Planet Fitness (PLNT) 10-K 1 Mar 19 2018 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 22, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	PLNT
Entity Registrant Name	PLANET FITNESS, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,637,207
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 3.9
Class A Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		83,600,812
Class B Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		9,441,730

Consolidated balance sheets

Consolidated balance sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 289,431	$ 113,080
Restricted cash	30,708	0
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for bad debts of $84 and $32 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively	38,960	37,272
Due from related parties	0	3,020
Inventory	5,122	2,692
Restricted assets – NAF (note 4)	0	499
Prepaid expenses	4,947	3,929
Other receivables	12,548	9,562
Income tax receivable	6,824	6,947
Total current assets	388,540	177,001
Property and equipment, net	114,367	83,327
Intangible assets, net	234,330	235,657
Goodwill	199,513	176,981
Deferred income taxes	414,841	407,782
Other assets, net	1,825	11,717
Total assets	1,353,416	1,092,465
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	12,000	7,185
Accounts payable	30,428	28,648
Accrued expenses	32,384	18,590
Equipment deposits	7,908	6,498
Restricted liabilities - NAF (note 4)	0	490
Deferred revenue, current	23,488	19,083
Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, current	24,765	31,062
Other current liabilities	430	474
Total current liabilities	131,403	112,030
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	1,160,127	696,576
Deferred rent, net of current portion	10,083	6,127
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	26,374	8,440
Deferred tax liabilities	2,303	1,629
Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, net of current portion	404,468	400,298
Other liabilities	1,447	4,302
Total noncurrent liabilities	1,604,802	1,117,372
Commitments and contingencies (note 15)
Stockholders' equity:
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)	94	(648)
Additional paid in capital	19,732	12,118
Accumulated deficit	(394,410)	(130,966)
Total stockholders' deficit attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.	(374,574)	(119,486)
Non-controlling interests	(8,215)	(17,451)
Total stockholders' deficit	(382,789)	(136,937)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	1,353,416	1,092,465
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, value	9	9
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, value	$ 1	$ 1

Consolidated balance sheets (Pa

Consolidated balance sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts receivable, allowance for bad debts	$ 84	$ 32
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	83,584,000	87,188,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	83,584,000	87,188,000
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	9,448,000	11,193,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	9,448,000	11,193,000

Consolidated statements of oper

Consolidated statements of operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenue:
Total revenue	$ 174,359	$ 136,656	$ 140,550	$ 121,333	$ 134,028	$ 97,496	$ 107,316	$ 91,102	$ 572,898	$ 429,942	$ 378,241
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue									162,646	129,266	122,317
Store operations									75,005	60,657	60,121
Selling, general and administrative									72,446	60,369	50,008
National advertising fund expense									42,619	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									35,260	31,761	31,502
Other (gain) loss									878	353	(1,369)
Total operating costs and expenses									388,854	282,406	262,579
Income from operations	52,742	43,573	48,811	38,918	42,277	33,954	38,250	33,055	184,044	147,536	115,662
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income									4,681	54	21
Interest expense									(50,746)	(35,337)	(27,146)
Other income (expense), net									(6,175)	316,928	1,371
Total other expense, net									(52,240)	281,645	(25,754)
Income before income taxes									131,804	429,181	89,908
Provision for income taxes									28,642	373,580	18,661
Net income	28,779	20,472	30,418	23,493	829	18,902	18,004	17,866	103,162	55,601	71,247
Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests									15,141	22,455	49,747
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.	$ 24,796	$ 17,471	$ 25,874	$ 19,880	$ (3,453)	$ 15,345	$ 12,412	$ 8,842	$ 88,021	$ 33,146	$ 21,500
Class A Common Stock
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.
Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.29	$ 0.20	$ 0.30	$ 0.23	$ (0.04)	$ 0.18	$ 0.16	$ 0.14	$ 1.01	$ 0.42	$ 0.50
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.29	$ 0.20	$ 0.29	$ 0.23	$ (0.04)	$ 0.18	$ 0.16	$ 0.14	$ 1	$ 0.42	$ 0.50
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding:
Basic (shares)									87,235,021	78,910,390	43,300,288
Diluted (shares)									87,674,903	78,971,550	43,304,685
Franchise
Revenue:
Total revenue									$ 175,314	$ 131,983	$ 97,374
Commission income
Revenue:
Total revenue									6,632	18,172	19,114
National advertising fund revenue
Revenue:
Total revenue									42,194	0	0
Corporate-owned stores
Revenue:
Total revenue									138,599	112,114	104,721
Equipment
Revenue:
Total revenue									$ 210,159	$ 167,673	$ 157,032

Consolidated statements of comp

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including non-controlling interests	$ 103,162	$ 55,601	$ 71,247
Net income including non-controlling interests
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate caps, net of tax	989	1,143	(78)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(200)	26	(72)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	789	1,169	(150)
Total comprehensive income including non-controlling interests	103,951	56,770	71,097
Less: total comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	15,189	22,707	49,560
Total comprehensive income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.	$ 88,762	$ 34,063	$ 21,537

Consolidated statements of cash

Consolidated statements of cash flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 103,162	$ 55,601	$ 71,247
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	35,260	31,761	31,502
Amortization of deferred financing costs	3,400	1,935	1,544
Amortization of favorable leases and asset retirement obligations	375	334	392
Amortization and settlement of interest rate caps	1,170	1,755	797
Deferred tax expense	23,933	372,422	15,606
Loss (gain) on re-measurement of tax benefit arrangement	4,765	(317,354)	72
Provision for bad debts	19	(19)	59
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment	462	(159)	(514)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	4,570	79	606
Third party debt refinancing expense	0	1,021	3,001
Loss on reacquired franchise rights	360	0	0
Equity-based compensation	5,479	2,531	1,728
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(1,923)	(10,481)	(7,754)
Due from related parties	3,598	(604)	1,897
Inventory	(2,430)	(890)	2,755
Other assets and other current assets	5,778	(2,981)	(7,944)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	14,506	4,210	7,428
Other liabilities and other current liabilities	(2,835)	(470)	2,747
Income taxes	194	(3,027)	(5,993)
Payments pursuant to tax benefit arrangements	(30,493)	(11,446)	(6,922)
Equipment deposits	1,410	4,328	(3,417)
Deferred revenue	9,640	1,276	(652)
Deferred rent	3,999	1,199	632
Net cash provided by operating activities	184,399	131,021	108,817
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(40,860)	(37,722)	(15,377)
Acquisitions of franchises	(45,752)	0	0
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	196	680	683
Net cash used in investing activities	(86,416)	(37,042)	(14,694)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	1,200,000	0	230,000
Proceeds from issuance of Class A common stock	1,209	480	136
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(47)	(22)	(46)
Repayment of long-term debt	(712,469)	(7,185)	(5,621)
Payment of deferred financing and other debt-related costs	(27,133)	(1,278)	(5,220)
Premiums paid for interest rate caps	0	(366)	0
Dividend paid to holders of Class A common stock	0	0	(169,282)
Dividend equivalent paid to members of Pla-Fit Holdings	(957)	(1,974)	(101,729)
Distributions to members of Pla-Fit Holdings	(8,300)	(11,358)	(31,838)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	109,920	(21,703)	(85,183)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(844)	411	23
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	207,059	72,687	8,963
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	113,080	40,393	31,430
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	320,139	113,080	40,393
Supplemental cash flow information:
Net cash paid for income taxes	5,016	3,722	7,040
Cash paid for interest	38,624	31,418	24,302
Non-cash investing activities:
Non-cash additions to property and equipment	5,451	861	2,203
Non-cash financing activities:
Non-cash dividend equivalent payments	0	0	3,899
Class A Common Stock
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	(342,383)	0	0
Class B Common Stock
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1,583)

Consolidated statement of chang

Consolidated statement of changes in equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Additional paid-in capital	Accumulated deficit	Non-controlling interests	Class A Common Stock	Class A Common StockCommon Stock	Class B Common Stock	Class B Common StockCommon Stock
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ (1,080)	$ (1,710)	$ 352	$ (14,032)	$ 14,300		$ 4		$ 6
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2015							36,598		62,112
Net income	71,247			21,500	49,747
Equity-based compensation expense	1,728		1,749	(21)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock (shares)									(222)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	(1,583)		(441)	(1,142)
Exchanges of Class B common stock (shares)							24,705		(24,705)
Exchanges of Class B common stock	0	499	10,976		(11,475)		$ 2		$ (2)
Tax benefit arrangement liability and deferred taxes arising from secondary offerings and other exchanges	21,695		21,695
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted share units (shares)							11
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted share units	136		136
Dividend paid to holders of Class A common stock	(169,282)			(169,282)
Dividend equivalents paid or payable	(105,628)			(1,085)	(104,543)
Distributions paid to members of Pla-Fit Holdings	(31,838)				(31,838)
Other comprehensive loss	(150)	37			(187)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	(214,755)	(1,174)	34,467	(164,062)	(83,996)		$ 6		$ 4
Ending balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2016							61,314		37,185
Net income	55,601			33,146	22,455
Equity-based compensation expense	2,531		2,565	(34)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock (shares)									(150)
Exchanges of Class B common stock (shares)							25,842		(25,842)
Exchanges of Class B common stock	0	(391)	(54,042)		54,433		$ 3		$ (3)
Tax benefit arrangement liability and deferred taxes arising from secondary offerings and other exchanges	28,648		28,648
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted share units (shares)							32
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted share units	480		480
Dividend paid to holders of Class A common stock	449			32	417
Dividend equivalents paid or payable	(11,060)			(48)	(11,012)
Distributions paid to members of Pla-Fit Holdings	1,169	917			252
Other comprehensive loss	1,169
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	(136,937)	(648)	12,118	(130,966)	(17,451)		$ 9		$ 1
Ending balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2017						87,188	87,188	11,193	11,193
Net income	103,162			88,021	15,141
Equity-based compensation expense	5,479		5,482	(3)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock (shares)							(5,431)		(9)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	(342,383)		719	(342,383)	(719)
Exchanges of Class B common stock (shares)							1,736		(1,736)
Exchanges of Class B common stock	0	1	(3,067)		3,066				$ 0
Tax benefit arrangement liability and deferred taxes arising from secondary offerings and other exchanges	3,271		3,271
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted share units (shares)							91
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted share units	1,209		1,209
Forfeiture of dividend equivalents	113			113
Distributions paid to members of Pla-Fit Holdings	(8,300)				(8,300)
Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 10)	(9,192)			(9,192)
Other comprehensive loss	789	741			48
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ (382,789)	$ 94	$ 19,732	$ (394,410)	$ (8,215)		$ 9		$ 1
Ending balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2018						83,584	83,584	9,448	9,448

Business organization

Business organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business organization	Business organization Planet Fitness, Inc. (the “Company”), through its subsidiaries, is a franchisor and operator of fitness centers, with approximately 12.5 million members and 1,742 owned and franchised locations (referred to as stores) in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Mexico as of December 31, 2018 . The Company serves as the reporting entity for its various subsidiaries that operate three distinct lines of business: • Licensing and selling franchises under the Planet Fitness trade name; • Owning and operating fitness centers under the Planet Fitness trade name; and • Selling fitness-related equipment to franchisee-owned stores. In 2012 investment funds affiliated with TSG Consumer Partners, LLC (“TSG”), purchased interests in Pla-Fit Holdings. The Company was formed as a Delaware corporation on March 16, 2015 for the purpose of facilitating an initial public offering (the “IPO”) and related transactions in order to carry on the business of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (“Pla-Fit Holdings”). As of August 5, 2015, in connection with the recapitalization transactions, the Company became the sole managing member and holder of 100% of the voting power of Pla-Fit Holdings. Pla-Fit Holdings owns 100% of Planet Intermediate, LLC which has no operations but is the 100% owner of Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC, a franchisor and operator of fitness centers. With respect to the Company, Pla-Fit Holdings and Planet Intermediate, LLC, each entity owns nothing other than the respective entity below it in the corporate structure and each entity has no other material operations. The Company is a holding company whose principal asset is a controlling equity interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. As the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings, the Company operates and controls all of the business and affairs of Pla-Fit Holdings, and through Pla-Fit Holdings, conducts its business. As a result, the Company consolidates Pla-Fit Holdings’ financial results and reports a non-controlling interest related to the portion of Holdings Units not owned by the Company. The recapitalization transactions are considered transactions between entities under common control. As a result, the financial statements for periods prior to the IPO and the recapitalization transactions are the financial statements of Pla-Fit Holdings as the predecessor to the Company for accounting and reporting purposes. Unless otherwise specified, “the Company” refers to both Planet Fitness, Inc. and Pla-Fit Holdings throughout the remainder of these notes. Secondary offerings In June 2016, the Company completed a secondary offering (“June Secondary Offering”) of 11,500,000 shares of its Class A common stock at a price of $16.50 per share. All of the shares sold in the June Secondary Offering were offered by certain Continuing LLC Owners and TSG AIV II-A L.P and TSG PF Co-Investors A L.P. (“Direct TSG Investors”). The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Class A common stock offered by the Direct TSG Investors and the participating Continuing LLC Owners. The shares sold in the June Secondary Offering consisted of (i) 3,608,840 existing shares of Class A common stock held by the Direct TSG Investors and (ii) 7,891,160 newly-issued shares of Class A common stock issued in connection with the exercise of the exchange right by the Continuing LLC Owners that participated in the June Secondary Offering. Simultaneously, and in connection with the exchange, 7,891,160 shares of Class B common stock were surrendered by the Continuing LLC Owners that participated in the June Secondary Offering and canceled. Additionally, in connection with the exchange, Planet Fitness, Inc. received 7,891,160 Holdings Units, increasing its total ownership interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. In September 2016, the Company completed a secondary offering (“September Secondary Offering”) of 8,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock at a price of $19.62 per share. All of the shares sold in the September Secondary Offering were offered by the Direct TSG Investors and participating Continuing LLC Owners. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Class A common stock offered by the Direct TSG Investors and the Continuing LLC Owners that participating in the September Secondary Offering. The shares sold in the September Secondary Offering consisted of (i) 2,593,981 existing shares of Class A common stock held by the Direct TSG Investors and (ii) 5,406,019 newly-issued shares of Class A common stock issued in connection with the exercise of the exchange right by the Continuing LLC Owners that participated in the September Secondary offering. Simultaneously, and in connection with the exchange, 5,406,019 shares of Class B common stock were surrendered by the Continuing LLC Owners that participated in the September Secondary Offering and canceled. Additionally, in connection with the exchange, Planet Fitness, Inc. received 5,406,019 Holdings Units, increasing its total ownership interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. In November 2016, the Company completed a secondary offering (“November Secondary Offering”) of 15,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock at a price of $23.22 per share. All of the shares sold in the November Secondary Offering were offered by the Direct TSG Investors and participating Continuing LLC Owners. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Class A common stock offered by the Direct TSG Investors and the Continuing LLC Owners that participating in the September Secondary Offering. The shares sold in the November Secondary Offering consisted of (i) 4,863,715 existing shares of Class A common stock held by the Direct TSG Investors and (ii) 10,136,285 newly-issued shares of Class A common stock issued in connection with the exercise of the exchange right by the Continuing LLC Owners that participated in the November Secondary offering. Simultaneously, and in connection with the exchange, 10,136,285 shares of Class B common stock were surrendered by the Continuing LLC Owners that participated in the November Secondary Offering and canceled. Additionally, in connection with the exchange, Planet Fitness, Inc. received 10,136,285 Holdings Units, increasing its total ownership interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. In March 2017, the Company completed a secondary offering (“March Secondary Offering”) of 15,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock at a price of $20.44 per share. All of the shares sold in the March Secondary Offering were offered by certain existing holders of Holdings Units and the Direct TSG Investors. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Class A common stock offered by the Direct TSG Investors and the participating holders of Holdings Units. The shares sold in the March Secondary Offering consisted of (i) 4,790,758 existing shares of Class A common stock held by the Direct TSG Investors and (ii) 10,209,242 newly-issued shares of Class A common stock issued in connection with the exercise of the exchange right by the holders of Holdings Units that participated in the March Secondary Offering. Simultaneously, and in connection with the exchange, 10,209,242 shares of Class B common stock were surrendered by the holders of Holdings Units that participated in the March Secondary Offering and canceled. Additionally, in connection with the exchange, Planet Fitness, Inc. received 10,209,242 Holdings Units, increasing its total ownership interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. In May 2017, the Company completed a secondary offering (“May Secondary Offering”) of 16,085,510 shares of its Class A common stock at a price of $20.28 per share. All of the shares sold in the May Secondary Offering were offered by certain existing holders of Holdings Units and the Direct TSG Investors. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Class A common stock offered by the Direct TSG Investors and the participating holders of Holdings Units. The shares sold in the May Secondary Offering consisted of (i) 5,215,691 existing shares of Class A common stock held by the Direct TSG Investors and (ii) 10,869,819 newly-issued shares of Class A common stock issued in connection with the exercise of the exchange right by the holders of Holdings Units that participated in the May Secondary Offering. Simultaneously, and in connection with the exchange, 10,869,819 shares of Class B common stock were surrendered by the holders of Holdings Units that participated in the May Secondary Offering and canceled. Additionally, in connection with the exchange, Planet Fitness, Inc. received 10,869,819 Holdings Units, increasing its total ownership interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. In addition to the secondary offering transactions described above, during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , certain Continuing LLC Owners have exercised their exchange rights and exchanged 1,736,020 and 4,762,943 Holdings Units, respectively, for 1,736,020 and 4,762,943 newly-issued shares of Class A common stock, respectively. Simultaneously, and in connection with these exchanges, 1,736,020 and 4,762,943 shares of Class B common stock were surrendered by the Continuing LLC Owners that exercised their exchange rights and canceled during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Additionally, in connection with these exchanges, Planet Fitness, Inc. received 1,736,020 and 4,762,943 Holdings Units during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, increasing its total ownership interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. As of December 31, 2018 , the Company held 100% of the voting interest, and approximately 89.8% of the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings and the Continuing LLC Owners held the remaining 10.2% economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. As future exchanges of Holdings Units occur, the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings held by Planet Fitness, Inc. will increase.

