs. the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, et al., (Docket No. 322 MD 2014) challenging the constitutionality of Pennsylvania laws that, among other things, state that out-of-state companies must pay a 10% tax on ADW wagers. A hearing on the Company's motion for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for August 12, 2014.
	Louisiana Horsemens' Purses
	On April 21, 2014, John L. Soileau and other individuals filed a “Petition for Declaratory Judgment, Permanent Injunction, and Damages - Class Action styled John L. Soileau, et. al. versus Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing, LLC, Churchill Downs Louisiana Video Poker Company, LLC (Suit No. 14-3873) in the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana.  The petition defines the “alleged plaintiff class” as quarter-horse owners, trainers and jockeys that have won purses at the “Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots” facility (“Fair Grounds”) in New Orleans, Louisiana since the first effective date of La. R.S. 27:438 and specifically since 2008.  The petition alleges that Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing, L.L.C. and Churchill Downs Louisiana Video Poker Company, L.L.C. have collected certain monies through video draw poker devices that constitute monies earned for purse supplements and all of those supplemental purse monies have been paid to thoroughbred horsemen during Fair Grounds’ live thoroughbred horse meets while La. R.S. 27:438 requires a portion of those supplemental purse monies to be paid to quarter-horse horsemen during Fair Grounds’ live quarter-horse meets.  The petition requests that the Court to declare the defendants have breached the requirements of La. R.S. 27:438, issue a permanent and mandatory injunction ordering the defendants to pay all future supplements due to the plaintiff class pursuant to La. R.S. 27:438, and to pay the plaintiff class such sums as it finds to reasonably represent the value of the sums due to the plaintiff class. Service of the above styled petition was received by the Company on June 27, 2014. The Company has until August 11, 2014 to file its answer to the petition.
	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 2012 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. 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.
	There are no other material pending legal proceedings.

Accounting_Pronouncements_Note

Accounting Pronouncements (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	NOTE 13 — RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized.  The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The revised guidance will become effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and will be applied retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance but does not expect adoption will have a material impact on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as a disposal of a component or group of components that represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The revised guidance will become effective for annual fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company has not yet determined whether it will adopt the standard prior to its required effective date.

Subsequent_Event_Notes

Subsequent Event (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 14 — SUBSEQUENT EVENT
	During 2013, Calder and Gulfstream Park began conducting concurrent live thoroughbred racing in certain months, leading to an overlapping of live racing resulting in direct competition for on-track horseracing, in the intrastate and interstate simulcast markets and for racehorses in South Florida. This negatively affected Calder’s ability to achieve full field horseraces and to generate handle on live racing. On May 24, 2013, Calder filed a petition with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (the “DOAH”) challenging the other racetracks' interpretation that they may conduct interstate simulcasting, and whether that was a valid interpretation of state law and the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978. During 2013 and 2014, the DOAH and other state legislative bodies held public hearings and proposed modification to state laws without reaching a definitive resolution.
	On July 1, 2014, the Company finalized an agreement with The Stronach Group (“TSG”) under which TSG will operate, at TSG’s expense, live racing and maintain certain facilities used for racing and training at Calder. The agreement, which expires on December 31, 2020, will involve a lease to TSG of Calder’s racetrack and certain other racing and training facilities, including a portion of the barns on Calder’s backside consisting of approximately 430 stalls. TSG will operate live horse racing at Calder, under Calder’s racing permits, in compliance with all applicable laws and licensing requirements. TSG will operate and maintain the racing and training facilities at Calder on a year-round basis. Furthermore, TSG will be responsible for substantially all of the direct and indirect costs associated with these activities and receive the associated revenues. The Company will continue to own and operate the Calder Casino.
	In addition, as part of the agreement, effective July 1, 2014, the Company amended Calder’s agreement with the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc. (“FHBPA”) which reduced the rate of overnight purse supplements payable by the Calder Casino from 12 percent of slot machine revenue to 10 percent of slot machine revenue. Finally, the Company and TSG modified their HRTV operating and ownership agreement which will result in the disposition of the Company’s 20 percent interest in HRTV. The Company expects to complete the HRTV transaction during the first quarter of 2015.
	As a result of the agreement with TSG, on July 1, 2014, the Company notified 214 Calder employees that their positions will be terminated between July 8, 2014, and September 2, 2014. In accordance with the terms of a one-time benefit arrangement, the Company anticipates recognizing approximately $2.0 million of severance and other benefit costs during the third quarter of 2014. Furthermore, during the third quarter of 2014, the Company will assess potential alternative uses of its Calder facility not associated with its lease agreement.

