| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 25, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 25, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001564902 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-35883 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 27-1220297 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 6240 Sea Harbor Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Orlando |
| Entity Address, State or Province | FL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 32821 |
| City Area Code | 407 |
| Local Phone Number | 226-5011 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of each class | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol(s) | SEAS |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | NYSE |