Summary of significant accounti

Summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of significant accounting policies	Summary of significant accounting policies (a) Basis of presentation and consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. As discussed in Note 1, Planet Fitness, Inc. consolidates Pla-Fit Holdings. The Company also consolidates entities in which it has a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. The Company also considers for consolidation certain interests where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is considered to possess the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the rights to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it. The principal entities in which the Company possesses a variable interest include franchise entities and certain other entities. The Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary for Planet Fitness franchise entities. Therefore, these entities are not consolidated. The results of the Company have been consolidated with Matthew Michael Realty LLC (“MMR”), PF Melville LLC (“PF Melville”), and Planet Fitness NAF, LLC (the “NAF”) based on the determination that the Company is the primary beneficiary with respect to these VIEs. MMR and PF Melville are real estate holding companies that derive a majority of their financial support from the Company through lease agreements for corporate stores. See Note 3 for further information related to the Company’s VIEs. The NAF is an advertising fund on behalf of which the Company collects 2% of gross monthly membership fees from franchisees, in accordance with the provisions of the franchise agreements, and uses the amounts received to increase sales and further enhance the public reputation of the Planet Fitness brand. See Note 4 for further information related to the NAF. (b) Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, they may ultimately differ from actual results. Significant areas where estimates and judgments are relied upon by management in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include revenue recognition, valuation of equity-based compensation awards, the evaluation of the recoverability of goodwill and long-lived assets, including intangible assets, income taxes, including deferred tax assets and liabilities and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits, and the liability for the Company’s tax benefit arrangements. (c) Concentrations Cash and cash equivalents are financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk. The Company invests its excess cash in several major financial institutions, which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000 . The Company maintains balances in excess of these limits, but does not believe that such deposits with its banks are subject to any unusual risk. The credit risk associated with trade receivables is mitigated due to the large number of customers, generally our franchisees, and their broad dispersion over many different geographic areas. We do not have any concentrations with respect to our revenues. The Company purchases equipment, both for corporate-owned stores and for sales to franchisee-owned stores from various equipment vendors. For the year ended December 31, 2018 purchases from two equipment vendors comprised 76% and 13% , respectively, of total equipment purchases. For the year ended December 31, 2017 purchases from one equipment vendor comprised 91% of total equipment purchases and for the year ended December 31, 2016 purchases from two equipment vendors comprised 83% and 13% , respectively, of total equipment purchases. The Company, including the NAF, uses one primary vendor for advertising services. For the year ended December 31, 2018 , purchases from this vendor comprised 65% of total advertising purchases. For the year ended December 31, 2017 purchases from one vendor comprised 63% of total advertising purchases and for the year ended December 31, 2016 purchases from two vendors comprised 25% and 16% of total advertising purchases, respectively. (see Note 4 for further discussion of the NAF). (d) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Cash held within the NAF is recorded as a restricted asset (see Note 4). In accordance with the Company’s securitized financing facility, certain cash accounts have been established in the name of Citibank, N.A. (the “Trustee”). The Company holds restricted cash which primarily represents cash collections held by the Trustee, which includes interest, principal, and commitment fee reserves. As of December 31, 2018 , the Company had restricted cash held by the Trustee of $ 30,708 . Restricted cash has been combined with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances in the consolidated statements of cash flows. (e) Revenue recognition Revenue from Contracts with Customers We transitioned to FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue From Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), from ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition and ASC Subtopic 952-605, Franchisors - Revenue Recognition (together, the “Previous Standards”) on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. Our Financial Statements reflect the application of ASC 606 guidance beginning in 2018, while our consolidated financial statements for prior periods were prepared under the guidance of Previous Standards. The $9,192 cumulative effect of our transition to ASC 606 is reflected as an adjustment to January 1, 2018 stockholders' deficit (see Note 10). Our transition to ASC 606 represents a change in accounting principle. ASC 606 eliminates industry-specific guidance and provides a single revenue recognition model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of ASC 606 is that a reporting entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the reporting entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue Recognition Significant Accounting Policies under ASC 606 The Company's revenues are comprised of franchise revenue, equipment revenue, and corporate-owned stores revenue. Franchise revenue Franchise revenues consist primarily of royalties, NAF contributions, initial and successor franchise fees and upfront fees from area development agreements ("ADAs"), transfer fees, equipment placement revenue, other fees and commission income. The Company's primary performance obligation under the franchise license is granting certain rights to use the Company's intellectual property, and all other services the Company provides under the ADA and franchise agreement are highly interrelated, not distinct within the contract, and therefore accounted for under ASC 606 as a single performance obligation, which is satisfied by granting certain rights to use our intellectual property over the term of each franchise agreement. Royalties, including franchisee contributions to national advertising funds, are calculated as a percentage of franchise monthly dues and annual fees over the term of the franchise agreement. Under our franchise agreements, advertising contributions paid by franchisees must be spent on advertising, marketing and related activities. Initial and successor franchise fees are payable by the franchisee upon signing a new franchise agreement or successor franchise agreement, and transfer fees are paid to the Company when one franchisee transfers a franchise agreement to a different franchisee. Our franchise royalties, as well as our NAF contributions, represent sales-based royalties that are related entirely to our performance obligation under the franchise agreement and are recognized as franchise sales occur. Additionally, under ASC 606, initial and successor franchise fees, as well as transfer fees, are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective franchise agreement. Under the Previous Standards, initial franchise fees were recognized as revenue when the related franchisees signed a lease and completed the Company's new franchisee training. Successor franchise fees and transfer fees were recognized as revenue upon execution of a new franchise agreement. Our ADAs generally consist of an obligation to grant geographic exclusive area development rights. These development rights are not distinct from franchise agreements, so upfront fees paid by franchisees for exclusive development rights are deferred and apportioned to each franchise agreement signed by the franchisee. The pro-rata amount apportioned to each franchise agreement is accounted for identically to the initial franchise fee. The Company is generally responsible for assembly and placement of equipment it sells to U.S. based franchisee-owned stores. Placement revenue is recognized upon completion and acceptance of the services at the franchise location. The Company recognizes commission income from certain of its franchisees’ use of certain preferred vendor arrangements. Commissions are recognized when amounts have been earned and collectability from the vendor is reasonably assured. Online member join fees are paid to the Company by franchisees for processing new membership transactions when a new member signs up for a membership to a franchisee-owned store through the Company’s website. These fees are recognized as revenue as each transaction occurs. Billing transaction fees are paid to the Company by certain of its franchisees for the processing of franchisee membership dues and annual fees through the Company’s third-party hosted point-of-sale system and are recognized as revenue as they are earned. Equipment revenue The Company sells and delivers equipment purchased from third-party equipment manufacturers to U.S. based franchisee-owned stores. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of ordered items, generally upon delivery to the customer, which is when the customer obtains physical possession of the goods, legal title is transferred, the customer has all risks and rewards of ownership and an obligation to pay for the goods is created. Franchisees are charged for all freight costs incurred for the delivery of equipment. Freight revenue is recorded within equipment revenue and freight costs are recorded within cost of revenue. In most instances, the Company recognizes equipment revenue on a gross basis as management has determined the Company to be the principal in these transactions. Management determined the Company to be the principal in the transaction because the Company controls the equipment prior to delivery to the final customer as evidenced by its pricing discretion over the goods, inventory transfer of title and risk of loss while the inventory is in transit, and having the primary responsibility to fulfill the customer order and direct the third-party vendor. Corporate-owned stores revenue The following revenues are generated from stores owned and operated by the Company. Membership dues revenue Customers are offered multiple membership choices varying in length. Membership dues are earned and recognized over the membership term on a straight-line basis. Enrollment fee revenue Enrollment fees are charged to new members at the commencement of their membership. The Company recognizes enrollment fees ratably over the estimated duration of the membership life, which is generally two years. Annual membership fee revenue Annual membership fees are annual fees charged to members in addition to and in order to maintain low monthly membership dues. The Company recognizes annual membership fees ratably over the 12-month membership period. Retail sales The Company sells Planet Fitness branded apparel, food, beverages, and other accessories. The revenue for these items is recognized at the point of sale. Sales tax All revenue amounts are recorded net of applicable sales tax. Revenue Recognition Significant Accounting Policies under Previous Standards, prior to January 1, 2018 if different than under ASC 606 Franchise revenue The following revenues are generated as a result of transactions with or related to the Company’s franchisees. Area development fees ADA fees collected in advance are deferred until the Company provides substantially all required obligations pursuant to the ADA. As the efforts and total cost relating to initial services are affected significantly by the number of stores opened in an area, the respective ADA is treated as a divisible contract. As each new site is accepted under an ADA, a franchisee signs a franchise operating agreement for the respective franchise location. As each store opened under an ADA typically has performance obligations associated with it, the Company recognizes ADA revenue as each individual franchise location is developed in proportion to the total number of stores to be developed under the ADA. These obligations are typically completed once the store is opened or the franchisee executes the individual property lease. ADAs generally have an initial term equal to the number of years over which the franchisee is required to open franchise stores, which is typically 5 to 10 years . There is no right of refund for an executed ADA. Upon default, as defined in the agreement, the Company may reacquire the rights pursuant to an ADA, and all remaining deferred revenue is recognized at that time. Franchise fees and performance fees Nonrefundable franchise fees are typically deferred until the franchisee executes a lease and receives initial training for the location, which is the point at which the Company has determined it has provided all of its material obligations required to recognize revenue. These amounts are included in deferred revenue on our consolidated balance sheets. The individual franchise agreements typically have a 10 -year initial term, but provide the franchisee with an opportunity to enter into successive renewals subject to certain conditions. Transfer fees The Company’s current franchise agreement provides that upon the transfer of a Planet Fitness store to a different franchisee, the Company is entitled to a transfer fee in the amount of the greater of $25 , or $10 per store being transferred, if more than one, in addition to reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, including external legal and administrative costs incurred in connection with the transfer. Transfer-related fees and expenses are due, payable, and recognized at the time the transfer is effectuated. Royalties Royalties, which represent recurring fees paid by franchisees based on the franchisee-owned stores’ monthly and annual membership billings, are recognized on a monthly basis over the term of the franchise agreement. As specified under certain franchise agreements, the Company recognizes additional royalty fees as the franchisee-owned stores attain contractual monthly membership billing threshold amounts. Equipment revenue Equipment revenue is recognized upon the equipment being delivered to and assembled at each store and accepted by the franchisee. Franchisees are charged for all freight costs incurred for the delivery of equipment. Freight revenue is recorded within equipment revenue and freight costs are recorded within cost of revenue. The Company recognizes revenue on a gross basis in these transactions as management has determined the Company to be the principal in these transactions. Management determined the Company to be the principal because the Company is the primary obligor in these transactions, the Company has latitude in establishing prices for the equipment sales to franchisees, the Company has supplier selection discretion and is involved in determination of product specifications, and the Company bears all credit risk associated with obligations to the equipment manufacturers. Equipment deposits are recognized as a liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets until delivery, assembly (if required), and acceptance by the franchisee. (f) Deferred revenue Subsequent to the adoption of ASC 606 franchise deferred revenue results from initial and successor franchise fees and ADA fees paid by franchisees, as well as transfer fees, which are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying franchise agreement and under the Previous Standard franchise deferred revenue represents cash received from franchisees for ADAs and franchise fees for which revenue recognition criteria has not yet been met. Deferred revenue is also recognized in our corporate-owned stores segment for cash received from members for enrollment fees, membership dues and annual fees for the portion not yet earned based on the membership period under both ASC 606 and the Previous Standard. (g) Cost of revenue Cost of revenue consists primarily of direct costs associated with equipment sales (including freight costs) and the cost of retail merchandise sold in corporate-owned stores. Costs related to retail merchandise sales were immaterial in all periods presented. Rebates from equipment vendors where the Company has recognized the related equipment revenue and costs are recorded as a reduction to the cost of revenue. (h) Store operations Store operations consists of the direct costs related to operating corporate-owned stores, including our store management and staff, rent expense, utilities, supplies, maintenance, and local advertising. (i) Selling, general and administrative Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of costs associated with administrative and franchisee support functions related to our existing business as well as growth and development activities. These costs primarily consist of payroll, IT related, marketing, legal and accounting expenses. These expenses include costs related to placement services of $5,397 , $4,601 , and $3,970 , for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. (j) Accounts receivable Accounts receivable is primarily comprised of amounts owed to the Company resulting from equipment, placement, and commission revenue. The Company evaluates its accounts receivable on an ongoing basis and may establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based on collections and current credit conditions. Accounts are written off as uncollectible when it is determined that further collection efforts will be unsuccessful. Historically, the Company has not had a significant amount of write-offs. (k) Leases and asset retirement obligations The Company recognizes rent expense related to leased office and operating space on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The difference between rent expense and rent paid, if any, as a result of escalation provisions and lease incentives, such as tenant improvements provided by lessors, and is recorded as deferred rent in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. In accordance with ASC Topic 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations , the Company establishes assets and liabilities for the present value of estimated future costs to return certain leased facilities to their original condition. Such assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease period into operating expense, and the recorded liabilities are accreted to the future value of the estimated restoration costs. (l) Property and equipment Property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over its related estimated useful life. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the related asset, whichever is shorter. Upon sale or retirement, the asset cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts, and any related gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. Ordinary maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. The estimated useful lives of the Company’s fixed assets by class of asset are as follows: Years Buildings and building improvements 20–40 Information technology and systems 3-5 Furniture and fixtures 5 Leasehold improvements Useful life or term of lease Fitness equipment 5–7 Vehicles 5 (m) Advertising expenses The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses, net of amounts reimbursed by franchisees, are included within store operations and selling, general and administrative expenses and totaled $12,101 , $9,906 , and $8,270 for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. See Note 4 for discussion of the national advertising fund. (n) Goodwill, long-lived assets, and other intangible assets Goodwill and other intangible assets that arise from acquisitions are recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other . In accordance with this guidance, specifically identified intangible assets must be recorded as a separate asset from goodwill if either of the following two criteria is met: (1) the intangible asset acquired arises from contractual or other legal rights; or (2) the intangible asset is separable. Intangibles are typically trade and brand names, customer relationships, noncompete agreements, reacquired franchise rights, and favorable or unfavorable leases. Transactions are evaluated to determine whether any gain or loss on reacquired franchise rights, based on their fair value, should be recognized separately from identified intangibles. Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Separable intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life are amortized over their estimated useful lives on either a straight-line or accelerated basis as deemed appropriate, and are reviewed for impairment when events or circumstances suggest that the assets may not be recoverable. The Company performs its annual test for impairment of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets on December 31 of each year. For goodwill, the first step of the impairment test is to determine whether the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, the Company would be required to perform a second step of the impairment test as this is an indication that the reporting unit’s goodwill may be impaired. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Any impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill. The Company is also permitted to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If the Company concludes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it need not perform the two-step impairment test. For indefinite lived intangible assets, the impairment assessment consists of comparing the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. To the extent that the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset, an impairment is recorded to reduce the carrying value to its fair value. The Company is also permitted to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not an indefinite lived intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying value prior to applying the quantitative assessment. If based on the Company’s qualitative assessment it is not more likely than not that the carrying value of the asset is less than its fair value, then a quantitative assessment is not required. The Company determined that no impairment charges were required during any periods presented. The Company applies the provisions of ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment , which requires that long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group to be tested for impairment, then assets are required to be grouped and evaluated at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. There were no events or changes in circumstances that required the Company to test for impairment during any of the periods presented. (o) Income taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the carrying amount of the existing tax assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The principal items giving rise to temporary differences are the use of accelerated depreciation and certain basis differences resulting from acquisitions and the recapitalization transactions. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Planet Fitness, Inc. is the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings, which is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and most applicable state and local income tax purposes. As a partnership, Pla-Fit Holdings is not subject to U.S. federal and certain state and local income taxes. Any taxable income or loss generated by Pla-Fit Holdings is passed through to and included in the taxable income or loss of its members, including Planet Fitness, Inc. following the recapitalization transactions, on a pro rata basis. Planet Fitness, Inc. is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state and local income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings. The Company is also subject to taxes in foreign jurisdictions. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not to be sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs (see Note 14). (p) Tax benefit arrangements The Company’s acquisition of Holdings Units in connection with the IPO and future and certain past exchanges of Holdings Units for shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (or cash at the option of the Company) are expected to produce and have produced favorable tax attributes. In connection with the IPO, the Company entered into two tax receivable agreements. Under the first of those agreements, the Company generally is required to pay to certain existing and previous equity owners of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC who are unaffiliated with TSG (the “TRA Holders”) 85% of the applicable tax savings, if any, in U.S. federal and state income tax that the Company is deemed to realize as a result of certain tax attributes of their Holdings Units sold to the Company (or exchanged in a taxable sale) and that are created as a result of (i) the sales of their Holdings Units for shares of Class A common stock and (ii) tax benefits attributable to payments made under the tax receivable agreement (including imputed interest). Under the second tax receivable agreement, the Company generally is required to pay to the Direct TSG Investors 85% of the amount of tax savings, if any, that the Company is deemed to realize as a result of the tax attributes of the Holdings Units held in respect of the Direct TSG Investors’ interest in the Company, which resulted from the Direct TSG Investors’ purchase of interests in Pla-Fit Holdings in 2012, and certain other tax benefits. Under both agreements, the Company generally retains the benefit of the remaining 15% of the applicable tax savings. Also, pursuant to the exchange agreement, to the extent an exchange results in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC incurring a current tax liability relating to the New Hampshire business profits tax, the TRA Holders have agreed that they will contribute to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC an amount sufficient to pay such tax liability (up to 3.5% of the value received upon exchange). If and when the Company subsequently realizes a related tax benefit, Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will distribute the amount of any such tax benefit to the relevant Continuing LLC Owner in respect of its contribution. Due to changes in New Hampshire tax law, the Company no longer expects to incur any such liability under the New Hampshire business profits tax. Based on current projections, the Company anticipates having sufficient taxable income to utilize these tax attributes and receive corresponding tax deductions in future periods. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2018 the Company has recorded a liability of $429,233 payable to the TRA Holders under the tax benefit obligations, representing approximately 85% of the calculated tax savings based on the original basis adjustments the Company anticipates being able to utilize in future years. Changes in the projected liability resulting from these tax benefit arrangements may occur based on changes in anticipated future taxable income, changes in applicable tax rates or other changes in tax attributes that may occur and impact the expected future tax benefits to be received by the Company. Changes in the projected liability under these tax benefit arrangements will be recorded as a component of other income (expense) each period. The projection of future taxable income involves significant judgment. Actual taxable income may differ from estimates, which could significantly impact the liability under the tax benefit arrangements and the Company’s consolidated results of operations. (q) Fair value ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures , establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows: Level 1—Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2—Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3—Inputs to the valuation methodol

Variable interest entities

Variable interest entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Variable interest entities	Variable interest entities The carrying values of VIEs included in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities PF Melville $ 4,787 $ — $ 4,420 $ — MMR $ 3,563 — $ 3,360 — Total $ 8,350 $ — $ 7,780 $ — The Company also has variable interests in certain franchisees through the guarantee of certain lease agreements. The Company’s maximum obligation, as a result of its guarantees of leases, is approximately $732 and $979 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The amount of the Company’s maximum obligation represents a loss that the Company could incur from the variability in credit exposure without consideration of possible recoveries through insurance or other means. In addition, the amount bears no relation to the ultimate settlement anticipated to be incurred from the Company’s involvement with these entities, which is estimated at $0 .

National advertising fund

National advertising fund	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
National advertising fund	National advertising fund On July 26, 2011, the Company established the NAF for the creation and development of marketing, advertising, and related programs and materials for all Planet Fitness stores located in the United States and Puerto Rico. On behalf of the NAF, the Company collects 2% of gross monthly membership billings from franchisees, in accordance with the provisions of the franchise agreements, which subsequent to the adoption of ASC 606 is reflected on January 1, 2018, is reflected as NAF revenue on the consolidated statements of operations (see Note 2 and Note 10). The Company also contributes 2% of monthly membership billings from stores owned by the Company to the NAF, which is reflected in store operations expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The use of amounts received by the NAF is restricted to advertising, product development, public relations, merchandising, and administrative expenses and programs to increase sales and further enhance the public reputation of the Planet Fitness brand. The Company consolidates and reports all assets and liabilities held by the NAF within the consolidated financial statements. Amounts received or receivable by NAF are reported as restricted assets and restricted liabilities within current assets and current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Beginning in 2018 with the adoption of ASC 606, the Company records all revenues of the NAF within franchise revenue and all expenses of the NAF within the operating expenses on the consolidated statement of operations (see Note 2 and Note 10). The Company provides administrative services to the NAF and charges the NAF a fee for providing those services. These services include accounting, information technology, data processing, product development, legal and administrative support, and other operating expenses, which amounted $2,472 , $2,150 and $1,700 for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2018, subsequent to the adoption of ASC 606, the fees paid to the Company by the NAF are reflected as expense in the NAF expense line, and reflected as a corresponding reduction in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations (see Note 2 and Note 10). For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 the fees paid to the Company by the NAF are included in the consolidated statements of operations as a reduction in general and administrative expense, where the expense incurred by the Company was initially recorded.

Acquisition

Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition	Acquisition Colorado Acquisition On August 10, 2018, the Company purchased from one of its franchisees certain assets associated with four franchisee-owned stores in Colorado for a cash payment of $17,249 . As a result of the transaction, the Company incurred a loss on unfavorable reacquired franchise rights of $10 , which has been reflected in other operating costs in the statement of operations. The loss incurred reduced the net purchase price to $17,239 . The Company financed the purchase through cash on hand. The acquired stores are included in the Corporate-owned stores segment. The purchase consideration was allocated as follows: Amount Fixed assets 3,873 Reacquired franchise rights 4,610 Customer relationships 140 Favorable leases, net 80 Other assets 143 Goodwill 8,476 Liabilities assumed, including deferred revenues (83 ) 17,239 The goodwill created through the purchase is attributable to the assumed future value of the cash flows from the stores acquired. The goodwill is amortizable and deductible for tax purposes over 15 years. The acquisition was not material to the results of operations of the Company. Long Island Acquisition On January 1, 2018, the Company purchased from one of its franchisees certain assets associated with six franchisee-owned stores in New York for a cash payment of $28,503 . As a result of the transaction, the Company incurred a loss on unfavorable reacquired franchise rights of $350 , which has been reflected in other operating costs in the statement of operations. The loss incurred reduced the net purchase price to $28,153 . The Company financed the purchase through cash on hand. The acquired stores are included in the Corporate-owned stores segment. The purchase consideration was allocated as follows: Amount Fixed assets $ 4,672 Reacquired franchise rights 7,640 Customer relationships 1,150 Favorable leases, net 520 Reacquired area development rights 150 Other assets 275 Goodwill 14,056 Liabilities assumed, including deferred revenues (310 ) $ 28,153 The goodwill created through the purchase is attributable to the assumed future value of the cash flows from the stores acquired. The goodwill is amortizable and deductible for tax purposes over 15 years. The acquisition was not material to the results of operations of the Company.

Property and equipment

Property and equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and equipment	Property and equipment Property and equipment as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 consists of the following: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Land $ 1,341 $ 910 Equipment 40,895 32,403 Leasehold improvements 76,832 60,181 Buildings and improvements 8,632 5,107 Furniture & fixtures 13,827 9,790 Information technology and systems assets 17,238 6,449 Other 1,593 1,474 Construction in progress 7,095 3,241 167,453 119,555 Accumulated Depreciation (53,086 ) (36,228 ) Total $ 114,367 $ 83,327 The Company recorded depreciation expense of $19,540 , $13,886 , and $12,131 for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill and intangible assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and intangible assets	Goodwill and intangible assets A summary of goodwill and intangible assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows: December 31, 2018 Weighted average amortization period (years) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying Amount Customer relationships 11.0 $ 173,063 (99,439 ) $ 73,624 Noncompete agreements 5.0 14,500 (14,500 ) — Favorable leases 8.0 4,017 (2,345 ) 1,672 Order backlog 0.4 3,400 (3,400 ) — Reacquired franchise rights 7.0 21,349 (8,615 ) 12,734 216,329 (128,299 ) 88,030 Indefinite-lived intangible: Trade and brand names N/A 146,300 — 146,300 Total intangible assets $ 362,629 $ (128,299 ) $ 234,330 Goodwill $ 199,513 $ — $ 199,513 December 31, 2017 Weighted average amortization period (years) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying Amount Customer relationships 11.1 $ 171,782 (86,501 ) $ 85,281 Noncompete agreements 5.0 14,500 (14,500 ) — Favorable leases 7.5 2,935 (1,972 ) 963 Order backlog 0.4 3,400 (3,400 ) — Reacquired franchise rights 5.8 8,950 (5,837 ) 3,113 201,567 (112,210 ) 89,357 Indefinite-lived intangible: Trade and brand names N/A 146,300 — 146,300 Total intangible assets $ 347,867 $ (112,210 ) $ 235,657 Goodwill $ 176,981 $ — $ 176,981 A rollforward of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2018 or 2017 is as follows: Franchise Corporate-owned stores Equipment Total As of December 31, 2016 16,938 67,377 92,666 176,981 Additions — — — — As of December 31, 2017 16,938 67,377 92,666 176,981 Acquisition of franchisee-owned stores — 22,532 — 22,532 As of December 31, 2018 16,938 89,909 92,666 199,513 Amortization expense related to the intangible assets totaled $16,089 , $18,205 , and $19,757 for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Included within these total amortization expense amounts are $369 , $330 , and $386 related to amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases is recorded within store operations as a component of rent expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The anticipated annual amortization expense to be recognized in future years as of December 31, 2018 is as follows: Amount 2019 $ 16,153 2020 14,302 2021 14,276 2022 14,467 2023 14,316 Thereafter 14,516 Total $ 88,030

