Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Schedule of restricted stock award activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of performance-based restricted stock award activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Performance Shares, Outstanding Activity [Table Text Block] Ground Leases, Net [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Land rights, net Land Rights [Member] Land Rights [Member] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Resorts Casino Tunica, MS Resorts Casino Tunica, MS [Member] Resorts Casino Tunica, MS [Member] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Land rights, net Off-Market Favorable Lease [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-lived intangible assets, land rights, remaining amortization period Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Land rights Ground Leases, Gross Less accumulated amortization Ground Leases, Accumulated Amortization Land rights, net Ground Leases, Net Accelerated amortization of land rights Accelerated Amortization of Operating Lease Costs The accelerated expense charged against current earnings and related to a change in the expected remaining lease term assigned to ROU assets. As a noncash expense, this element is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Real Estate Real Estate [Member] Gaming, food, beverage and other Gaming, food, beverage and other [Member] Gaming, food, beverage and other Statement Statement [Line Items] Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Rental income Operating Lease, Lease Income Rental income Operating Leases Income Statement Lease Revenue Prior to Taxes Paid by Tenant Represents the total amount of revenue recognized for the period from operating leases, including minimum lease revenue, contingent revenue, percentage revenue and sublease revenue prior to the real estate taxes paid by the tenant. Income from direct financing lease Sales-type Lease, Revenue Income from direct financing lease Capital Leases, Income Statement, Direct Financing Lease Revenue Interest income from mortgaged real estate Interest and Fee Income, Loans, Commercial, Real Estate Real estate taxes paid by tenants Operating Leases Real Estate Taxes Paid by Tenants The total amount of revenue recognized for the period from real estate taxes paid by tenants. Total revenues Revenues Operating expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Gaming, food, beverage and other Gaming, food, beverage and other expense This element represents the cost of generating revenues from casino operations. Also includes the cost related to generating revenue from the sale of food (prepared and cooked-to-order foodstuffs, as well as snack items) and beverages (bottled or on-tap alcoholic beverages, as well as nonalcoholic beverages like carbonated drinks, juices, energy/sports drinks, water, coffee, and tea). Real estate taxes Real Estate Tax Expense Land rights and ground lease expense Land Rights and Ground Lease Expense Amount of expense incurred and related to the amortization of land rights and ground lease rent. General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Depreciation Depreciation Loan impairment charges Provision for Loan and Lease Losses Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Other income (expenses) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Other Nonoperating Income Losses on debt extinguishment Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Total other expenses Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Lessee, finance lease, term of contract Lessee, Finance Lease, Term of Contract Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Fair Value Measurement and Measurement Inputs, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Lease Assets and Lease Liabilities Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Operating lease right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Performance-based restricted stock awards Performance Shares [Member] Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards Activity [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted Released (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Canceled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Summary of financial information for GLPI as the parent guarantor, for GLP Capital, L.P. and GLP Financing II, Inc. as the subsidiary issuers and the other subsidiary non-issuers Condensed Financial Statements [Table Text Block] Real Estate [Abstract] Schedule of Real Estate Investments, Net Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block] Real Estate Investments Real Estate Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Guarantor Parent Company [Member] Subsidiary Issuers Subsidiary Issuer [Member] Other Subsidiary Non-Issuers Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Supplementary condensed consolidating financial information of parent guarantor and subsidiary issuers Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Intercompany dividends and interest Intercompany Dividends and Interest Represents the amount of intercompany dividends and interest. This is eliminated while preparing consolidated financial statements. Business and Operations Nature of Operations [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Mortgage loans receivable Mortgage Receivable [Member] Loans receivable Loans Receivable [Member] Assets Assets [Abstract] Real estate investments, net Real Estate Investment Property, Net Property and equipment, used in operations, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Financing receivable, after allowance for credit loss Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Right-of-use assets and land rights, net Land rights, net Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense Goodwill Goodwill Other intangible assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred tax assets Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Other assets Other Assets Total assets Assets Liabilities Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities Accrued interest Interest Payable Accrued salaries and wages Employee-related Liabilities Gaming, property, and other taxes Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes Income taxes Accrued Income Taxes Long-term debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs, bond premiums and original issuance discounts Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Including Current Maturities Deferred rental revenue Deferred Lease Income, after Accumulated Amortization Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Other liabilities Other Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities Shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock ($.