Speedway Motorsports (TRK) 10-K 6 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 02, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SPEEDWAY MOTORSPORTS INC
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		41,300,191
Entity Public Float			$214,556,125
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	934648
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$110,046	$97,343
Accounts and notes receivable, net	34,855	34,594
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	8,306	8,891
Inventories, net	8,350	8,605
Prepaid expenses	3,881	3,594
Deferred income taxes	23,786	49,181
Total Current Assets	189,224	202,208
Notes and Other Receivables:
Affiliates (Note 9)		3,294
Other	1,555	1,800
Other Assets	30,714	29,146
Property and Equipment, Net (Note 2)	1,052,153	1,105,177
Other Intangible Assets, Net	394,941	394,955
Goodwill	49,680	49,680
Total	1,718,267	1,786,260
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	7,070	13,847
Accounts payable	11,166	10,519
Deferred race event and other income, net	55,209	57,888
Accrued interest	7,055	7,044
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	25,131	21,656
Total Current Liabilities	105,631	110,954
Long-term Debt (Note 6)	397,747	453,142
Payable to Affiliate		2,594
Deferred Income, Net	4,822	6,932
Deferred Income Taxes	371,903	381,756
Other Liabilities	7,019	4,892
Total Liabilities	887,122	960,270
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common Stock, $.01 par value, shares authorized – 200,000,000, issued and outstanding – 41,340,000 in 2014 and 41,404,000 in 2013	456	454
Additional Paid-in Capital	252,571	249,505
Retained Earnings	671,648	665,394
Treasury Stock at cost, shares – 4,216,000 in 2014 and 3,999,000 in 2013	-93,530	-89,363
Total Stockholders’ Equity	831,145	825,990
Total	$1,718,267	$1,786,260

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Preferred stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common Stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	41,340,000	41,404,000
Common Stock, shares outstanding	41,340,000	41,404,000
Treasury Stock at cost, shares	4,216,000	3,999,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Admissions	$100,798	$106,050	$116,034
Event related revenue	146,849	145,749	151,562
NASCAR broadcasting revenue	207,369	199,014	192,662
Other operating revenue	29,293	29,836	29,902
Total Revenues	484,309	480,649	490,160
Expenses and Other:
Direct expense of events	102,196	99,500	101,402
NASCAR event management fees	128,254	125,003	122,950
Other direct operating expense	18,513	18,640	18,908
General and administrative	96,762	91,676	90,407
Depreciation and amortization (Note 2)	78,426	54,725	55,499
Interest expense, net	21,237	31,871	41,217
Impairment of goodwill (Note 2)		89,037
Loss on early debt redemption and refinancing (Note 6)		18,467
Other (income) expense, net	-2,305	293	-3,908
Total Expenses and Other	443,083	529,212	426,475
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	41,226	-48,563	63,685
Provision For Income Taxes (Note 8)	-15,822	42,351	-21,892
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	25,404	-6,212	41,793
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation	5,710	-246	326
Net Income (Loss)	$31,114	($6,458)	$42,119
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
Continuing Operations (in Dollars per share)	$0.61	($0.15)	$1.01
Discontinued Operation (in Dollars per share)	$0.14	($0.01)	$0.01
Net Income (Loss) (in Dollars per share)	$0.75	($0.16)	$1.02
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in Shares)	41,377	41,405	41,431
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
Continuing Operations (in Dollars per share)	$0.61	($0.15)	$1.01
Discontinued Operation (in Dollars per share)	$0.14	($0.01)	$0.01
Net Income (Loss) (in Dollars per share)	$0.75	($0.16)	$1.02
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in Shares)	41,400	41,423	41,437

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$451,000	$244,946,000	$679,491,000	($83,708,000)	$841,180,000
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	41,452,000
Net income (loss)			42,119,000		42,119,000
Share-based compensation	2,000	2,032,000			2,034,000
Share-based compensation (in Shares)	138,000
Exercise of stock options (in Shares)					0
Cash dividends			-24,883,000		-24,883,000
Repurchases of common stock at cost				-2,574,000	-2,574,000
Repurchases of common stock at cost (in Shares)	-157,000				-124,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	453,000	246,978,000	696,727,000	-86,282,000	857,876,000
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	41,433,000
Net income (loss)			-6,458,000		-6,458,000
Share-based compensation	1,000	2,368,000			2,369,000
Share-based compensation (in Shares)	132,000
Exercise of stock options		159,000			159,000
Exercise of stock options (in Shares)	8,000				7,500
Cash dividends			-24,875,000		-24,875,000
Repurchases of common stock at cost				-3,081,000	-2,291,000
Repurchases of common stock at cost (in Shares)	-169,000				-126,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	454,000	249,505,000	665,394,000	-89,363,000	825,990,000
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	41,404,000
Net income (loss)			31,114,000		31,114,000
Share-based compensation	2,000	2,894,000			2,896,000
Share-based compensation (in Shares)	146,000
Exercise of stock options		172,000			172,000
Exercise of stock options (in Shares)	7,000				7,500
Cash dividends			-24,860,000		-24,860,000
Repurchases of common stock at cost				-4,167,000	-4,167,000
Repurchases of common stock at cost (in Shares)	-217,000				-172,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$456,000	$252,571,000	$671,648,000	($93,530,000)	$831,145,000
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	41,340,000

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc1

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash dividends, per share of common stock	$0.60	$0.60	$0.60

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$31,114,000	($6,458,000)	$42,119,000
(Income) loss from discontinued operation	-5,710,000	246,000	-326,000
Cash provided (used) by operating activities of discontinued operation	5,710,000	-246,000	326,000
Impairment of goodwill		89,037,000
Loss on early debt redemption and refinancing, non-cash		18,467,000
(Gain) loss on insurance recovery and disposals of property and equipment and other assets	-2,205,000	62,000	-3,145,000
Deferred loan cost amortization	2,014,000	2,386,000	2,525,000
Interest expense accretion of debt discount and premium, net	-672,000	5,000	1,702,000
Depreciation and amortization	78,426,000	54,725,000	55,499,000
Amortization of deferred income	-2,345,000	-5,895,000	-5,772,000
Deferred income tax provision	15,234,000	-52,201,000	24,119,000
Share-based compensation	2,610,000	2,224,000	1,936,000
Accounts and notes receivable	-741,000	797,000	3,066,000
Prepaid, refundable and accrued income taxes	585,000	-2,766,000	6,850,000
Inventories	255,000	189,000	-164,000
Prepaid expenses	-287,000	144,000	31,000
Accounts payable	-821,000	-294,000	-1,322,000
Deferred race event and other income	-2,843,000	2,545,000	-4,685,000
Accrued interest	11,000	813,000	-29,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	3,224,000	1,595,000	-1,419,000
Deferred income	331,000	393,000	733,000
Other assets and liabilities	1,388,000	-276,000	73,000
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	125,278,000	93,411,000	122,117,000
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Borrowings under long-term debt	150,000,000	355,000,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	-211,500,000	-413,000,000	-53,000,000
Payments of loan amendment, debt refinancing and debt issuance costs	-1,608,000	-5,899,000
Exercise of common stock options	131,000	159,000
Dividend payments on common stock	-24,860,000	-24,875,000	-24,883,000
Repurchases of common stock	-4,167,000	-3,081,000	-2,574,000
Net Cash Used By Financing Activities	-92,004,000	-91,696,000	-80,457,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Payments for capital expenditures	-22,036,000	-12,036,000	-26,787,000
Payment for other non-current assets			-30,000
Proceeds from insurance recovery and sales of property and equipment	1,263,000	160,000	3,571,000
Repayment of notes and other receivables (Note 9)	814,000	684,000	531,000
Net Cash Used By Investing Activities	-19,959,000	-11,192,000	-22,715,000
Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents	13,315,000	-9,477,000	18,945,000
Change in cash collected for and payable to third party, cash not provided or used by operating activities (Note 2)	-612,000	412,000	95,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	97,343,000	106,408,000	87,368,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	110,046,000	97,343,000	106,408,000
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	21,760,000	31,426,000	41,610,000
Cash paid for income taxes	557,000	14,302,000	2,856,000
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable for capital expenditures	2,115,000	-486,000	-1,591,000
Increase in deferred income for exchange of property and equipment	$250,000	$110,000	$1,247,000

Note_1_Basis_of_Presentation_a

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
	Basis of Presentation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. and all of its wholly-owned and operating subsidiaries: Atlanta Motor Speedway LLC (AMS), Bristol Motor Speedway LLC (BMS), Charlotte Motor Speedway LLC (CMS), Kentucky Raceway LLC d/b/a Kentucky Speedway (KyS), Nevada Speedway LLC d/b/a Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS), Speedway Sonoma LLC (Sonoma Raceway or SR), New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Inc. (NHMS), North Wilkesboro Speedway, Inc. (NWS), Texas Motor Speedway, Inc. (TMS), SMISC Holdings, Inc. d/b/a SMI Properties (SMI Properties), US Legend Cars International, Inc. (Legend Cars), Oil-Chem Research Corporation (Oil-Chem), SMI Trackside LLC (SMI Trackside), Speedway Funding LLC, Speedway Motorsports International Limited (BVI) and consolidated foreign entity (SMIL), Speedway Properties Company LLC a/k/a Performance Racing Network (PRN), Speedway Media LLC a/k/a Racing Country USA (RCU), and TSI Management Company LLC d/b/a The Source International LLC (TSI) (collectively, the Company, SMI, we, our or us). Hereafter, references to “the Company’s” or “eight” speedways exclude NWS, which presently has no significant operations and assets consist primarily of real estate which has no significant fair value.
	Description of Business – The Company is a promoter, marketer and sponsor of motorsports activities in the United States. The Company principally owns and operates the following motorsports facilities: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, and Texas Motor Speedway. The Company also provides event and non-event souvenir merchandising and distribution services, and food, beverage and hospitality catering services under an outside management contract through our SMI Properties subsidiaries; provides radio programming, production and distribution through PRN and RCU; manufactures and distributes smaller-scale, modified racing cars and parts through Legend Cars, and sells an environmentally-friendly micro-lubricant® through Oil-Chem. Before February 1, 2014, the Company also provided souvenir merchandising services through its Motorsports Authentics joint venture (see Note 2).
	Racing Events – As further described in Note 2, the Company derives a substantial portion of its total revenues from admissions, event related and NASCAR broadcasting revenue. In 2014, the Company held 24 major annual racing events sanctioned by NASCAR, including 13 Sprint Cup and 11 Xfinity Series racing events. The Company also held seven NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, three NASCAR K&N Pro Series, four NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, two IndyCar Series, six major National Hot Rod Association, one Automobile Racing Club of America and three World of Outlaws racing events. In 2013, the Company held 24 major annual racing events sanctioned by NASCAR, including 13 Sprint Cup and 11 Xfinity Series racing events. The Company also held six NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, three NASCAR K&N Pro Series, four NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, two IndyCar Series, six major NHRA, one ARCA and three WOO racing events. In 2012, the Company held 24 major annual racing events sanctioned by NASCAR, including 13 Sprint Cup and 11 Xfinity Series racing events. The Company also held eight NASCAR Camping World Truck Series racing events, four NASCAR K&N Pro Series racing events, four NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, two IndyCar Series racing events, six major NHRA racing events, and three WOO racing events.
	The more significant racing schedule changes during the last three years include:
		•		In 2014, poor weather resulted in delays in starting and completing one NASCAR Sprint Cup race at BMS and postponing and rescheduling one NASCAR Sprint Cup race at TMS
		•			LVMS and TMS each held one Red Bull Air Race World Championship event in 2014 that was not held in 2013 or 2012
		•		NHMS held one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series racing event in 2014 that was not held in 2013 or 2012
			•	In 2013, one NASCAR Sprint Cup and one Xfinity Series race at both CMS and KyS, and one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at SR, was delayed, rescheduled or shortened due to poor weather
			•	AMS held one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in 2012 that was not held in 2014 or 2013
			•	KyS held one ARCA race in 2014 and 2013 that was not held in 2012, and one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in 2012 that was not held in 2014 or 2013
	Discontinued Oil and Gas Activities – In 2008, the Company discontinued its oil and gas operations primarily because of ongoing challenges and business risks in conducting those activities in foreign countries. Those operations are presented herein as discontinued operations for all periods using applicable authoritative guidance, and all note disclosures pertain to continuing operations unless otherwise indicated. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no continuing involvement or ownership interest in these discontinued operations, and there were no assets, liabilities, revenues or expenses (other than as described below) associated with discontinued operations for any period presented. In 2012 through 2014, no operating revenues were generated from oil and gas activities. No interest expense, corporate general and administrative expense, transaction or transition service costs or continuing costs have been allocated to the discontinued operation.
	The Company incurred legal fees and other costs associated with efforts to sell or dissolve its remaining foreign investment interests in 2012 and 2013, and recover previously reserved receivables in 2012 through 2014. In 2014, the Company recovered $6.0 million of previously reserved receivables through favorable settlements. In 2013, the Company finalized dissolution of one fully impaired foreign interest with no resulting financial statement impact, and recognized a gain from favorable settlement of certain insurance claims. There were no associated income tax benefits reflected in discontinued operations for any period presented. See Note 8 – Income Taxes for associated reporting of income taxes related to the 2014 settlement. While the Company plans to continue litigation of the matter to further maximize potential recovery value, future legal costs are expected to be insignificant.
	NASCAR Event Management Fees – Beginning in 2014, NASCAR renamed “purse and sanction” fees as “event management” fees in our annual race event sanctioning and renewal agreements. The change had no other impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