Long-term debt

Long-term debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt	Long-term debt Long-term debt as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 consists of the following: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Class A-2-I notes $ 573,563 $ — Class A-2-II notes 623,437 — Term loan B, repaid August 2018 — 709,470 Total debt, excluding deferred financing costs 1,197,000 709,470 Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization (24,873 ) (5,709 ) Total debt 1,172,127 703,761 Current portion of long-term debt and Variable Funding Note 12,000 7,185 Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 1,160,127 $ 696,576 On August 1, 2018, Planet Fitness Master Issuer LLC (the “Master Issuer”), a limited-purpose, bankruptcy remote, wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC, entered into a base indenture and a related supplemental indenture (collectively, the “Indenture”) under which the Master Issuer may issue multiple series of notes. On the same date, the Master Issuer issued Series 2018-1 4.262% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-I (the “Class A-2-I Notes”) with an initial principal amount of $575,000 and Series 2018-1 4.666% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-II (the “Class A-2-II Notes” and, together with the Class A-2-I Notes, the “Class A-2 Notes”) with an initial principal amount of $625,000 . In connection with the issuance of the Class A-2 Notes, the Master Issuer also entered into a revolving financing facility that allows for the issuance of up to $75,000 in Series 2018-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes, Class A-1 (the “Variable Funding Notes” and together with the Class A-2 Notes, the “Series 2018-1 Senior Notes”), and certain letters of credit, all of which is currently undrawn. The Class A-2 Notes were issued in a securitization transaction pursuant to which most of the Company’s domestic revenue-generating assets, consisting principally of franchise-related agreements, certain corporate-owned store assets, equipment supply agreements and intellectual property and license agreements for the use of intellectual property, were assigned to the Master Issuer and certain other limited-purpose, bankruptcy remote, wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company that act as guarantors of the Series 2018-1 Senior Notes and that have pledged substantially all of their assets to secure the Series 2018-1 Senior Notes. Interest and principal payments on the Class A-2 Notes are payable on a quarterly basis. The requirement to make such quarterly principal payments on the Class A-2 Notes is subject to certain financial conditions set forth in the Indenture. The legal final maturity date of the Class A-2 Notes is in September 2048, but it is anticipated that, unless earlier prepaid to the extent permitted under the Indenture, the Class A-2-I Notes will be repaid in September 2022 and the Class A-2-II Notes will be repaid in September 2025 (together, the "Anticipated Repayment Dates"). If the Master Issuer has not repaid or refinanced the Class A-2 Notes prior to the respective Anticipated Repayment Dates, additional interest will accrue pursuant to the Indenture. The Variable Funding Notes will accrue interest at a variable interest rate based on (i) the prime rate, (ii) overnight federal funds rates, (iii) the London interbank offered rate for U.S. Dollars, or (iv) with respect to advances made by conduit investors, the weighted average cost of, or related to, the issuance of commercial paper allocated to fund or maintain such advances, in each case plus any applicable margin and as specified in the Variable Funding Note agreement. There is a commitment fee on the unused portion of the Variable Funding Notes of 0.5% based on utilization. It is anticipated that the principal and interest on the Variable Funding Notes will be repaid in full on or prior to September 2023, subject to two additional one -year extensions. Following the anticipated repayment date (and any extensions thereof) additional interest will accrue on the Variable Funding Notes equal to 5.0% per year. In connection with the issuance of the Series 2018-1 Senior Notes, the Company incurred debt issuance costs of $ 27,133 . The debt issuance costs are being amortized to “Interest expense” through the Anticipated Repayment Dates of the Class A-2 Notes utilizing the effective interest rate method. The Series 2018-1 Senior Notes are subject to covenants and restrictions customary for transactions of this type, including (i) that the Master Issuer maintains specified reserve accounts to be used to make required payments in respect of the Series 2018-1 Senior Notes, (ii) provisions relating to optional and mandatory prepayments and the related payment of specified amounts, including specified make-whole payments in the case of the Class A-2 Notes under certain circumstances, (iii) certain indemnification payments in the event, among other things, the assets pledged as collateral for the Series 2018-1 Senior Notes are in stated ways defective or ineffective, and (iv) covenants relating to recordkeeping, access to information and similar matters. The Series 2018-1 Senior Notes are also subject to customary rapid amortization events provided for in the Indenture, including events tied to failure to maintain stated debt service coverage ratios, certain manager termination events, an event of default, and the failure to repay or refinance the Class A-2 Notes on the applicable scheduled Anticipated Repayment Dates. The Series 2018-1 Senior Notes are also subject to certain customary events of default, including events relating to non-payment of required interest, principal, or other amounts due on or with respect to the Series 2018-1 Senior Notes, failure to comply with covenants within certain time frames, certain bankruptcy events, breaches of specified representations and warranties, failure of security interests to be effective, and certain judgments. In accordance with the Indenture, certain cash accounts have been established with the Indenture trustee (the "Trustee") for the benefit of the trustee and the noteholders, and are restricted in their use. The Company holds restricted cash which primarily represents cash collections held by the Trustee, interest, principal, and commitment fee reserves held by the Trustee related to the Company’s Series 2018-1 Senior Notes. As of December 31, 2018 , the Company had restricted cash held by the Trustee of $ 30,708 . Restricted cash has been combined with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The proceeds from the issuance of the Class A-2 Notes were used to repay all amounts outstanding on the Term Loan B under the Company’s prior credit facility. As a result, the Company recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $ 4,570 within interest expense on the consolidated statement of operations, primarily consisting of the write-off of deferred costs related to the prior credit facility. In connection with the repayment of the Term Loan B, the Company terminated the related interest rate caps with notional amounts totaling $219,837 , which had been designated as a cash flow hedge. See Note 8 for more information on the interest rate caps. On November 10, 2016, the Company amended its credit facility to increase the Revolving Credit Facility to $75,000 , reduce the interest rate margin for term loan borrowings by 25 basis points, and increase the Term Loan to $718,450 primarily in order to fund a cash dividend and other equivalent payments totaling $271,011 . In connection with the amendment, during the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company capitalized and deferred financing costs of $2,219 , recorded expense of $3,001 related to certain third party fees included in other expense on the consolidated statement of operations, and a loss on extinguishment of debt of $606 included in interest expense on the consolidated statement of operations. On May 26, 2017, the Company amended the credit facility to reduce the applicable interest rate margin for term loan borrowings by 50 basis points, to LIBOR plus 300 basis points , with an additional 25 basis point reduction in applicable interest rate possible in the future so long as the Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) is less than 3.50 to 1.00. The amendment to the credit agreement also reduced the interest rate margin for revolving loan borrowings by 25 basis points. In connection with the amendment to the credit agreement, in the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company capitalized deferred financing costs of $257 , recorded expense of $1,021 related to certain third party fees included in other expense on the consolidated statement of operations, and a loss on extinguishment of debt of $79 included in interest expense on the consolidated statement of operations. Future annual principal payments of long-term debt as of December 31, 2018 are as follows: Amount 2019 $ 12,000 2020 12,000 2021 12,000 2022 562,563 2023 6,250 Thereafter 592,187 Total $ 1,197,000

Derivative instruments and hedg

Derivative instruments and hedging activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative instruments and hedging activities	Derivative instruments and hedging activities Prior to the refinancing transactions described in Note 8, the Company used interest-rate-related derivative instruments to manage its exposure related to changes in interest rates on its variable-rate debt instruments. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than cash flow hedging. The Company does not speculate using derivative instruments. In order to manage the market risk arising from the previously outstanding term loans, the Company entered into a series of interest rate caps. As of December 31, 2018 , the Company had no interest rate cap agreements outstanding. In connection with the issuance of the Class A-2 Notes, the Company terminated the interest rate caps it had entered into in order to hedge one month LIBOR greater than 2.5% through March 31, 2019. The interest rate cap balances of $0 and $340 were recorded within other assets in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. These amounts have been measured at fair value and are considered to be a Level 2 fair value measurement. During the year ended December 31, 2018 , the Company has reversed all historical unrealized gains and losses associated with its interest rate caps due to the termination or maturity of all previously outstanding caps. The Company recorded an increase to the value of its interest rate caps of $1,143 net of tax of $280 for the year ended December 31, 2017 , and a reduction to the value of its interest rate caps of $78 , net of tax of $35 , during the years ended December 31, 2016 , within other comprehensive income (loss).

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition Revenue from Contracts with Customers We transitioned to FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue From Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), from ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition and ASC Subtopic 952-605, Franchisors - Revenue Recognition (together, the “Previous Standards”) on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. Our Financial Statements reflect the application of ASC 606 guidance beginning in 2018, while our consolidated financial statements for prior periods were prepared under the guidance of Previous Standards. The $9,192 cumulative effect of our transition to ASC 606 is reflected as an adjustment to January 1, 2018 stockholders' deficit. Our transition to ASC 606 represents a change in accounting principle. ASC 606 eliminates industry-specific guidance and provides a single revenue recognition model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of ASC 606 is that a reporting entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the reporting entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Contract Liabilities Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue resulting from initial and successor franchise fees and ADA fees paid by franchisees, as well as transfer fees, which are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying franchise agreement. Also included are corporate-owned store enrollment fees, annual fees and monthly fees. We classify these contract liabilities as deferred revenue in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following table reflects the change in contract liabilities between the date of adoption (January 1, 2018) and December 31, 2018 , Contract liabilities Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 40,000 Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability at the beginning of the year (20,439 ) Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 30,301 Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 49,862 The following table illustrates estimated revenues expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of December 31, 2018 . The Company has elected to exclude short term contracts, sales and usage based royalties and any other variable consideration recognized on an "as invoiced" basis. Contract liabilities to be recognized in: Amount 2019 $ 23,606 2020 2,797 2021 2,432 2022 2,345 2023 2,261 Thereafter 16,421 Total $ 49,862 The summary set forth below represents the balances in deferred revenue as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 : December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Prepaid membership fees $ 6,085 $ 5,198 Enrollment fees 1,104 1,014 Equipment discount 3,855 2,567 Annual membership fees 10,142 8,113 Area development and franchise fees 28,676 10,631 Total deferred revenue 49,862 27,523 Long-term portion of deferred revenue 26,374 8,440 Current portion of deferred revenue $ 23,488 $ 19,083 Equipment deposits received in advance of delivery as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $7,908 and $6,498 , respectively and are expected to be recognized as revenue in the next twelve months. Financial Statement Impact of Transition to ASC 606 As noted above, we transitioned to ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method on January 1, 2018. The cumulative effect of this transition to applicable contracts with customers that were not completed as of January 1, 2018 was recorded as an adjustment to stockholders' deficit as of that date. As a result of applying the modified retrospective method to transition to ASC 606, the following adjustments were made to the consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2018: As Reported December 31, Total adjustments Adjusted January 1, 2017 2018 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 113,080 $ — $ 113,080 Accounts receivable, net 37,272 — 37,272 Due from related parties 3,020 — 3,020 Inventory 2,692 — 2,692 Restricted assets – national advertising fund 499 — 499 Prepaid expenses 3,929 — 3,929 Other receivables 9,562 — 9,562 Other current assets 6,947 — 6,947 Total current assets 177,001 — 177,001 Property and equipment, net 83,327 — 83,327 Intangible assets, net 235,657 — 235,657 Goodwill 176,981 — 176,981 Deferred income taxes 407,782 3,285 411,067 Other assets, net 11,717 — 11,717 Total assets $ 1,092,465 $ 3,285 $ 1,095,750 Liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 7,185 $ — $ 7,185 Accounts payable 28,648 — 28,648 Accrued expenses 18,590 — 18,590 Equipment deposits 6,498 — 6,498 Restricted liabilities – national advertising fund 490 — 490 Deferred revenue, current 19,083 (764 ) 18,319 Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, current 31,062 — 31,062 Other current liabilities 474 — 474 Total current liabilities 112,030 (764 ) 111,266 Long-term debt, net of current maturities 696,576 — 696,576 Deferred rent, net of current portion 6,127 — 6,127 Deferred revenue, net of current portion 8,440 13,241 21,681 Deferred tax liabilities 1,629 — 1,629 Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, net of current portion 400,298 — 400,298 Other liabilities 4,302 — 4,302 Total noncurrent liabilities 1,117,372 13,241 1,130,613 Stockholders' equity (deficit): Class A common stock 9 — 9 Class B common stock 1 — 1 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (648 ) — (648 ) Additional paid in capital 12,118 — 12,118 Accumulated deficit (130,966 ) (9,192 ) (140,158 ) Total stockholders' deficit attributable to Planet Fitness Inc. (119,486 ) (9,192 ) (128,678 ) Non-controlling interests (17,451 ) — (17,451 ) Total stockholders' deficit (136,937 ) (9,192 ) (146,129 ) Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $ 1,092,465 $ 3,285 $ 1,095,750 Franchise Fees The cumulative adjustment for franchise fees, including ADA fees, successor fees and transfer fees which will all be recognized over the franchise contract term consist of the following: • An increase in deferred revenue, net of $ 12,477 for the cumulative reversal and deferral of previously recognized fees related to franchise agreements in effect at January 1, 2018 that were entered into subsequent to the acquisition of Pla-Fit Holdings on November 8, 2012 by TSG Consumer Partners, LLC (the “2012 Acquisition”) (net of the cumulative revenue attributable for the period through January 1, 2018), with a corresponding decrease to Shareholders’ equity. • An increase to deferred income taxes, net of $ 3,285 for the tax effects of the adjustment noted above, with a corresponding increase to stockholders' equity. Comparison to Amounts if Previous Standards Had Been in Effect The following tables reflect the impact of adoption of ASC 606 on our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018, cash flows from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 and our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 and the amounts as if the Previous Standards were in effect (“Amounts Under Previous Standards”): As reported for the year ended December 31, 2018 Total adjustments Amounts under Previous Standards Revenue: Franchise $ 175,314 $ 5,666 $ 180,980 Commission income 6,632 — 6,632 National advertising fund revenue 42,194 (42,194 ) — Corporate-owned stores 138,599 — 138,599 Equipment 210,159 — 210,159 Total revenue 572,898 (36,528 ) 536,370 Operating costs and expenses: Cost of revenue 162,646 — 162,646 Store operations 75,005 — 75,005 Selling, general and administrative 72,446 — 72,446 National advertising fund expense 42,619 (42,619 ) — Depreciation and amortization 35,260 — 35,260 Other loss (gain) 878 — 878 Total operating costs and expenses 388,854 (42,619 ) 346,235 Income from operations 184,044 6,091 190,135 Other expense, net: Interest income 4,681 — 4,681 Interest expense (50,746 ) — (50,746 ) Other (expense) income (6,175 ) — (6,175 ) Total other expense, net (52,240 ) — (52,240 ) Income before income taxes 131,804 6,091 137,895 Provision for income taxes 28,642 1,437 30,079 Net income 103,162 4,654 107,816 Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests 15,141 642 15,783 Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. $ 88,021 $ 4,012 $ 92,033 Net income per share of Class A common stock: Basic $ 1.01 $ 1.06 Diluted $ 1.00 $ 1.05 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows As reported December 31, 2018 Total adjustments Amounts under Previous Standards Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 103,162 $ 4,654 $ 107,816 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 35,260 — 35,260 Amortization of deferred financing costs 3,400 — 3,400 Amortization of favorable leases and asset retirement obligations 375 — 375 Amortization of interest rate caps 1,170 — 1,170 Deferred tax expense 23,933 — 23,933 Loss (gain) on re-measurement of tax benefit arrangement 4,765 — 4,765 Provision for bad debts 19 — 19 Gain on disposal of property and equipment 462 — 462 Loss on extinguishment of debt 4,570 — 4,570 Third party debt refinancing expense — — — Loss on reacquired franchise rights 360 — 360 Equity-based compensation 5,479 — 5,479 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: — — Accounts receivable (1,923 ) — (1,923 ) Due from related parties 3,598 — 3,598 Inventory (2,430 ) — (2,430 ) Other assets and other current assets 5,778 — 5,778 National advertising fund — (425 ) (425 ) Accounts payable and accrued expenses 14,506 — 14,506 Other liabilities and other current liabilities (2,835 ) — (2,835 ) Income taxes 194 1,437 1,631 Payments pursuant to tax benefit arrangements (30,493 ) — (30,493 ) Equipment deposits 1,410 — 1,410 Deferred revenue 9,640 $ (5,666 ) 3,974 Deferred rent 3,999 — 3,999 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 184,399 $ — $ 184,399 Consolidated Balance Sheet As reported December 31, 2018 Total adjustments Amounts under Previous Standards Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 289,431 $ — $ 289,431 Restricted cash 30,708 — 30,708 Accounts receivable, net 38,960 — 38,960 Due from related parties — — — Inventory 5,122 — 5,122 Restricted assets – national advertising fund — 425 425 Prepaid expenses 4,947 — 4,947 Other receivables 12,548 — 12,548 Income tax receivable 6,824 (1,437 ) 5,387 Total current assets 388,540 (1,012 ) 387,528 Property and equipment, net 114,367 — 114,367 Intangible assets, net 234,330 — 234,330 Goodwill 199,513 — 199,513 Deferred income taxes 414,841 (3,285 ) 411,556 Other assets, net 1,825 — 1,825 Total assets $ 1,353,416 $ (4,297 ) $ 1,349,119 Liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 12,000 $ — $ 12,000 Accounts payable 30,428 — 30,428 Accrued expenses 32,384 — 32,384 Equipment deposits 7,908 — 7,908 Restricted liabilities – national advertising fund — — — Deferred revenue, current 23,488 118 23,606 Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, current 24,765 — 24,765 Other current liabilities 430 — 430 Total current liabilities 131,403 118 131,521 Long-term debt, net of current maturities 1,160,127 — 1,160,127 Deferred rent, net of current portion 10,083 — 10,083 Deferred revenue, net of current portion 26,374 (18,448 ) 7,926 Deferred tax liabilities 2,303 — 2,303 Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, net of current portion 404,468 — 404,468 Other liabilities 1,447 — 1,447 Total noncurrent liabilities 1,604,802 (18,448 ) 1,586,354 Commitments and contingencies (note 11) Stockholders' equity (deficit): Class A common stock 9 — 9 Class B common stock 1 — 1 Accumulated other comprehensive income 94 — 94 Additional paid in capital 19,732 — 19,732 Accumulated deficit (394,410 ) 13,391 (381,019 ) Total stockholders' deficit attributable to Planet Fitness Inc. (374,574 ) 13,391 (361,183 ) Non-controlling interests (8,215 ) 642 (7,573 ) Total stockholders' deficit (382,789 ) 14,033 (368,756 ) Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $ 1,353,416 $ (4,297 ) $ 1,349,119

Related party transactions

Related party transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related party transactions	Related party transactions Amounts due from related parties of $0 and $3,020 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, primarily relate to currently due or potential reimbursements for certain taxes accrued or paid by the Company (see note 15). Activity with franchisees considered to be related parties is summarized below. For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Franchise revenue $ 3,179 $ 2,130 $ 1,760 Equipment revenue 3,977 3,464 1,338 Total revenue from related parties $ 7,156 $ 5,594 $ 3,098 Additionally, the Company had deferred ADA revenue from related parties of $779 and $389 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The Company entered into a consulting agreement that terminated on December 31, 2018 with a shareholder and former executive officer of the Company. The Company paid rent and lease termination costs for its former headquarters to MMC Fox Run, LLC, which was owned by Chris Rondeau, our CEO, and Marc Grondahl, a shareholder and former executive officer and former member of our board of directors, in the amounts of $0 , $898 , and $406 , for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the Company had $59,458 and $44,794 , respectively, payable to related parties pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, see Note 15. A member of the Company’s board of directors, who is also a franchisee, holds an approximate 10.5% ownership of a company that sells amenity tracking compliance software to Planet Fitness stores. As of December 31, 2018 , the software was being utilized at 35 corporate-owned stores and approximately 400 franchise stores.