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018) Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock ($.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 214,673,135 and 214,211,932 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively) Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Restricted stock awards Restricted Stock [Member] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Receivables [Abstract] Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Table] Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Table] Casino Queen Lease Casino Queen Lease [Member] Casino Queen Lease Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Casino Queen Casino Queen [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Casino Queen located in East St. Louis, Illinois. CQ Holding Company Inc. CQ Holding Company Inc. [Member] CQ Holding Company Inc. [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Unsecured Debt Unsecured Debt [Member] Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items] Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items] Operating lease, initial term of contract (in years) Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Operating leases, number of renewal options Lessor Leasing Arrangements Operating Leases Number of Renewal Options Represents the number of lease renewal options of the lessor's leasing arrangement. Operating lease, renewal term (in years) Lessor, Operating Lease, Renewal Term Face amount of debt Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument, term Debt Instrument, Term Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest Income, Paid-in-kind Interest Income, Paid-in-kind Interest income, paid-in-kind. As a noncash item, it is subtracted from net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Loan receivable Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving credit facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Unsecured term loan A-1 Term Loan A - 1 Facility [Member] Contractual agreement to borrow up to $825 million under a term loan. Senior unsecured credit facility Line of Credit [Member] Long-term debt Debt Instrument [Line Items] Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Long-term debt, gross Long-term Debt, Gross Outstanding balance on credit facility Long-term Line of Credit Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Available borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] 2019 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Less: interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value of lease liabilities Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Payments of dividends, common stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Dividends, share-based compensation Dividend, Share-based Payment Arrangement Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Interest Rate Period [Axis] Interest Rate Period [Axis] Interest Rate Period [Axis] Interest Rate Period [Domain] Interest Rate Period [Domain] [Domain] for Interest Rate Period [Axis] Until one-year anniversary Interest Rate, Period One [Member] Interest Rate, Period One [Member] Until maturity Interest Rate, Period Two [Member] Interest Rate, Period Two [Member] Eldorado Resorts, Inc. Eldorado Resorts, Inc. [Member] Eldorado Resorts, Inc. Boyd Gaming Corporation Boyd Gaming Corporation [Member] Boyd Gaming Corporation Secured Debt Secured Debt [Member] Real Estate Loan Real Estate Loan [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Number of casino properties company has financial interests in Number Of Real Estate Properties, Financial Interests Number Of Real Estate Properties, Financial Interests Payments to Acquire Real Estate, Excluding Transaction Costs Payments to Acquire Real Estate, Excluding Transaction Costs Payments to Acquire Real Estate, Excluding Transaction Costs Payment to acquire finance receivables Payments to Acquire Finance Receivables Schedule of reconciliation of the weighted-average common shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic EPS to the weighted-average common shares outstanding used in the calculation of diluted EPS Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Schedule of calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the Company's common stock Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Amortization of debt issuance costs, bond premiums and original issuance discounts Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Losses on dispositions of property Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Stock-based compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Straight-line rent adjustments Straight Line Rent Adjustments Losses on debt extinguishment (Increase), decrease Increase (Decrease) in Operating Assets [Abstract] Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Intercompany Increase Decrease in Intercompany Receivables The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in intercompany receivables. Increase, (decrease) Increase (Decrease) in Operating Liabilities [Abstract] Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Accrued interest Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Accrued salaries and wages Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Gaming, property and other taxes Increase (Decrease) in Property and Other Taxes Payable Income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Capital project expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Capital maintenance expenditures Payments for Capital Improvements Proceeds from sale of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Collections of principal payments on investment in direct financing lease Proceeds from Collection of Lease Receivables Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Taxes paid related to shares withheld for tax purposes on restricted stock award vestings, net of proceeds from exercise of options Proceeds (Repayments) Related to Tax Withholding On Restricted Stock Award Vestings, Net of Proceeds from Exercise of Options Proceeds (Repayments) Related to Tax Withholding On Restricted Stock Award Vestings, Net of Proceeds from Exercise of Options Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Premium and related costs paid on tender of senior unsecured notes Payments of Premium and Related Costs on Tender of Senior Unsecured Notes Payments of Premium and Related Costs on Tender of Senior Unsecured Notes Intercompany financing Payments of Intercompany Loan Amount of cash outflow in the form of intercompany loan. Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Variable lease cost Variable Lease, Cost Short-term lease cost Short-term Lease, Cost Total lease cost Lease, Cost Amortization of land rights Amortization of Intangible Assets Operating leases, rent expense per ASC 840 Operating Leases, Rent Expense Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Accounting Standards Update ASU 2014-09 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Beginning Balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Stock option activity Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Stock option activity (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Restricted stock activity Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Restricted stock activity (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Dividends paid Dividends Adoption of new revenue standard Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Ending Balance Ending Balance (in shares) Stock Based Compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table] Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Domain] Name of Property [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land and improvements Land and Land Improvements [Member] Building and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Real estate investments Real Estate Properties [Line Items] Number of real estate properties Number of Real Estate Properties Total real estate investments Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost Less accumulated depreciation Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation Real estate investments, net Accelerated depreciation of real estate properties Real Estate Investment Property, Accelerated Depreciation The accelerated expense charged against current earnings and related to a change in the expected useful life of a real estate investment property. As a noncash expense, this element is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of Property and Equipment Used in Operations, Net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Basic And Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding [Table] Schedule of Basic And Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding [Table] Schedule of Basic And Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding [Table] Employee stock options Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Schedule of Basic And Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding [Line Items] Schedule of Basic And Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of Basic And Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding [Table] Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Assumed conversion of dilutive securities (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Future minimum repayments of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Within one year Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2-3 years Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Years Two and Three 4-5 years Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Years Four and Five Over 5 years Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total minimum payments Long Term Debt, Gross and Lease Obligations Amount, before unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt, and other types of debt. Amount also includes obligations due under non-operating leases. Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Loan receivable Financing Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value portion of financing receivables, including, but not limited to, mortgage loans, loans receivable and other finance receivables. Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Penn National Gaming Inc. Master Lease Penn National Gaming Inc. Master Lease [Member] Penn National Gaming Inc. Master Lease Amended Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. Master Lease Amended Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. Master Lease [Member] Amended Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. Master Lease [Member] Eldorado Master Lease Eldorado Master Lease [Member] Eldorado Master Lease [Member] Boyd Gaming Corporation Master Lease Boyd Gaming Corporation Master Lease [Member] Boyd Gaming Corporation Master Lease All Tenant Leases All Tenant Leases [Member] All Tenant Leases Penn National Gaming, Inc. Meadows Lease Penn National Gaming, Inc. Meadows Lease [Member] Penn National Gaming, Inc. Meadows Lease Hollywood Casino Columbus and Hollywood Casino Toledo Hollywood Casino Columbus and Hollywood Casino Toledo [Member] Represents information pertaining to Hollywood Casino Columbus and Hollywood Casino Toledo. Revenue Recognition [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Annual rent escalator, percentage Operating leases, annual rental escalation percentage Operating leases, annual rental escalation percentage Frequency property performance-based rent structure is adjusted Operating leases, frequency the property performance-based rent structure is adjusted Represents the frequency the property performance-based rent structure is adjusted under operating lease with tenant. Operating leases, percent of the average net revenues of property(s) used to calculate rent increase Operating leases, percent of the average net