Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

The amounts shown in the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries and MPM Enterprises, LLC (“MPM”), which is a 50% owned, consolidated variable interest entity (“VIE”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in all other 50% or less owned affiliated companies are accounted for using the equity method.

Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements for the previous years have been reclassified to be consistent with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported net income.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Significant estimates incorporated into the Company’s consolidated financial statements include the estimated useful lives of depreciable and amortizable assets, the estimated cash flows and other factors used in assessing the recoverability of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, the estimated fair values of certain assets related to write-downs and impairments, the estimated reserve for self-insured insurance claims, the estimated costs associated with the Company’s player rewards program, and the estimated liabilities related to litigation, claims and assessments. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Discontinued Operations

During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company’s majority-owned consolidated subsidiary, Fertitta Interactive LLC (“Fertitta Interactive”), ceased operations. The results of operations of Fertitta Interactive are reported in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for all years presented, and the assets and liabilities of Fertitta Interactive are reported separately in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows have not been adjusted for discontinued operations. See Note 19 for additional information.

Fair Value Measurements

Company accounts for certain assets and liabilities at fair value, and utilizes the fair value hierarchy established by the accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures to categorize the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. The three levels of inputs are as follows:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures also provides the option to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. The Company has not elected to measure any financial assets and liabilities at fair value that are not required to be measured at fair value.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value primarily because of the short maturities of these instruments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less.

Receivables, Net and Credit Risk

Receivables, net consist primarily of casino, hotel, ATM, cash advance, retail, management fees and other receivables, which are typically non-interest bearing.

Receivables are initially recorded at cost and an allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained to reduce receivables to their carrying amount, which approximates fair value. The allowance is estimated based on a specific review of customer accounts, historical collection experience, the age of the receivable and other relevant factors. Accounts are written off when management deems the account to be uncollectible, and recoveries of accounts previously written off are recorded when received. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $1.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively. Management believes there are no significant concentrations of credit risk.

Inventories

Inventories primarily represent food and beverage items and retail merchandise which are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on a weighted-average basis.

Assets Held for Sale

The Company classifies assets as held for sale when an asset or asset group meets all of the held for sale criteria in the accounting guidance for impairment and disposal of long-lived assets. Assets held for sale are initially measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. At December 31, 2015, assets held for sale represented certain undeveloped land in Las Vegas that is expected to be sold within one year.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is initially recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, or for leasehold improvements, the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term, as follows:

Buildings and improvements	10 to 45 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3 to 7 years

Costs of major improvements are capitalized, while costs of normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Construction in progress is related to the construction or development of property and equipment that has not yet been placed in service for its intended use. Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment commences when the asset is placed in service. When an asset is retired or otherwise disposed, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the gain or loss on disposal is recognized within write-downs and other charges, net. Assets recorded under capital leases are included in property and equipment and amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is included in depreciation expense and accumulated depreciation.

The Company makes estimates and assumptions when accounting for capital expenditures. The Company’s depreciation expense is highly dependent on the assumptions made for the estimated useful lives of its assets. Useful lives are estimated by the Company based on its experience with similar assets and estimates of the usage of the asset. Whenever events or circumstances occur which change the estimated useful life of an asset, the Company accounts for the change prospectively.

Native American Development Costs

The Company incurs certain costs associated with development and management agreements entered into with Native American tribes (the “Tribes”). In accordance with the accounting guidance for real estate, costs for the acquisition and related development of land and the casino facilities are capitalized as long-term assets. The Company capitalizes interest on Native American development projects when activities are in progress to prepare the asset for its intended use. The assets are typically transferred to the Tribe when the Tribe secures third-party financing or the gaming facility is completed. Upon transfer of the assets to the Tribe, a long-term receivable is recognized in an amount equal to any remaining carrying amount that has not yet been recovered from the Tribe.

The Company earns a return on the costs incurred for the acquisition and development of Native American development projects. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the estimated costs to complete and the collectability of the stated return, the Company accounts for the return earned on Native American development costs using the cost recovery method described in the accounting guidance for real estate sales. In accordance with the cost recovery method, recognition of the return is deferred until the assets are transferred to the Tribe, the carrying amount of the assets has been fully recovered and the return is realizable. Repayment of the advances and the return typically is funded from the Tribe’s third-party financing, from the cash flows of the gaming facility, or both.

The Company evaluates its Native American development costs for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a project might not be recoverable, taking into consideration all available information. Among other things, the Company considers the status of the project, any contingencies, the achievement of milestones, any existing or potential litigation, and regulatory matters when evaluating its Native American projects for impairment. If an indicator of impairment exists, the Company compares the estimated future cash flows of the project, on an undiscounted basis, to its carrying amount. If the undiscounted expected future cash flows do not exceed the carrying amount, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value, which is typically estimated based on a discounted future cash flow model or market comparables, when available. The Company estimates the undiscounted future cash flows of a Native American development project based on consideration of all positive and negative evidence about the future cash flow potential of the project including, but not limited to, the likelihood that the project will be successfully completed, the status of required approvals, and the status and timing of the construction of the project, as well as current and projected economic, political, regulatory and competitive conditions that may adversely impact the project’s operating results.