Stockholder's equity

Stockholder's equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholder's equity	Stockholder’s equity Pursuant to the exchange agreement between the Company and the Continuing LLC Owners, the Continuing LLC Owners (or certain permitted transferees thereof) have the right, from time to time and subject to the terms of the exchange agreement, to exchange their Holdings Units, along with a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock, for shares of Class A common stock (or cash at the option of the Company) on a one -for-one basis, subject to customary conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, reclassifications and similar transactions. In connection with any exchange of Holdings Units for shares of Class A common stock by a Continuing LLC Owner, the number of Holdings Units held by the Company is correspondingly increased as it acquires the exchanged Holdings Units, and a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock are canceled. June 2016 Secondary Offering As described in Note 1, on June 28, 2016 the Company completed the June Secondary Offering of 11,500,000 shares of our Class A common stock at a price of $16.50 per share. All of the shares sold in the offering were offered by Direct TSG Investors and the participating Continuing LLC Owners. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Class A common stock offered by the Direct TSG Investors and the participating Continuing LLC Owners. The shares sold in the offering consisted of (i) 3,608,840 existing shares of Class A common stock held by the Direct TSG Investors and (ii) 7,891,160 newly-issued shares of Class A common stock issued in connection with the exercise of the exchange right by the Continuing LLC Owners that participated in the June Secondary Offering. Simultaneously, and in connection with the exchange, 7,891,160 shares of Class B common stock were surrendered by the Continuing LLC Owners that participated in the June Secondary Offering and canceled. Additionally, in connection with the exchange, Planet Fitness, Inc. received 7,891,160 Holdings Units, increasing its total ownership interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. September 2016 Secondary Offering As described in Note 1, on September 28, 2016, the Company completed the September Secondary Offering of 8,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock at a price of 19.62 per share. All of the shares sold in the offering were offered by the Direct TSG Investors and participating Continuing LLC Owners. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Class A common stock offered by the Direct TSG Investors and the participating Continuing LLC Owners. The shares sold in the offering consisted of (i) 2,593,981 existing shares of Class A common stock held by the Direct TSG Investors and (ii) 5,406,019 newly-issued shares of Class A common stock issued in connection with the exercise of the exchange right by the Continuing LLC Owners that participated in the September Secondary Offering. Simultaneously, and in connection with the exchange, 5,406,019 shares of Class B common stock were surrendered by the Continuing LLC Owners that participated in the September Secondary Offering and canceled. Additionally, in connection with the exchange, Planet Fitness, Inc. received 5,406,019 Holdings Units, increasing its total ownership interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. November 2016 Secondary Offering As described in Note 1, on November 22, 2016, the Company completed the November Secondary Offering of 15,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock at a price of $23.22 per share. All of the shares sold in the offering were offered by the Direct TSG Investors and participating Continuing LLC Owners. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Class A common stock offered by the Direct TSG Investors and the participating Continuing LLC Owners. The shares sold in the offering consisted of (i) 4,863,715 existing shares of Class A common stock held by the Direct TSG Investors and (ii) 10,136,285 newly-issued shares of Class A common stock issued in connection with the exercise of the exchange right by the Continuing LLC Owners that participated in the November Secondary Offering. Simultaneously, and in connection with the exchange, 10,136,285 shares of Class B common stock were surrendered by the Continuing LLC Owners that participated in the November Secondary Offering and canceled. Additionally, in connection with the exchange, Planet Fitness, Inc. received 10,136,285 Holdings Units, increasing its total ownership interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. March 2017 Secondary Offering As described in Note 1, on March 14, 2017, the Company completed the March Secondary Offering of 15,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock at a price of $20.44 per share. All of the shares sold in the March Secondary Offering were offered by certain existing holders of Holdings Units and the Direct TSG Investors. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Class A common stock offered by the Direct TSG Investors and the participating holders of Holdings Units. The shares sold in the March Secondary Offering consisted of (i) 4,790,758 existing shares of Class A common stock held by the Direct TSG Investors and (ii) 10,209,242 newly-issued shares of Class A common stock issued in connection with the exercise of the exchange right by the holders of Holdings Units that participated in the March Secondary Offering. Simultaneously, and in connection with the exchange, 10,209,242 shares of Class B common stock were surrendered by the holders of Holdings Units that participated in the March Secondary Offering and canceled. Additionally, in connection with the exchange, Planet Fitness, Inc. received 10,209,242 Holdings Units, increasing its total ownership interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. May 2017 Secondary Offering As described in Note 1, on May 10, 2017, the Company completed the May Secondary Offering of 16,085,510 shares of its Class A common stock at a price of $20.28 per share. All of the shares sold in the May Secondary Offering were offered by certain existing holders of Holdings Units and the Direct TSG Investors. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Class A common stock offered by the Direct TSG Investors and the participating holders of Holdings Units. The shares sold in the May Secondary Offering consisted of (i) 5,215,691 existing shares of Class A common stock held by the Direct TSG Investors and (ii) 10,869,819 newly-issued shares of Class A common stock issued in connection with the exercise of the exchange right by the holders of Holdings Units that participated in the May Secondary Offering. Simultaneously, and in connection with the exchange, 10,869,819 shares of Class B common stock were surrendered by the holders of Holdings Units that participated in the May Secondary Offering and canceled. Additionally, in connection with the exchange, Planet Fitness, Inc. received 10,869,819 Holdings Units, increasing its total ownership interest in Pla-Fit Holdings. Other Exchanges In addition to the secondary offerings mentioned above, during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, certain Continuing LLC Owners have exercised their exchange right and exchanged 1,736,020 and 4,762,943 Holdings Units for 1,736,020 4,762,943 newly-issued shares of Class A common stock. Simultaneously, and in connection with these exchanges, 1,736,020 and 4,762,943 shares of Class B common stock were surrendered by the Continuing LLC Owners that exercised their exchange right and canceled in the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Additionally, in connection with these exchanges, Planet Fitness, Inc. received 1,736,020 and 4,762,943 Holdings Units, during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 respectively, increasing its total ownership in Pla-Fit Holdings. Future exchanges of Holdings Units by the Continuing LLC Owners will result in a change in ownership and reduce the amount recorded as non-controlling interest and increase additional paid-in capital on our consolidated balance sheets. As a result of the recapitalization transactions, the IPO, completion of our secondary offerings, and other exchanges and equity activity, as of December 31, 2018 : • the public investors collectively owned 83,583,860 shares of our Class A common stock, representing 89.8% of the voting power in the Company and, through the Company, 89.8% of the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings; and • the Continuing LLC Owners collectively hold 9,447,730 Holdings Units, representing 10.2% of the economic interest in Pla-Fit Holdings and 9,447,730 shares of our Class B common stock, representing 10.2% of the voting power in the Company; Share repurchase program On August 3, 2018, our board of directors approved an increase to the total amount of the previously approved share repurchase program to $ 500,000 . On November 13, 2018, the Company entered into a $ 300,000 accelerated share repurchase agreement (the “ASR Agreement”) with Citibank, N.A. (“the Bank”). Pursuant to the terms of the ASR Agreement, on November 14, 2018, the Company paid the Bank $ 300,000 upfront in cash and received 4,607,410 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, which were retired, and the Company elected to record as a reduction to retained earnings of $240,000 . The final number of shares to be repurchased will be determined based on the volume-weighted average stock price of our common stock during the term of the transaction, less a discount and subject to adjustments pursuant to the terms and conditions of the ASR Agreement, and will also be retired upon delivery to us . This has been evaluated as an unsettled forward contract indexed to our own stock, with $60,000 classified as a reduction to retained earnings. Final settlement of the ASR Agreement is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2019, although the settlement may be accelerated at the Bank's option. At final settlement, the Bank may be required to deliver additional shares to the Company, or, under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to deliver shares of its Class A common stock or may elect to make a cash payment to the Bank. The ASR Agreement contains provisions customary for agreements of this type, including provisions for adjustments to the transaction terms, the circumstances generally under which the ASR Agreement may be accelerated, extended or terminated early by the Bank and various acknowledgments, representations and warranties made by the parties to one another. Additionally, prior to the ASR Agreement, during the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company repurchased at market value and retired 824,312 shares of Class A common stock for a total cost of $ 42,090 . The timing of the purchases and the amount of stock repurchased is subject to the Company’s discretion and depends on market and business conditions, the Company’s general working capital needs, stock price, applicable legal requirements and other factors. Our ability to repurchase shares at any particular time is also subject to the terms of the indenture governing the Series 2018-1 Senior Notes. Purchases may be effected through one or more open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, transactions structured through investment banking institutions, or a combination of the foregoing. Planet Fitness is not obligated under the program to acquire any particular amount of stock and can suspend or terminate the program at any time. Dividends The Company did not declare or pay any dividends during the years ended December 31, 2018 or 2017. Dividends declared and paid to holders of the Company’s Class A common stock during the year ended December 31, 2016 were $169,282 , or $2.78 per share of Class A common stock. The dividend was declared on November 10, 2016 and paid on December 5, 2016 to Class A common stock holders of record as of November 22, 2016 . The Company also paid cash dividend equivalents of $101,729 , or $2.78 per share, to holders of Holdings Units on December 5, 2016 and accrued $3,899 of dividend equivalents for future payment to holders of unvested share awards to be paid upon vesting of the related awards.

Equity-based compensation

Equity-based compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Equity-based Compensation	Equity-based compensation 2013 Equity Incentive Plan In 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”). Under the 2013 Plan, the Company granted awards in the form of Class M Units to certain employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Class M Units received distributions (other than tax distributions) only upon a liquidity event, as defined, that exceeded a threshold equivalent to the fair value of the Company, as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, at the grant date. Eighty percent of the awards vest over five years of continuous employment or service while the other twenty percent only vest in the event of an initial public offering of the Company’s common stock or that of its parent or one of its subsidiaries, subject to the holder of the Class M Units remaining employed or providing services on the date of such initial public offering. All awards include a repurchase option at the election of the Company for the vested portion upon termination of employment or service, and have a ten year contractual term. These awards are accounted for as equity at their fair value as of the grant date. In connection with the IPO and related recapitalization transactions, all of the outstanding Class M Units were converted into Holdings Units and shares of Class B common stock of Planet Fitness, Inc. in accordance with the terms of the awards. The Company’s IPO constituted a qualifying event under the terms of the awards and as a result 4,238,338 Holdings Units and corresponding shares of Class B common stock were issued to the existing Class M Unit holders with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $1.52 per share. The Company recorded $ 21 , $ 152 and $ 784 of compensation expense in the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, related to these awards. The fair value of each award was estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company modified the vesting terms of 22,527 outstanding Holdings Units such that those units were fully vested immediately. In connection with the modification, the Company recorded $337 of compensation expense in the year ended December 31, 2016. A summary of unvested Holdings Unit activity is presented below: Holdings Units Weighted average grant date fair value Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Aggregate intrinsic value Unvested outstanding at January 1, 2018 270,221 $ 1.52 Units granted — — Units forfeited (8,990 ) $ 1.52 Units vested (247,746 ) $ 1.52 Unvested outstanding at December 31, 2018 13,485 $ 1.52 0.9 $ 723 The amount of total unrecognized compensation cost related to all awards under this plan was $3 as of December 31, 2018 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.9 years . 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan Stock Options In August 2015, the Company adopted the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2015 Plan") under which the Company may grant options and other equity-based awards to purchase up to 7,896,800 shares to employees, directors and officers. Generally, stock options awarded vest annually, on a tranche by tranche basis, over a period of four years with a maximum contractual term of 10 years . The fair value of stock option awards granted were determined on the grant date using the Black-Scholes valuation model based on the following assumptions: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 Expected term (years) (1) 6.25 -6.5 6.25 Expected volatility (2) 29.1% - 29.3% 28.6% - 32.9% Risk-free interest rate (3) 2.61% - 2.88% 1.86% - 2.10% Dividend yield (4) — % — % (1) Expected term represents the estimated period of time until an award is exercised and was determined using the simplified method. (2) Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of a selected peer group over a period equivalent to the expected term. (3) The risk-free rate is an interpolation of yields on U.S. Treasury securities with maturities equivalent to the expected term. (4) Based on an assumed a dividend yield of zero at the time of grant. A summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2018 : Stock Options Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding at January 1, 2018 918,206 $ 19.59 Granted 224,141 $ 38.83 Exercised (67,349 ) $ 18.04 Forfeited (60,793 ) $ 25.02 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 1,014,205 $ 23.62 8.0 $ 30,427 Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2018 1,014,205 $ 23.62 8.0 $ 30,427 Exercisable at December 31, 2018 256,970 $ 19.04 7.3 $ 8,887 The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2018 was $13.49 . During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , $3,316 and $2,195 , respectively, was recorded to selling, general and administrative expense related to these stock options. As of December 31, 2018 , total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options, was $3,228 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years . Restricted stock units During the year ended December 31, 2018 , the Company granted 94,177 restricted Class A stock units (“RSUs”) under the 2015 Plan. RSUs granted to members of the Board of Directors vest on the first anniversary of the grant date, provided that the recipient continues to serve on the Board of Directors through the vesting dates. RSUs are also granted to certain employees of the Company and generally vest annually, on a tranche by tranche basis, over a period of four years . RSU awards are valued using the intrinsic value method. Restricted stock units Weighted average fair value Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Aggregate intrinsic value Unvested outstanding at January 1, 2018 16,218 $ 23.26 Granted 94,177 $ 39.71 Vested (24,053 ) $ 28.85 Forfeited (4,546 ) $ 36.42 Unvested outstanding at December 31, 2018 81,796 $ 39.82 2.1 $ 4,386 The weighted-average grant date fair value of RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2018 was $39.71 . During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , $1,637 and $184 , respectively, was recorded to selling, general and administrative expense related to these RSUs. As of December 31, 2018 , total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs was $2,155 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years . Employee stock purchase plan The 2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"), as adopted by the Board of Directors in March 2018, allows eligible employees to purchase shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at a discount through payroll deductions of up to 10% of their eligible compensation, subject to any plan limitations. The ESPP provides for six -month offering periods, and at the end of each offering period, employees are able to purchase shares at 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the Company’s Class A common stock on the first trading day of the offering period or on the last day of the offering period. As of December 31, 2018 , a total of 1,000,000 shares of common stock were authorized and available for the issuance of equity awards under the ESPP. The first purchase of Class A common stock under the plan will occur in January, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2018, $ 129 was recorded to expense related to the ESPP.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	Earnings per share Basic earnings per share of Class A common stock is computed by dividing net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , by the weighted-average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the same periods. Diluted earnings per share of Class A common stock is computed by dividing net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. by the weighted-average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding adjusted to give effect to potentially dilutive securities. Shares of the Company’s Class B common stock do not share in the earnings or losses attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. and are therefore not participating securities. As such, separate presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share of Class B common stock under the two-class method has not been presented. Shares of the Company’s Class B common stock are, however, considered potentially dilutive shares of Class A common stock because shares of Class B common stock, together with the related Holdings Units, are exchangeable into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. The following table sets forth reconciliations of the numerators and denominators used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share of Class A common stock: Basic net income per share: Year Ended December 31, 2018 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Numerator Net income $ 103,162 $ 55,601 $ 71,247 Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests 15,141 22,455 49,747 Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. - basic & diluted $ 88,021 $ 33,146 $ 21,500 Denominator Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding - basic 87,235,021 78,910,390 43,300,288 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options 417,264 56,198 1,489 Restricted stock units 22,618 4,962 2,908 Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding - diluted 87,674,903 78,971,550 43,304,685 Earnings per share of Class A common stock - basic $ 1.01 $ 0.42 $ 0.50 Earnings per share of Class A common stock - diluted $ 1.00 $ 0.42 $ 0.50 Weighted average shares of Class B common stock of 10,275,077 , 19,483,737 and 55,305,992 for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, were evaluated under the if-converted method for potential dilutive effects and were determined to be anti-dilutive. Weighted-average stock options outstanding of 143,006 , 489,133 and 208,452 for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, were evaluated under the treasury stock method for potential dilutive effects and were determined to be anti-dilutive. Weighted average restricted stock units outstanding of 131 , 1,829 and 0 , for the year ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, were evaluated under the treasury stock method for potential dilutive effects and were determined to be anti-dilutive.

Income taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes Income before the provision for income taxes as shown in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Domestic $ 128,861 $ 426,873 $ 88,016 Foreign 2,943 2,308 1,892 Total income before the provision for income taxes 131,804 429,181 89,908 The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Current: Federal $ 178 $ (2,600 ) $ 1,206 State 3,586 2,941 1,428 Foreign 945 817 421 Total current tax expense 4,709 1,158 3,055 Deferred: Federal 22,757 365,470 11,633 State 946 6,857 3,755 Foreign 230 95 218 Total deferred tax expense 23,933 372,422 15,606 Provision for income taxes $ 28,642 $ 373,580 $ 18,661 The Company is the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings, which is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and most applicable state and local income tax purposes. As a partnership, Pla-Fit Holdings is not subject to U.S. federal and certain state and local income taxes. Any taxable income or loss generated by Pla-Fit Holdings is passed through to and included in the taxable income or loss of its members, including the Company, on a pro rata basis. Planet Fitness, Inc. is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state and local income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings. The Company is also subject to taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions. On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Act was enacted, making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes included, but were not limited to, a corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% beginning on January 1, 2018, the transition of U.S international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a modified territorial system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017. The Company recognized $334,619 of income tax expense in our income tax provision in the fourth quarter of 2017 as a result of the enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, of which $334,022 related to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities, and $597 related to mandatory repatriation. The 2017 Tax Act also caused a remeasurement of our tax benefit arrangements, as discussed in more detail below. A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. statutory tax rate 21.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State and local taxes, net of federal benefit 5.9 % 1.0 % 4.9 % State rate change impact on deferred taxes (3.4 )% 0.8 % (1.4 )% Federal rate change impact on deferred taxes — % 77.8 % — % Tax benefit arrangement liability adjustment 0.8 % (25.8 )% — % Foreign tax rate differential 0.2 % — % (0.3 )% Withholding taxes and other (0.3 )% 0.1 % — % Reserve for uncertain tax position (0.2 )% 0.1 % 3.1 % Income attributable to non-controlling interests (2.3 )% (1.9 )% (20.5 )% Effective tax rate 21.7 % 87.1 % 20.8 % The Company’s effective tax rate was 21.7% in 2018, in comparison to the U.S. statutory tax rate in 2018 of 21% . The comparison of our effective tax rate to U.S. statutory tax rate is influenced by the fact that we are subject to taxation in various state and local jurisdictions resulting in an increase in our effective tax rate, offset mainly by income tax benefit recorded in 2018 to remeasure deferred tax assets. This remeasurement was a result of various state tax legislation enacted in the year as well as acquisitions which resulted in an increase in the amount of income apportioned to various states in future periods and accordingly resulted in recognition of a deferred tax benefit in 2018, and a decrease to our effective income tax rate in 2018. The Company’s effective tax rate is 21.7% for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to 87.1% in the prior year. The decrease in our effective income tax rate is primarily due to the recognition of an income tax expense in connection with remeasurement of our deferred taxes in 2017 as a result of the Tax Act, as well as a decrease in the U.S. statutory tax rate in 2018. These factors are partially offset by the income tax benefit recognized in 2017 in connection with the remeasurement of our TRA liability as a result of the Tax Act. Deferred income taxes are provided for the effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its reported amount in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These temporary differences result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. Details of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Accrued expense and reserves $ 37 $ 1,422 Deferred revenue 4,619 1,900 Goodwill and intangible assets 409,740 404,547 Net operating loss — 603 Other 4,901 3,619 Deferred tax assets $ 419,297 $ 412,091 Deferred tax liabilities: Prepaid expenses (922 ) (773 ) Property and equipment (5,837 ) (5,165 ) Total deferred tax liabilities $ (6,759 ) $ (5,938 ) Total deferred tax assets and liabilities $ 412,538 $ 406,153 Reported as: Deferred income taxes - non-current assets $ 414,841 $ 407,782 Deferred income taxes - non-current liabilities (2,303 ) (1,629 ) Total deferred tax assets and liabilities $ 412,538 $ 406,153 As of December 31, 2018 , the Company does not have any material net operating loss carryforwards. A summary of the changes in the Company’s unrecognized tax positions is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 2,608 $ 2,608 Decrease related to prior year tax positions (2,308 ) — Balance at end of year $ 300 $ 2,608 As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the total liability related to uncertain tax positions was $300 and 2,608 , respectively, and is included within other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. The table above presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The decrease in the liability for uncertain tax position is due to a settlement of a tax examination during 2018. During 2018, the Company settled a tax examination for $ 2,625 which was fully indemnified. At the date of settlement the Company had recorded on its balance sheet an unrecognized tax benefit and related indemnification asset of $ 2,967 , reflecting principal and interest, and released $ 342 as an offset to provision for income taxes and also released an indemnification asset of $ 342 through other expense. The Company recognized interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. The Company and its subsidiaries file U.S. federal income tax returns, as well as tax returns in various state and foreign jurisdictions. Generally, the tax years 2015 through 2018 remain open to examination by the tax authorities in these jurisdictions. Tax benefit arrangements The Company’s acquisition of Holdings Units in connection with the IPO and future and certain past exchanges of Holdings Units for shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (or cash at the option of the Company) are expected to produce and have produced favorable tax attributes. In connection with the IPO, the Company entered into two tax receivable agreements. Under the first of those agreements, the Company generally is required to pay to the TRA Holders 85% of the applicable tax savings, if any, in U.S. federal and state income tax that the Company is deemed to realize as a result of certain tax attributes of their Holdings Units sold to the Company (or exchanged in a taxable sale) and that are created as a result of (i) the sales of their Holdings Units for shares of Class A common stock and (ii) tax benefits attributable to payments made under the tax receivable agreement (including imputed interest). Under the second tax receivable agreement, the Company generally is required to pay to the Direct TSG Investors 85% of the amount of tax savings, if any, that the Company is deemed to realize as a result of the tax attributes of the Holdings Units held in respect of the Direct TSG Investors’ interest in the Company, which resulted from the Direct TSG Investors’ purchase of interests in Pla-Fit Holdings in 2012, and certain other tax benefits. Under both agreements, the Company generally retains the benefit of the remaining 15% of the applicable tax savings. Also, pursuant to the exchange agreement (see Note 11), to the extent an exchange results in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC incurring a current tax liability relating to the New Hampshire business profits tax, the TRA Holders have agreed that they will contribute to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC an amount sufficient to pay such liability (up to 3.5% of the value receive upon exchange). If and when the Company subsequently realizes a related tax benefit, Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will distribute the amount of any such tax benefit to the relevant TRA LLC Owner in respect of its contribution. Due to changes in New Hampshire tax law during 2016, the Company no longer expects to incur any such liability under the New Hampshire business profits tax. The Company recorded other expense of $4,765 , other income of $317,350 and other expense of $72 and in the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively, reflecting a change in the tax benefit obligation attributable to a change in the expected tax benefits. In 2018, the remeasurement was primarily due to various state tax legislation changes enacted in the year as well as acquisitions which resulted in an increase in the amount of income apportioned to various states in future periods and accordingly resulted in a decrease to the tax benefit arrangement liability. Included in this amount in 2017, was a gain of $316,813 related to the remeasurement of our tax benefit arrangements in connection with changes in the tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Act. This remeasurement gain, which is not subject to federal or state income tax, favorably impacted our effective federal and state income tax rates in 2017. In connection with the exchanges that occurred in the secondary offerings and other exchanges during 2018 and 2017 , 1,736,020 and 25,842,004 Holdings Units, respectively, were redeemed by the Continuing LLC Owners for newly-issued shares of Class A common stock, resulting in an increase in the tax basis of the net assets of Pla-Fit Holdings subject to the provisions of the tax receivable agreements. As a result of the change in Planet Fitness, Inc.’s ownership percentage of Pla-Fit Holdings that occurred in conjunction with the exchanges, we recorded a decrease to our net deferred tax assets of $721 and $24,371 , during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. As a result of these exchanges, during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 we also recognized deferred tax assets in the amount of $27,565 and $394,108 , respectively, and corresponding tax benefit arrangement liabilities of $23,526 and $341,089 , respectively, representing approximately 85% of the tax benefits due to the TRA Holders. The offset to the entries recorded in connection with exchanges in each year was to stockholders’ equity. The tax benefit obligation was $429,233 and $431,360 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Projected future payments under the tax benefit arrangements are as follows: Amount 2019 $ 24,765 2020 24,996 2021 25,450 2022 25,975 2023 26,482 Thereafter 301,565 Total $ 429,233

Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	Commitments and contingencies (a) Operating lease commitments The Company rents equipment, office, and warehouse space at various locations in the United States and Canada under noncancelable operating leases. Rental expense was $24,900 , $20,296 , and $19,203 for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Approximate annual future commitments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2018 are as follows: Amount 2019 $ 15,911 2020 15,219 2021 13,454 2022 12,561 2023 11,133 Thereafter 45,324 Total $ 113,602 (b) Legal matters From time to time, and in the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to various claims, charges, and litigation, such as employment-related claims and slip and fall cases. The Company is not currently aware of any legal proceedings or claims that the Company believes will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or result of operations. (c) Purchase commitments As of December 31, 2018 , the Company had advertising purchase commitments of approximately $17,848 , including commitments made by the NAF. In addition, the Company had open purchase orders of approximately $18,189 primarily related to equipment to be sold to franchisees. (d) Guarantees The Company has guaranteed certain leases of entities that were previously related through common ownership. These guarantees relate to leases for operating space of franchises operated by the related entities. The Company’s maximum obligation, as a result of its guarantees of leases, is approximately $732 and $979 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and would only require payment upon default by the primary obligor. The Company has determined the fair value of these guarantees at inception is not material, and as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , no accrual has been recorded for the Company’s potential obligation under its guaranty arrangement.