Note_2_Significant_Accounting_

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Principles of Consolidation – All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Revenue and Expense Classification – The Company classifies its revenues as admissions, event related revenue, NASCAR broadcasting revenue, and other operating revenue. “Admissions” includes ticket sales for all Company events. “Event related revenue” includes amounts received from sponsorships, luxury suite rentals, souvenir sales, commissions from food and beverage sales, advertising and other promotional revenues, hospitality revenues, track rentals, driving school revenues, camping and other non-admission access revenues, broadcasting rights other than NASCAR broadcasting revenue, and other event and speedway related revenues. “NASCAR broadcasting revenue” includes rights fees obtained for domestic television broadcasts of NASCAR-sanctioned events held at the Company’s speedways. “Other operating revenue” includes non-event merchandising revenues and Legend Cars and parts sales, The Speedway Club at CMS and The Speedway Club at TMS (together the “Speedway Clubs”) revenues, Oil-Chem revenues, TMS oil and gas mineral rights lease revenues, and industrial park and office tower rentals.
	The Company classifies its expenses to include direct expense of events, NASCAR event management (formerly purse and sanction) fees, and other direct operating expense, among other categories. “Direct expense of events” principally includes cost of souvenir sales, non-NASCAR race purses and sanctioning fees, property and event insurance, compensation of certain employees, advertising, sales and admission taxes, outside event support services, cost of driving school revenues, and event settlement payments to non-NASCAR sanctioning bodies. “NASCAR event management fees” includes payments to, and portions of broadcasting revenues retained by, NASCAR for associated events held at the Company’s speedways. “Other direct operating expense” includes the cost of certain SMI Properties and subsidiaries, Legend Cars, Speedway Clubs, Oil-Chem, and industrial park and office tower rental revenues.
	Event Revenues and Deferred Race Event Income, Net – The Company recognizes admissions, NASCAR broadcasting and event related revenues when an event is held. Event souvenir merchandise sales and commissions from food and beverage sales are recognized at time of sale. Advance revenues and certain related direct expenses pertaining to specific events are deferred until the event is held. Deferred expenses can include race purses and sanction fees remitted to or retained by NASCAR or other sanctioning bodies and sales and admission taxes and credit card processing fees on advance revenues. Deferred race event income relates to scheduled events to be held in upcoming periods. If circumstances prevent a race from being held during the racing season: (i) generally advance revenue is refundable and (ii) all deferred direct event expenses would be immediately recognized except for race event management fees which would be refundable from NASCAR or other sanctioning bodies, and for sales and admission taxes which would be refundable from taxing authorities. Management believes this accounting policy results in appropriate matching of revenues and expenses associated with the Company’s racing events and helps ensure comparability and consistency between its financial statements. Advance revenues, and certain related direct expenses, if any, for track rentals, driving schools and similar activities are deferred and recognized when the activities take place. Management believes its revenue recognition policies follow applicable authoritative guidance. Sales of gift cards or gift certificates for tickets, merchandise or other redemption use have not been significant.
	NASCAR Broadcasting Revenues and NASCAR Event Management (formerly Purse and Sanction) Fees – NASCAR contracts directly with certain television networks on broadcasting rights for all NASCAR-sanctioned Sprint Cup, Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series racing events. The Company receives television broadcasting revenues under annual contractual sanction agreements for each NASCAR-sanctioned race. The Company negotiates its sanction fees for individual races with NASCAR on an annual basis. Under the sanction agreements, NASCAR typically retains 10% of gross broadcasting revenues as a component of their sanction fees. NASCAR also retains 25% of gross broadcasting revenues for purses awarded to race participants for each race. The remainder represents additional annually negotiated event management (purse and sanction) fees paid to NASCAR by the Company for each race. These amounts retained by and paid to NASCAR are reflected in NASCAR event management fee expense.
	Marketing Agreements – The Company has various marketing agreements for sponsorships, on-site advertising, hospitality and other promotional activities. Sponsorships generally consist of event and official sponsorship agreements. These various marketing agreements can be event, speedway or period specific, or pertain to multiple events, speedways or years. Marketing agreements that are not event specific typically contain stated fiscal year periods. The Company receives payments based on contracted terms. Marketing customers and agreement terms change from time to time. The Company recognizes contracted fee revenues, and associated expenses, as events or activities are conducted each year in accordance with the respective agreement terms. The Company’s marketing agreements sometimes include multiple specified elements such as sponsorships, tickets, hospitality, suites or on-site advertising in varying combinations for one or more events or contract periods, although there is typically a predominant element. Contracted revenues are allocated between admissions and event related revenue financial statement categories based on the relative fair or retail value of the respective multiple elements as such events or activities are conducted each year in accordance with the respective agreement terms.
	Certain marketing agreements contain elements of purchased property and equipment exchanged for multi-year marketing and other promotional activities at one or more of our facilities. The associated assets and deferred revenue are initially recorded based on their estimated fair or retail values, with assets then depreciated over estimated useful lives and deferred revenue recognized into income on a straight-line basis as events are conducted each year in accordance with the respective agreement terms. Deferred revenue recognizable in each upcoming fiscal year is reflected as current liabilities in deferred race event and other income.
	Long-Term Food and Beverage Management Contract – Levy Premium Foodservice Limited Partnership, wholly-owned by Compass Group USA, Inc., has exclusive rights to provide on-site food, beverage and hospitality catering services for essentially all Company speedway events and operations under a long-term food and beverage management contract. The contract commenced in 2002 and was renewed for an additional ten-year period through 2021. The long-term agreement provides for, among other items, specified annual fixed and periodic gross revenue based commission payments to the Company over the contract period. The Company’s commission-based net revenues associated with activities provided by Levy are reported in event related revenue and at times, to a lesser extent, other operating revenue depending on the venue.
	Non-Event Souvenir Merchandise and Other Revenues – The Company recognizes revenue when products are shipped, title transfers to customers, right of return or cancellation provisions expire, sales prices are final and collection is probable. For products sold on consignment through various promotional activities, revenues are recognized upon product shipment by promoters to customers, or purchase by reseller customers, and expiration of any right of return or cancellation provisions. Product sold on consignment with right of return or cancellation provisions has not been significant.
	Joint Venture Equity Investment – Before February 2014, the Company and International Speedway Corporation equally owned a joint venture (50% non-controlling interest) operating independently under the name Motorsports Authentics (MA). MA’s operations consist principally of trackside and, to a lesser extent, wholesale and retail, event souvenir merchandising as licensed and regulated under NASCAR Teams Licensing Trust agreements. The NASCAR Trust significantly influences MA’s operations and results. No dividends were declared or paid since formation of MA. The Company’s share of undistributed equity deficit from equity investee earnings and losses included in the Company’s retained earnings was approximately $133,974,000 at December 31, 2013. There were no significant differences in investor cost and underlying equity in the net assets of MA at acquisition.
	On January 31, 2014, the Company abandoned its interest and rights in MA to focus management resources in areas that may be profitable and more productive. As further described in Note 8, the Company recognized an anticipated material tax benefit related to abandonment as of December 31, 2013. There was no other impact on the Company’s 2014 or 2013 Consolidated Financial Statements. The carrying value of the Company’s equity investment in MA was reduced to $0 as of December 31, 2009 from sizable impairment charges and MA’s historical operating results. Under equity method accounting, the Company no longer recorded its 50% share of MA operating losses, if any, unless and until this carrying value was increased to the extent of future MA operating profits, if any. As such, the Company’s results for 2012 through 2014 were not impacted by MA’s operations under the equity method, and no income tax benefits were recognized in these years other than related to aforementioned Company abandonment. MA was not considered significant for the three annual periods ended 2014 under applicable SEC rules and the reports of the auditors on their financial statements for those periods are not included in this filing.
	Revenue Composition (Note 13) – The Company’s revenues are comprised of the following (in thousands):
			2014				2013			2012
	Admissions		$	100,798			$	106,050		$	116,034
	NASCAR broadcasting			207,369				199,014			192,662
	Sponsorships			51,578				54,832			57,633
	Other event related			81,493				78,106			81,019
	Souvenir and other merchandise			31,058				31,005			31,634
	Other			12,013				11,642			11,178
	Total revenue		$	484,309			$	480,649		$	490,160
	Revenues described as “other event related” consist principally of commissions from food, beverage and souvenir sales, luxury suite rentals, advertising and other promotional revenues, hospitality revenues, track rentals, driving school revenues, camping and other non-admission access revenues, broadcasting rights other than NASCAR broadcasting revenue, and other event and speedway related revenues. “Souvenir and other merchandise revenue” consists of SMI Properties and SMI Trackside sales of owned souvenir merchandise during racing and non-racing events and in speedway gift shops (motorsports event related merchandise), certain SMI Properties sales of racing and other sports related souvenir merchandise and Legend Cars operations (non-event motorsports related merchandise), and Oil-Chem product sales (non-motorsports related merchandise). “Other revenue” consists principally of revenues from the Speedway Clubs, industrial park and office tower rentals, Legend Cars as the sanctioning body for Legend Cars circuit races, and TMS oil and gas mineral rights lease revenues.
	Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires extensive use of management estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at financial statement dates, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual future results could differ from those estimates. Such significant estimates include (i) recoverability of property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, (ii) depreciable lives for property and equipment and amortization periods for intangible assets, (iii) accounting for income taxes, (iv) realization of receivables and inventories, (v) accruals for certain business taxes, uninsured business risks, litigation, and other contingencies, and (vi) deferred compensation obligations and disclosures of stock-based compensation.
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – The Company classifies as cash equivalents all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents principally consist of variable rate, overnight sweep accounts of commercial paper, repurchase agreements, municipal bond and United States Treasury securities.
	At times, the Company collects and temporarily holds cash on behalf of its third-party food and beverage concessionaire which is not remitted until after period end and is presented separately from cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. There are no specific limitations, restrictions or other holding requirements for such cash.
	Accounts and Notes Receivable are reported net of allowance for doubtful accounts summarized as follows (in thousands):
			2014				2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year		$	1,273			$	1,270		$	1,345
	Bad debt expense			261				253			189
	Actual write-offs, net of specific accounts recovered			(263	)			(250	)		(264	)
	Balance, end of year		$	1,271			$	1,273		$	1,270
	Other Noncurrent Assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consist of (in thousands):
			2014				2013
	Deferred financing costs, net		$	8,943			$	9,162
	Land held for development			12,265				12,265
	Other			9,506				7,719
	Total		$	30,714			$	29,146
	Noncurrent assets are generally reported at cost except for cash surrender values of life insurance policies which are reported at fair value (See Note 12). Management evaluates these assets for recovery when events or circumstances indicate possible impairment may have occurred. As of December 31, 2014, there have been no events or circumstances which might indicate possible recoverability concerns or impairment.
	Deferred Financing Costs are amortized into interest expense over the associated debt terms or remaining terms for loan amendment costs, and are reported net of accumulated amortization of $9,802,000 and $6,850,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013. See Note 6 for information on 2013 charges associated with previously deferred financing costs.
	Original Debt Issuance Discount or Premium is amortized into interest expense over the associated debt terms using the effective interest method.
	Land Held For Development represents property adjacent to a regional outlet mall in the Charlotte metropolitan area which management plans to develop and market or possibly sell in suitable market conditions.
	Property and Equipment (Note 4) are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements pertain primarily to industrial park, office and warehouse facilities, and are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of associated lease terms or estimated useful lives. Constructed assets, including construction in progress, include all direct costs and capitalized interest until placed into service. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred, unless useful asset lives are extended or assets improved.
	When events or circumstances indicate possible impairment may have occurred, the Company evaluates long-lived assets, including tangible assets and intangible assets subject to amortization, for possible impairment based on expected future undiscounted operating cash flows attributable to such assets using applicable authoritative guidance. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of other assets and liabilities when assessing impairment. When management decides to remove grandstand seating and suites as part of managing facility capacity or other speedway facility assets, depreciation is accelerated and recorded prospectively over shortened estimated remaining useful lives of the assets, beginning when both management commits to and begins removal. Gains or losses on property and equipment disposals are recognized when disposed. Recording accelerated depreciation, gain or loss on disposal or impairment losses related to property and equipment is based on assessment of the associated facts and circumstances. Also, assets are classified as held for sale when management determines that sale is probable within one year. Management believes no unrecognized impairment of long-lived assets used in continuing operations exists at December 31, 2014.
	In connection with the development and completed construction of TMS in 1997, the Company entered into arrangements with the Fort Worth Sports Authority (FWSA), a non-profit corporate instrumentality of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, whereby the Company conveyed the speedway facility, excluding its on-site condominiums and office and entertainment complex, to the FWSA. The Company, which has the right to reacquire the facility, operates the speedway facility under a 30-year arrangement with the FWSA. Because of the Company’s responsibilities, including associated risks, rewards and obligations, under these arrangements, the speedway facility and related liabilities are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Note 5) represent the excess of business acquisition costs over the fair value of net assets acquired, and are all associated with the Company’s motorsports related activities and reporting units. Intangible assets consist predominately of goodwill and nonamortizable intangible assets for race event sanctioning and renewal agreements and, to a lesser extent, goodwill associated with event related motorsports merchandising. Acquired intangible assets are valued using the direct value method. The Company’s race event sanctioning and renewal agreements for each NASCAR-sanctioned racing event are awarded annually. The Company has evaluated each of its intangible assets for these agreements and determined that each will extend into the foreseeable future. The Company has never been unable to renew these race date agreements for any subsequent year and no such agreement has ever been cancelled. Based on these and other factors, such race date agreements are expected to be awarded to the Company in perpetuity. As such, these nonamortizable intangible assets for race event sanctioning and renewal agreements are considered to have indefinite useful lives because their renewal and cash flow generation are expected to continue indefinitely. No direct costs for agreement renewal or extension have been incurred or capitalized. However, we are obligated to conduct events in the manner stipulated under the terms and conditions of the annual sanctioning agreements. The Company follows applicable authoritative guidance on accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets which specifies, among other things, nonamortization of goodwill and requires testing of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives for possible impairment at least annually.
	Annual Impairment Assessment. The Company evaluates goodwill and other intangible assets for possible impairment annually in the second quarter, or when events or circumstances indicate possible impairment may have occurred. Management considers each speedway and motorsports and non-motorsports merchandising subsidiary a separate reporting unit principally because that is the lowest level for which discrete financial information is available to the Company’s managers and chief operating decision maker. No reporting units are aggregated for purposes of evaluating intangible assets for possible impairment. The Company evaluates intangible assets for possible impairment based predominately on management’s best estimate of future discounted operating cash flows and profitability attributable to such assets (using the fair value assessment provisions of applicable authoritative guidance) for all individual reporting units.
	The evaluation is supported by quoted market prices or comparable transactions where available or applicable. Management considered that the estimated market value for comparable NASCAR race event sanction and renewal agreements based on historical sales transactions (the Company had agreements to annually conduct thirteen NASCAR Sprint Cup, eleven NASCAR Xfinity, and seven NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races as of the evaluation date), combined with the estimated fair value for all other Company net assets, exceeds its current market capitalization. NASCAR has announced it would consider potential track realignment of Sprint Cup Series racing events to desirable, potentially more profitable market venues of speedway operators. Our annual impairment assessment did not consider the possibility that management may realign one or more other NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing events among its speedway facilities, which could result in net higher or improved future projected cash flows. Management also considered recent market trading ranges of price to earnings and sales multiples, cash flow and other traditional valuation methods, control premiums, and other market information related to the Company’s common stock from historical and forward-looking perspectives. Such information was also compared to available market information for certain motorsports industry peers. Weighting of evaluation results was not required as none of the methods, individually or collectively, indicated possible impairment. Despite ongoing domestic and global economic challenges, management believes there has been no fundamental change in the Company’s core motorsports business. The inputs for measuring fair value are considered “Level 3” or unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data under applicable fair value authoritative guidance, as quoted market prices are not available.
	Management’s latest annual impairment assessment was performed in the second quarter 2014. That assessment indicated the estimated fair value of each reporting unit and each indefinite-lived intangible asset substantially exceeded its associated carrying value except for race date event sanctioning and renewal agreements associated with NHMS acquired in 2008. The excess of estimated fair value over associated aggregate carrying values of $296,130,000 for those material nonamortizable agreements was found to be relatively nominal, resulting in heightened sensitivity to management’s assumptions used in estimating future discounted cash flows and profitability and associated risk of failing impairment testing. Among other factors, the latest assessment assumes economic and industry condition improvements, and projected cash flow and profitability recovery, using modest annual inflationary growth rates for projected revenue streams and operating costs (other than NASCAR broadcasting revenues and event management fees), and strategic amounts of planned capital expenditures. Management assumed that annual increases in contracted NASCAR broadcasting rights revenues beginning in 2015 through 2024 would approximate those reflected in the recently negotiated multi-year contracts and announced by NASCAR. Management also assumed annual increases in associated NASCAR event management (purse and sanction) fees would approximate historical and 2015 contracted rates. NASCAR event management fees for years after 2015 have not been negotiated, and future annual fees could differ substantially from those assumed in management’s impairment assessment.
	As such, no goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges were found necessary at this time. Should this reporting unit or associated indefinite-lived intangible assets not achieve projected cash flows or profitability, or should actual capital expenditures exceed current plans, estimated fair values could be reduced to below carrying values resulting in material non-cash impairment charges. There have since been no other events or circumstances that indicate possible unrecognized impairment as of December 31, 2014. Management believes the methods used to determine fair value and evaluate impairment were appropriate, relevant, and represent methods customarily available and used for such purposes and are the best available estimate of fair value. Management also believes the Company’s operational and cash flow forecasts support its conclusions that no impairment exists as of December 31, 2014. Different economic or industry conditions or assumptions, and changes in projected cash flows or profitability, if significantly negative or unfavorable, could have a material adverse effect on the impairment evaluation and the Company’s future financial condition or results of operations. The evaluations are subjective and based on conditions, trends and assumptions existing at the time of evaluation.
	2013 Impairment of Goodwill. The Company had previously reported its 2012 annual evaluation found that estimated fair values for NHMS and KyS reporting units exceeded their carrying values, with associated risk of failing step one of impairment testing. Management's 2013 annual impairment assessment indicated the estimated fair value of each reporting unit and each indefinite-lived intangible asset substantially exceeded its associated carrying value except for two reporting units. The 2013 annual evaluation found the carrying values for NHMS and KyS exceeded estimated fair value reflecting lowered estimated future cash flows because the economic recovery was slower and weaker than previous forecasts, and lower than anticipated revenues for certain 2013 major racing events at NHMS and KyS, further reducing visibility on profitability recovery. As such, a non-cash impairment charge of $89,037,000, before income tax benefits of $2,341,000, was reflected in 2013 to reduce goodwill related to NHMS and KyS to estimated fair value of $0.
	Of that charge, goodwill for NHMS of $82,725,000 originated upon recording deferred tax liabilities associated with race date intangibles of $127.4 million established under purchase method accounting rules over and above NHMS’s net cash purchase price of $330.1 million paid in 2008. Those accounting rules required establishing such deferred tax liabilities assuming the Company would ultimately sell NHMS assets, and not stock, for tax reporting purposes. Those accounting rules prohibit elimination or adjustment notwithstanding such ultimate payment of taxes was, and still is, believed unlikely and that no sale is being contemplated. The impairment did not pertain to or affect the underlying value of the Company’s race date intangibles. The 2013 charge and associated operations are included in the Company’s "motorsports event related" reporting segment (see Note 13).
	Deferred Income, Net (noncurrent) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consists of (in thousands):
			2014				2013
	Preferred Seat License fees, net		$	3,518			$	3,635
	Multi-year marketing and other arrangements, and deferred membership income			1,304				3,297
	Total		$	4,822			$	6,932
	Preferred Seat License Fees, Net. KyS and TMS offer Preferred Seat License (PSL) agreements whereby licensees are entitled to purchase annual season-ticket packages for sanctioned racing events under specified terms and conditions. Among other items, licensees are required to purchase all season ticket packages when and as offered each year. License agreements automatically terminate without refund should licensees not purchase any offered ticket and are transferable once each year subject to certain terms and conditions. Also, licensees are not entitled to refunds for postponement or cancellation of events due to weather or certain other conditions. Net PSL fees are deferred when received and amortized into income over the estimated useful life of those facilities or recognized upon license agreement termination.
	Deferred Speedway Club Membership Income. The CMS and TMS Speedway Clubs sell memberships that entitle members to certain dining, other club and racing event seating privileges, and require upfront fees and monthly assessments. Net membership revenues are deferred when billed and amortized into income over an estimated average membership term of ten years.
	Deferred Income, Other Arrangements. In late 2013, BMS announced plans to host a collegiate football game in September 2016. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, advance revenues and associated direct expenses were not significant. Under the similar accounting policy for event revenues and expenses described above, the Company plans to continue to defer advance revenues and direct expenses pertaining to this event until held.
	TMS Oil and Gas Mineral Rights Lease Receipts – TMS, in conjunction with the Fort Worth Sports Authority, has an oil and gas mineral rights lease agreement and a joint exploration agreement with the FWSA, which among other things, provides the lessee various defined property access and right-of-ways, exclusive exploration and extraction rights, and non-interference by TMS as extraction infrastructure construction and operations commence. TMS is required to coordinate directly with the lessee on roadway and pipeline logistics to prevent interference of TMS or lessee activities, and monitor regulatory and other contract compliance. An upfront cash payment received in December 2011 was accreted into other operating revenue over an associated two-year agreement term on a straight-line basis, with $3,117,000 and $3,210,000 recognized in 2013 and 2012 ($0 in 2014).
	Although the initial agreement term expired in December 2013, the lessee had initiated drilling activities prior to expiration, resulting in the long-term lease remaining enforceable as long as drilling or extraction related activities continue or certain prices levels are met. This lease agreement was extended and oil and gas extraction commenced in 2014, which entitles TMS to stipulated stand-alone and shared royalties. In 2014, TMS received and recognized royalty payments of $3,208,000 under the extended lease agreement. The lessee expanded production capacity in 2014, including an increased number of extraction wells. At this time, while extraction activities continue, management is unable to determine possible ongoing volumes of production if any or for how long, or if stipulated natural gas price levels will be maintained or adequate. The lease agreement stipulates the sharing of production revenues, and requires TMS to spend a portion of shared royalties on TMS facility and road infrastructure improvements, up to specified amounts. Any future production revenues or royalties are subject to production levels and market prices that can fluctuate significantly and rapidly, as well as other factors outside of TMS’s control. As such, management is unable to determine the amounts if any, or timing, of possible future royalty payments to TMS. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there was no deferred income associated with the expired or extended agreements.
	Advertising Expenses – Event specific advertising costs are expensed when an associated event is held and included principally in direct expense of events. Non-event related advertising costs are expensed as incurred and included principally in other direct operating expense. Advertising expense amounted to $16,398,000 in 2014, $17,461,000 in 2013 and $18,644,000 in 2012. There were no deferred direct-response advertising costs at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	Operating Leases – The Company has various operating leases principally for office and warehouse space and for equipment used in conducting racing events and other operations. These operating leases typically have initial terms of less than one year or are cancelable with minimal notice, although certain operating equipment leases include multi-year terms. Rent expense for operating leases amounted to $6,023,000 in 2014, $5,923,000 in 2013 and $6,124,000 in 2012. Various office and warehouse facilities leased from an affiliate (see Note 9) are cancelable with minimal notice; however, such lease arrangements will likely be renewed annually through specific contract periods. The Company leases various office, warehouse and industrial park space under operating leases to various entities largely involved in motorsports. These operating leases typically have initial terms of one year or more and are noncancelable. Lease revenue for operating leases, excluding the TMS oil and gas mineral rights lease receipts discussed above, amounted to $4,927,000 in 2014, $4,835,000 in 2013 and $4,482,000 in 2012.
	Future annual minimum lease payments (where initial terms are one year or more and assuming renewal through contracted periods), and contracted future annual minimum lease revenues, under operating leases at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		Lease				Lease
		Payments				Revenues
2015		$	1,001			$	4,830
2016			576				4,236
2017			503				3,356
2018			332				2,328
2019			189				1,308
Thereafter			706				545
Total		$	3,307			$	16,603
Other (Income) Expense, Net consists of (in thousands):
		2014				2013			2012
Net gain associated with insurance recovery and involuntary conversion of property (2014), and property sales and other assets (2014 and 2012)		$	(2,235	)			–		$	(3,152	)
Net loss on disposals of property and equipment			30			$	62			7
Other			(100	)			231			(763	)
Total		$	(2,305	)		$	293		$	(3,908	)
Income Taxes (Note 8) – The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future income tax effect of temporary differences between financial and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Income taxes are provided using the liability method whereby estimated deferred income taxes, and significant items giving rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities, reflect management’s assessment of future taxes likely to be paid, including timing, probability of realization and other relevant factors. The Company’s accounting for income taxes reflects management’s assessment of future tax liabilities based on assumptions and estimates for timing, likelihood of realization, and tax laws existing at the time of evaluation. The Company assesses the need for valuation allowances for deferred tax assets based on the sufficiency of estimated future taxable income and other relevant factors. The Company reports interest expense and penalties related to income tax liabilities, when applicable, in income tax expense. Cash paid for income taxes as reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows excludes any previous overpayments the Company may have elected to apply to income tax liabilities. The Company has no undistributed foreign earnings or cash or cash equivalents held outside of the US.
The Company follows applicable authoritative guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes which, among other things, prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, and provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, and disclosures. Evaluation of a tax position includes determining whether it is more likely than not a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, it is presumed the position will be examined by appropriate taxing authorities having full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Taxes Collected from Customers – The Company reports sales, admission and other taxes collected from customers on both a gross and net basis in operations. Such taxes reported on a gross basis amounted to $5,340,000 in 2014, $5,455,000 in 2013 and $5,721,000 in 2012.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The Company follows applicable authoritative guidance which requires that financial and non-financial assets and liabilities measured and reported on a fair value basis be classified, disclosed and categorized as further described below. Fair value estimates are based on relevant market information and single broker quoted market prices where available at a specific point in time, and changes in assumptions or market conditions could significantly affect estimates. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, certain other assets and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. Cash surrender values are carried at fair value based on binding broker quoted market prices. Notes and other receivables and bank revolving credit facility and term loan borrowings are variable interest rate financial instruments and, therefore, carrying values approximate fair value. The fixed rate senior notes payable are publicly traded and estimated fair values are based on single broker quoted market prices. Other long-term debt is non-interest bearing and discounted based on estimated current cost of borrowings and, therefore, carrying values approximate market value. There have been no changes or transfers between category levels or classes.
The following table presents estimated fair values and categorization levels of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
							31-Dec-14					31-Dec-13
		Level			Class		Carrying Value			Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents			1		R		$	110,046		$	110,046	$	97,343	$	97,343
Floating rate notes receivable			2		NR			–			–		2,005		2,005
Cash surrender values			2		NR			8,177			8,177		4,937		4,937
Liabilities
Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan			2		NR			150,000			150,000		210,000		210,000
6.75% Senior Notes Payable scheduled due 2019			2		NR			253,372			257,500		254,197		265,000
Other long-term debt			2		NR			1,445			1,445		2,792		2,792
Level 1:	Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2:	Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3:	Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
Class R:	Measured at fair value on recurring basis, subsequent to initial recognition.
Class NR:	Measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis, subsequent to initial recognition.
Concentrations of Credit Risk – Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, and cash surrender values. Concentration of credit risk with respect to cash and cash equivalents and cash surrender values is limited through placement with major high-credit qualified financial institutions and insurance carriers, respectively. However, amounts placed often significantly exceed available insured limits. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited due to the large numbers and wide variety of customers and customer industries and their broad geographical dispersion. Also, a significant portion of the Company’s accounts receivable typically pertain to advance revenues for specific events which are deferred until the event is held. As such, exposure to credit risk on such receivables that could adversely affect operating results is limited until recognition of the associated deferred race event income. The Company generally requires sufficient collateral equal to or exceeding note amounts, or accepts notes from high-credit quality entities or high net-worth individuals, limiting its exposure to credit risk. Amounts due from affiliates typically can be offset to the extent of amounts payable to affiliates, limiting the Company’s exposure to credit risk.
Loss and Other Contingencies and Financial Guarantees – The Company accrues a liability for contingencies if the likelihood of an adverse outcome is probable and the amount is estimable. Legal and other costs associated with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. The Company accounts for financial guarantees using applicable authoritative guidance which requires, among other things, that guarantors recognize a liability for the fair value of obligations undertaken by issuing a guarantee.
CMS’s property includes areas used as solid waste landfills for many years. Landfilling of general categories of municipal solid waste on the CMS property ceased in 1992, but CMS currently allows certain property to be used for land clearing and inert debris landfilling. Landfilling for construction and demolition debris has ceased on the CMS property. Management believes the Company’s operations, including the landfills on its property, comply with all applicable federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. Management is not aware of any situation related to landfill operations which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, future results of operations or cash flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards – The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Section A—Summary and Amendments That Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs—Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40)” which enhances comparability and clarifies principles of revenue recognition. The guidance includes the core principle that entities recognize revenue to depict transfers of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration entities expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that adoption may have on its financial statements.
The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12 "Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period” which requires performance targets that affect vesting and could be achieved after requisite service periods be treated as performance conditions and reflected in estimating grant-date fair values of awards. Compensation cost should be recognized in the periods when achieving performance targets becomes probable, and should represent the compensation cost attributable to periods for which requisite services have already been rendered. If achieving performance targets becomes probable before the end of the requisite service periods, any remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. Among other things, the guidance applies to entities that grant employees share-based payments in which award terms provide that performance targets that affect vesting could be achieved after the requisite service periods. The guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the guidance either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that adoption may have on its financial statements.

