Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2012	Apr. 03, 2011
Revenues:
Management fees	$ 1,943	$ 5,835
License fees and other	20	58
Total revenues	1,963	5,893
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	2,303	2,656
Impairments and other losses	929	874
Amortization of intangible assets related to operating casinos	264	1,943
Depreciation	54	57
Total costs and expenses	3,550	5,530
Net unrealized gains on notes receivable		862
Earnings (loss) from operations	(1,587)	1,225
Other income (expense):
Interest income	1,583	1,468
Interest expense	(252)	(321)
Other	14
Total other income, net	1,345	1,147
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	(242)	2,372
Income taxes (benefit)	(1,997)	992
Net earnings including noncontrolling interest	1,755	1,380
Net Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	60
Net earnings attributable to Lakes Entertainment, Inc.	$ 1,815	$ 1,380
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic	26,431	26,398
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units		30
Diluted	26,431	26,428
Earnings per share
Basic	$ 0.07	$ 0.05
Diluted	$ 0.07	$ 0.05