Retirement Plan

Retirement Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement Plan	Retirement Plan The Company maintains a 401(k) deferred tax savings plan (the Plan) for eligible employees. The Plan provides for the Company to make an employer matching contribution currently equal to 100% of employee deferrals up to a maximum of 4% of each eligible participating employees’ wages. Total employer matching contributions expensed in the consolidated statements of operations were approximately $832 , $623 , and $484 for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Segments

Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments	Segments The Company has three reportable segments: (i) Franchise; (ii) Corporate-owned stores; and (iii) Equipment. The Company’s operations are organized and managed by type of products and services and segment information is reported accordingly. The Company’s chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) is its Chief Executive Officer. The CODM reviews financial performance and allocates resources by reportable segment. There have been no operating segments aggregated to arrive at the Company’s reportable segments. The Franchise segment includes operations related to the Company’s franchising business in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Mexico. The Corporate-owned stores segment includes operations with respect to all Corporate-owned stores throughout the United States and Canada. The Equipment segment includes the sale of equipment to franchisee-owned stores. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 2. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, referred to as Segment EBITDA. Revenues for all operating segments include only transactions with unaffiliated customers and include no intersegment revenues. The tables below summarize the financial information for the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 . The “Corporate and other” column, as it relates to Segment EBITDA, primarily includes corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and related benefit costs and professional services which are not directly attributable to any individual segment. Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Revenue Franchise segment revenue - U.S. $ 219,506 $ 147,787 $ 114,717 Franchise segment revenue - International 4,634 2,368 1,771 Franchise segment total 224,140 150,155 116,488 Corporate-owned stores segment - U.S. 134,174 107,712 100,541 Corporate-owned stores segment - International 4,425 4,402 4,180 Corporate-owned stores segment total 138,599 112,114 104,721 Equipment segment - U.S. 210,159 167,673 157,032 Equipment segment total 210,159 167,673 157,032 Total revenue $ 572,898 $ 429,942 $ 378,241 Franchise segment revenue includes franchise revenue, commission income and in 2018 includes NAF revenue, see Note 2 and Note 10. Franchise revenue includes revenue generated from placement services of $11,502 , $11,371 , and $10,513 for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Segment EBITDA Franchise $ 152,571 $ 126,459 $ 97,256 Corporate-owned stores 56,704 46,855 40,847 Equipment 47,607 38,539 36,439 Corporate and other (43,753 ) 284,372 (26,007 ) Total Segment EBITDA $ 213,129 $ 496,225 $ 148,535 The following table reconciles total Segment EBITDA to income before taxes: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Total Segment EBITDA $ 213,129 $ 496,225 $ 148,535 Less: Depreciation and amortization 35,260 31,761 31,502 Other income (expense) (6,175 ) 316,928 1,371 Income from operations 184,044 147,536 115,662 Interest expense, net (46,065 ) (35,283 ) (27,125 ) Other income (expense) (6,175 ) 316,928 1,371 Income before income taxes $ 131,804 $ 429,181 $ 89,908 The following table summarizes the Company’s assets by reportable segment: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Franchise $ 319,422 $ 243,348 Corporate-owned stores 243,221 167,367 Equipment 210,462 206,632 Unallocated 580,311 475,118 Total consolidated assets $ 1,353,416 $ 1,092,465 The table above includes $1,892 and $2,558 of long-lived assets located in the Company’s international corporate-owned stores as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The following table summarizes the Company’s goodwill by reportable segment: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Franchise $ 16,938 $ 16,938 Corporate-owned stores 89,909 67,377 Equipment 92,666 92,666 Total consolidated goodwill $ 199,513 $ 176,981

Corporate-owned and franchisee-

Corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Franchisors [Abstract]
Corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores	Corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores The following table shows changes in our corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Franchisee-owned stores: Stores operated at beginning of period 1,456 1,255 1,066 New stores opened 226 206 195 Stores debranded, sold or consolidated (1) (16 ) (5 ) (6 ) Stores operated at end of period 1,666 1,456 1,255 Corporate-owned stores: Stores operated at beginning of period 62 58 58 New stores opened 4 4 — Stores acquired from franchisees 10 — — Stores operated at end of period 76 62 58 Total stores: Stores operated at beginning of period 1,518 1,313 1,124 New stores opened 230 210 195 Stores debranded, sold or consolidated (1) (6 ) (5 ) (6 ) Stores operated at end of period 1,742 1,518 1,313 (1) The term “debrand” refers to a franchisee-owned store whose right to use the Planet Fitness brand and marks has been terminated in accordance with the franchise agreement. We retain the right to prevent debranded stores from continuing to operate as fitness centers. The term “consolidated” refers to the combination of a franchisee’s store with another store located in close proximity with our prior approval. This often coincides with an enlargement, re-equipment and/or refurbishment of the remaining store.

Quarterly financial data (unaud

Quarterly financial data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly financial data (unaudited)	Quarterly financial data (unaudited) For the quarter ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Total revenue $ 121,333 $ 140,550 $ 136,656 $ 174,359 Income from operations 38,918 48,811 43,573 52,742 Net income 23,493 30,418 20,472 28,779 Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. 19,880 25,874 17,471 24,796 Earnings per share: Class A - Basic $ 0.23 $ 0.30 $ 0.20 $ 0.29 Class A - Diluted $ 0.23 $ 0.29 $ 0.20 $ 0.29 For the quarter ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Total revenue $ 91,102 $ 107,316 $ 97,496 $ 134,028 Income from operations 33,055 38,250 33,954 42,277 Net income 17,866 18,004 18,902 829 Net income (loss) attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. 8,842 12,412 15,345 (3,453 ) Earnings (loss) per share: Class A - Basic $ 0.14 $ 0.16 $ 0.18 $ (0.04 ) Class A - Diluted $ 0.14 $ 0.16 $ 0.18 $ (0.04 )

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in thousands) Balance at Beginning of Period Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net Write-offs and other Balance at End of Period Allowance for doubtful accounts: December 31, 2018 $ 32 $ 19 $ 33 $ 84 December 31, 2017 687 $ (19 ) $ (636 ) 32 December 31, 2016 629 58 — 687

Summary of significant accoun_2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation and consolidation	(a) Basis of presentation and consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. As discussed in Note 1, Planet Fitness, Inc. consolidates Pla-Fit Holdings. The Company also consolidates entities in which it has a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. The Company also considers for consolidation certain interests where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is considered to possess the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the rights to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it. The principal entities in which the Company possesses a variable interest include franchise entities and certain other entities. The Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary for Planet Fitness franchise entities. Therefore, these entities are not consolidated. The results of the Company have been consolidated with Matthew Michael Realty LLC (“MMR”), PF Melville LLC (“PF Melville”), and Planet Fitness NAF, LLC (the “NAF”) based on the determination that the Company is the primary beneficiary with respect to these VIEs. MMR and PF Melville are real estate holding companies that derive a majority of their financial support from the Company through lease agreements for corporate stores. See Note 3 for further information related to the Company’s VIEs. The NAF is an advertising fund on behalf of which the Company collects 2% of gross monthly membership fees from franchisees, in accordance with the provisions of the franchise agreements, and uses the amounts received to increase sales and further enhance the public reputation of the Planet Fitness brand. See Note 4 for further information related to the NAF.
Use of estimates	(b) Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, they may ultimately differ from actual results. Significant areas where estimates and judgments are relied upon by management in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include revenue recognition, valuation of equity-based compensation awards, the evaluation of the recoverability of goodwill and long-lived assets, including intangible assets, income taxes, including deferred tax assets and liabilities and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits, and the liability for the Company’s tax benefit arrangements.
Concentrations	(c) Concentrations Cash and cash equivalents are financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk. The Company invests its excess cash in several major financial institutions, which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000 . The Company maintains balances in excess of these limits, but does not believe that such deposits with its banks are subject to any unusual risk. The credit risk associated with trade receivables is mitigated due to the large number of customers, generally our franchisees, and their broad dispersion over many different geographic areas. We do not have any concentrations with respect to our revenues. The Company purchases equipment, both for corporate-owned stores and for sales to franchisee-owned stores from various equipment vendors. For the year ended December 31, 2018 purchases from two equipment vendors comprised 76% and 13% , respectively, of total equipment purchases. For the year ended December 31, 2017 purchases from one equipment vendor comprised 91% of total equipment purchases and for the year ended December 31, 2016 purchases from two equipment vendors comprised 83% and 13% , respectively, of total equipment purchases. The Company, including the NAF, uses one primary vendor for advertising services. For the year ended December 31, 2018 , purchases from this vendor comprised 65% of total advertising purchases. For the year ended December 31, 2017 purchases from one vendor comprised 63% of total advertising purchases and for the year ended December 31, 2016 purchases from two vendors comprised 25% and 16% of total advertising purchases, respectively. (see Note 4 for further discussion of the NAF).
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(d) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Cash held within the NAF is recorded as a restricted asset (see Note 4). In accordance with the Company’s securitized financing facility, certain cash accounts have been established in the name of Citibank, N.A. (the “Trustee”). The Company holds restricted cash which primarily represents cash collections held by the Trustee, which includes interest, principal, and commitment fee reserves. As of December 31, 2018 , the Company had restricted cash held by the Trustee of $ 30,708 . Restricted cash has been combined with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Revenue recognition and Deferred Revenue	(e) Revenue recognition Revenue from Contracts with Customers We transitioned to FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue From Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), from ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition and ASC Subtopic 952-605, Franchisors - Revenue Recognition (together, the “Previous Standards”) on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. Our Financial Statements reflect the application of ASC 606 guidance beginning in 2018, while our consolidated financial statements for prior periods were prepared under the guidance of Previous Standards. The $9,192 cumulative effect of our transition to ASC 606 is reflected as an adjustment to January 1, 2018 stockholders' deficit (see Note 10). Our transition to ASC 606 represents a change in accounting principle. ASC 606 eliminates industry-specific guidance and provides a single revenue recognition model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of ASC 606 is that a reporting entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the reporting entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue Recognition Significant Accounting Policies under ASC 606 The Company's revenues are comprised of franchise revenue, equipment revenue, and corporate-owned stores revenue. Franchise revenue Franchise revenues consist primarily of royalties, NAF contributions, initial and successor franchise fees and upfront fees from area development agreements ("ADAs"), transfer fees, equipment placement revenue, other fees and commission income. The Company's primary performance obligation under the franchise license is granting certain rights to use the Company's intellectual property, and all other services the Company provides under the ADA and franchise agreement are highly interrelated, not distinct within the contract, and therefore accounted for under ASC 606 as a single performance obligation, which is satisfied by granting certain rights to use our intellectual property over the term of each franchise agreement. Royalties, including franchisee contributions to national advertising funds, are calculated as a percentage of franchise monthly dues and annual fees over the term of the franchise agreement. Under our franchise agreements, advertising contributions paid by franchisees must be spent on advertising, marketing and related activities. Initial and successor franchise fees are payable by the franchisee upon signing a new franchise agreement or successor franchise agreement, and transfer fees are paid to the Company when one franchisee transfers a franchise agreement to a different franchisee. Our franchise royalties, as well as our NAF contributions, represent sales-based royalties that are related entirely to our performance obligation under the franchise agreement and are recognized as franchise sales occur. Additionally, under ASC 606, initial and successor franchise fees, as well as transfer fees, are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective franchise agreement. Under the Previous Standards, initial franchise fees were recognized as revenue when the related franchisees signed a lease and completed the Company's new franchisee training. Successor franchise fees and transfer fees were recognized as revenue upon execution of a new franchise agreement. Our ADAs generally consist of an obligation to grant geographic exclusive area development rights. These development rights are not distinct from franchise agreements, so upfront fees paid by franchisees for exclusive development rights are deferred and apportioned to each franchise agreement signed by the franchisee. The pro-rata amount apportioned to each franchise agreement is accounted for identically to the initial franchise fee. The Company is generally responsible for assembly and placement of equipment it sells to U.S. based franchisee-owned stores. Placement revenue is recognized upon completion and acceptance of the services at the franchise location. The Company recognizes commission income from certain of its franchisees’ use of certain preferred vendor arrangements. Commissions are recognized when amounts have been earned and collectability from the vendor is reasonably assured. Online member join fees are paid to the Company by franchisees for processing new membership transactions when a new member signs up for a membership to a franchisee-owned store through the Company’s website. These fees are recognized as revenue as each transaction occurs. Billing transaction fees are paid to the Company by certain of its franchisees for the processing of franchisee membership dues and annual fees through the Company’s third-party hosted point-of-sale system and are recognized as revenue as they are earned. Equipment revenue The Company sells and delivers equipment purchased from third-party equipment manufacturers to U.S. based franchisee-owned stores. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of ordered items, generally upon delivery to the customer, which is when the customer obtains physical possession of the goods, legal title is transferred, the customer has all risks and rewards of ownership and an obligation to pay for the goods is created. Franchisees are charged for all freight costs incurred for the delivery of equipment. Freight revenue is recorded within equipment revenue and freight costs are recorded within cost of revenue. In most instances, the Company recognizes equipment revenue on a gross basis as management has determined the Company to be the principal in these transactions. Management determined the Company to be the principal in the transaction because the Company controls the equipment prior to delivery to the final customer as evidenced by its pricing discretion over the goods, inventory transfer of title and risk of loss while the inventory is in transit, and having the primary responsibility to fulfill the customer order and direct the third-party vendor. Corporate-owned stores revenue The following revenues are generated from stores owned and operated by the Company. Membership dues revenue Customers are offered multiple membership choices varying in length. Membership dues are earned and recognized over the membership term on a straight-line basis. Enrollment fee revenue Enrollment fees are charged to new members at the commencement of their membership. The Company recognizes enrollment fees ratably over the estimated duration of the membership life, which is generally two years. Annual membership fee revenue Annual membership fees are annual fees charged to members in addition to and in order to maintain low monthly membership dues. The Company recognizes annual membership fees ratably over the 12-month membership period. Retail sales The Company sells Planet Fitness branded apparel, food, beverages, and other accessories. The revenue for these items is recognized at the point of sale. Sales tax All revenue amounts are recorded net of applicable sales tax. Revenue Recognition Significant Accounting Policies under Previous Standards, prior to January 1, 2018 if different than under ASC 606 Franchise revenue The following revenues are generated as a result of transactions with or related to the Company’s franchisees. Area development fees ADA fees collected in advance are deferred until the Company provides substantially all required obligations pursuant to the ADA. As the efforts and total cost relating to initial services are affected significantly by the number of stores opened in an area, the respective ADA is treated as a divisible contract. As each new site is accepted under an ADA, a franchisee signs a franchise operating agreement for the respective franchise location. As each store opened under an ADA typically has performance obligations associated with it, the Company recognizes ADA revenue as each individual franchise location is developed in proportion to the total number of stores to be developed under the ADA. These obligations are typically completed once the store is opened or the franchisee executes the individual property lease. ADAs generally have an initial term equal to the number of years over which the franchisee is required to open franchise stores, which is typically 5 to 10 years . There is no right of refund for an executed ADA. Upon default, as defined in the agreement, the Company may reacquire the rights pursuant to an ADA, and all remaining deferred revenue is recognized at that time. Franchise fees and performance fees Nonrefundable franchise fees are typically deferred until the franchisee executes a lease and receives initial training for the location, which is the point at which the Company has determined it has provided all of its material obligations required to recognize revenue. These amounts are included in deferred revenue on our consolidated balance sheets. The individual franchise agreements typically have a 10 -year initial term, but provide the franchisee with an opportunity to enter into successive renewals subject to certain conditions. Transfer fees The Company’s current franchise agreement provides that upon the transfer of a Planet Fitness store to a different franchisee, the Company is entitled to a transfer fee in the amount of the greater of $25 , or $10 per store being transferred, if more than one, in addition to reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, including external legal and administrative costs incurred in connection with the transfer. Transfer-related fees and expenses are due, payable, and recognized at the time the transfer is effectuated. Royalties Royalties, which represent recurring fees paid by franchisees based on the franchisee-owned stores’ monthly and annual membership billings, are recognized on a monthly basis over the term of the franchise agreement. As specified under certain franchise agreements, the Company recognizes additional royalty fees as the franchisee-owned stores attain contractual monthly membership billing threshold amounts. Equipment revenue Equipment revenue is recognized upon the equipment being delivered to and assembled at each store and accepted by the franchisee. Franchisees are charged for all freight costs incurred for the delivery of equipment. Freight revenue is recorded within equipment revenue and freight costs are recorded within cost of revenue. The Company recognizes revenue on a gross basis in these transactions as management has determined the Company to be the principal in these transactions. Management determined the Company to be the principal because the Company is the primary obligor in these transactions, the Company has latitude in establishing prices for the equipment sales to franchisees, the Company has supplier selection discretion and is involved in determination of product specifications, and the Company bears all credit risk associated with obligations to the equipment manufacturers. Equipment deposits are recognized as a liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets until delivery, assembly (if required), and acceptance by the franchisee. (f) Deferred revenue Subsequent to the adoption of ASC 606 franchise deferred revenue results from initial and successor franchise fees and ADA fees paid by franchisees, as well as transfer fees, which are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying franchise agreement and under the Previous Standard franchise deferred revenue represents cash received from franchisees for ADAs and franchise fees for which revenue recognition criteria has not yet been met. Deferred revenue is also recognized in our corporate-owned stores segment for cash received from members for enrollment fees, membership dues and annual fees for the portion not yet earned based on the membership period under both ASC 606 and the Previous Standard.
Cost of revenue	(g) Cost of revenue Cost of revenue consists primarily of direct costs associated with equipment sales (including freight costs) and the cost of retail merchandise sold in corporate-owned stores. Costs related to retail merchandise sales were immaterial in all periods presented. Rebates from equipment vendors where the Company has recognized the related equipment revenue and costs are recorded as a reduction to the cost of revenue.
Store operations	(h) Store operations Store operations consists of the direct costs related to operating corporate-owned stores, including our store management and staff, rent expense, utilities, supplies, maintenance, and local advertising.
Selling, general and administrative	(i) Selling, general and administrative Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of costs associated with administrative and franchisee support functions related to our existing business as well as growth and development activities. These costs primarily consist of payroll, IT related, marketing, legal and accounting expenses. These expenses include costs related to placement services of $5,397 , $4,601 , and $3,970 , for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
Accounts receivable	(j) Accounts receivable Accounts receivable is primarily comprised of amounts owed to the Company resulting from equipment, placement, and commission revenue. The Company evaluates its accounts receivable on an ongoing basis and may establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based on collections and current credit conditions. Accounts are written off as uncollectible when it is determined that further collection efforts will be unsuccessful. Historically, the Company has not had a significant amount of write-offs.
Leases and asset retirement obligations	(k) Leases and asset retirement obligations The Company recognizes rent expense related to leased office and operating space on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The difference between rent expense and rent paid, if any, as a result of escalation provisions and lease incentives, such as tenant improvements provided by lessors, and is recorded as deferred rent in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. In accordance with ASC Topic 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations , the Company establishes assets and liabilities for the present value of estimated future costs to return certain leased facilities to their original condition. Such assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease period into operating expense, and the recorded liabilities are accreted to the future value of the estimated restoration costs.
Property and equipment	(l) Property and equipment Property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over its related estimated useful life. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the related asset, whichever is shorter. Upon sale or retirement, the asset cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts, and any related gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. Ordinary maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. The estimated useful lives of the Company’s fixed assets by class of asset are as follows: Years Buildings and building improvements 20–40 Information technology and systems 3-5 Furniture and fixtures 5 Leasehold improvements Useful life or term of lease Fitness equipment 5–7 Vehicles 5
Advertising expenses	(m) Advertising expenses The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses, net of amounts reimbursed by franchisees, are included within store operations and selling, general and administrative expenses and totaled $12,101 , $9,906 , and $8,270 for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. See Note 4 for discussion of the national advertising fund.
Goodwill, long-lived assets, and other intangible assets	(n) Goodwill, long-lived assets, and other intangible assets Goodwill and other intangible assets that arise from acquisitions are recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other . In accordance with this guidance, specifically identified intangible assets must be recorded as a separate asset from goodwill if either of the following two criteria is met: (1) the intangible asset acquired arises from contractual or other legal rights; or (2) the intangible asset is separable. Intangibles are typically trade and brand names, customer relationships, noncompete agreements, reacquired franchise rights, and favorable or unfavorable leases. Transactions are evaluated to determine whether any gain or loss on reacquired franchise rights, based on their fair value, should be recognized separately from identified intangibles. Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Separable intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life are amortized over their estimated useful lives on either a straight-line or accelerated basis as deemed appropriate, and are reviewed for impairment when events or circumstances suggest that the assets may not be recoverable. The Company performs its annual test for impairment of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets on December 31 of each year. For goodwill, the first step of the impairment test is to determine whether the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, the Company would be required to perform a second step of the impairment test as this is an indication that the reporting unit’s goodwill may be impaired. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Any impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill. The Company is also permitted to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If the Company concludes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it need not perform the two-step impairment test. For indefinite lived intangible assets, the impairment assessment consists of comparing the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. To the extent that the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset, an impairment is recorded to reduce the carrying value to its fair value. The Company is also permitted to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not an indefinite lived intangible asset’s fair value is less than its carrying value prior to applying the quantitative assessment. If based on the Company’s qualitative assessment it is not more likely than not that the carrying value of the asset is less than its fair value, then a quantitative assessment is not required. The Company determined that no impairment charges were required during any periods presented. The Company applies the provisions of ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment , which requires that long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group to be tested for impairment, then assets are required to be grouped and evaluated at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. There were no events or changes in circumstances that required the Company to test for impairment during any of the periods presented.
Income taxes	(o) Income taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the carrying amount of the existing tax assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The principal items giving rise to temporary differences are the use of accelerated depreciation and certain basis differences resulting from acquisitions and the recapitalization transactions. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Planet Fitness, Inc. is the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings, which is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and most applicable state and local income tax purposes. As a partnership, Pla-Fit Holdings is not subject to U.S. federal and certain state and local income taxes. Any taxable income or loss generated by Pla-Fit Holdings is passed through to and included in the taxable income or loss of its members, including Planet Fitness, Inc. following the recapitalization transactions, on a pro rata basis. Planet Fitness, Inc. is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state and local income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income of Pla-Fit Holdings. The Company is also subject to taxes in foreign jurisdictions. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not to be sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs (see Note 14).
Tax benefit arrangements	(p) Tax benefit arrangements The Company’s acquisition of Holdings Units in connection with the IPO and future and certain past exchanges of Holdings Units for shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (or cash at the option of the Company) are expected to produce and have produced favorable tax attributes. In connection with the IPO, the Company entered into two tax receivable agreements. Under the first of those agreements, the Company generally is required to pay to certain existing and previous equity owners of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC who are unaffiliated with TSG (the “TRA Holders”) 85% of the applicable tax savings, if any, in U.S. federal and state income tax that the Company is deemed to realize as a result of certain tax attributes of their Holdings Units sold to the Company (or exchanged in a taxable sale) and that are created as a result of (i) the sales of their Holdings Units for shares of Class A common stock and (ii) tax benefits attributable to payments made under the tax receivable agreement (including imputed interest). Under the second tax receivable agreement, the Company generally is required to pay to the Direct TSG Investors 85% of the amount of tax savings, if any, that the Company is deemed to realize as a result of the tax attributes of the Holdings Units held in respect of the Direct TSG Investors’ interest in the Company, which resulted from the Direct TSG Investors’ purchase of interests in Pla-Fit Holdings in 2012, and certain other tax benefits. Under both agreements, the Company generally retains the benefit of the remaining 15% of the applicable tax savings. Also, pursuant to the exchange agreement, to the extent an exchange results in Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC incurring a current tax liability relating to the New Hampshire business profits tax, the TRA Holders have agreed that they will contribute to Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC an amount sufficient to pay such tax liability (up to 3.5% of the value received upon exchange). If and when the Company subsequently realizes a related tax benefit, Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC will distribute the amount of any such tax benefit to the relevant Continuing LLC Owner in respect of its contribution. Due to changes in New Hampshire tax law, the Company no longer expects to incur any such liability under the New Hampshire business profits tax. Based on current projections, the Company anticipates having sufficient taxable income to utilize these tax attributes and receive corresponding tax deductions in future periods. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2018 the Company has recorded a liability of $429,233 payable to the TRA Holders under the tax benefit obligations, representing approximately 85% of the calculated tax savings based on the original basis adjustments the Company anticipates being able to utilize in future years. Changes in the projected liability resulting from these tax benefit arrangements may occur based on changes in anticipated future taxable income, changes in applicable tax rates or other changes in tax attributes that may occur and impact the expected future tax benefits to be received by the Company. Changes in the projected liability under these tax benefit arrangements will be recorded as a component of other income (expense) each period. The projection of future taxable income involves significant judgment. Actual taxable income may differ from estimates, which could significantly impact the liability under the tax benefit arrangements and the Company’s consolidated results of operations.
Fair value	(q) Fair value ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures , establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows: Level 1—Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2—Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3—Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
Financial instruments	(r) Financial instruments The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
Derivative instruments and hedging activities	(s) Derivative instruments and hedging activities The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their respective fair values. For derivatives designated in hedging relationships, changes in the fair value are either offset through earnings against the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged or recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, to the extent the derivative is effective at offsetting the changes in cash flows being hedged until the hedged item affects earnings. The Company only enters into derivative contracts that it intends to designate as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). For all hedging relationships, the Company formally documents the hedging relationship and its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the hedged transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively, and a description of the method used to measure ineffectiveness. The Company also formally assesses, both at the inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging relationships are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged transactions. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as part of a cash flow hedging relationship, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings. See Note 8 for further information.
Equity-based compensation	(t) Equity-based compensation The Company has an equity-based compensation plan under which it receives services from employees and directors as consideration for equity instruments of the Company. The compensation expense is determined based on the fair value of the award as of the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are satisfied. For awards with graded vesting, the fair value of each tranche is recognized over its respective vesting period. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur by reversing compensation cost for unvested awards when the award is forfeited. See Note 13 for further information.
Guarantees	(u) Guarantees The Company, as a guarantor, is required to recognize, at inception of the guaranty, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. See Notes 3 and 16 for further discussion of such obligations guaranteed.
Contingencies	(v) Contingencies The Company records estimated future losses related to contingencies when such amounts are probable and estimable. The Company includes estimated legal fees related to such contingencies as part of the accrual for estimated future losses.
Reclassifications	(w) Reclassifications Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
Recent accounting pronouncements	(x) Recent accounting pronouncements The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in September 2014. This guidance requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of a promised good or service to its customers in an amount that reflects consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for such transfer. This guidance also specifies accounting for certain costs incurred by an entity to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and provides for enhancements to revenue specific disclosures intended to allow users of the financial statements to clearly understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with its customers. This guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017 for public companies. The Company adopted this new guidance in fiscal year 2018 utilizing the modified retrospective method. See above for revenue recognition policies and Note 10. In February 2016, the FASB established Topic 842, Leases , by issuing ASU No. 2016-02, Leases , in February 2016. Topic 842 was subsequently amended by ASU No. 2018-01, Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842; ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases; and ASU No. 2018-11, Targeted Improvements . This guidance is intended to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by leases with lease terms of more than 12 months, amends various other aspects of accounting for leases by lessees and lessors, and requires enhanced disclosures. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with the classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition within the income statement. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and requires a modified retrospective transition approach with application in all comparative periods presented (the “comparative method”), or alternatively, as of the effective date as the date of initial application without restating comparative period financial statements (the “effective date method”). The Company expects to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2019 and use the effective date as our date of initial application. Consequently, financial information will not be updated and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019. The new guidance also provides several practical expedients and policies that companies may elect upon transition. The Company has elected the package of practical expedients under which we will not reassess the classification of our existing leases, reevaluate whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases or reassess initial direct costs under the new guidance. The Company does not expect to elect the practical expedient pertaining to land easements, as it is not applicable to its leases. Additionally, the Company elected to use the practical expedient that permits a reassessment of lease terms for existing leases using hindsight. The new standard also provides practical expedients for an entity’s ongoing accounting. The Company currently expects to elect the short-term lease recognition exemption. This means, for those leases that qualify, we will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities, and this includes not recognizing ROU assets or lease liabilities for existing short-term leases of those assets in transition. We also currently expect to elect the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components. The Company performed an analysis of the impact of the new lease guidance and are in the process of completing the final phase of a comprehensive plan for our implementation of the new guidance. The project plan includes analyzing the impact of the new guidance on our current lease contracts, reviewing the completeness of our existing lease portfolio, comparing our accounting policies under current accounting guidance to the new accounting guidance and identifying potential differences from applying the requirements of the new guidance to our lease contracts. Upon transition to the new guidance on January 1, 2019, the Company currently expects to recognize between $125 million and $135 million of operating lease liabilities. Additionally, the Company expects to record right-of-use assets in a corresponding amount, net of amounts reclassified from other assets and liabilities, as specified by the new lease guidance. The FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , in August 2016. This guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice of the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that year. The Company has adopted the guidance as of January 1, 2018 on a prospective basis, noting no material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The FASB issued ASU No. 2017-4, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , in January 2017. This guidance eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value, essentially eliminating step two from the goodwill impairment test. The new standard requires goodwill impairment to be based upon the results of step one of the impairment test, which is defined as the excess of the carrying value of a reporting unit over its fair value. The impairment charge will be limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that year. This new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities , in August 2017. The guidance simplifies the application of hedge accounting in certain situations and amends the hedge accounting model to enable entities to better portray the economics of their risk management activities in the financial statements. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that year. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements. The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract , in August 2018. The guidance helps align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). This guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that year, but allows for early adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

