Life Time Fitness 10-Q 29 Apr 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 18, 2014
Nonprinting Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Life Time Fitness, Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001076195	'
Trading Symbol	'LTM	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	40,870,982

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$12,540	$8,334
Accounts receivable, net	12,114	8,298
Center operating supplies and inventories	33,495	32,778
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	32,330	25,802
Deferred membership origination costs	9,549	9,945
Deferred income taxes	3,644	6,881
Income tax receivable	0	6,698
Total current assets	103,672	98,736
Property and equipment, net	2,147,753	2,105,077
Restricted cash	1,137	850
Deferred membership origination costs	4,980	5,210
Goodwill	59,195	49,195
Intangible assets, net	34,783	29,299
Other assets	42,370	42,684
Total assets	2,393,890	2,331,051
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	27,095	24,505
Accounts payable	29,082	28,645
Construction accounts payable	39,116	47,342
Accrued expenses	73,117	67,435
Deferred revenue	45,198	35,032
Total current liabilities	213,608	202,959
Long-term debt, net of current portion	902,023	824,093
Deferred rent liability	33,070	28,933
Deferred income taxes	97,423	100,504
Deferred revenue	5,013	5,246
Other liabilities	21,278	21,287
Total liabilities	1,272,415	1,183,022
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Undesignated preferred stock, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $.02 par value, 75,000,000 shares authorized; 41,277,944 and 42,115,549 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	826	843
Additional paid-in capital	347,964	402,147
Retained earnings	778,969	750,654
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-6,284	-5,615
Total shareholders’ equity	1,121,475	1,148,029
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$2,393,890	$2,331,051

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Undesignated preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Undesignated preferred stock issued (shares)	0	0
Undesignated preferred stock outstanding (shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$0.02	$0.02
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued (shares)	41,277,944	42,115,549
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding (shares)	41,277,944	42,115,549

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenue:	'	'
Membership dues	$196,815	$186,374
Enrollment fees	3,123	3,396
In-center revenue	98,405	91,971
Total center revenue	298,343	281,741
Other revenue	13,612	9,006
Total revenue	311,955	290,747
Operating expenses:	'	'
Center operations	183,118	169,962
Advertising and marketing	12,339	10,959
General and administrative	15,864	15,356
Other operating	14,422	12,834
Depreciation and amortization	32,138	29,262
Total operating expenses	257,881	238,373
Income from operations	54,074	52,374
Other income (expense):	'	'
Interest expense, net of interest income	-7,851	-6,129
Equity in earnings of affiliate	297	346
Total other expense	-7,554	-5,783
Income before income taxes	46,520	46,591
Provision for income taxes	18,205	18,490
Net income	$28,315	$28,101
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.70	$0.68
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.69	$0.67
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic (shares)	40,603	41,295
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted (shares)	40,870	41,646

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$28,315	$28,101
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax benefit of $609 and $385, respectively	-884	-584
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, net of income taxes of $(143) and $(214), respectively	215	321
Other comprehensive loss, net of income tax:	-669	-263
Comprehensive income	$27,646	$27,838

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	$609	$385
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, tax	($143)	($214)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$28,315	$28,101
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	32,138	29,262
Deferred income taxes	-77	4,582
Gain on disposal of property and equipment, net	-416	-228
Amortization of deferred financing costs	577	505
Share-based compensation	3,286	2,830
Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation	-846	-4,657
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	14,889	16,645
Other	-206	-809
Net cash provided by operating activities	77,660	76,231
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-82,826	-59,145
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-12,400	0
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	447	555
Proceeds from property insurance settlements	0	121
Increase in other assets	-33	-730
Increase in restricted cash	-287	-275
Net cash used in investing activities	-95,099	-59,474
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	80,000	75,000
Repayments of long-term borrowings	-4,909	-1,696
Proceeds from (repayments of) credit facility, net	5,300	-78,400
Increase in deferred financing costs	-947	-465
Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation	846	4,657
Proceeds from stock option exercises	2,139	872
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	483	414
Stock purchased for employee stock purchase plan	-701	-569
Repurchases of common stock	-60,498	-19,349
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	21,713	-19,536
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-68	-26
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,206	-2,805
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period	8,334	16,499
Cash and cash equivalents – end of period	$12,540	$13,694

