CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 93,514	$ 473,463	$ 109,310
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment during the period	0	3,223	(122)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	3,223	(122)
Total comprehensive income	93,514	476,686	109,188
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	5	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Penn National Gaming, Inc.	$ 93,519	$ 476,686	$ 109,188