Basis_Of_Presentation_Policies

Basis Of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Revenue Recognition	'
	The Company’s revenues and earnings are seasonal in nature, primarily due to its Racing Operations segment. Therefore, revenues and operating results for any interim quarter are generally not indicative of the revenues and operating results for the year and may not be comparable with results for the corresponding period of the previous year. For instance, the Company historically has had fewer live racing days during the first quarter of each year, and the majority of its live racing revenue occurs during the second quarter, with the running of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks. The Company conducted 114 live thoroughbred racing days during the second quarter of 2014, which compares to 124 live thoroughbred racing days during the second quarter of 2013. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company conducted 206 live thoroughbred racing days, which compares to 180 live racing days during the six months ended June 30, 2013. This increase is primarily due to Calder Race Course conducting 29 additional live race days during the first six months of 2014 because of its revised racing calendar, which included a 39-day live winter racing meet during the first quarter of 2014. Furthermore, gaming revenues and earnings have historically been higher during the first quarter due to seasonal revenues from the Company's predominately southern gaming properties.
Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company ceased operations of Fight! Magazine, a division of Bluff Media. Fight! Magazine, which was previously a component of the Other Investments segment, and its results of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2013 have been reclassified to discontinued operations.
Comprehensive Income	'
	The Company had no other components of comprehensive income and, as such, comprehensive income is the same as net earnings as presented in the accompanying Condensed 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 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. As of both June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the outstanding reward point liabilities were $2.1 million and were included in accrued expenses.
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 three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, promotional allowances of $8.7 million and $9.1 million, respectively, were included as a reduction to net revenues. During those periods, Online Business promotional allowances were $3.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively. Gaming promotional allowances were $5.0 million and $5.1 million, respectively. Racing Operations promotional allowances were $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The estimated cost of providing promotional allowances included in operating expenses totaled $2.3 million and $2.5 million for each of the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

Acquisitions_And_New_Ventures_1

Acquisitions And New Ventures Acquisition and New Ventures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Acquisitions and New Ventures [Abstract]	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	'
	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 acquisition of Oxford been consummated at the beginning of 2013 (in thousands, except per common share data):
		Three Months Ended June 30,		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2013		2013
	Net revenues	$	302,943	$	468,420
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	52,480	$	55,219
	Earnings from continuing operations per common share
	Basic:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	2.97	$	3.13
	Diluted:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	2.93	$	3.09
	Shares used in computing earnings from continuing operations per common share:
	Basic	17,268		17,239
	Diluted	17,921		17,882

Investment_in_and_Advances_to_1

Investment in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliate (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract]	'
Affiliate Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	'
	Summarized financial information for MVG is comprised of the following (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Current assets	$	17,531		$	18,002
	Property and equipment, net	146,498			151,434
	Other assets, net	80,815			80,665
	Total assets	$	244,844		$	250,101
	Liabilities and Members' Equity
	Current liabilities	$	21,989		$	46,966
	Current portion of long-term debt	8,332			8,332
	Long-term debt, excluding current portion	29,471			32,426
	Other liabilities	75			75
	Members' equity	184,977			162,302
	Total liabilities and members' equity	$	244,844		$	250,101
Affiliate Income Statement [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Gaming revenue	$	34,400		$	—		$	65,563		$	—
	Non-gaming revenue	1,913			1,763			3,544			3,204
	Net revenues	36,313			1,763			69,107			3,204
	Operating and SG&A expenses	26,053			1,803			50,264			3,356
	Depreciation & amortization expenses	3,474			(10		)	6,841			13
	Pre-opening expenses	—			961			54			1,421
	Operating income (loss)	6,786			(991		)	11,948			(1,586		)
	Interest and other expenses, net	(1,194		)	—			(2,274		)	—
	Net income (loss)	$	5,592		$	(991	)	$	9,674		$	(1,586	)
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company's 50% share of MVG's results has been included in our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2014			June 30, 2013
	Equity in gains (losses) of unconsolidated investments	$	2,796		$	(495	)	$	4,837		$	(793	)

Goodwill_And_IndefiniteLived_I1

Goodwill And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Test (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Indefinite and Finite Lived Assets	'
	Definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014							December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value
	Definite-lived intangible assets	$	76,002	$	(41,852	)	$	34,150	$	76,002	$	(36,196	)	$	39,806
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets	158,343		—			158,343		158,343		—			158,343
	Total	$	234,345	$	(41,852	)	$	192,493	$	234,345	$	(36,196	)	$	198,149