Summary of significant accoun_3

Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Fixed Assets	The estimated useful lives of the Company’s fixed assets by class of asset are as follows: Years Buildings and building improvements 20–40 Information technology and systems 3-5 Furniture and fixtures 5 Leasehold improvements Useful life or term of lease Fitness equipment 5–7 Vehicles 5
Summary of Company's Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The table below presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : Total fair value at December 31, 2018 Quoted prices in active markets markets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Interest rate caps $ — $ — $ — $ — Total fair value at December 31, 2017 Quoted prices in active markets markets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Interest rate caps $ 340 $ — $ 340 $ — The carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Carrying value Estimated fair value (1) Carrying value Estimated fair value (2) Long-term debt $ 1,197,000 $ 1,188,985 $ 709,470 $ 709,470 (1) The estimated fair value of our long-term debt is estimated primarily based on current bid prices for our long-term debt. Judgment is required to develop these estimates. As such, the fair value of our long-term debt is classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP. (2) The carrying value of the Term Loan B debt approximated fair value as of December 31, 2017 as it was variable rate debt.

Variable interest entities (Tab

Variable interest entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Carrying Value of Variable Interest Entities of Consolidated Financial Statements	The carrying values of VIEs included in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities PF Melville $ 4,787 $ — $ 4,420 $ — MMR $ 3,563 — $ 3,360 — Total $ 8,350 $ — $ 7,780 $ —

Acquisition (Tables)

Acquisition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Purchase Consideration Allocation	The purchase consideration was allocated as follows: Amount Fixed assets 3,873 Reacquired franchise rights 4,610 Customer relationships 140 Favorable leases, net 80 Other assets 143 Goodwill 8,476 Liabilities assumed, including deferred revenues (83 ) 17,239 The purchase consideration was allocated as follows: Amount Fixed assets $ 4,672 Reacquired franchise rights 7,640 Customer relationships 1,150 Favorable leases, net 520 Reacquired area development rights 150 Other assets 275 Goodwill 14,056 Liabilities assumed, including deferred revenues (310 ) $ 28,153

Property and equipment (Tables)

Property and equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 consists of the following: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Land $ 1,341 $ 910 Equipment 40,895 32,403 Leasehold improvements 76,832 60,181 Buildings and improvements 8,632 5,107 Furniture & fixtures 13,827 9,790 Information technology and systems assets 17,238 6,449 Other 1,593 1,474 Construction in progress 7,095 3,241 167,453 119,555 Accumulated Depreciation (53,086 ) (36,228 ) Total $ 114,367 $ 83,327

Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill and intangible assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Goodwill and Intangible Assets	A summary of goodwill and intangible assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows: December 31, 2018 Weighted average amortization period (years) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying Amount Customer relationships 11.0 $ 173,063 (99,439 ) $ 73,624 Noncompete agreements 5.0 14,500 (14,500 ) — Favorable leases 8.0 4,017 (2,345 ) 1,672 Order backlog 0.4 3,400 (3,400 ) — Reacquired franchise rights 7.0 21,349 (8,615 ) 12,734 216,329 (128,299 ) 88,030 Indefinite-lived intangible: Trade and brand names N/A 146,300 — 146,300 Total intangible assets $ 362,629 $ (128,299 ) $ 234,330 Goodwill $ 199,513 $ — $ 199,513 December 31, 2017 Weighted average amortization period (years) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying Amount Customer relationships 11.1 $ 171,782 (86,501 ) $ 85,281 Noncompete agreements 5.0 14,500 (14,500 ) — Favorable leases 7.5 2,935 (1,972 ) 963 Order backlog 0.4 3,400 (3,400 ) — Reacquired franchise rights 5.8 8,950 (5,837 ) 3,113 201,567 (112,210 ) 89,357 Indefinite-lived intangible: Trade and brand names N/A 146,300 — 146,300 Total intangible assets $ 347,867 $ (112,210 ) $ 235,657 Goodwill $ 176,981 $ — $ 176,981
Summary of Amortization expenses	The anticipated annual amortization expense to be recognized in future years as of December 31, 2018 is as follows: Amount 2019 $ 16,153 2020 14,302 2021 14,276 2022 14,467 2023 14,316 Thereafter 14,516 Total $ 88,030
Summary of Goodwill	A rollforward of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2018 or 2017 is as follows: Franchise Corporate-owned stores Equipment Total As of December 31, 2016 16,938 67,377 92,666 176,981 Additions — — — — As of December 31, 2017 16,938 67,377 92,666 176,981 Acquisition of franchisee-owned stores — 22,532 — 22,532 As of December 31, 2018 16,938 89,909 92,666 199,513 The following table summarizes the Company’s goodwill by reportable segment: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Franchise $ 16,938 $ 16,938 Corporate-owned stores 89,909 67,377 Equipment 92,666 92,666 Total consolidated goodwill $ 199,513 $ 176,981

Long-term debt (Tables)

Long-term debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt	Long-term debt as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 consists of the following: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Class A-2-I notes $ 573,563 $ — Class A-2-II notes 623,437 — Term loan B, repaid August 2018 — 709,470 Total debt, excluding deferred financing costs 1,197,000 709,470 Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization (24,873 ) (5,709 ) Total debt 1,172,127 703,761 Current portion of long-term debt and Variable Funding Note 12,000 7,185 Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 1,160,127 $ 696,576
Schedule of Future Annual Payments of Long-term Debt	Future annual principal payments of long-term debt as of December 31, 2018 are as follows: Amount 2019 $ 12,000 2020 12,000 2021 12,000 2022 562,563 2023 6,250 Thereafter 592,187 Total $ 1,197,000

Revenue recognition (Tables)

Revenue recognition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Contract Liabilities	The following table reflects the change in contract liabilities between the date of adoption (January 1, 2018) and December 31, 2018 , Contract liabilities Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 40,000 Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability at the beginning of the year (20,439 ) Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 30,301 Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 49,862
Remaining Performance Obligation	The Company has elected to exclude short term contracts, sales and usage based royalties and any other variable consideration recognized on an "as invoiced" basis. Contract liabilities to be recognized in: Amount 2019 $ 23,606 2020 2,797 2021 2,432 2022 2,345 2023 2,261 Thereafter 16,421 Total $ 49,862
Schedule of Deferred Revenue	The summary set forth below represents the balances in deferred revenue as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 : December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Prepaid membership fees $ 6,085 $ 5,198 Enrollment fees 1,104 1,014 Equipment discount 3,855 2,567 Annual membership fees 10,142 8,113 Area development and franchise fees 28,676 10,631 Total deferred revenue 49,862 27,523 Long-term portion of deferred revenue 26,374 8,440 Current portion of deferred revenue $ 23,488 $ 19,083
Impact of ASC 606	The following tables reflect the impact of adoption of ASC 606 on our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018, cash flows from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 and our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 and the amounts as if the Previous Standards were in effect (“Amounts Under Previous Standards”): As reported for the year ended December 31, 2018 Total adjustments Amounts under Previous Standards Revenue: Franchise $ 175,314 $ 5,666 $ 180,980 Commission income 6,632 — 6,632 National advertising fund revenue 42,194 (42,194 ) — Corporate-owned stores 138,599 — 138,599 Equipment 210,159 — 210,159 Total revenue 572,898 (36,528 ) 536,370 Operating costs and expenses: Cost of revenue 162,646 — 162,646 Store operations 75,005 — 75,005 Selling, general and administrative 72,446 — 72,446 National advertising fund expense 42,619 (42,619 ) — Depreciation and amortization 35,260 — 35,260 Other loss (gain) 878 — 878 Total operating costs and expenses 388,854 (42,619 ) 346,235 Income from operations 184,044 6,091 190,135 Other expense, net: Interest income 4,681 — 4,681 Interest expense (50,746 ) — (50,746 ) Other (expense) income (6,175 ) — (6,175 ) Total other expense, net (52,240 ) — (52,240 ) Income before income taxes 131,804 6,091 137,895 Provision for income taxes 28,642 1,437 30,079 Net income 103,162 4,654 107,816 Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests 15,141 642 15,783 Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. $ 88,021 $ 4,012 $ 92,033 Net income per share of Class A common stock: Basic $ 1.01 $ 1.06 Diluted $ 1.00 $ 1.05 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows As reported December 31, 2018 Total adjustments Amounts under Previous Standards Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 103,162 $ 4,654 $ 107,816 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 35,260 — 35,260 Amortization of deferred financing costs 3,400 — 3,400 Amortization of favorable leases and asset retirement obligations 375 — 375 Amortization of interest rate caps 1,170 — 1,170 Deferred tax expense 23,933 — 23,933 Loss (gain) on re-measurement of tax benefit arrangement 4,765 — 4,765 Provision for bad debts 19 — 19 Gain on disposal of property and equipment 462 — 462 Loss on extinguishment of debt 4,570 — 4,570 Third party debt refinancing expense — — — Loss on reacquired franchise rights 360 — 360 Equity-based compensation 5,479 — 5,479 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: — — Accounts receivable (1,923 ) — (1,923 ) Due from related parties 3,598 — 3,598 Inventory (2,430 ) — (2,430 ) Other assets and other current assets 5,778 — 5,778 National advertising fund — (425 ) (425 ) Accounts payable and accrued expenses 14,506 — 14,506 Other liabilities and other current liabilities (2,835 ) — (2,835 ) Income taxes 194 1,437 1,631 Payments pursuant to tax benefit arrangements (30,493 ) — (30,493 ) Equipment deposits 1,410 — 1,410 Deferred revenue 9,640 $ (5,666 ) 3,974 Deferred rent 3,999 — 3,999 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 184,399 $ — $ 184,399 Consolidated Balance Sheet As reported December 31, 2018 Total adjustments Amounts under Previous Standards Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 289,431 $ — $ 289,431 Restricted cash 30,708 — 30,708 Accounts receivable, net 38,960 — 38,960 Due from related parties — — — Inventory 5,122 — 5,122 Restricted assets – national advertising fund — 425 425 Prepaid expenses 4,947 — 4,947 Other receivables 12,548 — 12,548 Income tax receivable 6,824 (1,437 ) 5,387 Total current assets 388,540 (1,012 ) 387,528 Property and equipment, net 114,367 — 114,367 Intangible assets, net 234,330 — 234,330 Goodwill 199,513 — 199,513 Deferred income taxes 414,841 (3,285 ) 411,556 Other assets, net 1,825 — 1,825 Total assets $ 1,353,416 $ (4,297 ) $ 1,349,119 Liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 12,000 $ — $ 12,000 Accounts payable 30,428 — 30,428 Accrued expenses 32,384 — 32,384 Equipment deposits 7,908 — 7,908 Restricted liabilities – national advertising fund — — — Deferred revenue, current 23,488 118 23,606 Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, current 24,765 — 24,765 Other current liabilities 430 — 430 Total current liabilities 131,403 118 131,521 Long-term debt, net of current maturities 1,160,127 — 1,160,127 Deferred rent, net of current portion 10,083 — 10,083 Deferred revenue, net of current portion 26,374 (18,448 ) 7,926 Deferred tax liabilities 2,303 — 2,303 Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, net of current portion 404,468 — 404,468 Other liabilities 1,447 — 1,447 Total noncurrent liabilities 1,604,802 (18,448 ) 1,586,354 Commitments and contingencies (note 11) Stockholders' equity (deficit): Class A common stock 9 — 9 Class B common stock 1 — 1 Accumulated other comprehensive income 94 — 94 Additional paid in capital 19,732 — 19,732 Accumulated deficit (394,410 ) 13,391 (381,019 ) Total stockholders' deficit attributable to Planet Fitness Inc. (374,574 ) 13,391 (361,183 ) Non-controlling interests (8,215 ) 642 (7,573 ) Total stockholders' deficit (382,789 ) 14,033 (368,756 ) Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $ 1,353,416 $ (4,297 ) $ 1,349,119 As a result of applying the modified retrospective method to transition to ASC 606, the following adjustments were made to the consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2018: As Reported December 31, Total adjustments Adjusted January 1, 2017 2018 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 113,080 $ — $ 113,080 Accounts receivable, net 37,272 — 37,272 Due from related parties 3,020 — 3,020 Inventory 2,692 — 2,692 Restricted assets – national advertising fund 499 — 499 Prepaid expenses 3,929 — 3,929 Other receivables 9,562 — 9,562 Other current assets 6,947 — 6,947 Total current assets 177,001 — 177,001 Property and equipment, net 83,327 — 83,327 Intangible assets, net 235,657 — 235,657 Goodwill 176,981 — 176,981 Deferred income taxes 407,782 3,285 411,067 Other assets, net 11,717 — 11,717 Total assets $ 1,092,465 $ 3,285 $ 1,095,750 Liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 7,185 $ — $ 7,185 Accounts payable 28,648 — 28,648 Accrued expenses 18,590 — 18,590 Equipment deposits 6,498 — 6,498 Restricted liabilities – national advertising fund 490 — 490 Deferred revenue, current 19,083 (764 ) 18,319 Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, current 31,062 — 31,062 Other current liabilities 474 — 474 Total current liabilities 112,030 (764 ) 111,266 Long-term debt, net of current maturities 696,576 — 696,576 Deferred rent, net of current portion 6,127 — 6,127 Deferred revenue, net of current portion 8,440 13,241 21,681 Deferred tax liabilities 1,629 — 1,629 Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, net of current portion 400,298 — 400,298 Other liabilities 4,302 — 4,302 Total noncurrent liabilities 1,117,372 13,241 1,130,613 Stockholders' equity (deficit): Class A common stock 9 — 9 Class B common stock 1 — 1 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (648 ) — (648 ) Additional paid in capital 12,118 — 12,118 Accumulated deficit (130,966 ) (9,192 ) (140,158 ) Total stockholders' deficit attributable to Planet Fitness Inc. (119,486 ) (9,192 ) (128,678 ) Non-controlling interests (17,451 ) — (17,451 ) Total stockholders' deficit (136,937 ) (9,192 ) (146,129 ) Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $ 1,092,465 $ 3,285 $ 1,095,750

Related party transactions (Tab

Related party transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	Activity with franchisees considered to be related parties is summarized below. For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Franchise revenue $ 3,179 $ 2,130 $ 1,760 Equipment revenue 3,977 3,464 1,338 Total revenue from related parties $ 7,156 $ 5,594 $ 3,098

Equity-based compensation (Tabl

Equity-based compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Summary of Unvested Holdings Unit Activity	A summary of unvested Holdings Unit activity is presented below: Holdings Units Weighted average grant date fair value Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Aggregate intrinsic value Unvested outstanding at January 1, 2018 270,221 $ 1.52 Units granted — — Units forfeited (8,990 ) $ 1.52 Units vested (247,746 ) $ 1.52 Unvested outstanding at December 31, 2018 13,485 $ 1.52 0.9 $ 723
Summary of Stock Option Activity	A summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2018 : Stock Options Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding at January 1, 2018 918,206 $ 19.59 Granted 224,141 $ 38.83 Exercised (67,349 ) $ 18.04 Forfeited (60,793 ) $ 25.02 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 1,014,205 $ 23.62 8.0 $ 30,427 Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2018 1,014,205 $ 23.62 8.0 $ 30,427 Exercisable at December 31, 2018 256,970 $ 19.04 7.3 $ 8,887
Restricted Stock Units
Summary of Restricted Stock Units Activity	Restricted stock units Weighted average fair value Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Aggregate intrinsic value Unvested outstanding at January 1, 2018 16,218 $ 23.26 Granted 94,177 $ 39.71 Vested (24,053 ) $ 28.85 Forfeited (4,546 ) $ 36.42 Unvested outstanding at December 31, 2018 81,796 $ 39.82 2.1 $ 4,386
2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan
Fair Value of Stock Option Awards Determined on Grant Date	The fair value of stock option awards granted were determined on the grant date using the Black-Scholes valuation model based on the following assumptions: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 Expected term (years) (1) 6.25 -6.5 6.25 Expected volatility (2) 29.1% - 29.3% 28.6% - 32.9% Risk-free interest rate (3) 2.61% - 2.88% 1.86% - 2.10% Dividend yield (4) — % — % (1) Expected term represents the estimated period of time until an award is exercised and was determined using the simplified method. (2) Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of a selected peer group over a period equivalent to the expected term. (3) The risk-free rate is an interpolation of yields on U.S. Treasury securities with maturities equivalent to the expected term. (4) Based on an assumed a dividend yield of zero at the time of grant.

