Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2012	Mar. 12, 2012	Jul. 01, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	LAKES ENTERTAINMENT INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001071255
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Jan. 01, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-01
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Public Float			$ 45.7
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		26,440,936