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to fairly present our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods have been included.
	These interim consolidated financial statements and the related notes should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements and notes included in the latest Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which includes audited consolidated financial statements for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2013.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	Stock Option and Incentive Plans
	We have three share-based compensation plans: the Amended and Restated Life Time Fitness, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”); the Life Time Fitness, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), collectively, the share-based compensation plans. We no longer make grants under the 2004 Plan. There are 2,500,000 shares of common stock reserved for grant under the 2011 Plan and, as of March 31, 2014, there were 933,817 shares available for grant. The types of awards that may be granted under the 2011 Plan include incentive and non-qualified options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance awards and other types of share-based awards.
	As of March 31, 2014, we had granted a total of 1,929,665 options to purchase common stock under all of the share-based compensation plans, of which options to purchase 98,954 shares were outstanding and vested, and a total of 5,132,304 restricted shares were granted, of which 1,440,460 restricted shares were outstanding and unvested. We use the term “restricted shares” to define unvested shares granted to employees and non-employee directors. We use the term "vest" to define the lapse of vesting restrictions on restricted shares.
	Total share-based compensation expense included in our consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, was as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014				2013
	Share-based compensation expense related to restricted shares	$	3,256			$	2,800
	Share-based compensation expense related to ESPP	30				30
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	3,286			$	2,830
	Summary of Restricted Stock Activity
		Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,429,730			$44.19
	Granted	391,733			$44.38
	Canceled	(91,013	)		$45.30
	Vested	(289,990	)		$40.31
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	1,440,460			$44.95
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we issued 391,733 and 328,550 shares of restricted stock, respectively, with an aggregate grant date fair value of $17.4 million and $13.8 million, respectively. The grant date fair value of restricted shares that vested during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $11.7 million and $20.1 million, respectively. The total value of each restricted stock grant, based on the fair value of the stock on the date of grant, is amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the related vesting period. As of March 31, 2014, there was $35.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock that is expected to vest. We plan to recognize this amount over a weighted average period of 2.9 years.
	Special 2012 Long-Term Performance-Based Restricted Stock Grant
	In May, July and August 2012, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors approved the grant of a total of 658,500 shares of long-term performance-based restricted stock to serve as an incentive to our senior management team to achieve certain cumulative diluted earnings per share ("EPS") and return on invested capital ("ROIC") targets during performance periods that end on December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016. On March 31, 2014, 576,500 shares remained outstanding under this grant.
	The Compensation Committee set the cumulative diluted EPS targets at 1.5 times the compound annual growth rate under our then-current long range plan and the ROIC targets at 1.1 times the ROIC under our then-current long range plan. The following are the performance metrics underlying the targets:
		Cumulative Diluted EPS						ROIC
		Measurement Period		EPS Target				Measurement Period		ROIC Target
	2015 Performance Period	4/1/12						1/1/15
	50% vest if we achieve both performance targets	through						through
		12/31/15		$	13.68			12/31/15		8.9	%
	2016 Performance Period	4/1/12						1/1/16
	All/remaining vest if we achieve both performance targets	through						through
		12/31/16		$	18.96			12/31/16		9	%
	A maximum of $26.5 million could be recognized as compensation expense under this grant if all cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC targets are met. We do not believe that achievement of either the cumulative diluted EPS or the ROIC targets is currently probable, and, therefore, we have not recognized any compensation expense associated with the grant.
	If it becomes probable that the cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC performance targets will be achieved, a cumulative adjustment will be recorded and the remaining compensation expense will be recognized over the remaining performance period. If all of the targets had been considered probable at March 31, 2014, we would have recognized $12.3 million of non-cash performance share-based compensation expense during the period ended March 31, 2014. The probability of reaching the targets is evaluated each reporting period. If we later determined that it is no longer probable that the minimum cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC performance targets for the grants will be met, no further compensation expense would be recognized and any previously recognized compensation expense would be reversed. In the event that we do not achieve the specified cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC targets for the performance period ending December 31, 2016, the restricted shares will be forfeited. None of these shares were included in our total diluted share count at March 31, 2014 or 2013.
	Summary of Stock Option Activity
		Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	215,668			$25.64		1.1		$4,616
	Exercised	(111,675	)		$19.16
	Canceled	(5,039	)		$44.66
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	98,954			$31.99		1.4		$1,601
	Vested at March 31, 2014	98,954			$31.99		1.4		$1,601
	No stock options have been granted since 2007. As of March 31, 2014, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options.
	The aggregate intrinsic values in the table above represent the total pretax intrinsic values (the differences between our closing stock price and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on that date. This amount changes based on the fair market value of our stock. Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $3.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
	Our net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options were $2.1 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The excess income tax benefit realized from stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting was $0.8 million and $4.7 million, respectively, for those same periods. In accordance with the related accounting guidance, this tax benefit is presented as a financing cash inflow. There is a corresponding cash outflow included in cash flows from operating activities.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	Our ESPP provides for the sale of up to 1,500,000 shares of our common stock to our employees at discounted purchase prices. The cost per share under this plan is 90% of the fair market value of our common stock on the last day of the purchase period, as defined. The current purchase period for employees under the ESPP began January 1, 2014 and ends June 30, 2014. Compensation expense under the ESPP is estimated based on the discount of 10% at the end of the purchase period. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, $0.5 million was withheld from employees for the purpose of purchasing shares under the ESPP. There were 1,245,581 shares of common stock available for purchase under the ESPP as of March 31, 2014.
	Share Repurchase Plans
	In June 2006, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of our common stock from time to time in the open market or otherwise for the primary purpose of offsetting the dilutive effect of shares issued under our ESPP. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we repurchased 15,146 shares under this authorization for approximately $0.7 million. As of March 31, 2014, there were 245,581 remaining shares authorized to be repurchased for this purpose.
	In August 2013, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common stock from time to time through open market or privately negotiated transactions. The authorization to repurchase shares terminates when the aggregate repurchase amount totals $200.0 million or at the close of business on August 16, 2015, whichever occurs first. The share repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares of our common stock and the program may be extended, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we repurchased 1,250,000 shares under this program for approximately $60.5 million. As of March 31, 2014, $108.5 million remained authorized under this program.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per Share	'
	Earnings per Share
	Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for each year. Diluted EPS is computed similarly to basic EPS, except that the denominator is increased for the conversion of any dilutive common stock equivalents, the assumed exercise of dilutive stock options using the treasury stock method and unvested restricted stock awards using the treasury stock method. Stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because the option exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common share were 15,540 and 20,037 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The basic and diluted EPS calculations are shown below:
		For the Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Net income	$	28,315	$	28,101
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic	40,603		41,295
	Effect of dilutive stock options	19		93
	Effect of dilutive restricted stock awards	248		258
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted	40,870		41,646
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.7	$	0.68
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.69	$	0.67

