Document and entity information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Public Float Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] ASSETS ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of year Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Restricted cash Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,195 in 2010 and $1,024 in 2009 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,408 in 2011 and $4,098 in 2010 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,195 in 2010 and $1,024 in 2009 Deferred Tax Assets Net Current Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Total Income Taxes Receivable, Current Income taxes receivable Other Assets Current Other current assets Total current assets Total current assets Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property and equipment, net Goodwill Goodwill, Ending Balance Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill, Total Other intangible assets, net Other intangible assets, net Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Total Total assets Total assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Bank overdraft Accounts Payable, Other, Current Purses payable Accrued Liabilities Current Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total Dividends payable Deferred Revenue Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current, Total The carrying amount of consideration received from the Horse Racing Equity Trust Fund ("HRE Trust Fund") related to subsidies paid by Illinois riverboat casinos in accordance with Public Act 95-1008. Revenue from these subsidies continue to be deferred as challenges regarding the constitutionality of Public Act 95-1008 are still being made by the Illinois riverboat casinos. Deferred Subsidy Current Deferred riverboat subsidy Deferred riverboat subsidy Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Long-term debt Long-term debt Convertible note payable, related party Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent, Total Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Total liabilities Total liabilities Commitments And Contingencies 2009 Commitments and contingencies Shareholders' equity: Preferred stock, no par value; 250 shares authorized; no shares issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred stock, no par value; 250 shares authorized; no shares issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock, no par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 16,577 shares issued September 30, 2010 and 13,684 shares issued December 31, 2009 Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common stock, no par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 17,178 shares and 16,571 shares issued at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained earnings Total shareholders' equity Balance Balance Total shareholders' equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Beginning Balance Preferred stock, no par value Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total Common stock, no par value Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Net Earnings [Abstract] Sales Revenue Services Net Abstract Net revenues: Revenues generated by commissions on wagering at pari-mutuel facilities and other pari-mutuel revenues including admissions, sponsorships, food and beverage and other ancillary revenues. Racing Revenue Racing Casino Revenue Gaming Revenues generated by commissions on advance deposit wagering on pari-mutuel events and other ancillary revenues. Online Revenue Online Other Revenue, Net Other Sales Revenue, Services, Net Net revenues Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating expenses: The cost of generating revenues from wagering at pari-mutuel facilities and other ancillary expenses. Racing Expense Racing Casino Expenses Gaming The cost of generating revenues from advance deposit wagering on pari-mutuel events and other ancillary expenses. Online Expense Online Other Expenses Other Other Expenses, Total Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Other income (expense): Interest income Interest Expense Interest expense Interest expense Equity in loss of unconsolidated investments Equity in loss of unconsolidated investments Equity in loss of unconsolidated investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Total Miscellaneous, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income (expense) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Earnings from continuing operations before provision for income taxes Earnings from continuing operations before provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for income taxes Income tax provision Income tax benefit (provision) Income Loss From Continuing Operations Earnings (loss) from continuing operations Earnings from continuing operations Earnings from continuing operations Discontinued operations, net of income taxes: Loss from operations Loss from operations Loss from operations Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Gain on sale of assets Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Total Net earnings Net earnings Earnings Per Common Share Computations [Abstract] Net (loss) earnings per common share data: Net earnings per common share data: Earnings (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Share, Total Earnings from continuing operations Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Per Basic Share Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Share, Total Net earnings (loss) Net earnings Diluted Income Loss From Continuing Operations Per Diluted Share Earnings from continuing operations Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share, Total Earnings Per Share Diluted Net earnings (loss) Net earnings Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Total Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Parent [Member] Parent [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Shares, Outstanding Balance, shares Balance, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Issuance of common stock for convertible note payable, shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Issuance of common stock for convertible note payable Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Benefit Plan Issuance of common stock for employee benefit plans, shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan Issuance of common stock for employee benefit plans Issuance of common stock for long-term incentive plan, shares. Issuance Of Common Stock For Long-Term Incentive Plan, Shares Issuance of common stock for long-term incentive plan, shares Issuance of common stock for long-term incentive plan. Issuance Of Common Stock For Long Term Incentive Plan Issuance of common stock for long-term incentive plan Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Tax windfall from share-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Issuance of common stock for acquisition, shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Issuance of common stock for acquisition Tax Shortfall From share based compensation. Tax Shortfall From Share Based Compensation Tax shortfall from share-based compensation Tax shortfall from share-based compensation Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Repurchase of common stock, shares Repurchase of common stock, shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Repurchase of common stock Repurchase of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited Restricted stock forfeitures, shares