Note_3_Inventories

Note 3 - Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	3. INVENTORIES
	Inventory costs consist of: (i) souvenirs and 5/8-scale and similar small-scale finished race cars determined on a first-in, first-out basis; and (ii) souvenirs and apparel, micro-lubricant®, and parts and accessories product costs determined on an average current cost basis. No general and administrative costs are included in inventory costs. Cost of sales are charged using the same inventory cost bases. Inventories as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consist of (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Finished race cars, parts and accessories	$	5,186		$	5,372
	Souvenirs and apparel		2,472			2,409
	Micro-lubricant® and other		692			824
	Total	$	8,350		$	8,605
	All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value with provisions for differences between cost and estimated market value based on assumptions about current and future demand, market conditions and trends that might adversely impact realization. Inventories are reflected net of provisions summarized as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year	$	4,083		$	4,757		$	5,765
	Current year provision		711			53			216
	Current year sales and write-offs		(387	)		(727	)		(1,224	)
	Balance, end of year	$	4,407		$	4,083		$	4,757

Note_4_Property_and_Equipment

Note 4 - Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
	Property and equipment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Estimated			2014			2013
		Useful Lives
	Land and land improvements	5	-	25	$	460,847		$	457,179
	Racetracks and grandstands	5	-	45		721,108			749,510
	Buildings and luxury suites	5	-	40		451,243			450,495
	Machinery and equipment	3	-	20		44,696			44,175
	Furniture and fixtures	5	-	20		36,411			35,072
	Autos and trucks	3	-	10		12,258			11,899
	Construction in progress					3,784			4,768
	Total					1,730,347			1,753,098
	Less accumulated depreciation					(678,194	)		(647,921	)
	Net				$	1,052,153		$	1,105,177
	Other Information – Depreciation expense amounted to $78,375,000 in 2014, $54,671,000 in 2013 and $55,444,000 in 2012. The higher 2014 depreciation expense is due primarily to recording accelerated depreciation on removal of certain seating and suites at AMS, CMS and NHMS related to managing facility capacity and certain damaged BMS assets of $651,000. In the second quarter 2014, NHMS removed approximately 7,000 low demand seats and is using the area for premium hospitality and advertising. In the fourth quarter December 2014, the Company committed to and began removing approximately 17,000 and 41,000 of low demand seats and luxury suites at AMS and CMS. The Company anticipates using those areas for premium hospitality, advertising and other facility purposes and removal at AMS and CMS is expected to be completed in the first half 2015. In 2014, the Company recorded non-cash, pre-tax charges for accelerated depreciation aggregating $24,467,000 related to removal of those AMS, CMS and NHMS assets. The accelerated depreciation is included in the Company’s "motorsports event related" reporting segment (see Note 13).
	The Company’s 2014 consolidated financial statements reflect a gain from involuntary conversion of certain TMS property, increasing property and equipment and other income, net by approximately $985,000. Although this gain should have been recorded in an earlier period, the Company believes the impact was not material to prior or current periods. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had contractual obligations for capital expenditures of approximately $3,400,000 for facility improvements at our various speedways.

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Other_Inta

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The composition and accounting for intangible assets are further described in Note 2. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, gross carrying values and accumulated amortization by class of intangible asset are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		2014							2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross			Accumulated			Net		Estimated
		Carrying		Amortization					Carrying			Amortization					Amortization
		Value							Value								Period
																	(Years)
	Nonamortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	$	394,913		–		$	394,913	$	394,913			–		$	394,913		–
	Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements		100	$	(72	)		28		100		$	(58	)		42		6-May
	Total	$	395,013	$	(72	)	$	394,941	$	395,013		$	(58	)	$	394,955
	Changes in the gross carrying value of other intangible assets and goodwill are as follows (in thousands):
		Other Intangible Assets					Goodwill
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	395,013	$	395,013		$	49,680	$	138,717
	Increase from acquisitions		–		–			–		–
	Decrease from impairment charges		–		–			–		(89,037	)
	Balance, end of year	$	395,013	$	395,013		$	49,680	$	49,680
	The 2013 decrease in goodwill reflects an impairment charge to reduce goodwill related to NHMS and KyS to estimated fair value as further described in Note 2. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying amounts for goodwill and other intangible assets include accumulated impairments of $146.2 million. Amortization expense on other intangible assets amounted to $14,000 in 2014, $18,000 in 2013 and $18,000 in 2012. Estimated annual amortization expense for each of the next five years is not significant.

Note_6_Longterm_Debt

Note 6 - Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	6. LONG-TERM DEBT
	As further described below, the Company amended its Credit Facility in December 2014. As further described in Note 14, the Company issued new Senior Notes in January 2015, and plans to redeem all outstanding 2019 Senior Notes in March 2015. All amounts and descriptions of debt arrangements below are based on terms and conditions in effect as of December 31, 2014.
	Long-term debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consists of (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Credit facility, all term loan	$	150,000		$	210,000
	2019 Senior Notes		253,372			254,197
	Other notes payable		1,445			2,792
	Total		404,817			466,989
	Less current maturities		(7,070	)		(13,847	)
	Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	$	397,747		$	453,142
	Annual maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	7,070
	2016		7,500
	2017		7,500
	2018		7,500
	2019		375,247
	Total	$	404,817
	2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility - In December 2014, the Company's Credit Facility was amended and restated (the 2014 Credit Facility or Credit Facility) which now, among other things: (i) provides for a five-year $100,000,000 senior secured revolving credit facility, with separate sub-limits of $50,000,000 for standby letters of credit and $10,000,000 for swing line loans; (ii) provides for a five-year $150,000,000 senior secured term loan (which was fully drawn by the Company on December 29, 2014) and a five-year delayed draw term loan of up to $50,000,000 borrowable in a single advance no later than March 29, 2015 (the Term Loan or Term Loans); (iii) matures in December 2019; (iv) contains an accordion feature allowing the Company to increase revolving commitments or establish a term loan up to an aggregate additional $100,000,000 or $200,000,000, respectively (or a combined aggregate additional amount of up to $250,000,000) with certain lender commitment conditions; (v) allows for annual aggregate payments of dividends and repurchases of SMI securities of up to $50,000,000, increasing up to $75,000,000 subject to maintaining certain financial covenants; and (vi) limits annual capital expenditures to $75,000,000 and provides for motor speedway acquisitions and related businesses.
	Borrowings must be used for: (i) refinancing existing debt; (ii) working capital and other general corporate needs, including capital expenditures; (iii) certain permitted investments; and (iv) acquisition of additional motor speedways and related businesses subject to specified limits and conditions. Delayed draw term loan borrowings or proceeds of the first $200,000,000 increase in revolving commitments, additional term loans or combination thereof under the Credit Facility's accordion feature must be used to repay or redeem the Company's 2019 Senior Notes. Term Loans require equal minimum quarterly principal payments of at least 5% of initial amounts drawn on an annualized basis (or $7,500,000 each twelve-month period based on an initial draw of $150,000,000, with first payment due June 2015).
	In 2014, the Company repaid $210,000,000 and borrowed $150,000,000 under the Term Loan (including $150,000,000 repayment and borrowing in amending the Credit Facility), for a net repayment of $60,000,000. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility were $150,000,000 and $210,000,000 (all Term Loan borrowings). At December 31, 2014 and 2013, outstanding letters of credit amounted to $1,152,000 and $887,000. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had availability for borrowing up to an additional $98,848,000, including up to an additional $48,848,000 in letters of credit, under the revolving Credit Facility, and $50,000,000 under the delayed draw term loan provision described above. As further discussed below, the Company repaid $95,000,000 of Term Loan borrowings with proceeds from the add-on offering of 2019 Senior Notes in the first quarter 2013, and borrowed $250,000,000 under the then existing Term Loan to fund the redemption of the 2016 Senior Notes in the second quarter 2013. In 2013, the Company also repaid an additional $40,000,000 of Term Loan borrowings. In 2012, the Company repaid $50,000,000 of Credit Facility borrowings, including Term Loan borrowings of $40,000,000.
	Interest is based, at the Company’s option, upon the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.25% to 2.00% or a base rate defined as the higher of Bank of America’s prime rate, the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% or the Eurodollar Rate plus 1%, plus 0.25% to 1.00%. The 2014 Credit Facility also contains a commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.40% of unused amounts available for borrowing. The interest rate margins on borrowings and the commitment fee are adjustable periodically based upon certain consolidated total leverage ratios. The 2014 Credit Facility contains a number of affirmative and negative financial covenants, including requirements that the Company maintain certain consolidated total leverage ratios and consolidated interest coverage ratios. Also, negative covenant restrictions, indebtedness guarantees and security pledges are generally the same as prior to amendment and are more fully described in“Other General Terms and Conditions” below.
	2013 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility – The Company amended its Credit Facility in February 2013 in connection with issuing additional 2019 Senior Notes and redeeming the 2016 Senior Notes as further discussed below. Prior to 2014 amendment, interest was based, at the Company’s option, upon LIBOR plus 1.25% to 2.00% or Bank of America’s base rate plus 0.25% to 1.00% and the commitment fee ranged from 0.25% to 0.40% of unused amounts available for borrowing. The 2013 Credit Facility required that the Company maintain certain ratios of funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and EBIT to interest expense.
	2019 Senior Notes, including 2013 Add-on Offering – The Company plans to fully redeem its 6.75% Senior Notes due 2019 (the 2019 Senior Notes) in March 2015, which presently includes a redemption premium of 103.375% of par (see Note 14). The 2019 Senior Notes consist of aggregate principal of $150,000,000 issued at par in 2011 and $100,000,000 issued at 105% of par in an add-on offering in January 2013, with interest payments due semi-annually on February 1 and August 1, scheduled to mature in February 2019, and governed by the same indenture. All notes were initially issued in private placement offerings and subsequently exchanged for substantially identical notes registered under the Securities Act in 2011 and second quarter 2013. Net offering proceeds from the original issuance, along with new Term Loan borrowings of $150,000,000 under the Credit Facility and cash on hand, were used to redeem and retire all tendered then outstanding senior subordinated notes. Net proceeds from the 2013 add-on offering were used to repay $95,000,000 of Credit Facility borrowings, representing all facility borrowings then outstanding, with the remainder used for general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the 2019 Senior Notes carrying value of $253,372,000 and $254,197,000 includes unamortized issuance premium of $3,372,000 and $4,197,000. The Indenture governing the 2019 Senior Notes permits dividend payments each year of up to approximately $0.48 per share of common stock, increasable subject to meeting certain financial covenants.
	2013 Early Redemption of 2016 Senior Notes – Effective June 1, 2013, the Company redeemed all outstanding 8.75% Senior Notes due 2016 (the 2016 Senior Notes) in aggregate principal amount of $275,000,000 at 104.375% of par plus accrued interest. The 2016 Senior Notes were scheduled to mature in June 2016, were issued at 96.8% of par, with interest payments due June 1 and December 1, and had unamortized issuance discount of $4,242,000 at December 31, 2013. The Company used Term Loan borrowings of $250,000,000 and cash on hand of $37,081,000 to fund the redemption, including redemption premium and transaction costs. The 2013 loss on early debt redemption and refinancing represents a charge to earnings of $18,467,000, before income taxes of approximately $6.8 million, for associated redemption premium, unamortized net deferred loan costs and issuance discount, and transaction costs.
	Other Notes Payable – At December 31, 2014 and 2013, long-term debt includes a non-interest bearing debt obligation, payable in 60 monthly installments of $125,000, associated with the Company's acquisition of KyS. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the obligation’s carrying value of $1,445,000 and $2,792,000 reflects discounts of $55,000 and $208,000, respectively, based on an effective interest rate of 7%.
	Other General Terms and Conditions – The 2014 Credit Facility and 2019 Senior Notes contain specific requirements and restrictive financial covenants and limitations on capital expenditures, speedway or other acquisitions, dividends, repurchase or issuance of SMI securities, restricted payments, equity and debt security repurchases, limitations or prohibitions on incurring other indebtedness, liens or pledging assets to third parties, consolidation, mergers, transactions with affiliates, guarantees, asset sales, specific types of investments, distributions, redemptions and disposition of property, and entering into new lines of business. The 2014 Credit Facility and 2019 Senior Notes Indenture also contain cross-default provisions. The Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants under these debt agreements as of December 31, 2014.
	Subsidiary Guarantees – Amounts outstanding under the 2014 Credit Facility and 2019 Senior Notes are guaranteed by all of SMI’s material operative subsidiaries except for Oil-Chem and its subsidiaries (which are presently non-material). These guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several, with the 2019 Senior Notes on a senior unsecured basis. The parent company has no independent assets or operations. There are no restrictions on the subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or advance funds to the parent company.
	Interest Expense, Net – Interest expense, interest income and capitalized interest costs are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Gross interest costs	$	22,092		$	32,408		$	42,155
	Less capitalized interest costs		(321	)		(168	)		(574	)
	Interest expense		21,771			32,240			41,581
	Interest income		(534	)		(369	)		(364	)
	Interest expense, net	$	21,237		$	31,871		$	41,217
	Weighted average interest rate on borrowings under bank Credit Facility		2.1	%		2.2	%		2.7	%

Note_7_Capital_Structure_Per_S

Note 7 - Capital Structure, Per Share Data and Other Equity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders Equity And Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stockholders Equity And Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	7. CAPITAL STRUCTURE, PER SHARE DATA AND OTHER EQUITY INFORMATION
	Preferred Stock – At December 31, 2014, SMI has authorized 3,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $.10 per share. Shares of preferred stock may be issued in one or more series with rights and restrictions as may be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. No preferred shares were issued or outstanding at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	Per Share Data – The following schedule reconciles basic and diluted earnings or loss per share from continuing operations (where computations are anti-dilutive, reported basic and diluted per share amounts are the same) (in thousands except per share amounts):
		2014		2013			2012
	Income (loss) from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders and assumed conversions	$	25,404	$	(6,212	)	$	41,793
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		41,377		41,405			41,431
	Dilution effect of assumed conversions, common stock equivalents – stock awards		23		18			6
	Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions		41,400		41,423			41,437
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.61	$	(0.15	)	$	1.01
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.61	$	(0.15	)	$	1.01
	Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded in computing diluted earnings or loss per share		531		794			1,057
	Declaration of Cash Dividends – The Company’s Board of Directors approved aggregate dividends on common stock as follows (in thousands except per share amounts):
		2014		2013			2012
	Cash dividends paid	$	24,860	$	24,875		$	24,883
	Dividends per common share	$	0.6	$	0.6		$	0.6
	Quarterly dividends were declared in each period and all declaration, record and payment dates were in the same fiscal periods. See Note 6 for annual limitations on dividend payments under the Company’s debt agreements. On February 11, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share of common stock aggregating approximately $6.2 million payable on March 13, 2015 to shareholders of record as of March 2, 2015. These quarterly cash dividends are being paid using available cash and cash equivalents on hand.
	Stock Repurchase Program – The Company’s Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase program authorizing SMI to repurchase up to an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares (increased from 4,000,000 shares with Board of Director approval on February 12, 2014) of the Company’s outstanding common stock from time to time, depending on market conditions, share price, applicable limitations under the Company’s debt agreements (see Note 6), and other factors the Board of Directors or its designees, in their sole discretion, may consider relevant. The purchases can be in the open market or private transactions. The stock repurchase program is presently funded using available cash and cash equivalents and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
	The Company repurchased 172,000, 126,000 and 124,000 shares of common stock for $3,236,000 in 2014, $2,291,000 in 2013 and $2,039,000 in 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, the Company could repurchase up to an additional 946,000 shares under authorization then in effect. In 2014 and 2013, the Company repurchased approximately 45,000 and 43,000 shares of common stock for $931,000 and $791,000 from management employees to settle income taxes on 119,000 and 109,000 restricted shares that vested during the period, respectively. As of and through December 31, 2014 and 2013, treasury stock includes 162,000 and 117,000 shares of common stock delivered to the Company for such purposes.

Note_8_Income_Taxes

Note 8 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	8. INCOME TAXES
	Components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	232		$	9,756		$	(2,247	)
	State		(108	)		227			(47	)
			124			9,983			(2,294	)
	Deferred:
	Federal		16,455			(42,015	)		24,521
	State		(757	)		(10,319	)		(335	)
			15,698			(52,334	)		24,186
	Total	$	15,822		$	(42,351	)	$	21,892
	The reconciliation of statutory federal and effective income tax rates is as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory federal tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax effect		(0.1	)		8.7			(0.2	)
	Non-deductible impairment of goodwill		–			(59.6	)		–
	Change in valuation allowances, primarily related to losses on equity investees		(5.5	)		101.6			(0.1	)
	Change in uncertain tax positions, including income tax liabilities for settlements with taxing authorities		(1.2	)		(0.1	)		0.1
	Change in deferred tax assets		9.2			–			–
	Other, net		1			1.6			(0.4	)
	Total		38.4	%		87.2	%		34.4	%
	Tax effects of temporary differences resulting in deferred income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	$	248,140		$	256,966
	Goodwill and other intangible assets		146,829			143,245
	Expenses deducted for tax purposes and other		3,699			3,581
	Subtotal		398,668			403,792
	Deferred tax assets:
	Income previously recognized for tax purposes		(11,874	)		(14,618	)
	Stock option and other deferred compensation expense		(5,066	)		(4,389	)
	PSL and other deferred income recognized for tax purposes		(1,502	)		(1,683	)
	State and federal net operating loss carryforwards		(33,832	)		(3,945	)
	Basis difference for equity investment and subsidiary		(10,931	)		(61,450	)
	Subtotal		(63,205	)		(86,085	)
	Less: Valuation allowance		12,654			14,868
	Net deferred tax assets		(50,551	)		(71,217	)
	Total net deferred tax liabilities		348,117			332,575
	Net current deferred tax assets		23,786			49,181
	Net non-current deferred tax liabilities	$	371,903		$	381,756
	Anticipated Income Tax Benefit From Equity Interest Abandonment (Note 2) – On January 31, 2014, the Company abandoned its interest and rights in Motorsports Authentics (its 50% owned merchandising equity investment joint venture) to focus management resources in areas that may be profitable and more productive. As further described in Note 2, the Company’s carrying value of the investment was reduced to $0 through sizable impairment charges prior to 2010 and MA’s historical operating results. The Company recognized no concurrent tax benefits as valuation allowances were provided against associated deferred tax assets. As a result of abandonment, the Company intends to recognize tax losses that will be reported on its 2014 income tax returns. Management believes there is or will be sufficient taxable income in carryback or carryforward periods under tax law to fully utilize these tax losses. As such, the Company recognized a material income tax benefit of $49.3 million at December 31, 2013 for the reversal of previously recorded valuation allowances under applicable accounting guidance.
	The Company believes it is more likely than not that its filing position would be sustained based on its technical merits upon examination with taxing authorities that have full knowledge of all relevant information. The Company reached this conclusion based on the use of outside legal counsel and other tax consultants and the potential to utilize tax losses. Under applicable accounting guidance, tax positions are measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely (or more-likely-than not) of being ultimately realized. As such, the full anticipated tax benefit was recognized because the Company believes that partial sustaining of its tax position by taxing authorities would be an unlikely outcome given the nature of the position. The Company believes it will fully utilize the associated tax losses. Should the Company’s tax position not be fully sustained if examined, a valuation allowance would be required to reduce or eliminate the associated deferred tax assets and material acceleration of income taxes then currently payable could occur. Any differences between the final tax outcome and amounts recorded would affect the Company’s income tax provision in the period in which such determination was made.
	Effective Tax Rate Comparison for 2012 through 2014 – The Company’s effective income tax rate for 2014 was 38.4%, for 2013 was 87.2% and for 2012 was 34.4%. The 2014 tax rate reflects income tax expense of $2,305,000 associated with a recovery settlement further described in Note 1 - Discontinued Oil and Gas Activities, which was offset by the positive impact of net decreases in uncertain tax position liabilities of prior years and lower effective state income tax rates. The higher 2013 tax rate results primarily from the tax benefit related to the equity interest abandonment discussed above, which was partially offset by a goodwill impairment charge for which a significant portion had no tax benefit as further discussed in Note 2. The 2013 rate also reflects tax benefits of $5,547,000 resulting from certain state income tax law changes and strategic state tax restructuring. Excluding those items, the 2013 effective income tax rate would have been 36.8%. The Company’s 2014 consolidated financial statements reflect a reduction of accrued interest and penalties for estimated income tax liabilities, which decreased income tax expense and deferred income taxes, of approximately $397,000. Although various previous reporting periods were over accrued, the Company believes the impact was not material to prior or current periods. In 2014, current income taxes payable were reduced by approximately $20.0 million through utilization of current deferred income tax assets described above.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company has approximately $71,900,000 of federal net operating loss carryforwards expiring in 2026 through 2034, and $247,176,000 of state net operating loss carryforwards expiring in 2014 through 2034. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, valuation allowances of $12,654,000 and $14,868,000 have been provided against deferred tax assets because management has determined that ultimate realization is not more likely than not for certain deferred tax assets and state net operating loss carryforwards. The valuation allowances for deferred tax assets decreased by $2,214,000 in 2014, $51,035,000 in 2013 and $396,000 in 2012, and were $65,903,000 at December 31, 2012 and $66,299,000 at December 31, 2011.
	Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – Income tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits approximate $885,000 and $1,004,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are included in other noncurrent liabilities, all of which would favorably impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. Interest and penalties recognized on uncertain tax positions amounted to $8,000 in 2014, $73,000 in 2013 and $74,000 in 2012, and $524,000 was derecognized in 2014. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $328,000 and $884,000 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions, which is included in other noncurrent liabilities. As of December 31, 2014, management believes $386,000 of unrecognized tax benefits will be recognized within the next twelve months. The tax years that remain open to examination include 2006 through 2014 by the California Franchise Tax Board, and 2011 through 2014 by all other taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. The Kentucky Department of Revenue has completed examining the Company’s 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 state tax returns with no material adjustments.
	A reconciliation of the change in the total unrecognized tax benefits and other information for the three years ended December 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Beginning of period	$	1,004		$	1,004		$	1,004
	Increases (decreases) for tax positions of current year		–			–			–
	Increases for tax positions of prior years		–			–			–
	Decreases for tax positions of prior years		(119	)		–			–
	Reductions for lapse of applicable statute of limitations		–			–			–
	Increases (decreases) for settlements with taxing authorities		–			–			–
	End of period	$	885		$	1,004		$	1,004