Operating_Segment

Operating Segment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reportable Segment	'
		Operating Segment
	Our operations are conducted mainly through our distinctive and large, multi-use sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and spa centers in a resort-like environment. We aggregate the activities of our centers and other ancillary products and services into one reportable segment. Each of the centers has similar economic characteristics, services, product offerings and customers, and in-center revenues are derived primarily from services to our members. Each of the other ancillary products and services either directly or indirectly, through advertising or branding, complement the operations of the centers. Our chief operating decision maker uses EBITDA as the primary measure of operating segment performance. Our chief operating decision maker is our Chief Executive Officer.
	The following table presents revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		For the Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Membership dues	$	196,815	$	186,374
	Enrollment fees	3,123		3,396
	Personal training	48,883		46,014
	Other in-center revenue	49,522		45,957
	Total center revenue	298,343		281,741
	Other revenue	13,612		9,006
	Total revenue	$	311,955	$	290,747

Supplementary_Cash_Flow_Inform

Supplementary Cash Flow Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplementary Cash Flow Information	'
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	Decreases (increases) in operating assets and increases (decreases) in operating liabilities are as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Accounts receivable, net	$	(3,943	)	$	794
	Center operating supplies and inventories	(724		)	(1,899		)
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(5,539		)	(2,146		)
	Deferred membership origination costs	626			602
	Income tax receivable	6,698			—
	Accounts payable	684			2,723
	Accrued expenses	6,513			8,921
	Deferred revenue	6,336			6,543
	Deferred rent liability	4,150			641
	Other liabilities	88			466
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities	$	14,889		$	16,645
	We made cash payments for income taxes of $1.3 million and $8.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	We made cash payments for interest, net of capitalized interest, of $7.1 million and $5.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Capitalized interest was $0.8 million and $0.5 million for the same periods.
	Construction accounts payable was $39.1 million and $34.9 million at March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Litigation — We are engaged in proceedings incidental to the normal course of business. Due to their nature, such legal proceedings involve inherent uncertainties, including but not limited to court rulings, negotiations between affected parties and governmental intervention. We have established reserves for matters that are probable and estimable in amounts we believe are adequate to cover reasonable adverse judgments not covered by insurance. These reserves are not material to our consolidated financial statements. Based upon the information available to us and discussions with legal counsel, it is our opinion that the outcome of the various legal actions and claims that are incidental to our business will not have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties, and the outcome of individual matters are not predictable with assurance.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	Derivative Instruments
	As part of our financial risk management program, we may periodically use interest rate swaps to manage known market exposures. Terms of derivative instruments are structured to match the terms of the risk being managed and are generally held to maturity.
	In August 2011, we entered into an interest rate swap contract that effectively fixed the rates paid on a total of $200.0 million of variable rate borrowings at 1.32% plus the applicable spread (which depends on our EBITDAR leverage ratio) until June 2016. EBITDAR is a non-GAAP, non-cash measure which consists of net income plus interest expense, net, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization and rent expense. We pay 1.32% and receive LIBOR on the notional amount of $200.0 million. The contract has been designated a cash flow hedge against interest rate volatility. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, changes in the fair value of the swap contract are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax. As of March 31, 2014, the $2.0 million fair value loss, net of tax, of the swap contract was recorded as accumulated other comprehensive loss in the shareholders' equity section of our consolidated balance sheets and the $3.4 million gross fair value of the swap contract was included in long-term debt.
	On an ongoing basis, we assess whether the interest rate swap used in this hedging transaction is “highly effective” in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flow of the hedged item by comparing the current terms of the swap and the debt to assure they continue to coincide and through an evaluation of the continued ability of the counterparty to the swap to honor its obligations under the swap. No ineffectiveness was experienced in the interest rate swap during the three months ended March 31, 2014. If it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or hedge accounting is discontinued, any change in fair value of the derivative since the last date at which it was determined to be effective would be recognized in earnings.