revenues of property(s) used to calculate rent increase Operating leases, percent of the average net revenues of property(s) used to calculate rent increase Lessor leasing arrangements period used in calculation of average net revenues Lessor Leasing Arrangements Period Used in Calculation of Average Net Revenues Lessor Leasing Arrangements Period Used in Calculation of Average Net Revenues Percentage of the change in net revenues of Ohio facilities under the Master Lease during the preceding month used for adjustment in rent structure Percentage of the Change in Net Revenues from the Preceding Month Used To Compute Monthly Rent Payments Under Penn Master Lease Represents the percentage of the change in net revenues of specified number of Hollywood Casinos in Columbus, Ohio and Toledo, Ohio during the preceding month used for adjustment in rent structure under the Penn Master Lease. Number of miles Number Of Miles Number Of Miles Term of contract including all reasonably assured renewal periods (in years) Lessor leasing arrangements, term of contract including all reasonably assured renewal periods Term of the lessor's leasing arrangement, including all reasonably assured renewal periods in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Gaming Taxes Gaming Taxes Gaming Taxes Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimated fair values Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Financial assets: Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Deferred compensation plan assets Deferred compensation plan assets, fair value disclosure Fair value disclosure related to assets held under deferred compensation agreements. Mortgage loans receivable Financial liabilities: Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Long-term debt: Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Senior unsecured credit facility Lines of Credit, Fair Value Disclosure Senior unsecured notes Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] End Of Measurement Period Vesting End Of Measurement Period Vesting [Member] End Of Measurement Period Vesting [Member] Total unrecognized compensation cost Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Remaining weighted average vesting period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Recognized compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Period of total shareholder return upon which the percentage of shares vesting at the end of the measurement period will be based Period of Aggregate Shareholder Return upon which Percentage of Shares Vesting at End of Measurement Period will be Based Represents the period of total shareholder return upon which the percentage of shares vesting at the end of the measurement period will be based. Period of return of the MSCI US REIT index against which total shareholder return measured Period of MSCI US REIT Index Against which Aggregate Shareholder Return Measured Represents the period of return of the MSCI US REIT index against which total shareholder return measured. Percentage of revenues from triple-net leases (at least) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percentage of Revenues From Triple-Net Leases Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percentage of Revenues From Triple-Net Leases Property and Equipment Used in Operations Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Operating cash flows from operating leases (1) Operating Lease, Payments Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Calculation of basic EPS: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Less: Net income allocated to participating securities Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Basic Net income attributable to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Basic EPS (in dollars per share) Calculation of diluted EPS: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net income Diluted EPS (in dollars per share) Anti-dilutive securities, options to purchase common stock outstanding (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Furniture, fixtures, and equipment Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Total property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of future minimum repayments of long-term debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received Income Taxes Paid, Net Cash paid for interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block] Operating Leases, Lease Income Details Operating Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy Revenue [Policy Text Block] Gaming Taxes, Policy Gaming Taxes [Policy Text Block] Gaming Taxes Rental Revenues [Abstract] Rental Revenues [Abstract] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, by Major Property Class [Table] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, by Major Property Class [Table] Base rent income Base Rent Income [Member] Base Rent Income Variable rent income Variable Rent Income [Member] Variable Rent Income Building Building [Member] Land Land [Member] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Total cash rental income Operating Lease, Cash Rent Received Amount of cash rent received from tenants, prior to adjustments for items such as but not limited to straight-line rent. Straight-line rent adjustments Ground rent in revenue Operating Lease, Ground Lease Income Non cash income recognized for ground lease rent paid directly by tenants, as required under ASC 842. Other rental revenue Operating Lease, Other Rental Revenue Operating leases, other rental revenues recognized for rent outside of triple-net tenant agreements. Total rental income Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities, Policy Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Organization Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Table] Organization Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Table] Schedule detailing information related to organization, basis of accounting, or basis of presentation, used to prepare the financial reports of the entity. Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Penn National Gaming Inc Penn National Gaming Inc [Member] Represents information pertaining to Penn National Gaming, Inc. Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. [Member] Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. [Member] Plainridge Park Casino Plainridge Park Casino [Member] Plainridge Park Casino Tropicana Entertainment Inc. Tropicana Entertainment [Member] Tropicana Entertainment [Member] Business and Operations Organization Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Line Items] Consideration paid for acquisition of real estate assets Asset acquisition, consideration transferred Amount of consideration transferred, consisting of acquisition-date fair value of assets transferred by the acquirer, liabilities incurred by the acquirer, and equity interest issued by the acquirer. Number of facilities whose real estate property is Included in entity portfolio Number of Facilities whose Real Estate Property is Included in Entity Portfolio Represents the number of facilities whose real property is included in the entity's portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Number of states across which the portfolio of properties is diversified Number of States in which Entity Operates Real estate, occupancy percentage Real estate, occupancy percentage Represents the occupancy percentage of the real estate properties owned by the entity. Lessee, Leases, Policy Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Cover page. Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Receivables Financing Receivables [Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common stock, shares, outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Components of the Company's Right-of Use Assets and Land Rights, Net Lessee, Operating Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset And Land Rights [Table Text Block] Lessee, Operating Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset And Land Rights [Table Text Block] Schedule of Land Rights, Net Schedule of Land Rights, Net [Table Text Block] Schedule of Land Rights, Net [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Components of Lease Expense Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Impaired Receivables, Policy Impaired Financing Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Intersegment Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] GLP Capital (1) GLP Capital L P [Member] Represents information pertaining to GLP Capital, L.P. TRS Properties TRS Properties [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Company's taxable REIT subsidiary operations, which are also referred as the TRS Properties. Segment information Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Income from operations Interest expense Income before income taxes Capital project expenditures Capital maintenance expenditures Unsecured $1,175 million revolver Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] $1,000 million 4.875% senior unsecured notes due November 2020 Senior Unsecured Notes 4.875 Percent Due 2020 [Member] A contractual arrangement to borrow and repay an amount under the senior unsecured notes at an interest rate of 4.875 percent, maturing in 2020. $400 million 4.375% senior unsecured notes due April 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes 4.375 Percent Due 2021 [Member] A contractual arrangement to borrow and repay an amount under the senior unsecured notes at an interest rate of 4.375 percent, maturing in 2021. $500 million 5.375% senior unsecured notes due November 2023 Senior Unsecured Notes 5.375 Percent Due 2023 [Member] A contractual arrangement to borrow and repay an amount under the senior unsecured notes at an interest rate of 5.375 percent, maturing in 2023. $850 million 5.25% senior unsecured notes due June 2025 Senior Unsecured Notes 5.250 Percent Due 2025 [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes 5.250 Percent Due 2025 [Member] $975 million 5.375% senior unsecured notes due April 2026 Senior Unsecured Notes 5.375 Percent Due 2026 [Member] A contractual arrangement to borrow and repay an amount under the senior unsecured notes at an interest rate of 5.375 percent, maturing in 2026. $500 million 5.75% senior unsecured notes due June 2028 Senior Unsecured Notes 5.750 Percent Due 2028 [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes 5.750 Percent Due 2028 $750 million 5.30% senior unsecured notes due January 2029 Senior Unsecured Notes 5.300 Percent Due 2029 [Member] Senior Unsecured Notes 5.300 Percent Due 2029 Finance lease liability Finance Lease, Liability Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Total long-term debt Less: unamortized debt issuance costs, bond premiums and original issuance discounts Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Total long-term debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs, bond premiums and original issuance discounts Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Right-of use assets - operating leases Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets Excluding Land Rights [Member] Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets Excluding Land Rights [Member] Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information and Noncash Activities Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] GLP Capital, L.P. GLP Capital, L.P. [Member] GLP Capital, L.P. [Member] GLP Financing II, Inc. GLP Financing II, Inc. [Member] GLP Financing II, Inc. [Member] Ownership percentage of subsidiaries Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Assets Intercompany loan receivable Intercompany Loan Receivable Represents the amount of intercompany loan receivable during the reporting period. Intercompany transactions and investment in subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Intercompany loan payable Intercompany Loan Payable Represents the amount of intercompany loan payable during the reporting period. Schedule of estimated fair values of financial instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Supplementary Condensed Consolidating Financial Information of Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuers Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted average discount rate - operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition [Text Block] Revenue Recognition [Text Block]