Note_9_Related_Party_Transacti

Note 9 - Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	Before July 30, 2002, the Company made loans to, and paid certain expenses on behalf of, Sonic Financial Corporation (Sonic Financial), a Company affiliate through common ownership by the Company's Executive Chairman, for various corporate purposes. Also, the Company and Sonic Financial currently share various expenses in the ordinary course of business. Notes and other receivables from affiliates at December 31, 2013 of $3,294,000 were due from Sonic Financial. No amounts were due at December 31, 2014 because of repayment and settlement of $2,594,000 and shared expenses as further described below. Amounts due included interest at 1% over prime, and were classified as a noncurrent asset in the accompanying December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet as repayment within one year was not required or anticipated. Excluding the 2014 repayment and settlement, amounts due were reduced from shared expenses, net of increases for accrued interest by $700,000 in 2014, $387,000 in 2013 and $373,000 in 2012. Increases pertain to accrued interest on note receivable arrangements in place before July 30, 2002, and decreases pertain to expenses under a shared services agreement, which expired December 31, 2014.
	Amounts payable to affiliate at December 31, 2013 consisted of $2,594,000 for acquisition and other expenses paid on behalf of AMS by Sonic Financial prior to 1996. In December 2014, this amount due to Sonic Financial was used to repay and settle the remaining balance due from Sonic Financial described in the preceding paragraph. Of this amount, approximately $1,800,000 included interest at 3.83% and the remainder at prime plus 1%. The amount previously payable was classified as long-term in the accompanying December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet as repayment within one year was not required or anticipated.
	The Company and certain SMI subsidiaries lease office and warehouse facilities from companies affiliated through common ownership by the Company's Executive Chairman, under annually renewable lease agreements. Rent expense amounted to $661,000 in 2014, $659,000 in 2013 and $640,000 in 2012. Amounts owed to these affiliated companies at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were not significant.
	Various SMI subsidiaries purchased new and used vehicles for operations and employee use from certain subsidiary dealerships of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (SAI), an entity in which the Company's Executive Chairman is a controlling stockholder, for an aggregate of approximately $268,000 in 2014, $89,000 in 2013 and $166,000 in 2012. There were no vehicles sold to SAI in 2014, 2013 or 2012. Also, SMI sold through certain speedways and its SMIP merchandising subsidiary various event related inventory and merchandise to SAI totaling $908,000 in 2014, $692,000 in 2013 and $552,000 in 2012. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, amounts due from SAI approximated $89,000 and $66,000.
	Oil-Chem sold zMAX micro-lubricant® product to certain SAI dealerships for resale to service customers of the dealerships in the ordinary course of business. Total purchases from Oil-Chem by SAI dealerships approximated $2,086,000 in 2014, $1,966,000 in 2013 and $2,047,000 in 2012. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately $143,000 and $154,000 was due from SAI and is reflected in current assets.
	SMI Properties and, to a lesser extent, other SMI subsidiaries purchased and sold motorsports merchandise, and received commissions from MA for merchandise sold during Company events. As further described in Note 2, the Company abandoned its interest in MA on January 31, 2014, after which MA is no longer a related party. Merchandise purchases in the one month ended January 31, 2014 approximated $234,000, and in the full years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 approximated $600,000 and $601,000. Merchandise sales and event related commissions in the one month ended January 31, 2014 approximated $60,000, and in the full years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 approximated $2,002,000 and $1,989,000. At December 31, 2013, net amounts due to or from MA were not significant.
	The foregoing related party balances as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and transactions for the three years ended December 31, 2014 are summarized below (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Notes and other receivables	$	232	$	3,522
	Amounts payable to affiliates		–		2,594
		2014		2013		2012
	Merchandise and vehicle purchases	$	502	$	689	$	767
	Merchandise and vehicle sales, event related commissions, and reimbursed shared expenses		3,724		5,040		4,968
	Rent expense		661		659		640
	Interest income		68		95		110
	Interest expense		98		102		103

Note_10_Legal_Proceedings_and_

Note 10 - Legal Proceedings and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	10. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND CONTINGENCIES
	The Company is involved in various lawsuits in the normal course of business, some of which involve material claims.
	On April 22, 2008, SMIL filed a complaint in the Superior Court of North Carolina sitting in Mecklenburg County (the Complaint) against Bronwen Energy Trading, Ltd. (Bronwen), Bronwen Energy Trading UK, Ltd. (Bronwen UK), Dr. Patrick Denyefa Ndiomu (Dr. Ndiomu), BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA (BNP Suisse), BNP Paribas S.A. (BNP France), Swift Aviation Group, Inc. (SAG), Swift Air, LLC (SA), and Swift Aviation Group, LLC (Swift Aviation). On May 29, 2008, SMIL filed an amended complaint (the Amended Complaint) adding Swift Transportation Company, Inc. (Swift Transportation). SAG, SA, Swift Aviation and Swift Transportation are collectively referred to as the “Swift Defendants”. On July 23, 2008, SMIL obtained an entry of default against Bronwen due to its failure to timely file a responsive pleading. On September 12, 2008, SMIL obtained entries of default against Bronwen UK and Dr. Ndiomu due to their failure to timely file a responsive pleading. On December 15, 2010, SMIL reached a negotiated settlement with the Swift Defendants, as a result of which SMIL dismissed its claims against the Swift Defendants on December 29, 2010. SMIL reached a negotiated settlement with BNP France on August 28, 2014, with SMIL dismissing its claims against BNP France on September 12, 2014. On January 27, 2015, the trial court entered summary judgment against Bronwen, Bronwen UK, and Dr. Ndiomu, in SMIL’s favor. SMIL is reviewing its collection options, although the likelihood of recovery of additional amounts in this matter remains uncertain.

Note_11_Stock_Compensation_Pla

Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

11. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS

2013 Stock Incentive Plan –The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2013 Plan) allows the Company, among other things, to provide equity-based incentives to, and continue to attract and retain, key employees, directors and other individuals providing services to the Company. Awards under the 2013 Plan may be in the form of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock, restricted stock units or stock awards. To date, the Company has awarded restricted stock and restricted stock units under the 2013 Plan.

The 2013 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors who has full authority to determine recipients, types, purchase prices, and amounts of awards granted and amend the terms, restrictions and conditions of awards. Factors considered, among others, include achievement of financial, business and performance objectives, the occurrence of specific events, time periods of continued service or other time-based restrictions. Under the 2013 Plan, 3,500,000 shares of SMI’s common stock are reserved for issuance, subject to various restrictions and adjustments including the following: (i) if shares subject to award under the 2013 Plan are forfeited, or the award otherwise terminates or is canceled for any reason without the issuance of such shares, those shares will be available for future awards; (ii) no individual may be granted options or SARs aggregating more than 300,000 shares of common stock during any calendar year; (iii) in the case of awards other than options or SARs that are intended to be “performance-based compensation”, no individual may be granted an aggregate of more than 100,000 shares of common stock during any calendar year; and (iv) with respect to any cash-based stock award that is intended to be a performance award, the maximum cash payment that may be paid during any one calendar year to an individual is $10,000,000. Exercise prices for awarded stock options generally may not be less than the fair or trading value of the Company’s common stock at, and exercise periods may not exceed ten years from, the option grant date. At December 31, 2014, approximately 3,355,000 shares were available for future grant.

All restricted stock and restricted stock units issued to date vest in equal installments over three years. Once applicable restrictions lapse or have been satisfied, restricted stock units may be payable in cash, shares of common stock or a combination, as specified in the award agreement. Awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units are generally subject to forfeiture and restrictions on transferability until vested. If restricted stock and restricted stock unit award recipients cease to perform services for the Company, all shares of common stock and restricted stock units still subject to restrictions generally will be forfeited unless waived by the Compensation Committee. Recipients of restricted stock generally will have certain rights and privileges of a stockholder, including the right to vote such shares and receive dividends, if any. Recipients of restricted stock units generally will not have the rights and privileges of a stockholder, except they may be entitled to receive dividend equivalents, if so specified in the award agreements and dividends are declared.

Under the Company’s performance-based Incentive Compensation Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved grants of 35,000 shares of restricted stock to the Company’s Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer and 35,000 restricted stock units to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (former Chief Operating Officer) and President in 2014. Both grants are under the 2013 Plan, are to be settled in shares of common stock, vest in equal installments over three years and are subject to reaching certain defined full year earnings targets established at the beginning of each year by the Compensation Committee. In 2014, 27,144 shares of both restricted stock and restricted stock units vested, and 3,500 of both shares and units were forfeited in accordance with the terms of the Incentive Compensation Plan. Grants in 2013 were awarded under the now terminated 2004 Plan as described below. Forfeitures in any given year result from differences between the Company’s actual results for the previous year as compared to the defined full year earnings target. Once the vesting period expires, common stock is issued in settlement of the restricted stock units and all vested shares are no longer subject to forfeiture or restrictions on transferability. As of December 31, 2014, 63,778 restricted stock shares and 63,778 restricted stock units were outstanding under the Incentive Compensation Plan.

In 2014, the Company also granted to non-executive management employees 75,300 shares of restricted stock that vest in equal installments over three years, and repurchased 18,917 shares of common stock from such employees for $408,000 related to settlement of income taxes on 64,702 shares that vested under the 2004 Plan. In 2014, the Company also repurchased 26,058 shares of common stock for $523,000 from executive management employees to settle income taxes on 54,288 shares that vested under the Incentive Compensation Plan. Repurchases of common stock related to settlement of income taxes upon restricted stock vesting are reflected as financing activities in the statement of cash flows.

2008 Formula Restricted Stock Plan – The 2008 Formula Restricted Stock Plan (the 2008 Formula Plan) is intended to promote the interests of the Company and its stockholders by providing non-employee directors with Company ownership interests to more closely align their interests with Company stockholders and to enhance the Company’s ability to attract and retain highly qualified non-employee directors. The 2008 Formula Plan is intended to constitute a “formula plan” within the meaning of SEC Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act. Approval of the 2008 Formula Plan, and termination of the Formula Stock Option Plan, did not adversely affect the rights of any outstanding stock options previously granted under the Formula Stock Option Plan. The 2008 Formula Plan is administered by the Board of Directors, excluding non-employee directors, and expires by its terms in February 2018. The Board of Directors, excluding non-employee directors, may amend, suspend or terminate the 2008 Formula Plan in whole or in part, provided that no such amendment, suspension or termination adversely affects previously granted awards without the consent of the award recipient. Any such amendment, suspension or termination may be subject to stockholder approval.

Under the 2008 Formula Plan, 250,000 shares of SMI’s common stock are reserved for issuance and awards are in the form of restricted stock. On the first business day following each annual meeting, each standing non-employee director receives a grant of restricted stock consisting of the number of shares equaling $75,000 divided by the average closing sale price for the twenty days immediately preceding the grant date, rounded up to the nearest whole share. Grants of restricted stock fully vest on the earlier of (i) the first grant date anniversary or (ii) the day before the Company’s next annual meeting following the grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service as a director through scheduled vesting dates. In 2014, restricted stock awards granted to non-employee directors totaled 16,112 and 16,668 restricted stock awards vested during the year. Of the 16,112 awards granted in 2014, 4,028 were subsequently forfeited. All restricted stock awards were granted and vested in accordance with plan provisions. At December 31, 2014, approximately 145,000 shares are available for future grant.

2004 Stock Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated as of February 10, 2009– The 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2004 Plan), which provided equity-based incentives for attracting and retaining key employees, directors and others providing services to the Company, terminated by its terms in February 2014. No awards were granted under this plan in 2014, and previously granted awards under the 2004 Plan consisted of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, restricted stock units or restricted stock. Restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards granted in prior years under the Company’s performance-based Incentive Compensation Plan described above were subject to reaching certain defined full year earnings targets established at the beginning of each year by the Compensation Committee. Forfeitures in any given year result from differences between the Company’s actual results for the previous year as compared to the defined full year earnings target. All stock options granted under the 2004 Plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock at grant date, expire ten years from grant date and vested immediately or in equal installments over three years, and restricted stock and restricted stock units vest three years from grant date or in equal installments over three years. Once applicable restrictions lapse or have been satisfied, restricted stock units may be payable in cash, shares of common stock or a combination, as specified in the award agreement. Termination of the 2004 Plan did not adversely affect rights under any outstanding awards previously granted under the plan.

1994 Stock Option Plan – The 1994 Stock Option Plan (the 1994 Plan) expired by its terms on December 21, 2004 and no further options can be granted under that plan. The exercise price of all stock options granted under the 1994 Plan was the fair or trading value of the Company’s common stock at grant date and all stock options granted expired ten years from grant date. All options granted under the 1994 Plan have now expired.

Formula Stock Option Plan for Directors – The Formula Stock Option Plan was suspended in December 2007 and terminated in February 2008, and the 2008 Formula Plan described above was approved by stockholders at the 2008 Annual Meeting. Prior to plan suspension and termination, before February 1 each year, individual outside directors were awarded an option to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price equal to the average fair market value per share for the ten-day period prior to award. Termination of the Formula Stock Option Plan did not adversely affect rights under any outstanding stock options previously granted. All options granted under this plan generally vested in six months, and expired ten years, from grant date.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan – The SMI Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the ESPP) is intended to provide employees the opportunity to acquire stock ownership in the Company. The authorized number of shares of common stock issuable under the ESPP is 800,000. At December 31, 2014, approximately 439,000 shares are available for future grant. Prior to each January 1, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors determines whether participating eligible employees will be granted the right to purchase shares of common stock for the upcoming calendar year and the number of shares available for purchase. All employee grants contain the same number of shares and grant date. No participant can be granted the right to purchase more than 500 shares in any calendar year. The stock purchase price is 90% of the lesser of fair market value at grant date or exercise date. Unexercised grants expire at each calendar year end. No shares were granted to employees under the ESPP for calendar years 2014, 2013 or 2012.

Share-Based Payment – The Company follows applicable authoritative guidance which generally requires recognizing compensation cost for the estimated grant-date fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation over the requisite service period, and applies to all awards granted, modified, vesting, repurchased or cancelled after January 1, 2006. The Company generally records share-based compensation cost for stock option, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards on either the accelerated method using a graded vesting schedule or the straight-line method over the requisite service period, depending on the vesting schedule of the awards. The Company’s practice has been to issue new shares upon option exercise; however, repurchases of shares in the open market are permitted.

Share-based compensation cost totaled $2,610,000 in 2014, $2,224,000 in 2013 and $1,936,000 in 2012, before income taxes of $1,002,000, $818,000 and $666,000, respectively, and is included in general and administrative expense. For 2014, compensation cost excludes associated tax benefits of $327,000 which are reflected separately in operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Similar amounts for 2013 and 2012 were insignificant. There were no capitalized share-based compensation costs at December 31, 2014 or 2013. No stock options were granted under any of the Company’s stock compensation plans in 2014, 2013 or 2012. When stock options are granted, the Company estimates the fair value of stock option grants on grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following factors and assumptions. Expected volatility is based on implied volatilities from historical volatility of the Company’s stock and other factors. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises, forfeitures and employee terminations within the pricing model. Employee groups have similar historical exercise experience and are combined for valuation purposes. The expected term of granted options is estimated based on historical exercise experience and represents the time period that granted options are expected to be outstanding. Risk-free interest rates for periods within the expected life of options are based on the US Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

There were no significant changes in the characteristics of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted during 2012 through 2014 as compared to prior grants and no modifications of the terms of any share-based payment arrangements. There were no significant changes in estimates, assumptions or valuation methods used to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards. All stock options previously granted under the 1994 Plan and the 2004 Plan have an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock at grant date, and under the Formula Stock Option Plan for Directors have an exercise price equal to the average fair market value per share for the ten-day period prior to award. The Company believes the pricing model and approach utilized to develop the underlying assumptions are appropriate for estimating the fair values of share-based awards. These fair value and other estimates are not intended to predict future events or value ultimately realizable by employees who receive equity awards, and subsequent events are not indicative of the reasonableness of original estimates.

No stock options have been granted under the 2013 Plan. The following is a summary of stock option activity regarding the 1994 Plan, 2004 Plan and Formula Stock Option Plan for 2014 (shares and aggregate intrinsic value in thousands):

1994 Stock Option Plan

2004 Stock Incentive Plan

Formula Stock Option Plan

Stock

Shares

Weighted

Weighted

Aggregate

Shares

Weighted

Weighted

Aggregate

Shares

Weighted

Weighted

Aggregate

Options

Average

Average

Intrinsic

Average

Average

Intrinsic

Average

Average

Intrinsic

Exercise

Remaining

Value

Exercise

Remaining

Value

Exercise

Remaining

Value

Price Per

Contractual

Price Per

Contractual

Price Per

Contractual

Share

Term (Yrs)

Share

Term (Yrs)

Share

Term (Yrs)

Outstanding, January 1, 2014

160

$

36.63

545

$

28.96

150

$

35.51

Granted

–

–

–

–

–

–

Exercised

–

–

(8

)

15.83

–

–

Forfeited

–

–

(4

)

37

–

–

Expired

(160

)

36.63

(188

)

37

(30

)

28.77

Outstanding, December 31, 2014

–

$

–

–

–

345

$

24.76

3.4

$

1,306

120

$

37.2

1

–

Exercisable, December 31, 2014

–

$

–

–

–

345

$

24.76

3.4

$

1,306

120

$

37.2

1

–

As of December 31, 2014, all stock options are vested and there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted under any of the Company’s stock compensation plans. Outstanding and exercisable stock options with no intrinsic value as of December 31, 2014 are excluded from the aggregate intrinsic values presented above. No stock options vested in 2014 or 2013. In 2012, 101,000 stock options vested under the 2004 Plan with an aggregate intrinsic value of $128,000. In 2014, 7,500 stock options were exercised with an intrinsic value of $32,000 and 7,500 stock options with an intrinsic value of $23,000 were exercised in 2013. No stock options were exercised in 2012.

