text: In 2004, there were no material unusual property transactions. In 2003 the 
  Company sold 315 acres of land in North Las Vegas, Nevada near Shadow Creek 
  for approximately $55 million, which resulted in a pretax gain of approximately 
  $37 million. Also in 2003, the Company recorded write-downs and impairments of 
  assets abandoned or replaced with new construction, primarily at MGM Grand Las 
  Vegas in preparation for new restaurants and the new theatre. Prior to 2003, the 
  Company classified gains and losses on routine asset sales or disposals as a 
  non-operating item at some resorts and as an operating item at other resorts. 
  Management believes the preferable presentation of these items is as an element of 
  operating income. Prior period statements have not been reclassified as such 
  transactions were not material in the prior periods. Until 2003, demolition costs 
  were typically capitalized as part of new construction. The Company began 
  expensing demolition costs on major construction projects as incurred on January 1, 
  2003, and is accounting for this change in policy prospectively. Demolition costs 
  were not material in prior periods. Demolition costs in 2004 and 2003 relate 
  primarily to preparation for the Bellagio standard room remodel, Bellagio expansion 
  and new theatre at MGM Grand Las Vegas. 