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Class A Common Stock
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators Used to Compute Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	The following table sets forth reconciliations of the numerators and denominators used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share of Class A common stock: Basic net income per share: Year Ended December 31, 2018 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Numerator Net income $ 103,162 $ 55,601 $ 71,247 Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests 15,141 22,455 49,747 Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. - basic & diluted $ 88,021 $ 33,146 $ 21,500 Denominator Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding - basic 87,235,021 78,910,390 43,300,288 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options 417,264 56,198 1,489 Restricted stock units 22,618 4,962 2,908 Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding - diluted 87,674,903 78,971,550 43,304,685 Earnings per share of Class A common stock - basic $ 1.01 $ 0.42 $ 0.50 Earnings per share of Class A common stock - diluted $ 1.00 $ 0.42 $ 0.50

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income Before Provision for Income Taxes	Income before the provision for income taxes as shown in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Domestic $ 128,861 $ 426,873 $ 88,016 Foreign 2,943 2,308 1,892 Total income before the provision for income taxes 131,804 429,181 89,908
Schedule of Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Current: Federal $ 178 $ (2,600 ) $ 1,206 State 3,586 2,941 1,428 Foreign 945 817 421 Total current tax expense 4,709 1,158 3,055 Deferred: Federal 22,757 365,470 11,633 State 946 6,857 3,755 Foreign 230 95 218 Total deferred tax expense 23,933 372,422 15,606 Provision for income taxes $ 28,642 $ 373,580 $ 18,661
Schedule of Reconciliation of U.S. Statutory Income Tax Rate to Company's Effective Tax Rate	A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. statutory tax rate 21.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State and local taxes, net of federal benefit 5.9 % 1.0 % 4.9 % State rate change impact on deferred taxes (3.4 )% 0.8 % (1.4 )% Federal rate change impact on deferred taxes — % 77.8 % — % Tax benefit arrangement liability adjustment 0.8 % (25.8 )% — % Foreign tax rate differential 0.2 % — % (0.3 )% Withholding taxes and other (0.3 )% 0.1 % — % Reserve for uncertain tax position (0.2 )% 0.1 % 3.1 % Income attributable to non-controlling interests (2.3 )% (1.9 )% (20.5 )% Effective tax rate 21.7 % 87.1 % 20.8 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Details of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Accrued expense and reserves $ 37 $ 1,422 Deferred revenue 4,619 1,900 Goodwill and intangible assets 409,740 404,547 Net operating loss — 603 Other 4,901 3,619 Deferred tax assets $ 419,297 $ 412,091 Deferred tax liabilities: Prepaid expenses (922 ) (773 ) Property and equipment (5,837 ) (5,165 ) Total deferred tax liabilities $ (6,759 ) $ (5,938 ) Total deferred tax assets and liabilities $ 412,538 $ 406,153 Reported as: Deferred income taxes - non-current assets $ 414,841 $ 407,782 Deferred income taxes - non-current liabilities (2,303 ) (1,629 ) Total deferred tax assets and liabilities $ 412,538 $ 406,153
Summary Of Changes In Unrecognized Tax Positions	A summary of the changes in the Company’s unrecognized tax positions is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 2,608 $ 2,608 Decrease related to prior year tax positions (2,308 ) — Balance at end of year $ 300 $ 2,608
Schedule of Future Payments Under Tax Benefit Arrangements	Projected future payments under the tax benefit arrangements are as follows: Amount 2019 $ 24,765 2020 24,996 2021 25,450 2022 25,975 2023 26,482 Thereafter 301,565 Total $ 429,233

Commitments and contingencies (

Commitments and contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Commitments Under Noncancelable Operating Leases	Approximate annual future commitments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2018 are as follows: Amount 2019 $ 15,911 2020 15,219 2021 13,454 2022 12,561 2023 11,133 Thereafter 45,324 Total $ 113,602

Segments (Tables)

Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Financial Information for the Company's Reportable Segments	The tables below summarize the financial information for the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 . The “Corporate and other” column, as it relates to Segment EBITDA, primarily includes corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and related benefit costs and professional services which are not directly attributable to any individual segment. Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Revenue Franchise segment revenue - U.S. $ 219,506 $ 147,787 $ 114,717 Franchise segment revenue - International 4,634 2,368 1,771 Franchise segment total 224,140 150,155 116,488 Corporate-owned stores segment - U.S. 134,174 107,712 100,541 Corporate-owned stores segment - International 4,425 4,402 4,180 Corporate-owned stores segment total 138,599 112,114 104,721 Equipment segment - U.S. 210,159 167,673 157,032 Equipment segment total 210,159 167,673 157,032 Total revenue $ 572,898 $ 429,942 $ 378,241 Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Segment EBITDA Franchise $ 152,571 $ 126,459 $ 97,256 Corporate-owned stores 56,704 46,855 40,847 Equipment 47,607 38,539 36,439 Corporate and other (43,753 ) 284,372 (26,007 ) Total Segment EBITDA $ 213,129 $ 496,225 $ 148,535
Reconciliation of Total Segment EBITDA to Income Before Taxes	The following table reconciles total Segment EBITDA to income before taxes: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Total Segment EBITDA $ 213,129 $ 496,225 $ 148,535 Less: Depreciation and amortization 35,260 31,761 31,502 Other income (expense) (6,175 ) 316,928 1,371 Income from operations 184,044 147,536 115,662 Interest expense, net (46,065 ) (35,283 ) (27,125 ) Other income (expense) (6,175 ) 316,928 1,371 Income before income taxes $ 131,804 $ 429,181 $ 89,908
Summary of Company's Assets by Reportable Segment	The following table summarizes the Company’s assets by reportable segment: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Franchise $ 319,422 $ 243,348 Corporate-owned stores 243,221 167,367 Equipment 210,462 206,632 Unallocated 580,311 475,118 Total consolidated assets $ 1,353,416 $ 1,092,465
Summary of Company's Goodwill by Reportable Segment	A rollforward of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2018 or 2017 is as follows: Franchise Corporate-owned stores Equipment Total As of December 31, 2016 16,938 67,377 92,666 176,981 Additions — — — — As of December 31, 2017 16,938 67,377 92,666 176,981 Acquisition of franchisee-owned stores — 22,532 — 22,532 As of December 31, 2018 16,938 89,909 92,666 199,513 The following table summarizes the Company’s goodwill by reportable segment: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Franchise $ 16,938 $ 16,938 Corporate-owned stores 89,909 67,377 Equipment 92,666 92,666 Total consolidated goodwill $ 199,513 $ 176,981

Corporate-owned and franchise_2

Corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Franchisors [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Corporate-owned and Franchisee-owned Stores	The following table shows changes in our corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 : Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Franchisee-owned stores: Stores operated at beginning of period 1,456 1,255 1,066 New stores opened 226 206 195 Stores debranded, sold or consolidated (1) (16 ) (5 ) (6 ) Stores operated at end of period 1,666 1,456 1,255 Corporate-owned stores: Stores operated at beginning of period 62 58 58 New stores opened 4 4 — Stores acquired from franchisees 10 — — Stores operated at end of period 76 62 58 Total stores: Stores operated at beginning of period 1,518 1,313 1,124 New stores opened 230 210 195 Stores debranded, sold or consolidated (1) (6 ) (5 ) (6 ) Stores operated at end of period 1,742 1,518 1,313 (1) The term “debrand” refers to a franchisee-owned store whose right to use the Planet Fitness brand and marks has been terminated in accordance with the franchise agreement. We retain the right to prevent debranded stores from continuing to operate as fitness centers. The term “consolidated” refers to the combination of a franchisee’s store with another store located in close proximity with our prior approval. This often coincides with an enlargement, re-equipment and/or refurbishment of the remaining store.

Quarterly financial data (una_2

Quarterly financial data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data	For the quarter ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Total revenue $ 121,333 $ 140,550 $ 136,656 $ 174,359 Income from operations 38,918 48,811 43,573 52,742 Net income 23,493 30,418 20,472 28,779 Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. 19,880 25,874 17,471 24,796 Earnings per share: Class A - Basic $ 0.23 $ 0.30 $ 0.20 $ 0.29 Class A - Diluted $ 0.23 $ 0.29 $ 0.20 $ 0.29 For the quarter ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Total revenue $ 91,102 $ 107,316 $ 97,496 $ 134,028 Income from operations 33,055 38,250 33,954 42,277 Net income 17,866 18,004 18,902 829 Net income (loss) attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. 8,842 12,412 15,345 (3,453 ) Earnings (loss) per share: Class A - Basic $ 0.14 $ 0.16 $ 0.18 $ (0.04 ) Class A - Diluted $ 0.14 $ 0.16 $ 0.18 $ (0.04 )

Business organization - Additio

Business organization - Additional Information (Detail)	May 10, 2017$ / sharesshares	Mar. 14, 2017$ / sharesshares	Nov. 22, 2016$ / sharesshares	Sep. 28, 2016$ / sharesshares	Jun. 28, 2016$ / sharesshares	May 31, 2017$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares	Nov. 30, 2016$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2016$ / sharesshares	Jun. 30, 2016$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018memberstorestatesegmentshares	Dec. 31, 2017storeshares	Dec. 31, 2016store	Dec. 31, 2015store	Aug. 05, 2015
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of members | member											12,500,000
Number of owned and franchised locations | store											1,742	1,518	1,313	1,124
Number of states in which entity operates | state											50
Number of reportable segments | segment											3
Continuing LLC Owners
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Stock issued during period, shares, conversion of units (in shares)											1,736,020	4,762,943
Percentage of economic interest (in percentage)											10.20%
Class A Common Stock
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of stock issued during period (in shares)	16,085,510	15,000,000	15,000,000	8,000,000	11,500,000						1,736,020	4,762,943
Share price (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 20.28	$ 20.44	$ 23.22	$ 19.62	$ 16.50
Class A Common Stock | Continuing LLC Owners
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of stock issued during period (in shares)	10,869,819	10,209,242	10,136,285	5,406,019	7,891,160						1,736,020	4,762,943
Number of shares exchanged (in shares)											1,736,020	25,842,004
Class A Common Stock | Direct TSG Investors
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of stock issued during period (in shares)	5,215,691	4,790,758	4,863,715	2,593,981	3,608,840
Class A Common Stock | Secondary Offering
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of stock issued during period (in shares)						16,085,510	15,000,000	15,000,000	8,000,000	11,500,000
Share price (in usd per share) | $ / shares						$ 20.28	$ 20.44	$ 23.22	$ 19.62	$ 16.50
Class A Common Stock | Secondary Offering | Continuing LLC Owners
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of stock issued during period (in shares)								10,136,285	5,406,019	7,891,160
Class A Common Stock | Secondary Offering | Direct TSG Investors
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of stock issued during period (in shares)						5,215,691	4,790,758	4,863,715	2,593,981	3,608,840
Class A Common Stock | Secondary Offering | Holdings Units
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of stock issued during period (in shares)						10,869,819	10,209,242
Class B Common Stock
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of shares exchanged (in shares)											1,736,020	4,762,943
Class B Common Stock | Continuing LLC Owners
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of shares exchanged (in shares)	10,869,819	10,209,242	10,136,285	5,406,019	7,891,160						1,736,020	4,762,943
Class B Common Stock | Secondary Offering | Continuing LLC Owners
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of shares exchanged (in shares)								10,136,285	5,406,019	7,891,160
Class B Common Stock | Secondary Offering | Holdings Units
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of shares exchanged (in shares)						10,869,819	10,209,242
Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership (in percentage)											100.00%				100.00%
Percentage of economic interest (in percentage)											89.80%
Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of units held by owners (in shares)	10,869,819	10,209,242	10,136,285	5,406,019	7,891,160						1,736,020	4,762,943
Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC | Secondary Offering
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of units held by owners (in shares)						10,869,819	10,209,242	10,136,285	5,406,019	7,891,160
Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC | Planet Intermediate, LLC
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership (in percentage)															100.00%
Planet Intermediate, LLC | Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership (in percentage)															100.00%

Summary of significant accoun_4

Summary of significant accounting policies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)vendoragreement	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)vendor	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)vendor	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 30,708,000	$ 0
Stockholders' deficit	(382,789,000)	(136,937,000)	$ (214,755,000)		$ (146,129,000)	$ (1,080,000)
Total deferred revenue	49,862,000	27,523,000
Selling, general and administrative	72,446,000	60,369,000	50,008,000
Impairment charges	$ 0	0
Number of tax receivable agreements | agreement	2
Applicable tax savings (in percentage)	85.00%
Percentage of remaining tax savings (in percentage)	15.00%
Income tax rate maximum tax liability (in percentage)	3.50%
TRA Holders
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Liability payable under tax benefit obligations	$ 429,233,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expnses
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Advertising expenses	12,101,000	9,906,000	8,270,000
Placement Services
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative	$ 5,397,000	4,601,000	$ 3,970,000
Individual Franchise Agreements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Franchisee initial term	10 years
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 0
Stockholders' deficit	14,033,000	$ (9,192,000)
Selling, general and administrative	$ 0
Equipment Purchase | Supplier Concentration Risk
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of vendors | vendor	2	1	2
Equipment Purchase | Supplier Concentration Risk | Vendor one
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Purchases from vendor	76.00%	91.00%	83.00%
Equipment Purchase | Supplier Concentration Risk | Vendor two
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Purchases from vendor	13.00%		13.00%
Advertising Purchase | Supplier Concentration Risk
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of vendors | vendor	1	1	2
Advertising Purchase | Supplier Concentration Risk | Vendor one
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Purchases from vendor	65.00%	63.00%	25.00%
Advertising Purchase | Supplier Concentration Risk | Vendor two
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Purchases from vendor			16.00%
Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Insured amount	$ 250,000,000
Maximum | Area Development Agreements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Franchisee initial term	10 years
Maximum | Transfer Fees
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total deferred revenue	$ 25,000
Maximum | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Subsequent Event | Scenario, Forecast
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Operating lease, liability				$ 135,000,000
Operating lease, right-of-use asset				135,000,000
Minimum | Area Development Agreements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Franchisee initial term	5 years
Minimum | Transfer Fees
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total deferred revenue	$ 10,000
Minimum | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Subsequent Event | Scenario, Forecast
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Operating lease, liability				125,000,000
Operating lease, right-of-use asset				$ 125,000,000
Planet Fitness NAF, LLC
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of franchise membership billing revenue	2.00%

Summary of significant accoun_5

Summary of significant accounting policies - Summary of Estimated Useful Lives of Company's Fixed assets (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Buildings and building improvements | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	20 years
Buildings and building improvements | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	40 years
Information technology and systems | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	3 years
Information technology and systems | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	5 years
Furniture and fixtures
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	5 years
Fitness equipment | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	5 years
Fitness equipment | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	7 years
Vehicles
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	5 years

Summary of significant accoun_6

Summary of significant accounting policies - Summary of Company's Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Interest Rate Cap | Fair Value Measurements Recurring
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate caps	$ 0	$ 340
Interest Rate Cap | Quoted prices in active markets markets (Level 1) | Fair Value Measurements Recurring
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate caps	0	0
Interest Rate Cap | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Fair Value Measurements Recurring
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate caps	0	340
Interest Rate Cap | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Fair Value Measurements Recurring
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate caps	0	0
Carrying value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,197,000	709,470
Estimated fair value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,188,985	$ 709,470

Variable interest entities - Ca

Variable interest entities - Carrying Value of Variable Interest Entities of Consolidated Financial Statements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Assets	$ 8,350	$ 7,780
Liabilities	0	0
PF Melville
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Assets	4,787	4,420
Liabilities	0	0
MMR
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Assets	3,563	3,360
Liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Variable interest entities - Ad

Variable interest entities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Maximum obligation of guarantees of leases and debt	$ 732,000	$ 979,000
Maximum loss exposure Involvement of estimated value	$ 0

National advertising fund - Add

National advertising fund - Additional Information (Detail) - Planet Fitness NAF, LLC - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of franchise membership billing revenue	2.00%
Percentage of monthly membership billing contribution	2.00%
Initial administrative fees charged	$ 2,472	$ 2,150	$ 1,700

Acquisition - Narrative (Detail

Acquisition - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Aug. 10, 2018USD ($)store	Jan. 01, 2018USD ($)store	Dec. 31, 2018store	Dec. 31, 2017store	Dec. 31, 2016store	Dec. 31, 2015store
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of owned and franchised locations | store			1,742	1,518	1,313	1,124
Colorado Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of owned and franchised locations | store	4
Acquisition, gross cash payments	$ 17,249
Loss on reacquired franchise rights	10
Consideration transferred	$ 17,239
Long Island Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of owned and franchised locations | store		6
Acquisition, gross cash payments		$ 28,503
Loss on reacquired franchise rights		350
Consideration transferred		$ 28,153

Acquisition - Purchase Consider

Acquisition - Purchase Consideration Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Aug. 10, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 199,513		$ 176,981	$ 176,981	$ 176,981
Colorado Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fixed assets		$ 3,873
Other assets		143
Goodwill		8,476
Liabilities assumed, including deferred revenues		(83)
Net assets acquired		17,239
Long Island Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fixed assets			4,672
Other assets			275
Goodwill			14,056
Liabilities assumed, including deferred revenues			(310)
Net assets acquired			28,153
Reacquired franchise rights | Colorado Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets		4,610
Reacquired franchise rights | Long Island Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets			7,640
Customer relationships | Colorado Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets		140
Customer relationships | Long Island Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets			1,150
Favorable leases, net | Colorado Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets		$ 80
Favorable leases, net | Long Island Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets			520
Reacquired area development rights | Long Island Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets			$ 150

Property and equipment - Schedu

Property and equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 167,453		$ 119,555
Accumulated Depreciation	(53,086)		(36,228)
Total	114,367	$ 83,327	83,327
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	1,341		910
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	40,895		32,403
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	76,832		60,181
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	8,632		5,107
Furniture & fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	13,827		9,790
Information technology and systems assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	17,238		6,449
Other
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	1,593		1,474
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 7,095		$ 3,241

Property and equipment - Additi

Property and equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 19,540	$ 13,886	$ 12,131

Goodwill and intangible asset_2

Goodwill and intangible assets - Summary of Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 216,329	$ 201,567
Accumulated amortization	(128,299)	(112,210)
Net carrying Amount	88,030	89,357
Total intangible assets, Gross carrying amount	362,629	347,867
Total intangible assets, Net carrying Amount	234,330	235,657	$ 235,657
Goodwill, Gross carrying amount	199,513	176,981
Goodwill, Accumulated amortization	0	0
Total consolidated goodwill	199,513	176,981	$ 176,981	$ 176,981
Trade and brand names
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible, Net carrying Amount	$ 146,300	$ 146,300
Customer relationships
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period (years)	11 years	11 years 1 month 6 days
Gross carrying amount	$ 173,063	$ 171,782
Accumulated amortization	(99,439)	(86,501)
Net carrying Amount	$ 73,624	$ 85,281
Noncompete agreements
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period (years)	5 years	5 years
Gross carrying amount	$ 14,500	$ 14,500
Accumulated amortization	(14,500)	(14,500)
Net carrying Amount	$ 0	$ 0
Favorable leases
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period (years)	8 years	7 years 6 months
Gross carrying amount	$ 4,017	$ 2,935
Accumulated amortization	(2,345)	(1,972)
Net carrying Amount	$ 1,672	$ 963
Order backlog
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period (years)	4 months 24 days	4 months 24 days
Gross carrying amount	$ 3,400	$ 3,400
Accumulated amortization	(3,400)	(3,400)
Net carrying Amount	$ 0	$ 0
Reacquired franchise rights
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period (years)	7 years	5 years 9 months 18 days
Gross carrying amount	$ 21,349	$ 8,950
Accumulated amortization	(8,615)	(5,837)
Net carrying Amount	$ 12,734	$ 3,113

Goodwill and intangible asset_3

Goodwill and intangible assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Changes in carrying amount of goodwill		$ 0
Impairment charges	$ 0	0
Amortization of intangible assets	16,089,000	18,205,000	$ 19,757,000
Favorable And Unfavorable Leases
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 369,000	$ 330,000	$ 386,000

Goodwill and intangible asset_4

Goodwill and intangible assets - Goodwill Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 176,981	$ 176,981
Additions	22,532	0
Ending balance	199,513	176,981
Franchise
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	16,938	16,938
Additions	0	0
Ending balance	16,938	16,938
Corporate-owned stores
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	67,377	67,377
Additions	22,532	0
Ending balance	89,909	67,377
Equipment revenue
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	92,666	92,666
Additions	0	0
Ending balance	$ 92,666	$ 92,666

Goodwill and intangible asset_5

Goodwill and intangible assets - Summary of Amortization expenses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,019	$ 16,153
2,020	14,302
2,021	14,276
2,022	14,467
2,023	14,316
Thereafter	14,516
Net carrying Amount	$ 88,030	$ 89,357

Long-term debt - Schedule of Lo

Long-term debt - Schedule of Long-term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, excluding deferred financing costs	$ 1,197,000		$ 709,470
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization	(24,873)		(5,709)
Total debt	1,172,127		703,761
Current portion of long-term debt and Variable Funding Note	12,000	$ 7,185	7,185
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	1,160,127	$ 696,576	696,576
Class A-2-I notes | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, excluding deferred financing costs	573,563		0
Class A-2-II notes | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, excluding deferred financing costs	623,437		0
Term loan B, repaid August 2018 | Loans Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt, excluding deferred financing costs	$ 0		$ 709,470