The following is a summary of non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity regarding the 2013 Plan, 2004 Plan and 2008 Formula Plan for 2014, and grant activity for 2013 and 2012 (shares and aggregate intrinsic value in thousands):

2013 Stock Incentive Plan

2004 Stock Incentive Plan

2008 Formula Restricted Stock Plan

Non-vested

Shares

Weighted

Weighted

Aggregate

Shares

Weighted

Weighted

Aggregate

Shares

Weighted

Weighted

Aggregate

Restricted Stock and

Average

Average

Intrinsic

Average

Average

Intrinsic

Average

Average

Intrinsic

Restricted Stock Units

Grant-

Remaining

Value

Grant-

Remaining

Value

Grant-

Remaining

Value

date Fair

Contractual

date Fair

Contractual

date Fair

Contractual

Value

Term (Yrs)

Value

Term (Yrs)

Value

Term (Yrs)

Per Share

Per Share

Per Share

Outstanding,

–

–

252

$

17.24

17

$

17.39

1-Jan-14

Granted

145

$

20.86

–

–

16

18.08

Vested

–

–

(119

)

16.51

(17

)

17.39

Forfeited

–

–

(7

)

17.25

(4

)

18.08

Outstanding,

145

$

20.86

1.6

$

3,178

126

$

17.93

1

$

2,752

12

$

18.08

0.3

$

264

31-Dec-14

Granted, 2013

–

–

140

$

18.54

17

$

17.39

Granted, 2012

–

–

136

16.16

17

17.18

As of December 31, 2014, outstanding restricted stock and restricted stock units above for the 2013 Plan include 35,000 restricted stock units with an aggregate intrinsic value of $765,000 and a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 1.2 year, and for the 2004 Plan include approximately 29,000 restricted stock units with an aggregate intrinsic value of $629,000 and a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 0.5 year, all of which are expected to fully vest (subject to forfeiture as described above). As of December 31, 2014, there was approximately $3,012,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units granted under the 2013 Plan, the 2004 Plan and the 2008 Formula Plan that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.0 year. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, 119,000, 109,000 and 97,000 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units vested under the 2004 Plan with fair values of $2,483,000, $2,049,000 and $1,599,000, respectively, and 17,000, 17,000 and 16,000 shares of restricted stock vested under the 2008 Formula Plan with fair values of $299,000, $299,000 and $266,000, respectively. These 2004 Plan amounts include common stock shares issued upon the vesting of 27,000, 24,000 and 29,000 restricted stock units with fair values of $545,000, $418,000 and $467,000 during each of 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Note_12_Employee_Benefit_Plans

Note 12 - Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	The Speedway Motorsports, Inc. 401(k) Plan and Trust is available to Company employees who meet certain eligibility requirements. The Plan allows participants to elect contributions of up to 75% of their annual compensation within certain prescribed limits, of which the Company will match 25% of the first 4% of employee contributions. Participants become fully vested in Company matching contributions over six years. The Company’s contributions for the Plan were $353,000 in 2014, $334,000 in 2013 and $336,000 in 2012.
	The Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan is available to all Company employees who meet eligibility requirements. This plan allows participants to elect to defer up to 75% of their base salary and 100% of their annual bonus and other cash compensation, if any, as permitted by the Plan Administrator. Participants can designate one or more investments as the measure of investment return on their participant account, and can elect distributions in lump sum or specified periodic installments. The Company holds assets consisting principally of Company-owned life insurance (COLI) policies on certain plan participants for funding future participant distributions. Those are general assets of the Company subject to claims of creditors or unsecured claims. Our obligation to pay amounts deferred under this plan is impacted by rates of returns on investments selected by plan participants, is an unsecured obligation and not subject to forfeiture. The Company’s common stock is not an investment option or plan asset. The COLI’s carrying value is reflected in non-current Other Assets, the deferred compensation liability is reflected in non-current Other Liabilities and associated earnings, losses or other changes are reflected in general and administrative expense. The Company’s 2014 consolidated financial statements reflect general and administrative expense of $816,000 for increasing other assets by $1,561,000 and other liabilities by $2,377,000. Although certain changes in plan assets and obligations, associated expenses, earnings and losses should have been recorded in various previous reporting periods, the Company believes the impact was not material to prior or current periods. Participants are fully vested in their contributions and associated earnings or losses credited to their individual accounts. The Company may make discretionary contributions for any one or all eligible employees which, if any, shall be 100% vested following three years of service once first eligible to participate in this plan. There were no Company contributions in 2012 through 2014.

Note_13_Segment_Disclosures

Note 13 - Segment Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	13. SEGMENT DISCLOSURES
	The Company’s operations are predominately comprised of promoting, marketing and sponsoring motorsports racing events, merchandising and other related activities conducted at its various major speedway facilities located in the United States. The Company’s business activities, including those of its subsidiaries, are further described in Notes 1 and 2. The Company’s “motorsports event related” segment consists of revenues and expenses associated with all admissions, event related, NASCAR broadcasting and event motorsports merchandising activities. The segment includes motorsports related events and operations for all Company speedways, NASCAR broadcasting and ancillary media rights, PRN and RCU motorsports radio programming, and SMI Properties and SMI Trackside motorsports merchandising at Company and non-Company speedways. These operating segments have been aggregated into the motorsports related reporting segment as each share similar types and classes of customers, similar methods for providing or distributing motorsports related services, souvenirs and other merchandise, and other similar economic characteristics. The Company’s “all other” operations consist of SMIP subsidiary non-event motorsports and non-motorsports merchandising, Legend Cars non-event merchandising and sanctioning body activities, Oil-Chem micro-lubricant activities, TMS oil and gas mineral rights lease and related revenues, and office rentals at certain Company speedways. All segment information below pertains to continuing operations and excludes discontinued oil and gas operations for all periods presented.
	Of the Company’s total revenues, approximately 81% in 2014, 82% in 2013 and 83% in 2012 were derived from NASCAR-sanctioned events. Of the Company’s total revenues, approximately 43% or $207,369,000 for 2014, 41% or $199,014,000 for 2013, and 39% or $192,662,000 for 2012 pertain to NASCAR broadcasting rights fees for domestic television broadcasts of NASCAR-sanctioned events held at the Company’s speedways. Segment information as presented below comports with information the Company’s chief operating decision maker and management use and focus on when assessing segment performance and allocating resources. Segment operating income or loss excludes interest, income taxes, other income or expense and specified non-recurring items, if any, and corporate general and administrative and depreciation costs are allocated to operating segments based on their respective revenues relative to consolidated revenues. Segment information on continuing operations for the three years ended December 31, 2014, and as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		2014									2013							2012
		Motorsports			All			Consolidated			Motorsports			All		Consolidated		Motorsports		All		Consolidated
		Event			Other			Total			Event			Other		Total		Event		Other		Total
		Related									Related							Related
	Revenues	$	464,166		$	20,143		$	484,309		$	462,938		$	17,711	$	480,649	$	472,221	$	17,939	$	490,160
	Depreciation and amortization (Note 4)		78,241			185			78,426			54,511			214		54,725		55,234		265		55,499
	Impairment of goodwill (Note 2)		–			–			–			89,037			–		89,037		–		–		–
	Segment operating income (loss)		55,288			4,870			60,158			(204	)		2,272		2,068		98,522		2,472		100,994
	Capital expenditures		21,974			62			22,036			11,998			38		12,036		26,647		140		26,787
		31-Dec-14									31-Dec-13
	Other intangibles	$	394,941			–		$	394,941		$	394,955			–	$	394,955
	Goodwill		49,680			–			49,680			49,680			–		49,680
	Total assets		1,694,103		$	24,164			1,718,267			1,761,698		$	24,562		1,786,260
	The following table reconciles segment operating income above to consolidated income or loss before income taxes (both from continuing operations) (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Total segment operating income from continuing operations	$	60,158		$	2,068		$	100,994
	Adjusted for:
	Interest expense, net		(21,237	)		(31,871	)		(41,217	)
	Loss on early debt redemption and refinancing (Note 6)		–			(18,467	)		–
	Other income (expense), net		2,305			(293	)		3,908
	Consolidated income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	41,226		$	(48,563	)	$	63,685

Note_14_2015_Issuance_of_New_S

Note 14 - 2015 Issuance of New Senior Notes and Planned Redemption of 2019 Senior Notes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	14.  2015 ISSUANCE OF NEW SENIOR NOTES AND PLANNED REDEMPTION OF 2019 SENIOR NOTES
	See Note 6 for information on the Company’s 2014 Credit Facility and 2019 Senior Notes.
	Issuance of New Senior Notes – In January 2015, the Company completed a private placement of new 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 in aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000 (the 2023 Senior Notes). These 2023 Senior Notes were issued at par value, and net proceeds after commissions and fees approximated $196,816,000. The Company plans to use net offering proceeds, Term Loan borrowings under the Credit Facility and cash on hand to fund a planned redemption of the 2019 Senior Notes in March 2015 as further described below. The Company also plans to offer to exchange these notes for substantially identical notes registered under the Securities Act in the second quarter 2015.
	The 2023 Senior Notes mature in February 2023 and interest payments are due semi-annually on February 1 and August 1, commencing August 1, 2015. Debt issuance premium and associated deferred loan costs will be amortized over the associated note term through February 2023. The Company may redeem some or all of the 2023 Senior Notes at annually declining redemption premiums ranging from 103.844% of par in fiscal years beginning February 1, 2018 to par after February 1, 2021, and up to 35% of the 2023 Senior Notes before February 1, 2018 with proceeds from certain equity offerings at a redemption premium of 105.125% of par. The Company may also redeem some or all of the 2023 Senior Notes before February 1, 2018 at par plus a "make-whole" premium. In the event of a change of control, the Company must offer to repurchase the 2023 Senior Notes at 101% of par value. The 2023 Senior Notes rank equally in right of payment with all other Company existing and future unsubordinated debt, are senior in right of payment to any future subordinated debt and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future secured debt, including the Credit Facility. The Indenture governing the 2023 Senior Notes permits dividend payments each year of up to approximately $0.80 per share of common stock, increasable subject to meeting certain financial covenants. The 2023 Senior Notes contain specific requirements and restrictive financial covenants and limitations, guarantees and cross-default provisions generally similar to those of the 2019 Senior Notes.
	Early Redemption of 2019 Senior Notes Planned – The Company plans to redeem all outstanding 6.75% Senior Notes due in 2019 in aggregate principal of $250,000,000 on March 13, 2015. The 2019 Senior Notes were scheduled to mature in February 2019, with interest payments due February 1 and August 1, and had unamortized issuance premium of $3,372,000 at December 31, 2014. The 2019 Senior Notes are currently redeemable at a redemption premium of 103.375% of par plus accrued interest. The Company plans to use net proceeds of the new 2023 Senior Notes, $50,000,000 of delayed draw Term Loan borrowings under the Credit Facility and cash on hand to fund the redemption, including redemption premium and transaction costs. The Company anticipates recognizing a pre-tax charge to earnings in the first quarter 2015 of approximately $8.4 million for associated redemption premium, unamortized net deferred loan costs and transaction costs, net of issuance premium.

