Investment In and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) ft² item	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Business ventures
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 148,912	$ 156,176
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	26,450	26,300	$ 28,150
Summary financial information
Net income attributable to Penn	$ 18,671	14,337	14,488
Kansas Entertainment
Business ventures
Ownership interest in joint venture under agreement of sale (as a percent)	50.00%
Area of Casino (in square foot) | ft²	244,791
Number of slot machines | item	2,000
Number of table games | item	41
Number of poker tables | item	12
Number of space parking | item	1,253
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 88,300	93,800
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	26,000	25,800	27,200
Summary financial information
Current assets	18,452	16,638	16,550
Noncurrent assets	165,801	176,050	195,010
Current liabilities	17,861	15,351	14,544
Net revenues	155,636	152,926	153,407
Operating expenses	114,681	121,006	122,828
Income from operations	40,955	31,920	30,579
Net income	40,955	31,920	30,579
Net income attributable to Penn	$ 20,478	$ 15,960	$ 15,290
Freehold Raceway
Business ventures
Ownership interest in joint venture under agreement of sale (as a percent)	50.00%
MAXXAM
Business ventures
Ownership interest in joint venture under agreement of sale (as a percent)	50.00%