Restricted stock forfeitures Grant Of Restricted Stock Grant of restricted stock Amortization Of Restricted Stock Amortization of restricted stock Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Cash dividends Cash dividends Dividends, Share-based Compensation, Cash Restricted dividends Restricted dividends Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense Stock option plan expense Stock option plan expense Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Cash dividends, per share Restricted stock dividends per share cash paid Restricted Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Restricted dividends, per share Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Other Significant Noncash Transactions by Unique Description [Axis] Other Significant Noncash Transaction Name [Domain] Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Name [Domain] Issuance of common stock for extinguishment of convertible note payable. Issuance Of Common Stock For Extinguishment Of Convertible Note Payable [Member] Issuance Of Common Stock For Extinguishment Of Convertible Note Payable [Member] Issuance of common stock in connection with Company LTIP and restricted stock plans. Issuance Of Common Stock In Connection With Company Ltip And Restricted Stock Plans [Member] Issuance Of Common Stock In Connection With Company LTIP And Restricted Stock Plans [Member] Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisition of business. Issuance Of Common Stock In Connection With Acquisition Of Business [Member] Issuance Of Common Stock In Connection With Acquisition Of Business [Member] Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction, Total Asset impairment loss Asset impairment loss Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Gain on sale of business Gain on sale of business Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax, Total Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Loss on sale of assets Loss (gain) on sale of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets, Total Unrealized gain on derivative instruments Unrealized gain on derivative instruments Unrealized gain on derivative instruments Share-based compensation Share-based compensation Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax provision (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Other Other Other Noncash Income (Expense), Total Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions: Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions and dispositions: Restricted cash Restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash, Total Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Other current assets Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets, Total Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Income taxes Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable Accounts payable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Other Accounts Payable Purses payable Accrued expenses Accrued expenses Increase Decrease In Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Other assets and liabilities Other assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net, Total Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired Additions to property and equipment Proceeds from (Payments to) Noncontrolling Interests Purchases of minority investments Purchases of minority investments Proceeds from (Payments to) Noncontrolling Interests, Total Payments to Acquire Investments Acquisition of gaming license Payments to Acquire Investments, Total Contingency payment for acquisition of business. Contingency Payment for Acquisition of Business Contingency payment for acquisition of business Proceeds on sale of property and equipment Proceeds on sale of property and equipment The net change during the reporting period in customer funds held on deposit for future customer wagering activities, net of amounts receivable from customers. Increase Decrease In Deposit Wagering Asset Change in deposit wagering asset Change in deposit wagering asset Increase (Decrease) in Deposit Other Assets, Total Net cash used in investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings on bank line of credit Proceeds from Lines of Credit, Total Repayments on bank line of credit Repayments of bank line of credit The net change during the reporting period in customer funds held on deposit for future customer wagering activities Increase Decrease In Deposit Wagering Liability Change in deposit wagering liability Change In Book Overdraft Change in book overdraft Payment of dividends Payments of dividends Payment of dividends Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Windfall (shortfall) tax provision from share-based compensation Loan origination fees. Loan Origination Fees Loan origination fees Repurchase of common stock Repurchase of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Common stock issued Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Interest Interest Paid, Net, Total Income Taxes Paid Net Income taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net, Total Schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: Other Significant Noncash Transaction. Other Significant Noncash Transaction Issuance of common stock Property and equipment additions included in accounts payable and accrued expenses Property and Equipment Additions Included in Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Property and equipment additions included in accounts payable and accrued expenses Property and equipment reductions included in accounts receivable. Property and Equipment Reductions Included in Accounts Receivable Property and equipment reductions included in accounts receivable Note payable issued to acquire land. Note Payable Issued To Acquire Land Note payable issued to acquire land Assets acquired and liabilities assumed from acquisition of businesses: Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Accounts Receivable Acquired Accounts receivable, net Noncash or part noncash acquisition, other current assets acquired. Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Other Current Assets Acquired Other current assets Noncash or part noncash acquisition income tax receivable acquired. Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition Income Tax Receivable Acquired Income tax receivable Noncash or part noncash acquisition other current assets acquired. Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition Other Non-Current Assets Acquired Other non-current assets Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Fixed Assets Acquired Property and equipment, net Noncash or part noncash acquisition goodwill acquired. Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition Goodwill Acquired Goodwill Noncash or part noncash acquisition other intangible assets acquired. Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition Other Intangible Assets Acquired Other intangible assets Noncash or part noncash acquisition accounts payable Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition Accounts Payable Accounts payable Noncash or part noncash acquisition accrued expenses. Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition Accrued Expenses Accrued expenses Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Other Liabilities Assumed Other liabilities Noncash or part noncash acquisition deferred revenue. Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Acquisitions And New Ventures [Abstract] Business Acquisition [Line Items]