Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Deficit (In thousands)	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at Jan. 03, 2010	$ 123,439	$ 263	$ 202,767	$ (79,591)	$ 0
Balance, shares at Jan. 03, 2010		26,328
Vesting of restricted stock - net, shares		41
Vesting of restricted stock - net	(8)	1	(9)
Effect of share-based compensation	505		505
Reduction of additional paid-in capital pool for expiration of unexercised options	(511)		(511)
Net tax benefits related to share-based compensation	396		396
Net loss / Net loss attributable to Lakes Entertainment, Inc.	(13,836)			(13,836)
Balance at Jan. 02, 2011	109,985	264	203,148	(93,427)	0
Balance, shares at Jan. 02, 2011	26,369	26,369
Vesting of restricted stock - net, shares		37
Vesting of restricted stock - net	(11)		(11)
Effect of share-based compensation	610		610
Net loss / Net loss attributable to Lakes Entertainment, Inc.	(1,882)			(1,845)
Noncontrolling interest	350				350
Balance at Jan. 01, 2012	$ 109,089	$ 264	$ 203,747	$ (95,272)	$ 350
Balance, shares at Jan. 01, 2012	26,369	26,406