Fair_Value_Of_Assets_And_Liabi1

Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring	'
	The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively (in thousands):
		Fair Value
		Hierarchy	June 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Cash equivalents and restricted cash	Level 1	$	36,485		$	36,940
	Contingent consideration liability	Level 3	$	(2,331	)	$	(2,331	)
	Senior Unsecured Notes	Level 2	$	(306,000	)	$	(305,250	)

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Comp1

Earnings Per Common Share Computations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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):
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator for basic earnings from continuing operations per common share
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	57,333		$	50,309		$	56,633		$	51,398
	Earnings from continuing operations allocated to participating securities	(674		)	(1,170		)	(668		)	(1,198		)
	Numerator for basic earnings from continuing operations per common share	$	56,659		$	49,139		$	55,965		$	50,200
	Numerator for basic earnings per common share
	Net earnings	$	57,333		$	50,298		$	56,633		$	51,356
	Net earnings allocated to participating securities	(674		)	(1,170		)	(668		)	(1,198		)
	Numerator for basic net earnings per common share	$	56,659		$	49,128		$	55,965		$	50,158
	Numerator for diluted earnings from continuing operations per common share	$	57,333		$	50,298		$	56,633		$	51,398
	Numerator for diluted earnings per common share	$	57,333		$	50,298		$	56,633		$	51,356
	Denominator for net earnings per common share:
	Basic	17,531			17,268			17,475			17,239
	Plus dilutive effect of stock options	140			242			200			232
	Plus dilutive effect of participating securities	209			411			209			411
	Diluted	17,880			17,921			17,884			17,882
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic
	Net earnings	$	3.23		$	2.85		$	3.2		$	2.91
	Diluted
	Net earnings	$	3.21		$	2.81		$	3.17		$	2.87

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	The table below presents information about the reported segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net revenues from external customers:
	Churchill Downs	$	118,348		$	108,278		$	120,490		$	110,578
	Arlington	21,193			22,006			27,315			29,247
	Calder	9,714			17,031			17,738			19,311
	Fair Grounds	10,180			10,072			24,471			26,064
	Total Racing Operations	159,435			157,387			190,014			185,200
	Calder Casino	19,873			20,466			40,456			40,952
	Fair Grounds Slots	9,586			9,978			21,370			22,342
	VSI	8,658			9,245			17,581			19,006
	Harlow's Casino	11,777			13,097			26,228			28,451
	Oxford Casino	19,402			—			36,921			—
	Riverwalk Casino	12,662			14,101			25,957			28,225
	Total Gaming	81,958			66,887			168,513			138,976
	Online Business	57,076			52,531			103,160			95,447
	Other Investments	4,778			6,371			8,615			11,273
	Corporate	404			418			659			574
	Net revenues from external customers	$	303,651		$	283,594		$	470,961		$	431,470
	Intercompany net revenues:
	Churchill Downs	$	4,945		$	4,607		$	5,173		$	4,796
	Arlington	1,777			903			2,794			1,040
	Calder	351			492			707			505
	Fair Grounds	(3		)	—			729			833
	Total Racing Operations	7,070			6,002			9,403			7,174
	Online Business	244			233			474			446
	Other Investments	1,210			1,348			2,108			2,250
	Eliminations	(8,524		)	(7,583		)	(11,985		)	(9,870		)
	Net revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Reconciliation of segment Adjusted EBITDA to net earnings:
	Racing Operations	$	78,079		$	70,517		$	67,829		$	59,260
	Gaming	26,174			19,365			53,425			41,292
	Online Business	14,087			14,091			24,037			25,426
	Other Investments	(673		)	920			(2,026		)	1,229
	Total segment Adjusted EBITDA	117,667			104,893			143,265			127,207
	Corporate Adjusted EBITDA	(1,141		)	(988		)	(2,247		)	(2,165		)
	Insurance recoveries, net of losses	—			—			431			375
	HRE Trust Fund proceeds	—			292			—			292
	Share-based compensation expense	(3,113		)	(6,214		)	(8,354		)	(9,577		)
	Pre-opening expenses	—			(481		)	(27		)	(711		)
	MVG interest expense, net	(597		)	—			(1,137		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization	(15,760		)	(14,991		)	(31,044		)	(30,026		)
	Interest income (expense), net	(4,956		)	(1,167		)	(9,925		)	(2,633		)
	Income tax provision	(34,767		)	(31,035		)	(34,329		)	(31,364		)
	Earnings from continuing operations	57,333			50,309			56,633			51,398
	Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	—			(11		)	—			(42		)
	Net earnings and comprehensive income	$	57,333		$	50,298		$	56,633		$	51,356
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated	'
	The table below presents equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated investments included in the Company’s reported segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Gaming	$	2,796		$	(495	)	$	4,837		$	(793	)
	Online Business	28			(239		)	248			(130		)
	Other Investments	(318		)	103			(289		)	128
		$	2,506		$	(631	)	$	4,796		$	(795	)
	The table below presents total capital expenditures for the reported segments for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013
	Capital expenditures:
	Racing Operations	$	27,915		$	10,210
	Gaming	4,119			9,048
	Online Business	3,174			3,528
	Other Investments	3,267			986
		$	38,475		$	23,772
	The table below presents total assets for the reported segments (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Total assets:
	Racing Operations	$	521,657		$	513,345
	Gaming	617,792			622,038
	Online Business	191,450			186,621
	Other Investments	32,240			30,257
		$	1,363,139		$	1,352,261

