Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Return on investment from unconsolidated affiliates	$ 26,950	$ 26,450	$ 26,300
Summary financial information
Net income attributable to Penn National Gaming, Inc.	$ 22,326	18,671	14,337
Kansas Entertainment
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest in joint venture	50.00%
Investment balance	$ 89,400	88,300
Return on investment from unconsolidated affiliates	27,000	26,000	25,800
Summary financial information
Current assets	18,260	18,452	16,638
Noncurrent assets	161,031	165,801	176,050
Current liabilities	15,099	17,861	15,351
Revenues	159,017	155,636	152,926
Operating expenses	110,409	114,681	121,006
Operating income	48,608	40,955	31,920
Net income	48,608	40,955	31,920
Net income attributable to Penn National Gaming, Inc.	$ 24,304	$ 20,478	$ 15,960
Freehold Raceway
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest in joint venture	50.00%
MAXXAM
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest in joint venture	50.00%