Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

The weighted-average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share consisted of the following:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2011	2010	2009
	(Amounts in thousands)
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding-basic earnings (loss) per share	40,242	58,025	57,543
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units	894	793	—
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding-diluted earnings (loss) per share	41,136	58,818	57,543

Complimentary Departmental Costs [Table Text Block]

The estimated departmental costs of providing complimentary food and beverage, rooms, entertainment and other are included in casino operating expenses and consisted of the following:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
	(Amounts in thousands)
Food and beverage	$	54,575	$	50,276	$	50,003
Rooms	13,556		11,669		12,681
Entertainment	679		2,517		3,026
Other	2,194		2,469		3,632
	$	71,004	$	66,931	$	69,342