Basis_Of_Presentation_Details

Basis Of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	D	D	D	D
Promotional Allowance [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Live Racing Days	114	124	206	180	'
Promotional Allowances	$8.70	$9.10	$16.30	$16.40	'
Estimated Cost Of Providing Promotional Allowances	2.3	2.5	4.6	4.8	'
Customer Loyalty Program Liability, Current	2.1	'	2.1	'	2.1
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	'	'	'	'	'
Racing Operations Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Promotional Allowance [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Promotional Allowances	0.2	0.3	0.4	0.5	'
Online Operations	'	'	'	'	'
Promotional Allowance [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Promotional Allowances	3.5	3.7	6.2	6.1	'
Gaming Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Promotional Allowance [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Promotional Allowances	$5	$5.10	$9.70	$9.80	'

Acquisitions_And_New_Ventures_2

Acquisitions And New Ventures Acquisitions And New Ventures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 17, 2013
					Oxford Acquisition [Member]	Oxford Acquisition [Member]	Oxford Acquisition [Member]
							SlotMachines
							sqft
							Tables
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future Business Acquisition, Cost Of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	$168,600,000
Square footage of Casino	'	'	'	'	'	'	25,000
Revenues	0	0	0	0	19,400,000	36,900,000	'
Number Slot Machines	'	'	'	'	'	'	800
Number of Tables Games	'	'	'	'	'	'	22
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	$92,100,000	$81,344,000	$90,962,000	$82,762,000	$4,000,000	$6,500,000	'

Acquisitions_And_New_Ventures_3

Acquisitions And New Ventures Pro Forma Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Net revenues	$302,943	$468,420
Earnings from continuing operations	$52,480	$55,219
Earnings from continuing operations, Basic	$2.97	$3.13
Earnings from continuing operations, Diluted	$2.93	$3.09
Basic	17,268	17,239
Diluted	17,921	17,882

Natural_Disasters_Details

Natural Disasters (Details) (Churchill Downs, Hail [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Churchill Downs | Hail [Member]	'	'
Business Interruption Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Insurance Deductible	'	$0.50
Insurance Settlements, Partial Settlement Received	'	0.6
Insurance Settlements, Cash Settlement Received	0.4	1.5
Unusual or Infrequent Item, Net of Insurance Proceeds	$0.40	'

Investment_in_and_Advances_to_2

Investment in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliate (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 21, 2012

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

13-May-14

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 21, 2012

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 21, 2012

Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [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]

Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [Member]

New York Joint Venture [Member]

New York Joint Venture [Member]

Funded at Closing [Member]

Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]

Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]

Maximum

Minimum

License Fee Payable [Member]

sqft

terminal

Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [Member]

Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [Member]

New York Joint Venture [Member]

Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [Member]

Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [Member]

Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]

acre

terminal

terminal

Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [Member]

mi

Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number Slot Machines

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Tables Games

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity Method Investments

'

'

'

'

$60,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10,000,000

$50,000,000

$50,000,000

'

'

$25,000,000

Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments

2,506,000

-631,000

4,796,000

-795,000

'

2,796,000

-495,000

4,837,000

-793,000

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Note Payable, Term

'

'

'

'

'6 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity Method Investments, Contingent Payable

