| Document And Entity Information | Sep. 17, 2019 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Boyd Gaming Corp |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 17, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NV |
| Entity File Number | 001-12882 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 88-0242733 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3883 Howard Hughes Parkway, Ninth Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Las Vegas |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NV |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 89169 |
| City Area Code | 702 |
| Local Phone Number | 792-7200 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock |
| Trading Symbol | BYD |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000906553 |