	For more information on the swap contract, see Notes 8 and 9.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The accounting guidance establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. The guidance applies to all assets and liabilities that are measured and reported on a fair value basis. This enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements by establishing a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The guidance requires that each asset and liability carried at fair value be classified into one of the following categories:
	Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
	Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis
	The fair value of the interest rate swap is determined using observable current market information such as the prevailing Eurodollar interest rates, Eurodollar yield curve rates and current fair values as quoted by recognized dealers, and also includes consideration of counterparty credit risk. The following table presents the fair value of our derivative financial instrument as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
				Fair Value Measurements Using:
				Quoted Prices in	Significant		Significant
		Total		Active Markets for	Other Observable		Unobservable
		Fair		Identical Assets	Inputs		Inputs
		Value		(Level 1)	(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Interest rate swap liability as of
	31-Mar-14	$3,400		$—	$3,400		$—
	Interest rate swap liability as of
	December 31, 2013	$3,762		$—	$3,762		$—
	Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis
	Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis relate primarily to our tangible fixed assets, goodwill and intangible assets, which are remeasured when the derived fair value is below carrying value on our consolidated balance sheets. For these assets, we do not periodically adjust carrying value to fair value except in the event of impairment. If we determine that impairment has occurred, the carrying value of the asset would be reduced to fair value and the difference would be recorded as a loss within operating income in our consolidated statements of operations.
	We had no remeasurements of such assets or liabilities to fair value during the three months ended March 31, 2014 or March 31, 2013.
	Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value
	The carrying amounts related to cash and cash equivalents (Level 1), accounts receivable, income tax receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the relatively short maturities of such instruments.
	The fair value of our long-term debt and capital leases are estimated based on estimated current rates for debt with similar terms, credit worthiness and the same remaining maturities. For variable rate loans that re-price frequently, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated based on the discounted cash flows of the loans using current market rates, which are estimated based on recent financing transactions (Level 3). The fair value estimates presented are based on information available to us as of March 31, 2014. These fair value estimates have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these consolidated financial statements since that date, and current estimates of fair values may differ significantly.
	The following table presents the carrying value and the estimated fair value of long-term debt:
		March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Estimated Fair Value			Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value
	Fixed-rate debt	$	564,506		$	569,344		$	487,556	$	488,441
	Obligations under capital leases	14,843			15,044			14,965		15,150
	Floating-rate debt	349,769			349,769			346,077		346,077
	Total	$	929,118		$	934,157		$	848,598	$	849,668

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component	'
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component
	The following table presents information about accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component (net of tax):
		Gains (Losses) on Cash Flows Hedge			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(2,257	)	$	(3,358	)	$	(5,615	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	215			(884		)	(669		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	(2,042	)	$	(4,242	)	$	(6,284	)

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	In January 2014, a wholly owned subsidiary obtained a mortgage loan in the original principal amount of $80.0 million from Well Fargo Bank, N.A. pursuant to a promissory note and related agreements dated January 28, 2014. The mortgage financing is secured by mortgages on five properties and matures in March 2023. Interest on the amounts borrowed is 5.06% per annum, with a constant monthly debt service payment of $0.5 million.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The change in the gross amounts of goodwill and intangible assets are as follows:
		Goodwill		Intangible Assets
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	49,195	$	33,978
	Acquisitions	10,000		6,000
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	59,195	$	39,978
	The goodwill and trade/brand names acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2014 are related to the acquisition of certain athletic events. We are currently in the process of finalizing the valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
	At March 31, 2014, intangible assets consisted of the following:
		Gross		Accumulated Amortization		Net
	Leasehold rights	$	6,392	$	1,545	$	4,847
	Trade/brand names	21,479		1,137		20,342
	Curriculum- and technology-based intangibles	6,695		1,431		5,264
	Customer relationships	5,412		1,082		4,330
	Total intangible assets	$	39,978	$	5,195	$	34,783
	Amortization expense for intangible assets was $0.5 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