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation – All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Revenue and Expense Recognition [Policy Text Block]	Revenue and Expense Classification – The Company classifies its revenues as admissions, event related revenue, NASCAR broadcasting revenue, and other operating revenue. “Admissions” includes ticket sales for all Company events. “Event related revenue” includes amounts received from sponsorships, luxury suite rentals, souvenir sales, commissions from food and beverage sales, advertising and other promotional revenues, hospitality revenues, track rentals, driving school revenues, camping and other non-admission access revenues, broadcasting rights other than NASCAR broadcasting revenue, and other event and speedway related revenues. “NASCAR broadcasting revenue” includes rights fees obtained for domestic television broadcasts of NASCAR-sanctioned events held at the Company’s speedways. “Other operating revenue” includes non-event merchandising revenues and Legend Cars and parts sales, The Speedway Club at CMS and The Speedway Club at TMS (together the “Speedway Clubs”) revenues, Oil-Chem revenues, TMS oil and gas mineral rights lease revenues, and industrial park and office tower rentals.
	The Company classifies its expenses to include direct expense of events, NASCAR event management (formerly purse and sanction) fees, and other direct operating expense, among other categories. “Direct expense of events” principally includes cost of souvenir sales, non-NASCAR race purses and sanctioning fees, property and event insurance, compensation of certain employees, advertising, sales and admission taxes, outside event support services, cost of driving school revenues, and event settlement payments to non-NASCAR sanctioning bodies. “NASCAR event management fees” includes payments to, and portions of broadcasting revenues retained by, NASCAR for associated events held at the Company’s speedways. “Other direct operating expense” includes the cost of certain SMI Properties and subsidiaries, Legend Cars, Speedway Clubs, Oil-Chem, and industrial park and office tower rental revenues.
	Event Revenues and Deferred Race Event Income, Net – The Company recognizes admissions, NASCAR broadcasting and event related revenues when an event is held. Event souvenir merchandise sales and commissions from food and beverage sales are recognized at time of sale. Advance revenues and certain related direct expenses pertaining to specific events are deferred until the event is held. Deferred expenses can include race purses and sanction fees remitted to or retained by NASCAR or other sanctioning bodies and sales and admission taxes and credit card processing fees on advance revenues. Deferred race event income relates to scheduled events to be held in upcoming periods. If circumstances prevent a race from being held during the racing season: (i) generally advance revenue is refundable and (ii) all deferred direct event expenses would be immediately recognized except for race event management fees which would be refundable from NASCAR or other sanctioning bodies, and for sales and admission taxes which would be refundable from taxing authorities. Management believes this accounting policy results in appropriate matching of revenues and expenses associated with the Company’s racing events and helps ensure comparability and consistency between its financial statements. Advance revenues, and certain related direct expenses, if any, for track rentals, driving schools and similar activities are deferred and recognized when the activities take place. Management believes its revenue recognition policies follow applicable authoritative guidance. Sales of gift cards or gift certificates for tickets, merchandise or other redemption use have not been significant.
	NASCAR Broadcasting Revenues and NASCAR Event Management (formerly Purse and Sanction) Fees – NASCAR contracts directly with certain television networks on broadcasting rights for all NASCAR-sanctioned Sprint Cup, Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series racing events. The Company receives television broadcasting revenues under annual contractual sanction agreements for each NASCAR-sanctioned race. The Company negotiates its sanction fees for individual races with NASCAR on an annual basis. Under the sanction agreements, NASCAR typically retains 10% of gross broadcasting revenues as a component of their sanction fees. NASCAR also retains 25% of gross broadcasting revenues for purses awarded to race participants for each race. The remainder represents additional annually negotiated event management (purse and sanction) fees paid to NASCAR by the Company for each race. These amounts retained by and paid to NASCAR are reflected in NASCAR event management fee expense.
Selling and Marketing [Policy Text Block]	Marketing Agreements – The Company has various marketing agreements for sponsorships, on-site advertising, hospitality and other promotional activities. Sponsorships generally consist of event and official sponsorship agreements. These various marketing agreements can be event, speedway or period specific, or pertain to multiple events, speedways or years. Marketing agreements that are not event specific typically contain stated fiscal year periods. The Company receives payments based on contracted terms. Marketing customers and agreement terms change from time to time. The Company recognizes contracted fee revenues, and associated expenses, as events or activities are conducted each year in accordance with the respective agreement terms. The Company’s marketing agreements sometimes include multiple specified elements such as sponsorships, tickets, hospitality, suites or on-site advertising in varying combinations for one or more events or contract periods, although there is typically a predominant element. Contracted revenues are allocated between admissions and event related revenue financial statement categories based on the relative fair or retail value of the respective multiple elements as such events or activities are conducted each year in accordance with the respective agreement terms.
	Certain marketing agreements contain elements of purchased property and equipment exchanged for multi-year marketing and other promotional activities at one or more of our facilities. The associated assets and deferred revenue are initially recorded based on their estimated fair or retail values, with assets then depreciated over estimated useful lives and deferred revenue recognized into income on a straight-line basis as events are conducted each year in accordance with the respective agreement terms. Deferred revenue recognizable in each upcoming fiscal year is reflected as current liabilities in deferred race event and other income.
Long-Duration Contracts Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Long-Term Food and Beverage Management Contract – Levy Premium Foodservice Limited Partnership, wholly-owned by Compass Group USA, Inc., has exclusive rights to provide on-site food, beverage and hospitality catering services for essentially all Company speedway events and operations under a long-term food and beverage management contract. The contract commenced in 2002 and was renewed for an additional ten-year period through 2021. The long-term agreement provides for, among other items, specified annual fixed and periodic gross revenue based commission payments to the Company over the contract period. The Company’s commission-based net revenues associated with activities provided by Levy are reported in event related revenue and at times, to a lesser extent, other operating revenue depending on the venue.
Other Revenue [Policy Text Block]	Non-Event Souvenir Merchandise and Other Revenues – The Company recognizes revenue when products are shipped, title transfers to customers, right of return or cancellation provisions expire, sales prices are final and collection is probable. For products sold on consignment through various promotional activities, revenues are recognized upon product shipment by promoters to customers, or purchase by reseller customers, and expiration of any right of return or cancellation provisions. Product sold on consignment with right of return or cancellation provisions has not been significant.
Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Joint Venture Equity Investment – Before February 2014, the Company and International Speedway Corporation equally owned a joint venture (50% non-controlling interest) operating independently under the name Motorsports Authentics (MA). MA’s operations consist principally of trackside and, to a lesser extent, wholesale and retail, event souvenir merchandising as licensed and regulated under NASCAR Teams Licensing Trust agreements. The NASCAR Trust significantly influences MA’s operations and results. No dividends were declared or paid since formation of MA. The Company’s share of undistributed equity deficit from equity investee earnings and losses included in the Company’s retained earnings was approximately $133,974,000 at December 31, 2013. There were no significant differences in investor cost and underlying equity in the net assets of MA at acquisition.
	On January 31, 2014, the Company abandoned its interest and rights in MA to focus management resources in areas that may be profitable and more productive. As further described in Note 8, the Company recognized an anticipated material tax benefit related to abandonment as of December 31, 2013. There was no other impact on the Company’s 2014 or 2013 Consolidated Financial Statements. The carrying value of the Company’s equity investment in MA was reduced to $0 as of December 31, 2009 from sizable impairment charges and MA’s historical operating results. Under equity method accounting, the Company no longer recorded its 50% share of MA operating losses, if any, unless and until this carrying value was increased to the extent of future MA operating profits, if any. As such, the Company’s results for 2012 through 2014 were not impacted by MA’s operations under the equity method, and no income tax benefits were recognized in these years other than related to aforementioned Company abandonment. MA was not considered significant for the three annual periods ended 2014 under applicable SEC rules and the reports of the auditors on their financial statements for those periods are not included in this filing.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Composition (Note 13) – The Company’s revenues are comprised of the following (in thousands):
			2014				2013			2012
	Admissions		$	100,798			$	106,050		$	116,034
	NASCAR broadcasting			207,369				199,014			192,662
	Sponsorships			51,578				54,832			57,633
	Other event related			81,493				78,106			81,019
	Souvenir and other merchandise			31,058				31,005			31,634
	Other			12,013				11,642			11,178
	Total revenue		$	484,309			$	480,649		$	490,160
	Revenues described as “other event related” consist principally of commissions from food, beverage and souvenir sales, luxury suite rentals, advertising and other promotional revenues, hospitality revenues, track rentals, driving school revenues, camping and other non-admission access revenues, broadcasting rights other than NASCAR broadcasting revenue, and other event and speedway related revenues. “Souvenir and other merchandise revenue” consists of SMI Properties and SMI Trackside sales of owned souvenir merchandise during racing and non-racing events and in speedway gift shops (motorsports event related merchandise), certain SMI Properties sales of racing and other sports related souvenir merchandise and Legend Cars operations (non-event motorsports related merchandise), and Oil-Chem product sales (non-motorsports related merchandise). “Other revenue” consists principally of revenues from the Speedway Clubs, industrial park and office tower rentals, Legend Cars as the sanctioning body for Legend Cars circuit races, and TMS oil and gas mineral rights lease revenues.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires extensive use of management estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at financial statement dates, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual future results could differ from those estimates. Such significant estimates include (i) recoverability of property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, (ii) depreciable lives for property and equipment and amortization periods for intangible assets, (iii) accounting for income taxes, (iv) realization of receivables and inventories, (v) accruals for certain business taxes, uninsured business risks, litigation, and other contingencies, and (vi) deferred compensation obligations and disclosures of stock-based compensation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – The Company classifies as cash equivalents all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents principally consist of variable rate, overnight sweep accounts of commercial paper, repurchase agreements, municipal bond and United States Treasury securities.
	At times, the Company collects and temporarily holds cash on behalf of its third-party food and beverage concessionaire which is not remitted until after period end and is presented separately from cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. There are no specific limitations, restrictions or other holding requirements for such cash.
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounts and Notes Receivable are reported net of allowance for doubtful accounts summarized as follows (in thousands):
			2014				2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year		$	1,273			$	1,270		$	1,345
	Bad debt expense			261				253			189
	Actual write-offs, net of specific accounts recovered			(263	)			(250	)		(264	)
	Balance, end of year		$	1,271			$	1,273		$	1,270
Other Assets [Policy Text Block]	Other Noncurrent Assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consist of (in thousands):
			2014				2013
	Deferred financing costs, net		$	8,943			$	9,162
	Land held for development			12,265				12,265
	Other			9,506				7,719
	Total		$	30,714			$	29,146
	Noncurrent assets are generally reported at cost except for cash surrender values of life insurance policies which are reported at fair value (See Note 12). Management evaluates these assets for recovery when events or circumstances indicate possible impairment may have occurred. As of December 31, 2014, there have been no events or circumstances which might indicate possible recoverability concerns or impairment.
Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Deferred Financing Costs are amortized into interest expense over the associated debt terms or remaining terms for loan amendment costs, and are reported net of accumulated amortization of $9,802,000 and $6,850,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013. See Note 6 for information on 2013 charges associated with previously deferred financing costs.
Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Original Debt Issuance Discount or Premium is amortized into interest expense over the associated debt terms using the effective interest method.
Real Estate Held for Development and Sale, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Land Held For Development represents property adjacent to a regional outlet mall in the Charlotte metropolitan area which management plans to develop and market or possibly sell in suitable market conditions.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment (Note 4) are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements pertain primarily to industrial park, office and warehouse facilities, and are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of associated lease terms or estimated useful lives. Constructed assets, including construction in progress, include all direct costs and capitalized interest until placed into service. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred, unless useful asset lives are extended or assets improved.
	When events or circumstances indicate possible impairment may have occurred, the Company evaluates long-lived assets, including tangible assets and intangible assets subject to amortization, for possible impairment based on expected future undiscounted operating cash flows attributable to such assets using applicable authoritative guidance. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of other assets and liabilities when assessing impairment. When management decides to remove grandstand seating and suites as part of managing facility capacity or other speedway facility assets, depreciation is accelerated and recorded prospectively over shortened estimated remaining useful lives of the assets, beginning when both management commits to and begins removal. Gains or losses on property and equipment disposals are recognized when disposed. Recording accelerated depreciation, gain or loss on disposal or impairment losses related to property and equipment is based on assessment of the associated facts and circumstances. Also, assets are classified as held for sale when management determines that sale is probable within one year. Management believes no unrecognized impairment of long-lived assets used in continuing operations exists at December 31, 2014.
	In connection with the development and completed construction of TMS in 1997, the Company entered into arrangements with the Fort Worth Sports Authority (FWSA), a non-profit corporate instrumentality of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, whereby the Company conveyed the speedway facility, excluding its on-site condominiums and office and entertainment complex, to the FWSA. The Company, which has the right to reacquire the facility, operates the speedway facility under a 30-year arrangement with the FWSA. Because of the Company’s responsibilities, including associated risks, rewards and obligations, under these arrangements, the speedway facility and related liabilities are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Note 5) represent the excess of business acquisition costs over the fair value of net assets acquired, and are all associated with the Company’s motorsports related activities and reporting units. Intangible assets consist predominately of goodwill and nonamortizable intangible assets for race event sanctioning and renewal agreements and, to a lesser extent, goodwill associated with event related motorsports merchandising. Acquired intangible assets are valued using the direct value method. The Company’s race event sanctioning and renewal agreements for each NASCAR-sanctioned racing event are awarded annually. The Company has evaluated each of its intangible assets for these agreements and determined that each will extend into the foreseeable future. The Company has never been unable to renew these race date agreements for any subsequent year and no such agreement has ever been cancelled. Based on these and other factors, such race date agreements are expected to be awarded to the Company in perpetuity. As such, these nonamortizable intangible assets for race event sanctioning and renewal agreements are considered to have indefinite useful lives because their renewal and cash flow generation are expected to continue indefinitely. No direct costs for agreement renewal or extension have been incurred or capitalized. However, we are obligated to conduct events in the manner stipulated under the terms and conditions of the annual sanctioning agreements. The Company follows applicable authoritative guidance on accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets which specifies, among other things, nonamortization of goodwill and requires testing of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives for possible impairment at least annually.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Annual Impairment Assessment. The Company evaluates goodwill and other intangible assets for possible impairment annually in the second quarter, or when events or circumstances indicate possible impairment may have occurred. Management considers each speedway and motorsports and non-motorsports merchandising subsidiary a separate reporting unit principally because that is the lowest level for which discrete financial information is available to the Company’s managers and chief operating decision maker. No reporting units are aggregated for purposes of evaluating intangible assets for possible impairment. The Company evaluates intangible assets for possible impairment based predominately on management’s best estimate of future discounted operating cash flows and profitability attributable to such assets (using the fair value assessment provisions of applicable authoritative guidance) for all individual reporting units.
	The evaluation is supported by quoted market prices or comparable transactions where available or applicable. Management considered that the estimated market value for comparable NASCAR race event sanction and renewal agreements based on historical sales transactions (the Company had agreements to annually conduct thirteen NASCAR Sprint Cup, eleven NASCAR Xfinity, and seven NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races as of the evaluation date), combined with the estimated fair value for all other Company net assets, exceeds its current market capitalization. NASCAR has announced it would consider potential track realignment of Sprint Cup Series racing events to desirable, potentially more profitable market venues of speedway operators. Our annual impairment assessment did not consider the possibility that management may realign one or more other NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing events among its speedway facilities, which could result in net higher or improved future projected cash flows. Management also considered recent market trading ranges of price to earnings and sales multiples, cash flow and other traditional valuation methods, control premiums, and other market information related to the Company’s common stock from historical and forward-looking perspectives. Such information was also compared to available market information for certain motorsports industry peers. Weighting of evaluation results was not required as none of the methods, individually or collectively, indicated possible impairment. Despite ongoing domestic and global economic challenges, management believes there has been no fundamental change in the Company’s core motorsports business. The inputs for measuring fair value are considered “Level 3” or unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data under applicable fair value authoritative guidance, as quoted market prices are not available.
	Management’s latest annual impairment assessment was performed in the second quarter 2014. That assessment indicated the estimated fair value of each reporting unit and each indefinite-lived intangible asset substantially exceeded its associated carrying value except for race date event sanctioning and renewal agreements associated with NHMS acquired in 2008. The excess of estimated fair value over associated aggregate carrying values of $296,130,000 for those material nonamortizable agreements was found to be relatively nominal, resulting in heightened sensitivity to management’s assumptions used in estimating future discounted cash flows and profitability and associated risk of failing impairment testing. Among other factors, the latest assessment assumes economic and industry condition improvements, and projected cash flow and profitability recovery, using modest annual inflationary growth rates for projected revenue streams and operating costs (other than NASCAR broadcasting revenues and event management fees), and strategic amounts of planned capital expenditures. Management assumed that annual increases in contracted NASCAR broadcasting rights revenues beginning in 2015 through 2024 would approximate those reflected in the recently negotiated multi-year contracts and announced by NASCAR. Management also assumed annual increases in associated NASCAR event management (purse and sanction) fees would approximate historical and 2015 contracted rates. NASCAR event management fees for years after 2015 have not been negotiated, and future annual fees could differ substantially from those assumed in management’s impairment assessment.
	As such, no goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges were found necessary at this time. Should this reporting unit or associated indefinite-lived intangible assets not achieve projected cash flows or profitability, or should actual capital expenditures exceed current plans, estimated fair values could be reduced to below carrying values resulting in material non-cash impairment charges. There have since been no other events or circumstances that indicate possible unrecognized impairment as of December 31, 2014. Management believes the methods used to determine fair value and evaluate impairment were appropriate, relevant, and represent methods customarily available and used for such purposes and are the best available estimate of fair value. Management also believes the Company’s operational and cash flow forecasts support its conclusions that no impairment exists as of December 31, 2014. Different economic or industry conditions or assumptions, and changes in projected cash flows or profitability, if significantly negative or unfavorable, could have a material adverse effect on the impairment evaluation and the Company’s future financial condition or results of operations. The evaluations are subjective and based on conditions, trends and assumptions existing at the time of evaluation.
	2013 Impairment of Goodwill. The Company had previously reported its 2012 annual evaluation found that estimated fair values for NHMS and KyS reporting units exceeded their carrying values, with associated risk of failing step one of impairment testing. Management's 2013 annual impairment assessment indicated the estimated fair value of each reporting unit and each indefinite-lived intangible asset substantially exceeded its associated carrying value except for two reporting units. The 2013 annual evaluation found the carrying values for NHMS and KyS exceeded estimated fair value reflecting lowered estimated future cash flows because the economic recovery was slower and weaker than previous forecasts, and lower than anticipated revenues for certain 2013 major racing events at NHMS and KyS, further reducing visibility on profitability recovery. As such, a non-cash impairment charge of $89,037,000, before income tax benefits of $2,341,000, was reflected in 2013 to reduce goodwill related to NHMS and KyS to estimated fair value of $0.
	Of that charge, goodwill for NHMS of $82,725,000 originated upon recording deferred tax liabilities associated with race date intangibles of $127.4 million established under purchase method accounting rules over and above NHMS’s net cash purchase price of $330.1 million paid in 2008. Those accounting rules required establishing such deferred tax liabilities assuming the Company would ultimately sell NHMS assets, and not stock, for tax reporting purposes. Those accounting rules prohibit elimination or adjustment notwithstanding such ultimate payment of taxes was, and still is, believed unlikely and that no sale is being contemplated. The impairment did not pertain to or affect the underlying value of the Company’s race date intangibles. The 2013 charge and associated operations are included in the Company’s "motorsports event related" reporting segment (see Note 13).
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block]	Deferred Income, Net (noncurrent) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consists of (in thousands):
			2014				2013
	Preferred Seat License fees, net		$	3,518			$	3,635
	Multi-year marketing and other arrangements, and deferred membership income			1,304				3,297
	Total		$	4,822			$	6,932
	Preferred Seat License Fees, Net. KyS and TMS offer Preferred Seat License (PSL) agreements whereby licensees are entitled to purchase annual season-ticket packages for sanctioned racing events under specified terms and conditions. Among other items, licensees are required to purchase all season ticket packages when and as offered each year. License agreements automatically terminate without refund should licensees not purchase any offered ticket and are transferable once each year subject to certain terms and conditions. Also, licensees are not entitled to refunds for postponement or cancellation of events due to weather or certain other conditions. Net PSL fees are deferred when received and amortized into income over the estimated useful life of those facilities or recognized upon license agreement termination.
	Deferred Speedway Club Membership Income. The CMS and TMS Speedway Clubs sell memberships that entitle members to certain dining, other club and racing event seating privileges, and require upfront fees and monthly assessments. Net membership revenues are deferred when billed and amortized into income over an estimated average membership term of ten years.
	Deferred Income, Other Arrangements. In late 2013, BMS announced plans to host a collegiate football game in September 2016. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, advance revenues and associated direct expenses were not significant. Under the similar accounting policy for event revenues and expenses described above, the Company plans to continue to defer advance revenues and direct expenses pertaining to this event until held.
Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	TMS Oil and Gas Mineral Rights Lease Receipts – TMS, in conjunction with the Fort Worth Sports Authority, has an oil and gas mineral rights lease agreement and a joint exploration agreement with the FWSA, which among other things, provides the lessee various defined property access and right-of-ways, exclusive exploration and extraction rights, and non-interference by TMS as extraction infrastructure construction and operations commence. TMS is required to coordinate directly with the lessee on roadway and pipeline logistics to prevent interference of TMS or lessee activities, and monitor regulatory and other contract compliance. An upfront cash payment received in December 2011 was accreted into other operating revenue over an associated two-year agreement term on a straight-line basis, with $3,117,000 and $3,210,000 recognized in 2013 and 2012 ($0 in 2014).
	Although the initial agreement term expired in December 2013, the lessee had initiated drilling activities prior to expiration, resulting in the long-term lease remaining enforceable as long as drilling or extraction related activities continue or certain prices levels are met. This lease agreement was extended and oil and gas extraction commenced in 2014, which entitles TMS to stipulated stand-alone and shared royalties. In 2014, TMS received and recognized royalty payments of $3,208,000 under the extended lease agreement. The lessee expanded production capacity in 2014, including an increased number of extraction wells. At this time, while extraction activities continue, management is unable to determine possible ongoing volumes of production if any or for how long, or if stipulated natural gas price levels will be maintained or adequate. The lease agreement stipulates the sharing of production revenues, and requires TMS to spend a portion of shared royalties on TMS facility and road infrastructure improvements, up to specified amounts. Any future production revenues or royalties are subject to production levels and market prices that can fluctuate significantly and rapidly, as well as other factors outside of TMS’s control. As such, management is unable to determine the amounts if any, or timing, of possible future royalty payments to TMS. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there was no deferred income associated with the expired or extended agreements.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Expenses – Event specific advertising costs are expensed when an associated event is held and included principally in direct expense of events. Non-event related advertising costs are expensed as incurred and included principally in other direct operating expense. Advertising expense amounted to $16,398,000 in 2014, $17,461,000 in 2013 and $18,644,000 in 2012. There were no deferred direct-response advertising costs at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Operating Leases – The Company has various operating leases principally for office and warehouse space and for equipment used in conducting racing events and other operations. These operating leases typically have initial terms of less than one year or are cancelable with minimal notice, although certain operating equipment leases include multi-year terms. Rent expense for operating leases amounted to $6,023,000 in 2014, $5,923,000 in 2013 and $6,124,000 in 2012. Various office and warehouse facilities leased from an affiliate (see Note 9) are cancelable with minimal notice; however, such lease arrangements will likely be renewed annually through specific contract periods. The Company leases various office, warehouse and industrial park space under operating leases to various entities largely involved in motorsports. These operating leases typically have initial terms of one year or more and are noncancelable. Lease revenue for operating leases, excluding the TMS oil and gas mineral rights lease receipts discussed above, amounted to $4,927,000 in 2014, $4,835,000 in 2013 and $4,482,000 in 2012.
	Future annual minimum lease payments (where initial terms are one year or more and assuming renewal through contracted periods), and contracted future annual minimum lease revenues, under operating leases at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
			Lease				Lease
			Payments				Revenues
	2015		$	1,001			$	4,830
	2016			576				4,236
	2017			503				3,356
	2018			332				2,328
	2019			189				1,308
	Thereafter			706				545
	Total		$	3,307			$	16,603
Other Income Expense Net [Policy Text Block]	Other (Income) Expense, Net consists of (in thousands):
			2014				2013			2012
	Net gain associated with insurance recovery and involuntary conversion of property (2014), and property sales and other assets (2014 and 2012)		$	(2,235	)			–		$	(3,152	)
	Net loss on disposals of property and equipment			30			$	62			7
	Other			(100	)			231			(763	)
	Total		$	(2,305	)		$	293		$	(3,908	)
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes (Note 8) – The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future income tax effect of temporary differences between financial and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Income taxes are provided using the liability method whereby estimated deferred income taxes, and significant items giving rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities, reflect management’s assessment of future taxes likely to be paid, including timing, probability of realization and other relevant factors. The Company’s accounting for income taxes reflects management’s assessment of future tax liabilities based on assumptions and estimates for timing, likelihood of realization, and tax laws existing at the time of evaluation. The Company assesses the need for valuation allowances for deferred tax assets based on the sufficiency of estimated future taxable income and other relevant factors. The Company reports interest expense and penalties related to income tax liabilities, when applicable, in income tax expense. Cash paid for income taxes as reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows excludes any previous overpayments the Company may have elected to apply to income tax liabilities. The Company has no undistributed foreign earnings or cash or cash equivalents held outside of the US.
	The Company follows applicable authoritative guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes which, among other things, prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, and provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, and disclosures. Evaluation of a tax position includes determining whether it is more likely than not a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, it is presumed the position will be examined by appropriate taxing authorities having full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Taxes Collected From Customers [Policy Text Block]	Taxes Collected from Customers – The Company reports sales, admission and other taxes collected from customers on both a gross and net basis in operations. Such taxes reported on a gross basis amounted to $5,340,000 in 2014, $5,455,000 in 2013 and $5,721,000 in 2012.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The Company follows applicable authoritative guidance which requires that financial and non-financial assets and liabilities measured and reported on a fair value basis be classified, disclosed and categorized as further described below. Fair value estimates are based on relevant market information and single broker quoted market prices where available at a specific point in time, and changes in assumptions or market conditions could significantly affect estimates. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, certain other assets and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. Cash surrender values are carried at fair value based on binding broker quoted market prices. Notes and other receivables and bank revolving credit facility and term loan borrowings are variable interest rate financial instruments and, therefore, carrying values approximate fair value. The fixed rate senior notes payable are publicly traded and estimated fair values are based on single broker quoted market prices. Other long-term debt is non-interest bearing and discounted based on estimated current cost of borrowings and, therefore, carrying values approximate market value. There have been no changes or transfers between category levels or classes.
	The following table presents estimated fair values and categorization levels of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
								31-Dec-14					31-Dec-13
			Level			Class		Carrying Value			Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents			1		R		$	110,046		$	110,046	$	97,343	$	97,343
	Floating rate notes receivable			2		NR			–			–		2,005		2,005
	Cash surrender values			2		NR			8,177			8,177		4,937		4,937
	Liabilities
	Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan			2		NR			150,000			150,000		210,000		210,000
	6.75% Senior Notes Payable scheduled due 2019			2		NR			253,372			257,500		254,197		265,000
	Other long-term debt			2		NR			1,445			1,445		2,792		2,792
	Level 1:	Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2:	Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
	Level 3:	Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
	Class R:	Measured at fair value on recurring basis, subsequent to initial recognition.
	Class NR:	Measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis, subsequent to initial recognition.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Concentrations of Credit Risk – Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, and cash surrender values. Concentration of credit risk with respect to cash and cash equivalents and cash surrender values is limited through placement with major high-credit qualified financial institutions and insurance carriers, respectively. However, amounts placed often significantly exceed available insured limits. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited due to the large numbers and wide variety of customers and customer industries and their broad geographical dispersion. Also, a significant portion of the Company’s accounts receivable typically pertain to advance revenues for specific events which are deferred until the event is held. As such, exposure to credit risk on such receivables that could adversely affect operating results is limited until recognition of the associated deferred race event income. The Company generally requires sufficient collateral equal to or exceeding note amounts, or accepts notes from high-credit quality entities or high net-worth individuals, limiting its exposure to credit risk. Amounts due from affiliates typically can be offset to the extent of amounts payable to affiliates, limiting the Company’s exposure to credit risk.
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Loss and Other Contingencies and Financial Guarantees – The Company accrues a liability for contingencies if the likelihood of an adverse outcome is probable and the amount is estimable. Legal and other costs associated with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. The Company accounts for financial guarantees using applicable authoritative guidance which requires, among other things, that guarantors recognize a liability for the fair value of obligations undertaken by issuing a guarantee.
	CMS’s property includes areas used as solid waste landfills for many years. Landfilling of general categories of municipal solid waste on the CMS property ceased in 1992, but CMS currently allows certain property to be used for land clearing and inert debris landfilling. Landfilling for construction and demolition debris has ceased on the CMS property. Management believes the Company’s operations, including the landfills on its property, comply with all applicable federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. Management is not aware of any situation related to landfill operations which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, future results of operations or cash flows.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Standards – The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Section A—Summary and Amendments That Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs—Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40)” which enhances comparability and clarifies principles of revenue recognition. The guidance includes the core principle that entities recognize revenue to depict transfers of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration entities expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that adoption may have on its financial statements.
	The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12 "Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period” which requires performance targets that affect vesting and could be achieved after requisite service periods be treated as performance conditions and reflected in estimating grant-date fair values of awards. Compensation cost should be recognized in the periods when achieving performance targets becomes probable, and should represent the compensation cost attributable to periods for which requisite services have already been rendered. If achieving performance targets becomes probable before the end of the requisite service periods, any remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. Among other things, the guidance applies to entities that grant employees share-based payments in which award terms provide that performance targets that affect vesting could be achieved after the requisite service periods. The guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the guidance either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that adoption may have on its financial statements.

