Stock-Based Employee Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Compensation expense:
Stock options	$ 7,057	$ 7,179	$ 16,090	$ 18,045
Restricted stock and stock units	4,834	6,522	10,418	14,822
Total compensation expense	11,891	13,701	26,508	32,867
Compensation cost capitalized as part of property and equipment	$ 92	$ 77	$ 364	$ 295
LVSC 2004 Plan [Member]
Compensation expense:
Stock options granted	160	416	218	467
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 36.19	$ 37.85	$ 35.01	$ 37.59
LVSC 2004 Plan [Member] | Restricted stock [Member]
Compensation expense:
Restricted stock granted	25	16	43	513
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 56.98	$ 46.27	$ 54.55	$ 53.08
LVSC 2004 Plan [Member] | Restricted stock units (RSUs) [Member]
Compensation expense:
Restricted stock granted	26	300	34	313
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 57.28	$ 44.98	$ 56.14	$ 45.22
SCL Equity Plan [Member]
Compensation expense:
Stock options granted	1,242	2,047	2,729	4,482
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 2.41	$ 1.57	$ 2.29	$ 1.63
SCL Equity Plan [Member] | Restricted stock units (RSUs) [Member]
Compensation expense:
Restricted stock granted	1,000		1,000
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 5.26		$ 5.26