Basis_of_Presentation_Basis_of

Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Stock Option and Incentive Plans	'
	The total value of each restricted stock grant, based on the fair value of the stock on the date of grant, is amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the related vesting period.
	The probability of reaching the targets is evaluated each reporting period. If we later determined that it is no longer probable that the minimum cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC performance targets for the grants will be met, no further compensation expense would be recognized and any previously recognized compensation expense would be reversed.
	We use the term “restricted shares” to define unvested shares granted to employees and non-employee directors. We use the term "vest" to define the lapse of vesting restrictions on restricted shares.
	If it becomes probable that the cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC performance targets will be achieved, a cumulative adjustment will be recorded and the remaining compensation expense will be recognized over the remaining performance period.
	The types of awards that may be granted under the 2011 Plan include incentive and non-qualified options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance awards and other types of share-based awards.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for each year. Diluted EPS is computed similarly to basic EPS, except that the denominator is increased for the conversion of any dilutive common stock equivalents, the assumed exercise of dilutive stock options using the treasury stock method and unvested restricted stock awards using the treasury stock method.
Operating Segment	'
	Our operations are conducted mainly through our distinctive and large, multi-use sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and spa centers in a resort-like environment. We aggregate the activities of our centers and other ancillary products and services into one reportable segment. Each of the centers has similar economic characteristics, services, product offerings and customers, and in-center revenues are derived primarily from services to our members. Each of the other ancillary products and services either directly or indirectly, through advertising or branding, complement the operations of the centers. Our chief operating decision maker uses EBITDA as the primary measure of operating segment performance. Our chief operating decision maker is our Chief Executive Officer.
Commitments and contingencies	'
	Litigation — We are engaged in proceedings incidental to the normal course of business. Due to their nature, such legal proceedings involve inherent uncertainties, including but not limited to court rulings, negotiations between affected parties and governmental intervention. We have established reserves for matters that are probable and estimable in amounts we believe are adequate to cover reasonable adverse judgments not covered by insurance.
Derivatives	'
	On an ongoing basis, we assess whether the interest rate swap used in this hedging transaction is “highly effective” in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flow of the hedged item by comparing the current terms of the swap and the debt to assure they continue to coincide and through an evaluation of the continued ability of the counterparty to the swap to honor its obligations under the swap. No ineffectiveness was experienced in the interest rate swap during the three months ended March 31, 2014. If it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or hedge accounting is discontinued, any change in fair value of the derivative since the last date at which it was determined to be effective would be recognized in earnings.
	For more information on the swap contract, see Notes 8 and 9.
	As part of our financial risk management program, we may periodically use interest rate swaps to manage known market exposures. Terms of derivative instruments are structured to match the terms of the risk being managed and are generally held to maturity.
	In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, changes in the fair value of the swap contract are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	The accounting guidance establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. The guidance applies to all assets and liabilities that are measured and reported on a fair value basis. This enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements by establishing a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The guidance requires that each asset and liability carried at fair value be classified into one of the following categories:
	Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
	Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis
	The fair value of the interest rate swap is determined using observable current market information such as the prevailing Eurodollar interest rates, Eurodollar yield curve rates and current fair values as quoted by recognized dealers, and also includes consideration of counterparty credit risk. The following table presents the fair value of our derivative financial instrument as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
			Fair Value Measurements Using:
			Quoted Prices in	Significant	Significant
		Total	Active Markets for	Other Observable	Unobservable
		Fair	Identical Assets	Inputs	Inputs
		Value	(Level 1)	(Level 2)	(Level 3)
	Interest rate swap liability as of
	31-Mar-14	$3,400	$—	$3,400	$—
	Interest rate swap liability as of
	December 31, 2013	$3,762	$—	$3,762	$—
	Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis
	Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis relate primarily to our tangible fixed assets, goodwill and intangible assets, which are remeasured when the derived fair value is below carrying value on our consolidated balance sheets. For these assets, we do not periodically adjust carrying value to fair value except in the event of impairment. If we determine that impairment has occurred, the carrying value of the asset would be reduced to fair value and the difference would be recorded as a loss within operating income in our consolidated statements of operations.
	We had no remeasurements of such assets or liabilities to fair value during the three months ended March 31, 2014 or March 31, 2013.
	Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value
	The carrying amounts related to cash and cash equivalents (Level 1), accounts receivable, income tax receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the relatively short maturities of such instruments.
	The fair value of our long-term debt and capital leases are estimated based on estimated current rates for debt with similar terms, credit worthiness and the same remaining maturities. For variable rate loans that re-price frequently, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated based on the discounted cash flows of the loans using current market rates, which are estimated based on recent financing transactions (Level 3). The fair value estimates presented are based on information available to us as of March 31, 2014. These fair value estimates have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these consolidated financial statements since that date, and current estimates of fair values may differ significantly.