Note_2_Significant_Accounting_1

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]		2014				2013			2012
	Admissions	$	100,798			$	106,050		$	116,034
	NASCAR broadcasting		207,369				199,014			192,662
	Sponsorships		51,578				54,832			57,633
	Other event related		81,493				78,106			81,019
	Souvenir and other merchandise		31,058				31,005			31,634
	Other		12,013				11,642			11,178
	Total revenue	$	484,309			$	480,649		$	490,160
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]		2014				2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year	$	1,273			$	1,270		$	1,345
	Bad debt expense		261				253			189
	Actual write-offs, net of specific accounts recovered		(263	)			(250	)		(264	)
	Balance, end of year	$	1,271			$	1,273		$	1,270
Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent [Table Text Block]		2014				2013
	Deferred financing costs, net	$	8,943			$	9,162
	Land held for development		12,265				12,265
	Other		9,506				7,719
	Total	$	30,714			$	29,146
Deferred Revenue, by Arrangement, Disclosure [Table Text Block]		2014				2013
	Preferred Seat License fees, net	$	3,518			$	3,635
	Multi-year marketing and other arrangements, and deferred membership income		1,304				3,297
	Total	$	4,822			$	6,932
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]		Lease				Lease
		Payments				Revenues
	2015	$	1,001			$	4,830
	2016		576				4,236
	2017		503				3,356
	2018		332				2,328
	2019		189				1,308
	Thereafter		706				545
	Total	$	3,307			$	16,603
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block]		2014				2013			2012
	Net gain associated with insurance recovery and involuntary conversion of property (2014), and property sales and other assets (2014 and 2012)	$	(2,235	)			–		$	(3,152	)
	Net loss on disposals of property and equipment		30			$	62			7
	Other		(100	)			231			(763	)
	Total	$	(2,305	)		$	293		$	(3,908	)
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]							31-Dec-14					31-Dec-13
		Level			Class		Carrying Value			Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		1		R		$	110,046		$	110,046	$	97,343	$	97,343
	Floating rate notes receivable		2		NR			–			–		2,005		2,005
	Cash surrender values		2		NR			8,177			8,177		4,937		4,937
	Liabilities
	Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan		2		NR			150,000			150,000		210,000		210,000
	6.75% Senior Notes Payable scheduled due 2019		2		NR			253,372			257,500		254,197		265,000
	Other long-term debt		2		NR			1,445			1,445		2,792		2,792

Note_3_Inventories_Tables

Note 3 - Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 3 - Inventories (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]		2014			2013
	Finished race cars, parts and accessories	$	5,186		$	5,372
	Souvenirs and apparel		2,472			2,409
	Micro-lubricant® and other		692			824
	Total	$	8,350		$	8,605
Inventory Valuation Reserve Balances [Member]
Note 3 - Inventories (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]		2014			2013			2012
	Balance, beginning of year	$	4,083		$	4,757		$	5,765
	Current year provision		711			53			216
	Current year sales and write-offs		(387	)		(727	)		(1,224	)
	Balance, end of year	$	4,407		$	4,083		$	4,757

Note_4_Property_and_Equipment_

Note 4 - Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]		Estimated			2014			2013
		Useful Lives
	Land and land improvements	5	-	25	$	460,847		$	457,179
	Racetracks and grandstands	5	-	45		721,108			749,510
	Buildings and luxury suites	5	-	40		451,243			450,495
	Machinery and equipment	3	-	20		44,696			44,175
	Furniture and fixtures	5	-	20		36,411			35,072
	Autos and trucks	3	-	10		12,258			11,899
	Construction in progress					3,784			4,768
	Total					1,730,347			1,753,098
	Less accumulated depreciation					(678,194	)		(647,921	)
	Net				$	1,052,153		$	1,105,177

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Other_Inta1

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]		2014							2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross			Accumulated			Net		Estimated
		Carrying		Amortization					Carrying			Amortization					Amortization
		Value							Value								Period
																	(Years)
	Nonamortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	$	394,913		–		$	394,913	$	394,913			–		$	394,913		–
	Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements		100	$	(72	)		28		100		$	(58	)		42		6-May
	Total	$	395,013	$	(72	)	$	394,941	$	395,013		$	(58	)	$	394,955
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]		Other Intangible Assets					Goodwill
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	395,013	$	395,013		$	49,680	$	138,717
	Increase from acquisitions		–		–			–		–
	Decrease from impairment charges		–		–			–		(89,037	)
	Balance, end of year	$	395,013	$	395,013		$	49,680	$	49,680

Note_6_Longterm_Debt_Tables

Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]		2014			2013
	Credit facility, all term loan	$	150,000		$	210,000
	2019 Senior Notes		253,372			254,197
	Other notes payable		1,445			2,792
	Total		404,817			466,989
	Less current maturities		(7,070	)		(13,847	)
	Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	$	397,747		$	453,142
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	2015	$	7,070
	2016		7,500
	2017		7,500
	2018		7,500
	2019		375,247
	Total	$	404,817
Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block]		2014			2013			2012
	Gross interest costs	$	22,092		$	32,408		$	42,155
	Less capitalized interest costs		(321	)		(168	)		(574	)
	Interest expense		21,771			32,240			41,581
	Interest income		(534	)		(369	)		(364	)
	Interest expense, net	$	21,237		$	31,871		$	41,217
	Weighted average interest rate on borrowings under bank Credit Facility		2.1	%		2.2	%		2.7	%

Note_7_Capital_Structure_Per_S1

Note 7 - Capital Structure, Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders Equity And Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]		2014		2013			2012
	Income (loss) from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders and assumed conversions	$	25,404	$	(6,212	)	$	41,793
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		41,377		41,405			41,431
	Dilution effect of assumed conversions, common stock equivalents – stock awards		23		18			6
	Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions		41,400		41,423			41,437
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.61	$	(0.15	)	$	1.01
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.61	$	(0.15	)	$	1.01
	Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded in computing diluted earnings or loss per share		531		794			1,057
Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]		2014		2013			2012
	Cash dividends paid	$	24,860	$	24,875		$	24,883
	Dividends per common share	$	0.6	$	0.6		$	0.6

Note_8_Income_Taxes_Tables

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	232		$	9,756		$	(2,247	)
	State		(108	)		227			(47	)
			124			9,983			(2,294	)
	Deferred:
	Federal		16,455			(42,015	)		24,521
	State		(757	)		(10,319	)		(335	)
			15,698			(52,334	)		24,186
	Total	$	15,822		$	(42,351	)	$	21,892
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory federal tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax effect		(0.1	)		8.7			(0.2	)
	Non-deductible impairment of goodwill		–			(59.6	)		–
	Change in valuation allowances, primarily related to losses on equity investees		(5.5	)		101.6			(0.1	)
	Change in uncertain tax positions, including income tax liabilities for settlements with taxing authorities		(1.2	)		(0.1	)		0.1
	Change in deferred tax assets		9.2			–			–
	Other, net		1			1.6			(0.4	)
	Total		38.4	%		87.2	%		34.4	%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]		2014			2013
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	$	248,140		$	256,966
	Goodwill and other intangible assets		146,829			143,245
	Expenses deducted for tax purposes and other		3,699			3,581
	Subtotal		398,668			403,792
	Deferred tax assets:
	Income previously recognized for tax purposes		(11,874	)		(14,618	)
	Stock option and other deferred compensation expense		(5,066	)		(4,389	)
	PSL and other deferred income recognized for tax purposes		(1,502	)		(1,683	)
	State and federal net operating loss carryforwards		(33,832	)		(3,945	)
	Basis difference for equity investment and subsidiary		(10,931	)		(61,450	)
	Subtotal		(63,205	)		(86,085	)
	Less: Valuation allowance		12,654			14,868
	Net deferred tax assets		(50,551	)		(71,217	)
	Total net deferred tax liabilities		348,117			332,575
	Net current deferred tax assets		23,786			49,181
	Net non-current deferred tax liabilities	$	371,903		$	381,756
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]		2014			2013			2012
	Beginning of period	$	1,004		$	1,004		$	1,004
	Increases (decreases) for tax positions of current year		–			–			–
	Increases for tax positions of prior years		–			–			–
	Decreases for tax positions of prior years		(119	)		–			–
	Reductions for lapse of applicable statute of limitations		–			–			–
	Increases (decreases) for settlements with taxing authorities		–			–			–
	End of period	$	885		$	1,004		$	1,004

Note_9_Related_Party_Transacti1

Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Balances [Member]
Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Notes and other receivables	$	232	$	3,522
	Amounts payable to affiliates		–		2,594
Related Party Transactions [Member]
Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]		2014		2013		2012
	Merchandise and vehicle purchases	$	502	$	689	$	767
	Merchandise and vehicle sales, event related commissions, and reimbursed shared expenses		3,724		5,040		4,968
	Rent expense		661		659		640
	Interest income		68		95		110
	Interest expense		98		102		103

Note_11_Stock_Compensation_Pla1

Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

1994 Stock Option Plan

2004 Stock Incentive Plan

Formula Stock Option Plan

Stock

Shares

Weighted

Weighted

Aggregate

Shares

Weighted

Weighted

Aggregate

Shares

Weighted

Weighted

Aggregate

Options

Average

Average

Intrinsic

Average

Average

Intrinsic

Average

Average

Intrinsic

Exercise

Remaining

Value

Exercise

Remaining

Value

Exercise

Remaining

Value

Price Per

Contractual

Price Per

Contractual

Price Per

Contractual

Share

Term (Yrs)

Share

Term (Yrs)

Share

Term (Yrs)

Outstanding, January 1, 2014

160

$

36.63

545

$

28.96

150

$

35.51

Granted

–

–

–

–

–

–

Exercised

–

–

(8

)

15.83

–

–

Forfeited

–

–

(4

)

37

–

–

Expired

(160

)

36.63

(188

)

37

(30

)

28.77

Outstanding, December 31, 2014

–

$

–

–

–

345

$

24.76

3.4

$

1,306

120

$

37.2

1

–

Exercisable, December 31, 2014

–

$

–

–

–

345

$

24.76

3.4

$

1,306

120

$

37.2

1

–

Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]

2013 Stock Incentive Plan

2004 Stock Incentive Plan

2008 Formula Restricted Stock Plan

Non-vested

Shares

Weighted

Weighted

Aggregate

Shares

Weighted

Weighted

Aggregate

Shares

Weighted

Weighted

Aggregate

Restricted Stock and

Average

Average

Intrinsic

Average

Average

Intrinsic

Average

Average

Intrinsic

Restricted Stock Units

Grant-

Remaining

Value

Grant-

Remaining

Value

Grant-

Remaining

Value

date Fair

Contractual

date Fair

Contractual

date Fair

Contractual

Value

Term (Yrs)

Value

Term (Yrs)

Value

Term (Yrs)

Per Share

Per Share

Per Share

Outstanding,

–

–

252

$

17.24

17

$

17.39

1-Jan-14

Granted

145

$

20.86

–

–

16

18.08

Vested

–

–

(119

)

16.51

(17

)

17.39

Forfeited

–

–

(7

)

17.25

(4

)

18.08

Outstanding,

145

$

20.86

1.6

$

3,178

126

$

17.93

1

$

2,752

12

$

18.08

0.3

$

264

31-Dec-14

Granted, 2013

–

–

140

$

18.54

17

$

17.39

Granted, 2012

–

–

136

16.16

17

17.18

Note_13_Segment_Disclosures_Ta

Note 13 - Segment Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 13 - Segment Disclosures (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]		31-Dec-14									31-Dec-13
	Other intangibles	$	394,941			–		$	394,941		$	394,955			–	$	394,955
	Goodwill		49,680			–			49,680			49,680			–		49,680
	Total assets		1,694,103		$	24,164			1,718,267			1,761,698		$	24,562		1,786,260
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]		2014			2013			2012
	Total segment operating income from continuing operations	$	60,158		$	2,068		$	100,994
	Adjusted for:
	Interest expense, net		(21,237	)		(31,871	)		(41,217	)
	Loss on early debt redemption and refinancing (Note 6)		–			(18,467	)		–
	Other income (expense), net		2,305			(293	)		3,908
	Consolidated income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$	41,226		$	(48,563	)	$	63,685
Nine Months Ended [Member]
Note 13 - Segment Disclosures (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]		2014									2013							2012
		Motorsports			All			Consolidated			Motorsports			All		Consolidated		Motorsports		All		Consolidated
		Event			Other			Total			Event			Other		Total		Event		Other		Total
		Related									Related							Related
	Revenues	$	464,166		$	20,143		$	484,309		$	462,938		$	17,711	$	480,649	$	472,221	$	17,939	$	490,160
	Depreciation and amortization (Note 4)		78,241			185			78,426			54,511			214		54,725		55,234		265		55,499
	Impairment of goodwill (Note 2)		–			–			–			89,037			–		89,037		–		–		–
	Segment operating income (loss)		55,288			4,870			60,158			(204	)		2,272		2,068		98,522		2,472		100,994
	Capital expenditures		21,974			62			22,036			11,998			38		12,036		26,647		140		26,787

Note_1_Basis_of_Presentation_a1

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Reserved Receivables, Recovery (in Dollars)	6
Postponed and Rescheduled Due to Weather [Member] | Sprint Cup Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member] | Bristol Motor Speedway LLC [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events	1
Postponed and Rescheduled Due to Weather [Member] | Sprint Cup Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member] | Texas Motor Speedway, Inc [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events	1
Postponed and Rescheduled Due to Weather [Member] | Sprint Cup Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member] | Speedway Sonoma LLC [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		1
Sprint Cup Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member] | Charlotte Motor Speedway LLC [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		1
Sprint Cup Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	13
Number Of Racing Events	13	13	13
Nationwide Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	11
Number Of Racing Events		11
Camping World Trucks Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member] | New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Inc. [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events	1
Camping World Trucks Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member] | Kentucky Speedway [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events			1
Camping World Trucks Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member] | Atlanta Motor Speedway LLC [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments			1
Camping World Trucks Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	7
Number Of Racing Events	7	6	8
K And N Pro Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	3
Number Of Racing Events		3	4
Whelen Modified Tour Member [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	4
Number Of Racing Events		4	4
Xfinity Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events	11		11
NASCAR [Member] | Kentucky Speedway [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		1
NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	24
Number Of Racing Events		24	24
IndyCar Series [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	2
Number Of Racing Events		2	2
National Hot Rod Association [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	6
Number Of Racing Events		6	6
ARCA Event [Member] | Kentucky Speedway [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events	1
ARCA Event [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	1
Number Of Racing Events		1
World Of Outlaws [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	3
Number Of Racing Events		3	3
Red Bull Air Race World Championship [Member] | Texas Motor Speedway, Inc [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events	1
Red Bull Air Race World Championship [Member] | Las Vegas Motor Speedway [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events	1
Xfinity Series Events [Member] | Charlotte Motor Speedway LLC [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		1
Xfinity Series Events [Member] | Kentucky Speedway [Member]
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		1

Note_2_Significant_Accounting_2

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2009
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Percentage of Gross Broadcast Rights Revenue Retained		25.00%
Accumulated Amortization, Deferred Finance Costs		$9,802,000	$6,850,000
Reporting Unit, Amount of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount		296,130,000
Number of Reportable Segments		2
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-49,300,000	15,822,000	-42,351,000	21,892,000
Goodwill		49,680,000	49,680,000	138,717,000
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)		394,941,000	394,955,000
Recognition of Deferred Revenue		2,345,000	5,895,000	5,772,000
Proceeds from Royalties Received		3,208,000
Advertising Expense		16,398,000	17,461,000	18,644,000
Deferred Advertising Costs		0	0
Operating Leases, Rent Expense		6,023,000	5,923,000	6,124,000
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue		4,927,000	4,835,000	4,482,000
Excise and Sales Taxes		5,340,000	5,455,000	5,721,000
Oil and Gas Properties [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Recognition of Deferred Revenue		0	3,117,000	3,210,000
Retained Earnings [Member] | Motorsports Authentics [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Undistributed Earnings of Domestic Subsidiaries	133,974,000
New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Inc. [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)		127,400,000
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets		330,100,000
Motorsports Authentics [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure					0
Sprint Cup Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		13	13	13
Xfinity Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		11		11
Camping World Trucks Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		7	6	8
New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Inc. [Member] | Goodwill Impairment [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		-2,341,000
New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Inc. [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss, Net of Tax		89,037,000
Goodwill		0
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents		82,725,000
Maximum [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract		1 year
Minimum [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract				1 year
NASCAR [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events			24	24
Sanction Fees [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Percentage of Gross Broadcast Rights Revenue Retained		10.00%
Goodwill Impairment [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)				$0

Note_2_Significant_Accounting_3

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Revenue Composition (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue Composition [Abstract]
Admissions	$100,798	$106,050	$116,034
NASCAR broadcasting	207,369	199,014	192,662
Sponsorships	51,578	54,832	57,633
Other event related	81,493	78,106	81,019
Souvenir and other merchandise	31,058	31,005	31,634
Other	12,013	11,642	11,178
Total revenue	$484,309	$480,649	$490,160

Note_2_Significant_Accounting_4

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of year	$1,273	$1,270	$1,345
Bad debt expense	261	253	189
Actual write-offs, net of specific accounts recovered	-263	-250	-264
Balance, end of year	$1,271	$1,273	$1,270

Note_2_Significant_Accounting_5

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Other Noncurrent Assets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Noncurrent Assets [Abstract]
Deferred financing costs, net	$8,943	$9,162
Land held for development	12,265	12,265
Other	9,506	7,719
Total	$30,714	$29,146

Note_2_Significant_Accounting_6

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Deferred Income, Net (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Deferred revenue, noncurrent	$4,822	$6,932
Preferred Seat License Fees [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Deferred revenue, noncurrent	3,518	3,635
Multi-year Marketing and Other Arrangements [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Deferred revenue, noncurrent	$1,304	$3,297

Note_2_Significant_Accounting_7

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Future Annual Minimum Lease Payments and Contracted Future Annual Minimum Lease Revenues under Operating Leases (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Annual Minimum Lease Payments and Contracted Future Annual Minimum Lease Revenues under Operating Leases [Abstract]
2015	$1,001
2015	4,830
2016	576
2016	4,236
2017	503
2017	3,356
2018	332
2018	2,328
2019	189
2019	1,308
Thereafter	706
Thereafter	545
Total	3,307
Total	$16,603

Note_2_Significant_Accounting_8

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Other Income, Net (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Other Income, Net [Line Items]
Net gain associated with insurance recovery and involuntary conversion of property (2014), and property sales and other assets (2014 and 2012)	($2,205)	$62	($3,145)
Other	-100	231	-763
Total	-2,305	293	-3,908
Property Sold [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Other Income, Net [Line Items]
Net gain associated with insurance recovery and involuntary conversion of property (2014), and property sales and other assets (2014 and 2012)	-2,235		-3,152
Disposals of Property and Equipment [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Other Income, Net [Line Items]
Net loss on disposals of property and equipment	$30	$62	$7

Note_2_Significant_Accounting_9

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Estimated Fair Values and Categorization Levels of Financial Instruments (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$110,046,000	$97,343,000	$106,408,000	$87,368,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
6.75% Senior Notes Payable scheduled due 2019	253,372,000	254,197,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
6.75% Senior Notes Payable scheduled due 2019	257,500,000	265,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	110,046,000	97,343,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	110,046,000	97,343,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Floating rate notes receivable		2,005,000
Cash surrender values	8,177,000	4,937,000
Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan	150,000,000	210,000,000
Other long-term debt	1,445,000	2,792,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Floating rate notes receivable		2,005,000
Cash surrender values	8,177,000	4,937,000
Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan	150,000,000	210,000,000
Other long-term debt	$1,445,000	$2,792,000

Recovered_Sheet1

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Estimated Fair Values and Categorization Levels of Financial Instruments (Parentheticals) (Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
6.75% Senior Notes Payable, interest Rate	6.75%	6.75%
6.75% Senior Notes Payable due	2019	2019
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
6.75% Senior Notes Payable, interest Rate	6.75%	6.75%
6.75% Senior Notes Payable due	2019	2019

Note_3_Inventories_Details_Inv

Note 3 - Inventories (Details) - Inventories (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory	$8,350	$8,605
Finished Vehicles Parts And Accessories [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory	5,186	5,372
Souvenirs And Apparel [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory	2,472	2,409
Micro Lubricant And Other [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory	$692	$824

Note_3_Inventories_Details_Inv1

Note 3 - Inventories (Details) - Inventory Balances (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory Balances [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of year	$4,083	$4,757	$5,765
Current year provision	711	53	216
Current year sales and write-offs	-387	-727	-1,224
Balance, end of year	$4,407	$4,083	$4,757

Note_4_Property_and_Equipment_1

Note 4 - Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 4 - Property and Equipment (Details) [Line Items]
Depreciation	$78,375,000	$54,671,000	$55,444,000
Asset Impairment Charges	651,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties	985,000
Contractual Obligation	3,400,000
Motorsports Event Segment [Member]
Note 4 - Property and Equipment (Details) [Line Items]
Depreciation	$24,467,000

Note_4_Property_and_Equipment_2

Note 4 - Property and Equipment (Details) - Property and Equipment Summary (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	1,730,347		$1,753,098
Less accumulated depreciation	-678,194		-647,921
Net	1,052,153	1,105,177	1,105,177
Land and Land Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Land and Land Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	25 years
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	460,847		457,179
Racetracks and Grandstands [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Racetracks and Grandstands [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	45 years
Racetracks and Grandstands [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	721,108		749,510
Buildings and Luxury Suites [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Buildings and Luxury Suites [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	40 years
Buildings and Luxury Suites [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	451,243		450,495
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	20 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	44,696		44,175
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	20 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	36,411		35,072
Automobiles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Automobiles [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Automobiles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	12,258		11,899
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment gross	3,784		$4,768

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Other_Inta2

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$14,000	$18,000	$18,000
Intangible Assets [Member]
Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Accumulated Impairments	$146,200,000	$146,200,000

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Other_Inta3

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Gross Carrying Values and Accumulated Amortization by Class of Intangible Asset (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Gross Carrying Values and Accumulated Amortization by Class of Intangible Asset [Line Items]
Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	-72	($58)
Total	395,013	395,013
Total	-72	-58
Total	394,941	394,955
Nonamortizable Race Event Sanctioning And Renewal Agreements [Member]
Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Gross Carrying Values and Accumulated Amortization by Class of Intangible Asset [Line Items]
Nonamortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	394,913	394,913
Amortizable Race Event Sanctioning And Renewal Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Gross Carrying Values and Accumulated Amortization by Class of Intangible Asset [Line Items]
Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	5 years
Amortizable Race Event Sanctioning And Renewal Agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Gross Carrying Values and Accumulated Amortization by Class of Intangible Asset [Line Items]
Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	6 years
Amortizable Race Event Sanctioning And Renewal Agreements [Member]
Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Gross Carrying Values and Accumulated Amortization by Class of Intangible Asset [Line Items]
Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	100	100
Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	-72	-58
Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	28	42
Total	-72	($58)

