Note 4. Investment in Evitts Resort, LLC and Acquisition of Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort (Detail) - Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Pro forma total gross revenues (in Dollars)	$ 4,637	$ 3,468	$ 12,245	$ 40,976
Pro forma net earnings (loss) attributable to Lakes Entertainment, Inc. (in Dollars)	$ 89	$ 244	$ (1,041)	$ 10,433
Pro forma earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ 0.01	$ (0.04)	$ 0.40
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ 0.01	$ (0.04)	$ 0.39
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	26,441	26,406	26,438	26,402
Diluted	26,441	26,406	26,438	26,427