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acres

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

120

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Race Track, Length

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.625

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Square footage of Casino

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

186,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Lottery Terminals

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,800

1,600

'

Equity Method Investments, Facility Cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

212,000,000

330,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture

'

'

6,500,000

12,500,000

'

'

'

6,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Hotel rooms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Anticipated Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investment_in_and_Advances_to_3

Investment in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliate Equity Method Investment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment-Gaming Revenue	$34,400	$0	$65,563	$0
Equity Method Investment-Non-Gaming Revenue	1,913	1,763	3,544	3,204
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	36,313	1,763	69,107	3,204
Equity Method Investment-Expenses	26,053	1,803	50,264	3,356
Equity Method, Depreciation & Amortization	3,474	-10	6,841	13
Equity Method Investment-Pre-Opening Expenses	0	961	54	1,421
Equity Method Investment Operating Income Loss	6,786	-991	11,948	-1,586
Equity Method Investment-Interest	1,194	0	2,274	0
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)	$5,592	($991)	$9,674	($1,586)

Investment_in_and_Advances_to_4

Investment in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliate Affiliate Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Affiliate Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets	$17,531	$18,002	'
Equity Method Investment-Property Plant & Equipment	146,498	151,434	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets	80,815	80,665	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets	244,844	250,101	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities	21,989	46,966	'
Equity Method Investment-Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	8,332	8,332	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities	29,471	32,426	50,000
Investment Affiliate-Other Liabilities	75	75	'
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Equity	184,977	162,302	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity	$244,844	$250,101	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Oct. 04, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	38.00%	38.00%	'
Other Assets	'	'	$2.90
Accrued interest epense related to unrecognized income tax benefits	0.1	'	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	0.6	'	'
Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate	$0.50	'	'

Goodwill_And_IndefiniteLived_I2

Goodwill And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Test - Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying amount	$76,002	$76,002
Definite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-41,852	-36,196
Definite-lived intangible assets, net book value	34,150	39,806
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	192,493	198,149
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, gross carrying value	158,343	158,343
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill, Gross	$234,345	$234,345

Fair_Value_Of_Assets_And_Liabi2

Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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	$368,798	$369,191
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	-306,000	-305,250
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents and restricted cash	36,485	36,940
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration liability	-2,331	-2,331
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	'

Longterm_Incentive_Plan_Detail

Long-term Incentive Plan (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 21, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

29-May-13

29-May-13

Omnibus Stock Incentive Plans, 2007 New LTIP [Member]

Omnibus Stock Incentive Plans, 2007 New LTIP [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Performance-Based Awards [Member]

Non-Executive Officers [Member]

Executive Officers [Member]

Minimum

Maximum

Restricted Stock [Member]

Churchill 2004 and 2007 Plan [Member]

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

155,000

92,000

'

'

'

'

'

14,000

141,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

324,000

'

'

Trading Days

'

'

'

'

'20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense

$3,113,000

$6,214,000

$8,354,000

$9,577,000

'

'

$2,200,000

$6,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

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

800,000

'

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

$3,800,000

'

$3,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized for equity-based compensation plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 month

'23 months

'

'

'

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Comp2

Earnings Per Common Share Computations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations	$57,333	$50,309	$56,633	$51,398
Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings	-674	-1,170	-668	-1,198
Numerator for basic earnings from continuing operations per common share	56,659	49,139	55,965	50,200
Net earnings and comprehensive income	57,333	50,298	56,633	51,356
Net earnings allocated to participating securities	-674	-1,170	-668	-1,198
Numerator for basic net earnings per common share	56,659	49,128	55,965	50,158
Income Loss From Continuing Operations, Diluted	57,333	50,298	56,633	51,398
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	$57,333	$50,298	$56,633	$51,356
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	17,531	17,268	17,475	17,239
Plus dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)	140	242	200	232
Plus dilutive effect of participating securities (in shares)	209	411	209	411
Diluted (in shares)	17,880	17,921	17,884	17,882
Net earnings (in dollars per share), Basic	$3.23	$2.85	$3.20	$2.91
Net earnings (in dollars per share), Diluted	$3.21	$2.81	$3.17	$2.87

Share_Repurchase_Details

Share Repurchase (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Share Repurchase [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	'	$100,000,000	'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	691	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	'	'	-61,561,000	0
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	'	'	$38,400,000	'