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Other_Inta4

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Changes in Gross Carrying Value of Other Intangible Assets and Goodwill (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in Gross Carrying Value of Other Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of year	$395,013	$395,013
Balance, beginning of year	49,680	138,717
Increase from acquisitions	0	0
Increase from acquisitions	0	0
Decrease from impairment charges	0	0
Decrease from impairment charges		-89,037
Balance, end of year	395,013	395,013
Balance, end of year	$49,680	$49,680

Note_6_Longterm_Debt_Details

Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 01, 2013
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$97,343,000	110,046,000		$106,408,000		$87,368,000
Income Taxes Paid, Net	6,800,000
Long-term Debt	466,989,000	404,817,000
Subject To Maintaining Certain Financial Covenants [Member] | The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Covenant Maximum Dividends Payments And Repurchases Of Securities		75,000,000
Debt Issued at Par [Member] | 2019 Senior Notes [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						150,000,000
Debt Issued at 105% Par [Member] | 2019 Senior Notes [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							100,000,000
2019 Senior Notes [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.75%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		103.38%
2013 Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Term			5 years
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		100,000,000
Repayments of Debt				50,000,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount		48,848,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		50,000,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	887,000	1,152,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Swing Line Loans [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		10,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loan [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Term		5 years
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		150,000,000
Repayments of Debt		60,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Term		5 years
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		50,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net		100,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		200,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		250,000,000
Debt Instrument Quarterly Principal Repayment Percentage		5.00%
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal		7,500,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit		150,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan Borrowings [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit	210,000,000	150,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.25%
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.40%
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		98,848,000
Debt Instrument Covenant Maximum Dividends Payments And Repurchases Of Securities		50,000,000
Debt Instrument Covenant Annual Capital Expenditures		75,000,000
Term Loan Borrowings [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity							150,000,000
Term Loan Borrowings [Member] | The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	40,000,000			40,000,000	95,000,000
Term Loan [Member] | The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity								250,000,000
2019 Senior Notes [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Issue Price, Percent of Par							105.00%
Senior Notes	254,197,000	253,372,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	4,197,000	3,372,000
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share (in Dollars per share)		0.48
2016 Senior Notes [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit									250,000,000
Senior Notes									275,000,000
Debt Redemption Price Percent Of Par									104.38%
Debt Instrument Offering Price Percentage									96.80%
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount									4,242,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value				37,081,000
Debt Redemption Premium	18,467,000
Other Notes Payable [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	208,000	55,000
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	125,000	125,000
Long-term Debt	2,792,000	1,445,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	7.00%	7.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt		95,000,000
Term Loan Borrowings [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit	$210,000,000	150,000,000
2013 Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
2013 Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.00%
2013 Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.25%
2013 Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
2013 Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.25%
2013 Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.40%
Eurodollar [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.25%
Eurodollar [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		2.00%
Eurodollar [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.00%
Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		0.50%
Prime Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		0.25%
Prime Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.00%

Note_6_Longterm_Debt_Details_L

Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) - Long-term Debt (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$404,817,000	$466,989,000
Less current maturities	-7,070,000	-13,847,000
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	397,747,000	453,142,000
The 2019 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2019 Senior Notes	253,372,000	254,197,000
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other notes payable	1,445,000	2,792,000
Term Loan Borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, all term loan	$150,000,000	$210,000,000

Note_6_Longterm_Debt_Details_A

Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) - Annual Maturities of Long-term Debt (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Annual Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2015	$7,070
2016	7,500
2017	7,500
2018	7,500
2019	375,247
Total	$404,817	$466,989

Note_6_Longterm_Debt_Details_I

Note 6 - Long-term Debt (Details) - Interest Expense, Net (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Interest Expense, Net [Abstract]
Gross interest costs	$22,092	$32,408	$42,155
Less capitalized interest costs	-321	-168	-574
Interest expense	21,771	32,240	41,581
Interest income	-534	-369	-364
Interest expense, net	$21,237	$31,871	$41,217
Weighted average interest rate on borrowings under bank Credit Facility	2.10%	2.20%	2.70%

Note_7_Capital_Structure_Per_S2

Note 7 - Capital Structure, Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 11, 2015
Note 7 - Capital Structure, Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Details) [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$0.10		$0.10	$0.10
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	3,000,000		3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0		0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0		0	0
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared (in Dollars per share)			$0.60	$0.60	$0.60
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	5,000,000		5,000,000	4,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			172,000	126,000	124,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method (in Dollars)	$3,236,000	$2,039,000	$4,167,000	$2,291,000	$2,574,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	946,000		946,000
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	162,000		162,000	117,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | Management [Member]
Note 7 - Capital Structure, Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period			119,000	109,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Note 7 - Capital Structure, Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared (in Dollars per share)						$0.15
Dividends Payable, Current (in Dollars)						6,200,000
Management [Member]
Note 7 - Capital Structure, Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Details) [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			45,000	43,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method (in Dollars)			$931,000	$791,000

Note_7_Capital_Structure_Per_S3

Note 7 - Capital Structure, Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Details) - Basic and Diluted Earnings or Loss Per Share from Continuing Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Basic and Diluted Earnings or Loss Per Share from Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders and assumed conversions (in Dollars)	$25,404	($6,212)	$41,793
Weighted average common shares outstanding	41,377	41,405	41,431
Dilution effect of assumed conversions, common stock equivalents – stock awards	23	18	6
Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions	41,400	41,423	41,437
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in Dollars per share)	$0.61	($0.15)	$1.01
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in Dollars per share)	$0.61	($0.15)	$1.01
Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded in computing diluted earnings or loss per share	531	794	1,057

Note_7_Capital_Structure_Per_S4

Note 7 - Capital Structure, Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Details) - Declaration of Cash Dividends (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Declaration of Cash Dividends [Abstract]
Cash dividends paid	$24,860	$24,875	$24,883
Dividends per common share	$0.60	$0.60	$0.60

Note_8_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($49,300,000)	$15,822,000	($42,351,000)	$21,892,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent		38.40%	87.20%	34.40%
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes		585,000	-2,766,000	6,850,000
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable		-20,000,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance		12,654,000	14,868,000	65,903,000	66,299,000
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount		2,214,000	51,035,000	396,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits		885,000	1,004,000	1,004,000	1,004,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense		8,000	73,000	74,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefit, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expenses, Derecognized		524,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued		328,000	884,000
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit		386,000
Open Tax Year		2014
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount		5,547,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards		247,176,000
Open Tax Year					2011	2010
Excluding State Income Tax Law Changes and Strategic State Tax Law Restructuring [Member]
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent		36.80%
As Result of Reduction of Accrued Interest and Penalties for Estimated Tax Liabilites [Member]
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes		-397,000
Recovery Settlement [Member]
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		2,305,000
Motorsports Authentics [Member] | Abandonment of Interest in Investment [Member]
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	0
Motorsports Authentics [Member]
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Equity Method Investments	0
Federal [Member]
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards		71,900,000
California Franchise Tax Board [Member]
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Open Tax Year		2014
Kentucy Department of Revenue [Member]
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Open Tax Year				2012
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Open Tax Year							2009
Goodwill Impairment [Member]
Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)				$0

Note_8_Income_Taxes_Details_Co

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) - Components of the Provision for Income Taxes (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal		$232	$9,756	($2,247)
State		-108	227	-47
		124	9,983	-2,294
Deferred:
Federal		16,455	-42,015	24,521
State		-757	-10,319	-335
		15,234	-52,201	24,119
Total	($49,300)	$15,822	($42,351)	$21,892

Note_8_Income_Taxes_Details_Re

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Statutory Federal and Effective Income Tax Rates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Statutory Federal and Effective Income Tax Rates [Abstract]
Statutory federal tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax effect	-0.10%	8.70%	-0.20%
Non-deductible impairment of goodwill		-59.60%
Change in valuation allowances, primarily related to losses on equity investees	-5.50%	101.60%	-0.10%
Change in uncertain tax positions, including income tax liabilities for settlements with taxing authorities	-1.20%	-0.10%	0.10%
Change in deferred tax assets	9.20%
Other, net	1.00%	1.60%	-0.40%
Total	38.40%	87.20%	34.40%

Note_8_Income_Taxes_Details_Ta

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) - Tax Effects of Temporary Differences Resulting in Deferred Income Taxes (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	$248,140,000	$256,966,000
Goodwill and other intangible assets	146,829,000	143,245,000
Expenses deducted for tax purposes and other	3,699,000	3,581,000
Subtotal	398,668,000	403,792,000
Deferred tax assets:
Income previously recognized for tax purposes	-11,874,000	-14,618,000
Stock option and other deferred compensation expense	-5,066,000	-4,389,000
PSL and other deferred income recognized for tax purposes	-1,502,000	-1,683,000
State and federal net operating loss carryforwards	-33,832,000	-3,945,000
Basis difference for equity investment and subsidiary	-10,931,000	-61,450,000
Subtotal	-63,205,000	-86,085,000
Less: Valuation allowance	12,654,000	14,868,000	65,903,000	66,299,000
Net deferred tax assets	-50,551,000	-71,217,000
Total net deferred tax liabilities	348,117,000	332,575,000
Net current deferred tax assets	23,786,000	49,181,000
Net non-current deferred tax liabilities	$371,903,000	$381,756,000

Note_8_Income_Taxes_Details_Re1

Note 8 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of the Change in the Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits and Other Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of the Change in the Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits and Other Information [Abstract]
Beginning of period	$1,004,000	$1,004,000	$1,004,000
Increases (decreases) for tax positions of current year	0	0	0
Increases for tax positions of prior years	0	0	0
Decreases for tax positions of prior years	-119,000	0	0
Reductions for lapse of applicable statute of limitations	0	0	0
Increases (decreases) for settlements with taxing authorities	0	0	0
End of period	$885,000	$1,004,000	$1,004,000

Note_9_Related_Party_Transacti2

Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2014
Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Notes Receivable, Related Parties	$232,000	$3,522,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	6,023,000	5,923,000	6,124,000
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party	502,000	689,000	767,000
Revenue from Related Parties	3,724,000	5,040,000	4,968,000
Sonic Financial [Member]
Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Notes Receivable, Related Parties	0	3,294,000
Due to Affiliate	2,594,000	2,594,000
Notes Receivable Interest Additional Interest Above Prime Rate		-1.00%
Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties	700,000	387,000	373,000
Sonic Financial | Amount with Fixed Interest Rate [Member]
Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Due to Affiliate	1,800,000
Related Party Transaction, Rate	3.83%
Sonic Financial | Amount with Floating Interest Rate [Member]
Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	661,000	659,000	640,000
Sonic Automotive, Inc. [Member] | SMI Properties [Member]
Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties	908,000	692,000	552,000
Sonic Automotive, Inc. [Member] | Oil-Chem [Member]
Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties	2,086,000	1,966,000	2,047,000
Sonic Automotive, Inc. [Member]
Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party	268,000	89,000	166,000
Due from Affiliates	89,000	66,000
Due from Related Parties	143,000	154,000
Motorsports Authentics [Member]
Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party		600,000	601,000	234,000
Revenue from Related Parties		$2,002,000	$1,989,000	$60,000

Note_9_Related_Party_Transacti3

Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Details) - Foregoing Related Party Balances (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Foregoing Related Party Balances [Abstract]
Notes and other receivables	$232	$3,522
Amounts payable to affiliates		$2,594

Note_9_Related_Party_Transacti4

Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Details) - Related Party Transactions (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Merchandise and vehicle purchases	$502	$689	$767
Merchandise and vehicle sales, event related commissions, and reimbursed shared expenses	3,724	5,040	4,968
Rent expense	661	659	640
Interest income	68	95	110
Interest expense	$98	$102	$103

Note_11_Stock_Compensation_Pla2

Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	0	0	0
Discount from Share Price	90.00%
Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	$2,610,000	$2,224,000	$1,936,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense (in Dollars)	327,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)	0	0
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options (in Dollars)	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	7,500	7,500	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	32,000	23,000
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense (in Dollars)	818,000	1,002,000	666,000
Options and SARs [Member] | The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Number of Shares Per Employee	300,000
Performance Shares [Member] | The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Number of Shares Per Employee	100,000
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2004 [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Restricted Stock [Member] | Vice President [Member] | Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	35,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | Chief Financial Officer [Member] | Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	35,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | President [Member] | Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	35,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	35,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-executive Management Employees [Member] | The 2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	75,300
Restricted Stock [Member] | Management [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	119,000	109,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-Employee Directors [Member] | The 2008 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	16,112
Restricted Stock [Member] | Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	63,778
Restricted Stock [Member] | The 2008 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	16,668
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	4,028
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	250,000
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] | The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	145,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	145,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in Dollars)	3,178,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	1 year 219 days
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	27,144
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	3,500
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] | The 2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		140,000	136,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	119,000	109,000	97,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	7,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	126,000	252,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in Dollars)	2,752,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	1 year
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value (in Dollars)	2,483,000	2,049,000	1,599,000
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] | The 2008 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	16,000	17,000	17,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	17,000	17,000	16,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	4,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	12,000	17,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in Dollars)	264,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	109 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value (in Dollars)	299,000	299,000	266,000
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options (in Dollars)	3,012,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	35,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in Dollars)	765,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	1 year 73 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	63,778
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | The 2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		27,000	24,000	29,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	29,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in Dollars)	629,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value (in Dollars)		545,000	418,000	467,000
Options and SARs [Member] | The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Non-executive Management Employees [Member] | The 2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	64,702
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	18,917
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	408,000
Management [Member] | Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	26,058
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	54,288
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value (in Dollars)	523,000
The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	3,500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Amount (in Dollars)	10,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	3,355,000
The 2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares			101,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)			128,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	8,000
The 2008 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	145,000
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Dollar Value Used In Formula For Determining Number Of Shares For Grant (in Dollars)	$75,000
Weighted Average Stock Price Period	20 days
The 1994 Stock Option Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Formula Stock Option Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	10,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Number of Shares Per Employee	500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	439,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	800,000

Note_11_Stock_Compensation_Pla3

Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Exercised	-7,500	-7,500	0
The 1994 Stock Option Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	160,000
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	36.63
Expired	-160,000
Expired	36.63
The 2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	545,000
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	28.96
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	345,000
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	24.76
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	3 years 146 days
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	1,306
Exercisable, December 31, 2014	345,000
Exercisable, December 31, 2014	24.76
Exercisable, December 31, 2014	3 years 146 days
Exercisable, December 31, 2014	1,306
Exercised	-8,000
Exercised	15.83
Forfeited	-4,000
Forfeited	37
Expired	-188,000
Expired	37
Formula Stock Option Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	150,000
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	35.51
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	120,000
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	37.2
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	1 year
Exercisable, December 31, 2014	120,000
Exercisable, December 31, 2014	37.2
Exercisable, December 31, 2014	1 year
Expired	-30,000
Expired	28.77

Note_11_Stock_Compensation_Pla4

Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - Summary of Non-vested Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock (Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - Summary of Non-vested Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock [Line Items]
Granted	145,000
Granted	$20.86
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	145,000
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	$20.86
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	1 year 219 days
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	$3,178,000
The 2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - Summary of Non-vested Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock [Line Items]
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	252,000
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	$17.24
Granted		140,000	136,000
Granted		$18.54	$16.16
Vested	-119,000	-109,000	-97,000
Vested	$16.51
Forfeited	-7,000
Forfeited	$17.25
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	126,000	252,000
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	$17.93	$17.24
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	1 year
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	2,752,000
The 2008 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member]
Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - Summary of Non-vested Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock [Line Items]
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	17,000
Outstanding, January 1, 2014	$17.39
Granted	16,000	17,000	17,000
Granted	$18.08	$17.39	$17.18
Vested	-17,000	-17,000	-16,000
Vested	$17.39
Forfeited	-4,000
Forfeited	$18.08
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	12,000	17,000
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	$18.08	$17.39
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	109 days
Outstanding, December 31, 2014	$264,000

Note_12_Employee_Benefit_Plans1

Note 12 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 12 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Employer Contribution	$0	$0	$0
General and Administrative Expense	96,762,000	91,676,000	90,407,000
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Note 12 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets	1,561,000
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities	2,377,000
Speedway Motorsports, Inc 401(k) Plan and Trust [Member]
Note 12 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	75.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	25.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	4.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	6 years
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Employer Contribution	353,000	334,000	336,000
Speedway Motorsports, Inc Deferred Compensation Plan [Member] | Annual Bonus and Other Cash Compensation [Member]
Note 12 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	100.00%
Speedway Motorsports, Inc Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Note 12 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	75.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
General and Administrative Expense	$816,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Employers Matching Contribution, Annual Vesting Percentage	100.00%

Note_13_Segment_Disclosures_De

Note 13 - Segment Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 13 - Segment Disclosures (Details) [Line Items]
Revenues (in Dollars)	$484,309,000	$480,649,000	$490,160,000
Sales Revenue, Segment [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 13 - Segment Disclosures (Details) [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	81.00%	82.00%	83.00%
Sales Revenue, Segment [Member] | NASCAR Broadcasting Rights [Member]
Note 13 - Segment Disclosures (Details) [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	43.00%	41.00%	39.00%
Revenues (in Dollars)	$207,369,000	$199,014,000	$192,662,000

Note_13_Segment_Disclosures_De1

Note 13 - Segment Disclosures (Details) - Segment Information on Continuing Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$484,309,000	$480,649,000	$490,160,000
Depreciation and amortization (Note 4)	78,426,000	54,725,000	55,499,000
Impairment of goodwill (Note 2)		89,037,000
Segment operating income (loss)	60,158,000	2,068,000	100,994,000
Capital expenditures	22,036,000	12,036,000	26,787,000
Motorsports Event Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	464,166,000	462,938,000	472,221,000
Depreciation and amortization (Note 4)	78,241,000	54,511,000	55,234,000
Impairment of goodwill (Note 2)		89,037,000
Segment operating income (loss)	55,288,000	-204,000	98,522,000
Capital expenditures	21,974,000	11,998,000	26,647,000
Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	20,143,000	17,711,000	17,939,000
Depreciation and amortization (Note 4)	185,000	214,000	265,000
Segment operating income (loss)	4,870,000	2,272,000	2,472,000
Capital expenditures	$62,000	$38,000	$140,000

Note_13_Segment_Disclosures_De2

Note 13 - Segment Disclosures (Details) - Summary of Intangible Assets and Goodwill (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other intangibles	$394,941,000	$394,955,000
Goodwill	49,680,000	49,680,000	138,717,000
Total assets	1,718,267,000	1,786,260,000
Motorsports Event Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other intangibles	394,941,000	394,955,000
Goodwill	49,680,000	49,680,000
Total assets	1,694,103,000	1,761,698,000
Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$24,164,000	$24,562,000

Note_13_Segment_Disclosures_De3

Note 13 - Segment Disclosures (Details) - Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income or Loss to Consolidated Amounts (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income or Loss to Consolidated Amounts [Abstract]
Total segment operating income from continuing operations	$60,158	$2,068	$100,994
Adjusted for:
Interest expense, net	-21,237	-31,871	-41,217
Loss on early debt redemption and refinancing (Note 6)		-18,467
Other income (expense), net	2,305	-293	3,908
Consolidated income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$41,226	($48,563)	$63,685

Note_14_2015_Issuance_of_New_S1

Note 14 - 2015 Issuance of New Senior Notes and Planned Redemption of 2019 Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 13, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Event [Member] | The 2023 Senior Notes [Member]
Note 14 - 2015 Issuance of New Senior Notes and Planned Redemption of 2019 Senior Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.13%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$200,000,000
Proceeds from Notes Payable	196,816,000
Beginning February 1, 2018 [Member] | The 2023 Senior Notes [Member]
Note 14 - 2015 Issuance of New Senior Notes and Planned Redemption of 2019 Senior Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	103.84%
Before February 1, 2018 [Member] | The 2023 Senior Notes [Member]
Note 14 - 2015 Issuance of New Senior Notes and Planned Redemption of 2019 Senior Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	105.13%
Debt Instrument Redeemable, Percent	35.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | The 2023 Senior Notes [Member]
Note 14 - 2015 Issuance of New Senior Notes and Planned Redemption of 2019 Senior Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	101.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | The 2019 Senior Notes [Member]
Note 14 - 2015 Issuance of New Senior Notes and Planned Redemption of 2019 Senior Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			250,000,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		103.38%
Redemption Premium		8,400,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Note 14 - 2015 Issuance of New Senior Notes and Planned Redemption of 2019 Senior Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		50,000,000
The 2023 Senior Notes [Member]
Note 14 - 2015 Issuance of New Senior Notes and Planned Redemption of 2019 Senior Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Dividend Payments Per Share	$0.80
The 2019 Senior Notes [Member]
Note 14 - 2015 Issuance of New Senior Notes and Planned Redemption of 2019 Senior Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium				$3,372,000