Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition Gaming revenue represents the net win from gaming activities, which is the aggregate difference between gaming wins and losses. The majority of our gaming revenue is counted in the form of cash and chips and therefore is not subject to any significant or complex estimation procedures. Cash discounts, commissions and other cash incentives to customers related to gaming play are recorded as a reduction of gross gaming revenues. Race revenue recognition criteria are met at the time the results of the event are official. Room revenue recognition criteria are met at the time of occupancy. Food and beverage revenue recognition criteria are met at the time of service.
Revenue Recognition, Allowances [Policy Text Block]	Promotional Allowances The retail value of accommodations, food and beverage, and other services furnished to guests without charge is included in gross revenues and then deducted as a promotional allowance. Promotional allowances also include incentives such as cash, goods and services (such as complimentary rooms and food and beverages) earned in our slot bonus point program. We reward customers, through the use of bonus programs, with points based on amounts wagered that can be redeemed for a specified period of time, principally for cash play, and to a lesser extent for goods or services, depending upon the property. We record the estimated retail value of these goods and services as revenue and then deduct them as a promotional allowance.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income applicable to Boyd Gaming Corporation's stockholders, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the additional dilution for all potentially-dilutive securities, such as stock options.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

Gaming revenue represents the net win from gaming activities, which is the aggregate difference between gaming wins and losses. The majority of our gaming revenue is counted in the form of cash and chips and therefore is not subject to any significant or complex estimation procedures. Cash discounts, commissions and other cash incentives to customers related to gaming play are recorded as a reduction of gross gaming revenues. Race revenue recognition criteria are met at the time the results of the event are official. Room revenue recognition criteria are met at the time of occupancy. Food and beverage revenue recognition criteria are met at the time of service.

Revenue Recognition, Allowances [Policy Text Block]

Promotional Allowances

The retail value of accommodations, food and beverage, and other services furnished to guests without charge is included in gross revenues and then deducted as a promotional allowance. Promotional allowances also include incentives such as cash, goods and services (such as complimentary rooms and food and beverages) earned in our slot bonus point program. We reward customers, through the use of bonus programs, with points based on amounts wagered that can be redeemed for a specified period of time, principally for cash play, and to a lesser extent for goods or services, depending upon the property. We record the estimated retail value of these goods and services as revenue and then deduct them as a promotional allowance.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income applicable to Boyd Gaming Corporation's stockholders, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the additional dilution for all potentially-dilutive securities, such as stock options.

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for computing basic and diluted earnings or loss per share for each class of common stock and participating security. Addresses all significant policy factors, including any antidilutive items that have been excluded from the computation and takes into account stock dividends, splits and reverse splits that occur after the balance sheet date of the latest reporting period but before the issuance of the financial statements.

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- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for revenue recognition for sales allowances.

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- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for revenue recognition. If the entity has different policies for different types of revenue transactions, the policy for each material type of transaction is generally disclosed. If a sales transaction has multiple element arrangements (for example, delivery of multiple products, services or the rights to use assets) the disclosure may indicate the accounting policy for each unit of accounting as well as how units of accounting are determined and valued. The disclosure may encompass important judgment as to appropriateness of principles related to recognition of revenue. The disclosure also may indicate the entity's treatment of any unearned or deferred revenue that arises from the transaction.

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