Goodwill

The Company’s goodwill primarily resulted from the adoption of fresh-start reporting in 2011. The Company tests its goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each year, and whenever events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that impairment may have occurred. Impairment testing for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level, and each of the Company’s operating properties is considered a separate reporting unit.

The Company’s annual goodwill impairment testing utilizes a two-step process. In the first step, the estimated fair value of each reporting unit is compared with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows along with value indications based on the current valuation multiples of comparable publicly traded companies. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. In the second step, the Company estimates the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill by allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.

The estimation of fair values involves significant judgment by management. Future cash flow estimates are, by their nature, subjective and actual results may differ materially from such estimates. Cash flow estimates are based on the current regulatory, political and economic climates, recent operating information and projections. Such estimates could be negatively impacted by changes in federal, state or local regulations, economic downturns, competition, events affecting various forms of travel and access to the Company’s properties, and other factors. If the Company’s estimates of future cash flows are not met, it may have to record impairment charges in the future.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily represent brands. The fair value of the Company’s brands is estimated using a derivation of the income approach to valuation, based on estimated royalties avoided through ownership of the assets, utilizing market indications of fair value. The Company tests its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each year, and whenever events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an asset is impaired. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized unless it is determined that an asset’s useful life is no longer indefinite. The Company periodically reviews its indefinite-lived assets to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. If an indefinite-lived intangible asset no longer has an indefinite life, then the asset is tested for impairment and is subsequently accounted for as a finite-lived intangible asset.

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets

The Company’s finite-lived intangible assets primarily represent assets related to its management contracts and customer relationships, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The Company periodically evaluates the remaining useful lives of its finite-lived intangible assets to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization.

The Company’s customer relationship intangible asset primarily represents the value associated with its rated casino guests. The initial fair value of the customer relationship intangible asset was estimated based on a variation of the cost approach. The recoverability of the Company’s customer relationship intangible asset could be affected by, among other things, increased competition within the gaming industry, a downturn in the economy, declines in customer spending which would impact the expected future cash flows associated with the rated casino guests, declines in the number of customer visits which could impact the expected attrition rate of the rated casino guests, and erosion of operating margins associated with rated casino guests. Should events or changes in circumstances cause the carrying amount of the customer relationship intangible asset to exceed its estimated fair value, an impairment charge in the amount of the excess would be recognized.

The Company’s management contract intangible assets represent the value associated with agreements under which the Company provides management services to various casino properties, primarily Native American casinos which it has developed, and its 50% owned casino properties. The fair values of management contract intangible assets were determined using discounted cash flow techniques based on future cash flows expected to be received in exchange for providing management services. The Company amortizes its management contract intangible assets over their expected useful lives using the straight-line method, beginning when the property commences operations and management fees are being earned. Should events or changes in circumstances cause the carrying amount of a management contract intangible asset to exceed its estimated fair value, an impairment charge in the amount of the excess would be recognized.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is evaluated by comparing the estimated future cash flows of the asset, on an undiscounted basis, to its carrying amount. If the undiscounted estimated future cash flows exceed the carrying amount, no impairment is indicated. If the undiscounted estimated future cash flows do not exceed the carrying amount, impairment is measured based on the difference between the asset’s estimated fair value and its carrying amount. To estimate fair values, the Company typically uses market comparables, when available, or a discounted cash flow model. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs of disposal. Fair value of assets to be disposed of is generally estimated based on comparable asset sales, solicited offers or a discounted cash flow model. The Company’s long-lived asset impairment tests are performed at the reporting unit level.

The estimation of fair values involves significant judgment by management. Future cash flow estimates are, by their nature, subjective and actual results may differ materially from such estimates. Estimates of cash flows are based on the current regulatory, political and economic climates, recent operating information and projections. Such estimates could be negatively impacted by changes in federal, state or local regulations, economic downturns, competition, events affecting various forms of travel and access to the Company’s properties, and other factors. If the Company’s estimates of future cash flows are not met, it may have to record impairment charges in the future.

Debt Discounts and Debt Issuance Costs

Debt discounts and costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the expected terms of the related debt agreements. Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of revolving lines of credit are presented in other assets, net in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. All other capitalized costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are presented as a direct reduction of Long-term debt, less current portion on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, which is a presentation change from the prior year due to the adoption of new accounting guidance (see Recently Issued and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards).

Derivative Instruments

The Company uses interest rate swaps to hedge its exposure to variability in expected future cash flows related to interest payments. In accordance with the accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging activities, the Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The fair values of the Company’s derivatives are determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including forward interest rate curves. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.

