Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 952,144	$ 769,961	$ 872,845
Operating expenses:
Operating costs	566,390	474,609	527,074
Selling, general and administrative	179,301	158,169	172,361
Casualty loss	1,225	42,321
Preopening costs	408	55,287
Depreciation and amortization	125,289	105,561	116,567
Operating income (loss)	79,531	(65,986)	56,843
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(74,673)	(81,426)	(76,592)
Interest income	12,460	13,124	15,087
Income (loss) from unconsolidated companies	1,086	608	(5)
Net gain on extinguishment of debt		1,299	18,677
Other gains and (losses)	(916)	(535)	2,847
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations	17,488	(132,916)	16,857
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	(7,420)	40,718	(9,743)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	10,068	(92,198)	7,114
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	109	3,070	(7,137)
Net income (loss)	$ 10,177	$ (89,128)	$ (23)
Income (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.21	$ (1.95)	$ 0.17
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes		$ 0.06	$ (0.17)
Net income (loss)	$ 0.21	$ (1.89)	$ 0.00
Income (loss) per share - assuming dilution:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.20	$ (1.95)	$ 0.17
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes		$ 0.06	$ (0.17)
Net income (loss)	$ 0.20	$ (1.89)	$ 0.00