Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Consolidation Policy

Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in the United States and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The results for the periods reflect all adjustments that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of operating results. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates which are 50% or less owned are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates Policy

Use of Estimates. The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and (iii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates used by us include, among other things, the estimated useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets, the estimated allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, estimated income tax provisions, the evaluation of the future realization of deferred tax assets, determining the adequacy of reserves for self-insured liabilities and our mychoice customer loyalty program, estimated cash flows in assessing the recoverability of long-lived assets, asset impairments, goodwill and intangible assets, contingencies and litigation, and estimates of the forfeiture rate and expected life of share-based awards and stock price volatility when computing share-based compensation expense. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Fair Value Policy

Fair Value. Fair value measurements affect our accounting and impairment assessments of our long-lived assets, investments in unconsolidated affiliates, assets acquired in an acquisition, goodwill, and other intangible assets. Fair value measurements also affect our accounting for certain financial assets and liabilities. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and is measured according to a hierarchy that includes: "Level 1" inputs, such as quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities; "Level 2" inputs, which are observable inputs for similar assets; or "Level 3" inputs, which are unobservable inputs.

We measure our liability for deferred compensation on a recurring basis. As of December 31, 2011, our liability for deferred compensation had a balance and fair value of $1.3 million and was valued using Level 1 inputs.

Cash and Cash Equivalents Policy

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $78.6 million and $194.9 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with an original maturity of less than three months and are stated at the lower of cost or market value and are valued using Level 1 inputs.

Accounts Receivable Policy

Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable consist primarily of casino, hotel and other receivables. We extend casino credit to approved customers in states where it is permitted following background checks and investigations of creditworthiness. Accounts receivable are non-interest bearing and are initially recorded at cost. We have estimated an allowance for doubtful accounts of $4.7 million and $2.8 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, to reduce receivables to their carrying amount, which approximates fair value. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based upon, among other things, collection experience, customer credit evaluations and the age of the receivables.

Inventories Policy

Inventories. Inventories, which consist primarily of food, beverage and operating supplies, are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Costs are determined using the first-in, first-out and the weighted average methods

Restricted Cash Policy

Restricted Cash. Long-term restricted cash of $6.5 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 consists primarily of an indemnification trust deposit of approximately $5.7 million, among other items.

Land, Building, Riverboats and Equipment Policy

Land, Buildings, Riverboats and Equipment. Land, buildings, riverboats and equipment are stated at cost. Land includes land not currently being used in our operations, which totaled $30.3 million at December 31, 2011 and $34.9 million at December 31, 2010. We capitalize the costs of improvements that extend the life of the asset. Construction in progress at December 31, 2011 relates primarily to our L'Auberge Baton Rouge project.

	For the year ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
	(in millions)
Depreciation expense	$	103.7	$	109.6	$	95.2

We expense maintenance and repairs costs as incurred. Gains or losses on the dispositions of land, buildings, riverboats or equipment are included in the determination of income. We depreciate our land improvements, buildings, riverboats and equipment using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the related lease term, as follows:

	Years
Land improvements	5 to 35
Buildings and improvements	15 to 35
Vessels	10 to 25
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3 to 20

We review the carrying value of land, buildings, riverboats and equipment for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable from estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. In cases where the carrying value exceeds fair value, an impairment charge is recognized equal to an amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. The factors considered by management in performing this assessment include current operating results, trends and prospects, as well as the effect of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors. In estimating expected future cash flows for determining whether an asset is impaired, assets are grouped at the reporting unit level, which for most of our assets is the individual casino. If a long-lived asset is to be sold, the asset is reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value. See Note 2, Land, Buildings, Riverboats and Equipment, for further explanation

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Policy

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are subject to an annual assessment for impairment during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if there are indications of possible impairment, by applying a fair-value-based test.

Goodwill consists of the excess of the acquisition cost over the fair value of the net assets acquired in business combinations. In January 2011, we recorded goodwill totaling $35.8 million related to the purchase of River Downs. There were no impairments to goodwill in 2011, 2010 or 2009.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of gaming licenses. We recorded an impairment to indefinite-lived intangible assets of $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. See Note 9, Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets.

Debt Issuance Costs and Debt Discounts Policy

Debt Issuance Costs and Debt Discounts. Debt issuance costs include costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt and are capitalized and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method.