The accounting for changes in fair value of derivative instruments (i.e. gains or losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss), which includes all other non-member changes in equity. Components of the Company’s comprehensive income (loss) are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Consolidated Statements of Members’ Equity, and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is included in Members’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Revenue and Promotional Allowances

The Company recognizes the net win from gaming activities as casino revenues, which is the difference between gaming wins and losses. The Company recognizes liabilities for funds deposited by customers before gaming play occurs and for chips in the customers’ possession. Casino revenues are recognized net of discounts and certain incentives provided to customers under the Company’s player rewards program, such as cash back and free slot play. Food and beverage, hotel, and other operating revenues are recognized as the service is provided. Other revenues primarily include revenues from tenant leases, retail outlets, bowling, spas and entertainment. Rental income is recognized over the lease term and contingent rental income is recognized when the right to receive such rental income is established according to the lease agreements.

Management fee revenue is recognized when the services have been performed, the amount of the fee is determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Management fee revenue include reimbursable costs, which represent amounts received or due pursuant to the Company’s management agreements with Native American tribes for the reimbursement of expenses, primarily payroll costs, that it incurs on their behalf. The Company recognizes reimbursable cost revenue on a gross basis, with an offsetting amount charged to operating expense.

The retail value of complimentary goods and services provided to customers is recorded as revenue with a corresponding offsetting amount included in promotional allowances. The estimated departmental costs of providing such complimentary goods and services are included in casino costs and expenses and consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Food and beverage	$	89,593	$	85,555	$	83,150
Room	6,216		6,327		7,045
Other	3,807		3,369		2,225
	$	99,616	$	95,251	$	92,420

Player Rewards Program

The Company has a player rewards program (the “Rewards Program”) which allows customers to earn points based on their gaming activity. Points may be redeemed at all of the Company’s Las Vegas area properties for cash, free slot play, food, beverage, rooms, entertainment and merchandise. The Company records a liability for the estimated cost of outstanding points earned under the Rewards Program that management believes ultimately will be redeemed, which totaled $12.3 million and $11.9 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The estimated cost of points expected to be redeemed for cash and free slot play under the Rewards Program reduces casino revenue. The estimated cost of points expected to be redeemed for food, beverage, rooms, entertainment and merchandise is charged to casino expense. Cost is estimated based on assumptions about the mix of goods and services for which points will be redeemed and the incremental departmental cost of providing the goods and services.

Slot Machine Jackpots

The Company does not accrue base jackpots if it is not legally obligated to pay the jackpot. A jackpot liability is accrued with a related reduction in casino revenue when the Company is obligated to pay the jackpot, such as the incremental amount in excess of the base jackpot on a progressive game.

Gaming Taxes

The Company is assessed taxes based on gross gaming revenue, subject to applicable jurisdictional adjustments. Gaming taxes are included in casino costs and expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company measures its share-based compensation expense at the grant date based on the fair value of the award, which is estimated using the option pricing method, and recognizes this expense over the requisite service period. The Company uses the straight-line method to recognize compensation expense for share-based awards with graded vesting.

Advertising

The Company expenses advertising costs the first time the advertising takes place. Advertising expense is primarily included in selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income Taxes

The Company is a limited liability company treated as a partnership for income tax purposes and as such, is a pass-through entity that is not liable for income tax in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been made in the consolidated financial statements and the Company has no liability associated with uncertain tax positions.

Recently Issued and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amended accounting guidance that changes the accounting for leases and requires expanded disclosures about leasing activities. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, measured on a discounted basis, at the commencement date for all leases with terms greater than twelve months. Lessor accounting will remain largely unchanged, other than certain targeted improvements intended to align lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and with the updated revenue recognition guidance issued in 2014. Lessees and lessors must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The amended guidance is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2018, and early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its financial position and results of operations.

In April, 2015, the FASB issued amended accounting guidance that changes the balance sheet presentation of capitalized debt issuance costs. Under the amended guidance, capitalized debt issuance costs are presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. The Company early adopted this guidance as of December 31, 2015. Capitalized debt issuance costs of $18.2 million have been presented as a direct deduction from the related debt liabilities at December 31, 2015. In addition, capitalized debt issuance costs of $22.0 million have been reclassified from Other assets to Long-term debt in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014 to present such costs as a direct deduction from the related debt liabilities. The adoption had no effect on the Company’s results of operations. See Note 10 for further information regarding debt issuance costs.

In August 2014, the FASB issued amended accounting guidance that defines management’s responsibility to evaluate a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures.  For each reporting period, management will be required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the date the financial statements are issued. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted.  The Company will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2017 and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

In May 2014, the FASB issued a new accounting standard for revenue recognition which requires entities to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard supersedes the existing accounting guidance for revenue recognition, including industry-specific guidance, and amends certain accounting guidance for recognition of gains and losses on the transfer of non-financial assets. For public companies, the new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016. Upon adoption, financial statement issuers may elect to apply the new standard either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented, or using a modified retrospective approach by recognizing the cumulative effect of initial application and providing certain additional disclosures. The Company will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its financial position and results of operations, and has not yet determined which adoption method it will elect.