Consolidated Statements of Operation (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Revenues:
Management fees	$ 35,397	$ 24,530
License fees and other	176	72
Total revenues	35,573	24,602
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	9,458	11,766
Loss on convertible note receivable	4,000
Impairment charge on notes receivable		20,975
Impairments and other losses	8,549	22,834
Amortization of intangible assets related to operating casinos	11,688	11,139
Depreciation	297	260
Total costs and expenses	33,992	66,974
Net unrealized gains (losses) on notes receivable	(11,892)	1,598
Loss from operations	(10,311)	(40,774)
Other income (expense):
Gain on divestiture of cost method investment		23,100
Interest income	5,937	7,047
Interest expense	(1,182)	(2,007)
Equity in loss of unconsolidated investee		(64)
Other	440	16
Total other income, net	5,195	28,092
Loss before income taxes	(5,116)	(12,682)
Income taxes (benefit)	(3,234)	1,154
Net loss including noncontrolling interest	(1,882)	(13,836)
Net Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	37
Net loss attributable to Lakes Entertainment, Inc.	$ (1,845)	$ (13,836)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic	26,403	26,370
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units
Diluted	26,403	26,370
Loss per Share
Basic	$ (0.07)	$ (0.52)
Diluted	$ (0.07)	$ (0.52)