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Total Share-Based Compensation Expense Included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations	'
	Total share-based compensation expense included in our consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, was as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014				2013
	Share-based compensation expense related to restricted shares	$	3,256			$	2,800
	Share-based compensation expense related to ESPP	30				30
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	3,286			$	2,830
Summary of Restricted Stock Activity	'
	Summary of Restricted Stock Activity
		Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,429,730			$44.19
	Granted	391,733			$44.38
	Canceled	(91,013	)		$45.30
	Vested	(289,990	)		$40.31
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	1,440,460			$44.95
Performance Shares Award Measurement Target Metrics	'
	The following are the performance metrics underlying the targets:
		Cumulative Diluted EPS						ROIC
		Measurement Period		EPS Target				Measurement Period		ROIC Target
	2015 Performance Period	4/1/12						1/1/15
	50% vest if we achieve both performance targets	through						through
		12/31/15		$	13.68			12/31/15		8.9	%
	2016 Performance Period	4/1/12						1/1/16
	All/remaining vest if we achieve both performance targets	through						through
		12/31/16		$	18.96			12/31/16		9	%
Summary of Stock Option Activity	'
	Summary of Stock Option Activity
		Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	215,668			$25.64		1.1		$4,616
	Exercised	(111,675	)		$19.16
	Canceled	(5,039	)		$44.66
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	98,954			$31.99		1.4		$1,601
	Vested at March 31, 2014	98,954			$31.99		1.4		$1,601

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The basic and diluted EPS calculations are shown below:
		For the Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Net income	$	28,315	$	28,101
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic	40,603		41,295
	Effect of dilutive stock options	19		93
	Effect of dilutive restricted stock awards	248		258
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted	40,870		41,646
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.7	$	0.68
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.69	$	0.67

Operating_Segment_Tables

Operating Segment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services	'
	The following table presents revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		For the Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Membership dues	$	196,815	$	186,374
	Enrollment fees	3,123		3,396
	Personal training	48,883		46,014
	Other in-center revenue	49,522		45,957
	Total center revenue	298,343		281,741
	Other revenue	13,612		9,006
	Total revenue	$	311,955	$	290,747

Supplementary_Cash_Flow_Inform1

Supplementary Cash Flow Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Decreases (Increases) in Operating Assets and Increases (Decreases) in Operating Liabilities	'
	Decreases (increases) in operating assets and increases (decreases) in operating liabilities are as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Accounts receivable, net	$	(3,943	)	$	794
	Center operating supplies and inventories	(724		)	(1,899		)
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(5,539		)	(2,146		)
	Deferred membership origination costs	626			602
	Income tax receivable	6,698			—
	Accounts payable	684			2,723
	Accrued expenses	6,513			8,921
	Deferred revenue	6,336			6,543
	Deferred rent liability	4,150			641
	Other liabilities	88			466
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities	$	14,889		$	16,645

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instrument	'
	The following table presents the fair value of our derivative financial instrument as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
				Fair Value Measurements Using:
				Quoted Prices in	Significant		Significant
		Total		Active Markets for	Other Observable		Unobservable
		Fair		Identical Assets	Inputs		Inputs
		Value		(Level 1)	(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Interest rate swap liability as of
	31-Mar-14	$3,400		$—	$3,400		$—
	Interest rate swap liability as of
	December 31, 2013	$3,762		$—	$3,762		$—
Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Liabilities	'
	The following table presents the carrying value and the estimated fair value of long-term debt:
		March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Estimated Fair Value			Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value
	Fixed-rate debt	$	564,506		$	569,344		$	487,556	$	488,441
	Obligations under capital leases	14,843			15,044			14,965		15,150
	Floating-rate debt	349,769			349,769			346,077		346,077
	Total	$	929,118		$	934,157		$	848,598	$	849,668

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C1

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The following table presents information about accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component (net of tax):
		Gains (Losses) on Cash Flows Hedge			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(2,257	)	$	(3,358	)	$	(5,615	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	215			(884		)	(669		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	(2,042	)	$	(4,242	)	$	(6,284	)

