Investment in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliate Equity Method Investment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	$ 2,948	$ 2,290
Equity Method Investment-Gaming Revenue	32,044	31,163
Equity Method Investment-Non-Gaming Revenue	1,957	1,631
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	34,001	32,794
Equity Method Investment-Expenses	24,634chdn_EquityMethodInvestmentExpenses	24,211chdn_EquityMethodInvestmentExpenses
Equity Method, Depreciation & Amortization	3,144	3,367
Equity Method Investment-Pre-Opening Expenses	0	54
Equity Method Investment Operating Income Loss	6,223	5,162
Equity Method Investment-Interest	(1,108)chdn_EquityMethodInvestmentInterest	(1,080)chdn_EquityMethodInvestmentInterest
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)	5,115	4,082
Miami Valley Gaming and Racing [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	$ 2,558	$ 2,041

The amount of depreciation and amortization expenses, reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

No definition available.

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- Definition

The amount of casino revenue reported by an equity method investment of the entity

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of expenses, reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of interest expense reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of non-casino revenue reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

The amount of operating income or loss reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of pre-opening expenses, reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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- Definition

The amount of revenue from sale of goods and services reduced by sales returns, allowances, and discounts reported by an equity method investment of the entity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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