Segment_Information_Informatio

Segment Information - Information About Reported Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
	Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	$2,506	($631)	$4,796	($795)
Number of Operating Segments	4	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	303,651	283,594	470,961	431,470
Intercompany net revenues	0	0	0	0
Adjusted Segment EBITDA	117,667	104,893	143,265	127,207
Adjusted Corporate EBITDA	-1,141	-988	-2,247	-2,165
Insurance Recoveries, Net of Losses	0	0	431	375
Illinois HRE Trust Fund Proceeds	0	292	0	292
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	-3,113	-6,214	-8,354	-9,577
Pre-Opening Costs	0	-481	-27	-711
MVG interest expense, net	-597	0	-1,137	0
Depreciation and Amortization	-15,760	-14,991	-31,044	-30,026
Interest Income (Expense), Net	-4,956	-1,167	-9,925	-2,633
Income tax provision	-34,767	-31,035	-34,329	-31,364
Earnings from continuing operations	57,333	50,309	56,633	51,398
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	-11	0	-42
Net earnings and comprehensive income	57,333	50,298	56,633	51,356
Arlington Park	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number Of Off Track Betting Palors	11	'	'	'
Fair Grounds	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number Of Off Track Betting Palors	12	'	'	'
Racing Operations Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	159,435	157,387	190,014	185,200
Intercompany net revenues	7,070	6,002	9,403	7,174
Adjusted Segment EBITDA	78,079	70,517	67,829	59,260
Racing Operations Segment [Member] | Churchill Downs	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	118,348	108,278	120,490	110,578
Intercompany net revenues	4,945	4,607	5,173	4,796
Racing Operations Segment [Member] | Arlington Park	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	21,193	22,006	27,315	29,247
Intercompany net revenues	1,777	903	2,794	1,040
Racing Operations Segment [Member] | Calder	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	9,714	17,031	17,738	19,311
Intercompany net revenues	351	492	707	505
Racing Operations Segment [Member] | Fair Grounds	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	10,180	10,072	24,471	26,064
Intercompany net revenues	-3	0	729	833
Gaming Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	2,796	-495	4,837	-793
Net revenues from external customers	81,958	66,887	168,513	138,976
Adjusted Segment EBITDA	26,174	19,365	53,425	41,292
Gaming Segment [Member] | Calder Casinos	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	19,873	20,466	40,456	40,952
Gaming Segment [Member] | Fair Grounds Slots	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	9,586	9,978	21,370	22,342
Gaming Segment [Member] | VSI	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	8,658	9,245	17,581	19,006
Gaming Segment [Member] | Harlows Casino	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	11,777	13,097	26,228	28,451
Gaming Segment [Member] | Oxford Acquisition [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	19,402	0	36,921	0
Gaming Segment [Member] | Riverwalk Casino	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	12,662	14,101	25,957	28,225
Online Operations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	28	-239	248	-130
Net revenues from external customers	57,076	52,531	103,160	95,447
Intercompany net revenues	244	233	474	446
Adjusted Segment EBITDA	14,087	14,091	24,037	25,426
Intersegment Elimination	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Intercompany net revenues	-8,524	-7,583	-11,985	-9,870
Other Investments Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	-318	103	-289	128
Net revenues from external customers	4,778	6,371	8,615	11,273
Intercompany net revenues	1,210	1,348	2,108	2,250
Adjusted Segment EBITDA	-673	920	-2,026	1,229
Corporate	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues from external customers	$404	$418	$659	$574

Segment_Information_Equity_in_

Segment Information - Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Equity in (gain) loss of unconsolidated investments	($2,506)	$631	($4,796)	$795
Gaming Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Equity in (gain) loss of unconsolidated investments	-2,796	495	-4,837	793
Online Operations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Equity in (gain) loss of unconsolidated investments	-28	239	-248	130
Other Investments Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Equity in (gain) loss of unconsolidated investments	$318	($103)	$289	($128)

Segment_Information_Total_Asse

Segment Information - Total Asset Information For Segments (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total assets	$1,363,139	'	$1,352,261
Capital expenditures	38,475	23,772	'
Racing Operations Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total assets	521,657	'	513,345
Capital expenditures	27,915	10,210	'
Gaming Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total assets	617,792	'	622,038
Capital expenditures	4,119	9,048	'
Online Operations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total assets	191,450	'	186,621
Capital expenditures	3,174	3,528	'
Other Investments Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total assets	32,240	'	30,257
Capital expenditures	$3,267	$986	'

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies - Loss Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Oct. 04, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Pennsylvania Out-of-state ADW tax	10.00%	'
Other Assets	'	$2.90

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Severance Costs	$2