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Changes In Goodwill	'
	The change in the gross amounts of goodwill and intangible assets are as follows:
		Goodwill		Intangible Assets
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	49,195	$	33,978
	Acquisitions	10,000		6,000
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	59,195	$	39,978
Schedule Of Carrying Value Of Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill	'
	At March 31, 2014, intangible assets consisted of the following:
		Gross		Accumulated Amortization		Net
	Leasehold rights	$	6,392	$	1,545	$	4,847
	Trade/brand names	21,479		1,137		20,342
	Curriculum- and technology-based intangibles	6,695		1,431		5,264
	Customer relationships	5,412		1,082		4,330
	Total intangible assets	$	39,978	$	5,195	$	34,783

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	share_based_compensation_plan
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of share-based compensation plans (plans)	3	'	'
Common stock reserved for grant (shares)	2,500,000	'	'
Common stock available for grant (shares)	933,817	'	'
Options to purchase common stock granted under the share-based compensation plans to date (shares)	1,929,665	'	'
Options outstanding (shares)	98,954	'	215,668
Share-based compensation	$3,286	$2,830	'
Restricted Stock	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restricted shares granted (shares)	5,132,304	'	'
Nonvested stock outstanding (shares)	1,440,460	'	1,429,730
Share-based compensation	3,256	2,800	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	$30	$30	'

Summary_of_Restricted_Stock_Ac

Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			4 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2012
	Restricted Stock	Restricted Stock	Performance Based Restricted Stock	Performance Based Restricted Stock
Shares	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	1,429,730	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	391,733	328,550	'	658,500
Canceled (in shares)	-91,013	'	'	'
Vested (in shares)	-289,990	'	'	'
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	1,440,460	'	576,500	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$44.19	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$44.38	'	'	'
Canceled (in dollars per share)	$45.30	'	'	'
Vested (in dollars per share)	$40.31	'	'	'
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$44.95	'	'	'
Equity instruments other than options - aggregate fair value of grant during period	$17.40	$13.80	'	'
Equity instruments other than options - vested in period	11.7	20.1	'	'
Unrecognized compensation expense	35.3	'	26.5	'
Unrecognized compensation, weighted average period of recognition	'2 years 10 months 24 days	'	'	'
The number times the compound annual growth rate under current long rang plan for the earning per share target.	'	'	1.5	'
The number times the return on invested capital for the return on invested capital target	'	'	1.1	'
Additional share based compensation expense recognized at balance sheet date if all performance targets were probable at balance sheet date	'	'	$12.30	'

Summary_of_Stock_Option_Activi

Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 01, 2006	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
				Employee Stock Purchase Plan	Employee Stock Purchase Plan	2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member]	2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	215,668	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	-111,675	'	'	'	'	'	'
Canceled (in shares)	-5,039	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	98,954	'	215,668	'	'	'	'
Vested at period end (in shares)	98,954	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$25.64	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$19.16	'	'	'	'	'	'
Canceled (in dollars per share)	$44.66	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$31.99	'	$25.64	'	'	'	'
Vested at end of period (in dollars per share)	$31.99	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term In Years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	'1 year 4 months 24 days	'	'1 year 1 month 6 days	'	'	'	'
Vested at end of period (in years)	'1 year 4 months 24 days	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars)	$4,616,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars)	1,601,000	'	4,616,000	'	'	'	'
Vested at end of period (in dollars)	1,601,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised (in dollars)	3,200,000	900,000	'	'	'	'	'
Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options (in dollars)	2,139,000	872,000	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements (in dollars)	846,000	4,657,000	'	'	'	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum ESPP common stock shares that can be sold to employees (shares)	'	'	'	1,500,000	'	'	'
Percentage of fair market value cost per share under the plan (percent)	'	'	'	90.00%	'	'	'
Discount percentage under the plan (percent)	'	'	'	10.00%	'	'	'
Employee withholding for the purchase of shares (in dollars)	'	'	'	500,000	'	'	'
ESPP common stock available for purchase (shares)	'	'	'	1,245,581	'	'	'
Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of common stock (shares)	'	'	'	'	500,000	'	'
Share repurchases (shares)	'	'	'	15,146	'	'	1,250,000
Value of shares repurchased (in dollars)	'	'	'	700,000	'	'	60,500,000
Remaining shares authorized for repurchase (shares)	'	'	'	245,581	'	'	'
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount (in dollars)	'	'	'	'	'	$200,000,000	$108,500,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Perfor