Self-Insurance Accruals Policy

Self-Insurance Accruals. We are self-insured up to certain limits for costs associated with general liability, workers’ compensation and employee health coverage. Insurance claims and reserves include accruals of estimated settlements for known claims, legal costs related to settling such claims and accruals of actuarial estimates of incurred but not reported claims. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had total self-insurance accruals of $14.8 million and $16.9 million, respectively, which are included in “Other accrued liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. In estimating these accruals, we consider historical loss experience and make judgments about the expected level of costs per claim. We believe the estimates of future liability are reasonable based upon our methodology; however, changes in health care costs, accident frequency and severity could materially affect the estimate for these liabilities

Customer Loyalty Program Policy

The mychoice Customer Loyalty Program. Our customer loyalty program, mychoice, offers incentives to customers who gamble at certain of our casinos. Customers earn points based on their level of play that may be redeemed for benefits such as cash back, shopping, dining, hotel stays, or free credit that can be replayed in the slot machines or at table games. The reward credit balance will be forfeited if the customer does not earn any reward credits over the prior six-month period. In addition, based on their level of play, customers can earn additional benefits without redeeming points, such as a car lease, trip to Las Vegas, cruise or airfare reimbursement. We accrue a liability for the estimated cost of providing these benefits as the benefits are earned. Estimates and assumptions are made regarding cost of providing the benefits, breakage rates, and the mix of goods and services customers will choose. We use historical data to assist in the determination of estimated accruals. Changes in estimates or customer redemption habits could produce significantly different results. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had accrued $10.8 million and $9.5 million, respectively, for the estimated cost of providing these benefits. Such amounts are included in "Other accrued liabilities" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets

Income Taxes Policy

Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that included the enactment date. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is deemed more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized within a reasonable time period. We assess tax positions using a two step process. A tax position is recognized if it meets a "more likely than not" threshold, and is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent of being realized. Uncertain tax positions are reviewed each balance sheet date. Liabilities recorded as a result of this analysis are classified as current or long-term based on the timing of expected payment. See Note 4, Income Taxes, for additional information.

Revenue Recognition Policy

Revenue Recognition. Gaming revenues consist of the net win from gaming activities, which is the difference between amounts wagered and amounts paid to winning patrons, with liabilities recognized for funds deposited by customers before gaming play occurs and for chips in the customers’ possession. Gaming revenues are reduced by the cash value of mychoice points and coin coupon offerings. Food and beverage, lodging, retail, entertainment, and other operating revenues are recognized as products are delivered or services are performed.

The retail value of food and beverage, lodging and other services furnished to guests on a complimentary basis is included in gross revenues and then deducted as promotional allowances. The estimated cost of providing such promotional allowances is primarily included in casino expenses.

Gaming Taxes Policy

Gaming Taxes. We are subject to taxes based on gross gaming revenues in the jurisdictions in which we operate, subject to applicable jurisdictional adjustments. These gaming taxes are an assessment of our gaming revenues and are recorded as a gaming department expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Advertising Costs Policy

Advertising Costs. We expense advertising costs the first time the advertising takes place. These costs are included in gaming expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, advertising costs associated with development projects are included in pre-opening and development costs until the project is completed.

Pre-Opening and Development Costs Policy

Pre-opening and Development Costs. Pre-opening costs consist of payroll costs to hire, employ and train the workforce prior to opening an operating facility; marketing campaigns prior to and commensurate with opening; legal and professional fees related to the project but not otherwise attributable to depreciable assets; lease payments; real-estate taxes and similar costs prior to opening. Development costs include master planning, conceptual design fees and general and administrative costs related to our projects.

Comprehensive Loss Policy

Comprehensive Loss. Comprehensive loss is the sum of the net loss and other comprehensive loss, which includes translation adjustments, unrealized loss on marketable securities available for sale and post-retirement plan benefit obligations.

	For the year ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
	(in millions)
Net loss	$	(2.5	)	$	(23.4	)	$	(258.3	)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) (a)	—			17.1			(2.3		)
Post-retirement benefit obligations, net of income taxes (b)	(0.1		)	1.1			1.2
Comprehensive loss	$	(2.6	)	$	(5.2	)	$	(259.4	)

(a) Foreign currency translation gain (loss) relates to our Argentina operations, which were sold during the year ended December 31, 2010.

(b) Included in the balance are benefit obligations related to both the executive deferred compensation plan and directors’ health and medical plan, both of which are discussed in Note 6, Employee Benefit Plans.

Share-based Compensation Policy

Share-based Compensation: We measure the cost of awards of equity instruments to employees based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The grant-date fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes model. The fair value, net of estimated forfeitures, is amortized as compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. See Note 6, Employee Benefit Plans.

Earnings Per Share Policy

Earnings per Share. Diluted earnings per share reflects the addition of potentially dilutive securities, which include in-the money stock options, restricted stock units and phantom stock units. We calculate the effect of dilutive securities using the treasury stock method. A total of 4,116,600, 4,853,914, and 5,186,910 out-of-money stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, because including them would have been anti-dilutive.

For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, we recorded a net loss from continuing operations. Accordingly, the potential dilution from the assumed exercise of stock options is anti-dilutive. As a result, basic earnings per share is equal to diluted earnings per share for such years and options and securities that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share were 620,556 and 1,126,340, respectively.