Pension and Other Post-Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010 Defined benefit pension plans	Dec. 31, 2009 Defined benefit pension plans	Dec. 31, 2011 Defined benefit pension plans	Oct. 31, 2010 U.S. Plan Racing Business	Dec. 31, 2011 U.K. Plan Y	Nov. 30, 2011 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan	Dec. 31, 2011 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan	Dec. 31, 2010 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan	Dec. 31, 2005 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan	Dec. 31, 2003 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Plans
Curtailments in pension benefit obligation	$ 4,329			$ 4,519					$ 12,363
Curtailments in plan assets	3,942			3,942
Curtailments	1,692	(249)		1,644		3,101
Number of years of employee's average compensation preceding retirement					2
Compounded annual growth rate (as a percent)							4.00%		4.00%
Estimated contributions in the next fiscal year			3,104
Cash payment to rabbi trust for provision of benefits under the plan										14,700
Payment made by the rabbi trust for whole life insurance policies on participants										14,700
Cash value in government fund accounts						902		902
Cash value of the life insurance policies						$ 2,199		$ 2,228