Share-Based Compensation Performance Metrics Table (Details) (Performance Shares, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
April 1, 2012 Through 2015 | 2015 Performance Period	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Cumulative Diluted Earnings Per Share, Target Earnings Per Share	$13.68
2015 Member | 2015 Performance Period	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Return on Invested Capital, Target Earnings Per Share	8.90%
April 1, 2012 Through 2016 | 2016 Performance Period	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Cumulative Diluted Earnings Per Share, Target Earnings Per Share	$18.96
2016 Member | 2016 Performance Period	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Return on Invested Capital, Target Earnings Per Share	9.00%

Earnings_per_Share_Additional_

Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (Stock Options)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Stock Options	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS (shares)	15,540	20,037

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_Per

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Calculations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]	'	'
Net income	$28,315	$28,101
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (shares)	40,603	41,295
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (shares)	40,870	41,646
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.70	$0.68
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.69	$0.67
Stock Options	'	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]	'	'
Effect of dilutive share based compensation (shares)	19	93
Restricted Stock	'	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]	'	'
Effect of dilutive share based compensation (shares)	248	258

Operating_Segment_Details

Operating Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Membership dues	$196,815	$186,374
Enrollment fees	3,123	3,396
Other in-center revenue	98,405	91,971
Total center revenue	298,343	281,741
Other revenue	13,612	9,006
Total revenue	311,955	290,747
Personal Training	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Other in-center revenue	48,883	46,014
Other in-center revenue	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'
Other in-center revenue	$49,522	$45,957

Supplementary_Cash_Flow_Inform2

Supplementary Cash Flow Information- Decreases (Increases) in Operating Assets and Increases (Decreases) in Operating Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	($3,943)	$794
Center operating supplies and inventories	-724	-1,899
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-5,539	-2,146
Deferred membership origination costs	626	602
Income tax receivable	6,698	0
Accounts payable	684	2,723
Accrued expenses	6,513	8,921
Deferred revenue	6,336	6,543
Deferred rent liability	4,150	641
Other liabilities	88	466
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	$14,889	$16,645

Supplementary_Cash_Flow_Inform3

Supplementary Cash Flow Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Cash payments for income taxes	$1,300,000	$8,900,000	'
Cash payments for interest, net of capitalized interest	7,100,000	5,100,000	'
Capitalized interest	800,000	500,000	'
Construction accounts payable	$39,116,000	$34,900,000	$47,342,000

Derivative_Instruments_Details

Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2011
			Interest Rate Swap	Interest Rate Swap
				Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, notional amount	'	'	$200,000,000	'
Derivative, fixed interest rate (in percent)	'	'	'	1.32%
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-2,000,000	'	'	'
Fair market value of swap contract	$3,400,000	$3,762,000	'	'

Carrying_Value_and_Estimated_F

Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair market value of swap contract	$3,400	$3,762
Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed-rate debt	564,506	487,556
Obligations under capital leases	14,843	14,965
Floating-rate debt	349,769	346,077
Total	929,118	848,598
Estimated Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed-rate debt	569,344	488,441
Obligations under capital leases	15,044	15,150
Floating-rate debt	349,769	346,077
Total	934,157	849,668
(Level 1)	'	'
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair market value of swap contract	0	0
(Level 2)	'	'
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair market value of swap contract	3,400	3,762
(Level 3)	'	'
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair market value of swap contract	$0	$0

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C2

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	($5,615)	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-669	-263
Balance at March 31, 2014	-6,284	'
Gains (Losses) on Cash Flows Hedge	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	-2,257	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	215	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	-2,042	'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	-3,358	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-884	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	-4,242	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	-5,615	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-669	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	($6,284)	'

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_De

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
	properties
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'	'
Face amount	'	$80,000,000
Number of centers financed through debt (properties)	5	'
Stated interest rate (percent)	5.06%	'
Periodic payment	$500,000	'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	$49,195
Acquisitions	10,000
Balance at March 31, 2014	59,195
Intangible Assets	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	33,978
Acquisitions	6,000
Balance at March 31, 2014	$39,978

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets- Schedule Of Carrying Value of Intangible Assets, Excluding Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Carrying Value Of Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Gross	$39,978
Accumulated Amortization	5,195
Net	34,783
Leasehold rights	'
Schedule Of Carrying Value Of Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Gross	6,392
Accumulated Amortization	1,545
Net	4,847
Trade/brand names	'
Schedule Of Carrying Value Of Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Gross	21,479
Accumulated Amortization	1,137
Net	20,342
Curriculum- and technology-based intangibles	'
Schedule Of Carrying Value Of Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Gross	6,695
Accumulated Amortization	1,431
Net	5,264
Customer relationships	'
Schedule Of Carrying Value Of Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Gross	5,412
Accumulated Amortization	1,082
Net	$4,330

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets-Intangible Assets- Text (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$0.50	$0.50