Long-term debt - Additional Inf

Long-term debt - Additional Information (Detail)	Aug. 01, 2018USD ($)extension	May 26, 2017	Nov. 10, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs					$ 27,133,000	$ 1,278,000	$ 5,220,000
Restricted cash					30,708,000	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt					(4,570,000)	(79,000)	(606,000)
Funds used to pay dividend			$ 271,011,000			(449,000)	169,282,000
Third party debt refinancing expense					$ 0	1,021,000	3,001,000
Term loan B, repaid August 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility maximum borrowing capacity			$ 718,450,000
Decrease in interest rate margin for term loan borrowings		(0.50%)	(0.25%)
Additional reduction in interest rate margin for term loan borrowings		(0.25%)
Term loan B, repaid August 2018 | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total net leverage ratio		3.50
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility maximum borrowing capacity			$ 75,000,000
Decrease in interest rate margin for term loan borrowings		(0.25%)
Revolving Credit Facility | Variable Funding Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, face amount	$ 75,000,000
Commitment fee percentage	0.50%
Term of extension	1 year
Number of additional extensions | extension	2
Amended Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capitalized and deferred financing costs						257,000	2,219,000
Amended Credit Facility | Other Expense
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Third party debt refinancing expense						1,021,000	3,001,000
Amended Credit Facility | Interest Expense
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt						$ (79,000)	$ (606,000)
Class A-2-I notes | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.262%
Debt, face amount	$ 575,000,000
Class A-2-II notes | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.666%
Debt, face amount	$ 625,000,000
Scenario, Forecast | Revolving Credit Facility | Variable Funding Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate during period				5.00%
Interest Rate Cap | Cash Flow Hedging
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 219,837,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Term loan B, repaid August 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Decrease in interest rate margin, variable rate for term loan borrowings		3.00%

Long-term debt - Schedule of Fu

Long-term debt - Schedule of Future Annual Payments of Long-term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,019	$ 12,000
2,020	12,000
2,021	12,000
2,022	562,563
2,023	6,250
Thereafter	592,187
Total	$ 1,197,000	$ 709,470

Derivative Instruments and He_2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Aug. 01, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate caps, net of tax	$ 989	$ 1,143	$ (78)
Interest Rate Cap
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest rate caps	$ 0	340
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate caps, net of tax		1,143	(78)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate caps, tax		$ 280	$ (35)
Interest Rate Cap | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Variable interest rate (in percentage)				2.50%

Revenue recognition - Narrative

Revenue recognition - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of transition to ASC 606	$ 382,789	$ 146,129	$ 136,937	$ 214,755	$ 1,080
Equipment deposits	$ 7,908		6,498
Deferred revenue expected recognition period	12 months
Deferred revenue	$ 49,862		40,000
Deferred income taxes	414,841	$ 411,067	407,782
Total adjustments | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of transition to ASC 606	(14,033)		9,192
Deferred revenue			12,477
Deferred income taxes	$ (3,285)		$ 3,285

Revenue recognition - Schedule

Revenue recognition - Schedule of Contract Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Contract liabilities
Beginning Balance	$ 40,000
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability at the beginning of the year	(20,439)
Increase, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period	30,301
Ending Balance	$ 49,862

Revenue recognition - Remaining

Revenue recognition - Remaining Performance Obligation (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 49,862
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 23,606
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 2,797
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 2,432
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 2,345
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 2,261
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 16,421
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction

Revenue recognition - Schedul_2

Revenue recognition - Schedule of Deferred Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Total deferred revenue	$ 49,862	$ 27,523
Long-term portion of deferred revenue	26,374	8,440
Current portion of deferred revenue	23,488	19,083
Prepaid membership fees
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Total deferred revenue	6,085	5,198
Enrollment fees
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Total deferred revenue	1,104	1,014
Equipment discount
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Total deferred revenue	3,855	2,567
Annual membership fees
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Total deferred revenue	10,142	8,113
Area development and franchise fees
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Total deferred revenue	$ 28,676	$ 10,631

Revenue recognition - Balance S

Revenue recognition - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 289,431	$ 113,080	$ 113,080
Restricted cash	30,708		0
Accounts receivable, net	38,960	37,272	37,272
Due from related parties	0	3,020	3,020
Inventory	5,122	2,692	2,692
Restricted assets – national advertising fund	0	499	499
Prepaid expenses	4,947	3,929	3,929
Other receivables	12,548	9,562	9,562
Other current assets		6,947
Income tax receivable	6,824		6,947
Total current assets	388,540	177,001	177,001
Property and equipment, net	114,367	83,327	83,327
Intangible assets, net	234,330	235,657	235,657
Goodwill	199,513	176,981	176,981	$ 176,981
Deferred income taxes	414,841	411,067	407,782
Other assets, net	1,825	11,717	11,717
Total assets	1,353,416	1,095,750	1,092,465
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	12,000	7,185	7,185
Accounts payable	30,428	28,648	28,648
Accrued expenses	32,384	18,590	18,590
Equipment deposits	7,908	6,498
Restricted liabilities – national advertising fund	0	490	490
Deferred revenue, current	23,488	18,319	19,083
Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, current	24,765	31,062
Other current liabilities	430	474	474
Total current liabilities	131,403	111,266	112,030
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	1,160,127	696,576	696,576
Deferred rent, net of current portion	10,083	6,127	6,127
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	26,374	21,681	8,440
Deferred tax liabilities	2,303	1,629	1,629
Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, net of current portion	404,468	400,298
Other liabilities	1,447	4,302	4,302
Total noncurrent liabilities	1,604,802	1,130,613	1,117,372
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	94	(648)	(648)
Additional paid in capital	19,732	12,118	12,118
Accumulated deficit	(394,410)	(140,158)	(130,966)
Total stockholders' deficit attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.	(374,574)	(128,678)	(119,486)
Non-controlling interests	(8,215)	(17,451)	(17,451)
Total stockholders' deficit	(382,789)	(146,129)	(136,937)	$ (214,755)	$ (1,080)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	1,353,416	1,095,750	1,092,465
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, value	9	9	9
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, value	1	$ 1	1
Total adjustments | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Restricted cash	0
Accounts receivable, net	0		0
Due from related parties	0		0
Inventory	0		0
Restricted assets – national advertising fund	425		0
Prepaid expenses	0		0
Other receivables	0		0
Other current assets			0
Income tax receivable	(1,437)
Total current assets	(1,012)		0
Property and equipment, net	0		0
Intangible assets, net	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Deferred income taxes	(3,285)		3,285
Other assets, net	0		0
Total assets	(4,297)		3,285
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	0		0
Accounts payable	0		0
Accrued expenses	0		0
Equipment deposits	0		0
Restricted liabilities – national advertising fund	0		0
Deferred revenue, current	118		(764)
Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, current	0		0
Other current liabilities	0		0
Total current liabilities	118		(764)
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	0		0
Deferred rent, net of current portion	0		0
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	(18,448)		13,241
Deferred tax liabilities	0		0
Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, net of current portion	0		0
Other liabilities	0		0
Total noncurrent liabilities	(18,448)		13,241
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0		0
Additional paid in capital	0		0
Accumulated deficit	13,391		(9,192)
Total stockholders' deficit attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.	13,391		(9,192)
Non-controlling interests	642		0
Total stockholders' deficit	14,033		(9,192)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	(4,297)		3,285
Total adjustments | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Class A Common Stock
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, value	0		0
Total adjustments | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Class B Common Stock
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, value	0		0
Amounts under Previous Standards
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	289,431		113,080
Restricted cash	30,708
Accounts receivable, net	38,960		37,272
Due from related parties	0		3,020
Inventory	5,122		2,692
Restricted assets – national advertising fund	425		499
Prepaid expenses	4,947		3,929
Other receivables	12,548		9,562
Other current assets			6,947
Income tax receivable	5,387
Total current assets	387,528		177,001
Property and equipment, net	114,367		83,327
Intangible assets, net	234,330		235,657
Goodwill	199,513		176,981
Deferred income taxes	411,556		407,782
Other assets, net	1,825		11,717
Total assets	1,349,119		1,092,465
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	12,000		7,185
Accounts payable	30,428		28,648
Accrued expenses	32,384		18,590
Equipment deposits	7,908		6,498
Restricted liabilities – national advertising fund	0		490
Deferred revenue, current	23,606		19,083
Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, current	24,765		31,062
Other current liabilities	430		474
Total current liabilities	131,521		112,030
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	1,160,127		696,576
Deferred rent, net of current portion	10,083		6,127
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	7,926		8,440
Deferred tax liabilities	2,303		1,629
Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, net of current portion	404,468		400,298
Other liabilities	1,447		4,302
Total noncurrent liabilities	1,586,354		1,117,372
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	94		(648)
Additional paid in capital	19,732		12,118
Accumulated deficit	(381,019)		(130,966)
Total stockholders' deficit attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.	(361,183)		(119,486)
Non-controlling interests	(7,573)		(17,451)
Total stockholders' deficit	(368,756)		(136,937)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	1,349,119		1,092,465
Amounts under Previous Standards | Class A Common Stock
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, value	9		9
Amounts under Previous Standards | Class B Common Stock
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, value	$ 1		$ 1

Revenue recognition - Income St

Revenue recognition - Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenue:
Total revenue	$ 174,359	$ 136,656	$ 140,550	$ 121,333	$ 134,028	$ 97,496	$ 107,316	$ 91,102	$ 572,898	$ 429,942	$ 378,241
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue									162,646	129,266	122,317
Store operations									75,005	60,657	60,121
Selling, general and administrative									72,446	60,369	50,008
National advertising fund expense									42,619	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									35,260	31,761	31,502
Other loss (gain)									878	353	(1,369)
Total operating costs and expenses									388,854	282,406	262,579
Income from operations	52,742	43,573	48,811	38,918	42,277	33,954	38,250	33,055	184,044	147,536	115,662
Other expense, net:
Interest income									4,681	54	21
Interest expense									(50,746)	(35,337)	(27,146)
Other (expense) income									(6,175)	316,928	1,371
Total other expense, net									(52,240)	281,645	(25,754)
Income before income taxes									131,804	429,181	89,908
Provision for income taxes									28,642	373,580	18,661
Net income	28,779	20,472	30,418	23,493	829	18,902	18,004	17,866	103,162	55,601	71,247
Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests									15,141	22,455	49,747
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.	$ 24,796	$ 17,471	$ 25,874	$ 19,880	$ (3,453)	$ 15,345	$ 12,412	$ 8,842	$ 88,021	$ 33,146	$ 21,500
Class A Common Stock
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.
Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.29	$ 0.20	$ 0.30	$ 0.23	$ (0.04)	$ 0.18	$ 0.16	$ 0.14	$ 1.01	$ 0.42	$ 0.50
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.29	$ 0.20	$ 0.29	$ 0.23	$ (0.04)	$ 0.18	$ 0.16	$ 0.14	$ 1	$ 0.42	$ 0.50
Total adjustments | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Revenue:
Total revenue									$ (36,528)
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue									0
Store operations									0
Selling, general and administrative									0
National advertising fund expense									(42,619)
Depreciation and amortization									0
Other loss (gain)									0
Total operating costs and expenses									(42,619)
Income from operations									6,091
Other expense, net:
Interest income									0
Interest expense									0
Other (expense) income									0
Total other expense, net									0
Income before income taxes									6,091
Provision for income taxes									1,437
Net income									4,654
Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests									642
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.									4,012
Amounts under Previous Standards
Revenue:
Total revenue									536,370
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenue									162,646
Store operations									75,005
Selling, general and administrative									72,446
National advertising fund expense									0
Depreciation and amortization									35,260
Other loss (gain)									878
Total operating costs and expenses									346,235
Income from operations									190,135
Other expense, net:
Interest income									4,681
Interest expense									(50,746)
Other (expense) income									(6,175)
Total other expense, net									(52,240)
Income before income taxes									137,895
Provision for income taxes									30,079
Net income									107,816
Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests									15,783
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.									$ 92,033
Amounts under Previous Standards | Class A Common Stock
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.
Basic (usd per share)									$ 1.06
Diluted (usd per share)									$ 1.05
Franchise
Revenue:
Total revenue									$ 175,314	$ 131,983	$ 97,374
Franchise | Total adjustments | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Revenue:
Total revenue									5,666
Franchise | Amounts under Previous Standards
Revenue:
Total revenue									180,980
Commission income
Revenue:
Total revenue									6,632	18,172	19,114
Commission income | Total adjustments | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Revenue:
Total revenue									0
Commission income | Amounts under Previous Standards
Revenue:
Total revenue									6,632
National advertising fund revenue
Revenue:
Total revenue									42,194	0	0
National advertising fund revenue | Total adjustments | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Revenue:
Total revenue									(42,194)
National advertising fund revenue | Amounts under Previous Standards
Revenue:
Total revenue									0
Corporate-owned stores
Revenue:
Total revenue									138,599	112,114	104,721
Corporate-owned stores | Total adjustments | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Revenue:
Total revenue									0
Corporate-owned stores | Amounts under Previous Standards
Revenue:
Total revenue									138,599
Equipment
Revenue:
Total revenue									210,159	$ 167,673	$ 157,032
Equipment | Total adjustments | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Revenue:
Total revenue									0
Equipment | Amounts under Previous Standards
Revenue:
Total revenue									$ 210,159

Revenue recognition - Cash Flow

Revenue recognition - Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 28,779	$ 20,472	$ 30,418	$ 23,493	$ 829	$ 18,902	$ 18,004	$ 17,866	$ 103,162	$ 55,601	$ 71,247
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization									35,260	31,761	31,502
Amortization of deferred financing costs									3,400	1,935	1,544
Amortization of favorable leases and asset retirement obligations									375	334	392
Amortization of interest rate caps									1,170	1,755	797
Deferred tax expense									23,933	372,422	15,606
Loss (gain) on re-measurement of tax benefit arrangement									4,765	(317,354)	72
Provision for bad debts									19	(19)	59
Gain on disposal of property and equipment									462	(159)	(514)
Loss on extinguishment of debt									4,570	79	606
Third party debt refinancing expense									0	1,021	3,001
Loss on reacquired franchise rights									360	0	0
Equity-based compensation									5,479	2,531	1,728
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable									(1,923)	(10,481)	(7,754)
Due from related parties									3,598
Inventory									(2,430)	(890)	2,755
Other assets and other current assets									5,778	(2,981)	(7,944)
National advertising fund									0
Accounts payable and accrued expenses									14,506	4,210	7,428
Other liabilities and other current liabilities									(2,835)	(470)	2,747
Income taxes									194	(3,027)	(5,993)
Payments pursuant to tax benefit arrangements									(30,493)	(11,446)	(6,922)
Equipment deposits									1,410
Deferred revenue									9,640
Deferred rent									3,999	1,199	632
Net cash provided by operating activities									184,399	$ 131,021	$ 108,817
Total adjustments | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income									4,654
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization									0
Amortization of deferred financing costs									0
Amortization of favorable leases and asset retirement obligations									0
Amortization of interest rate caps									0
Deferred tax expense									0
Loss (gain) on re-measurement of tax benefit arrangement									0
Provision for bad debts									0
Gain on disposal of property and equipment									0
Loss on extinguishment of debt									0
Third party debt refinancing expense									0
Loss on reacquired franchise rights									0
Equity-based compensation									0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable									0
Due from related parties									0
Inventory									0
Other assets and other current assets									0
National advertising fund									(425)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses									0
Other liabilities and other current liabilities									0
Income taxes									1,437
Payments pursuant to tax benefit arrangements									0
Equipment deposits									0
Deferred revenue									(5,666)
Deferred rent									0
Net cash provided by operating activities									0
Amounts under Previous Standards
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income									107,816
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization									35,260
Amortization of deferred financing costs									3,400
Amortization of favorable leases and asset retirement obligations									375
Amortization of interest rate caps									1,170
Deferred tax expense									23,933
Loss (gain) on re-measurement of tax benefit arrangement									4,765
Provision for bad debts									19
Gain on disposal of property and equipment									462
Loss on extinguishment of debt									4,570
Third party debt refinancing expense									0
Loss on reacquired franchise rights									360
Equity-based compensation									5,479
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable									(1,923)
Due from related parties									3,598
Inventory									(2,430)
Other assets and other current assets									5,778
National advertising fund									(425)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses									14,506
Other liabilities and other current liabilities									(2,835)
Income taxes									1,631
Payments pursuant to tax benefit arrangements									(30,493)
Equipment deposits									1,410
Deferred revenue									3,974
Deferred rent									3,999
Net cash provided by operating activities									$ 184,399

Related party transactions - Ad

Related party transactions - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)store	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2018USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from related parties, current portion	$ 0	$ 3,020		$ 3,020
Number of corporate-owned stores utlilizing software | store	35
Number of franchise stores utlilizing software | store	400
Board of Directors
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	10.50%
MMC Fox Run, LLC | Consulting Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Rent, lease termination costs and termination fee	$ 0	898	$ 406
Direct TSG Investors
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Liability payable under tax benefit obligations	59,458	44,794
Area Development Agreements
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Deferred ADA revenue from related parties	$ 779	$ 389

Related party transactions - Sc

Related party transactions - Schedule of Related Party Transactions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total revenue from related parties	$ 7,156	$ 5,594	$ 3,098
Franchise revenue
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total revenue from related parties	3,179	2,130	1,760
Equipment revenue
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total revenue from related parties	$ 3,977	$ 3,464	$ 1,338

Stockholder's equity - Addition

Stockholder's equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Nov. 14, 2018	May 10, 2017	Mar. 14, 2017	Dec. 05, 2016	Nov. 22, 2016	Sep. 28, 2016	Jun. 28, 2016	Jun. 30, 2019	Nov. 12, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Nov. 13, 2018	Aug. 03, 2018
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase program, authorized amount														$ 500,000,000
Repurchase and retirement of common stock										$ 342,383,000		$ 1,583,000
Dividend equivalent paid to members of Pla-Fit Holdings										$ 957,000	$ 1,974,000	101,729,000
Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of units held by owners (in shares)		10,869,819	10,209,242		10,136,285	5,406,019	7,891,160			1,736,020	4,762,943
Continuing LLC Owners
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Exchanges of Class B common stock, shares (in shares)										1,736,020	4,762,943
Continuing LLC Owners | IPO and Secondary Offering
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of units held by owners (in shares)										9,447,730
Percentage of economic interest										10.20%
Class A Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of stock issued during period (in shares)		16,085,510	15,000,000		15,000,000	8,000,000	11,500,000			1,736,020	4,762,943
Share price (in usd per share)		$ 20.28	$ 20.44		$ 23.22	$ 19.62	$ 16.50
Stock repurchased (in shares)									824,312
Stock repurchased									$ 42,090,000	$ 342,383,000	$ 0	0
Common stock dividends declared										$ 0	$ 0	$ 169,282,000
Common stock dividends paid (in usd per share)												$ 2.78
Class A Common Stock | Direct TSG Investors
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of stock issued during period (in shares)		5,215,691	4,790,758		4,863,715	2,593,981	3,608,840
Class A Common Stock | Continuing LLC Owners
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of stock issued during period (in shares)		10,869,819	10,209,242		10,136,285	5,406,019	7,891,160			1,736,020	4,762,943
Number of shares exchanged (in shares)										1,736,020	25,842,004
Class A Common Stock | Investor | IPO and Secondary Offering
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of stock issued during period (in shares)										83,583,860
Percentage of economic interest										89.80%
Percentage of voting power										89.80%
Class B Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares exchanged (in shares)										1,736,020	4,762,943
Stock repurchased										$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,583,000
Class B Common Stock | Continuing LLC Owners
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares exchanged (in shares)		10,869,819	10,209,242		10,136,285	5,406,019	7,891,160			1,736,020	4,762,943
Class B Common Stock | Continuing LLC Owners | IPO and Secondary Offering
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of units held by owners (in shares)										9,447,730
Percentage of voting power										10.20%
Holdings Units
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares exchanged for Class A common stock										1
Common stock dividends paid (in usd per share)				$ 2.78
Dividend equivalent paid to members of Pla-Fit Holdings				$ 101,729,000
Accrued dividend equivalents for future payments to holders of unvested share awards				$ 3,899,000
ASR Agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase program, authorized amount													$ 300,000,000
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	$ 240,000
ASR Agreement | Class A Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased (in shares)	4,607,410
ASR Agreement | Scenario, Forecast
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase and retirement of common stock								$ 60,000

Equity-based compensation - Add

Equity-based compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, compensation expense		$ 21	$ 152	$ 784
Stock options, expected recognition, weighted-average period (in years)		2 years 24 days
Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted (in usd per share)		$ 13.49
Selling, general and administrative		$ 72,446	60,369	$ 50,008
Total Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options.		$ 3,228
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options, expected recognition, weighted-average period (in years)		1 year 11 months 25 days
Selling, general and administrative		$ 3,316	$ 2,195
Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, weighted-average grant date fair value (in usd per share)		$ 39.82	$ 23.26
Share based compensation, vested (in shares)		24,053
Selling, general and administrative		$ 1,637	$ 184
Share based compensation, shares granted (in shares)		94,177
Weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock granted (in usd per share)		$ 39.71
Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs, including an estimate for pre-vesting forfeitures		$ 2,155
ESPP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, compensation expense		$ 129
Payroll deduction for ESPP, percent		10.00%
ESPP offering period		6 months
ESPP purchase discount, percent		85.00%
Number of shares of common stock authorized and available for issuance under the ESPP (in shares)		1,000,000
Class B Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, shares issued (in shares)			4,238,338
Share based compensation, weighted-average grant date fair value (in usd per share)			$ 1.52
Holdings Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, compensation expense			$ 337
Share based compensation, vested (in shares)			22,527
Class A Common Stock | Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, shares granted (in shares)		94,177
2013 Equity Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, total unrecognized compensation		$ 3
Stock options, expected recognition, weighted-average period (in years)		11 months
2013 Equity Incentive Plan | Class M Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, vest equally over a period (in years)		5 years
Contractual term in years of stock option awards (in years)		10 years
2013 Equity Incentive Plan | Class M Units | Tranche One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage		80.00%
2013 Equity Incentive Plan | Class M Units | IPO | Tranche One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage		20.00%
2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, vest equally over a period (in years)	10 years
Share based compensation, options granted to employees, directors and officers (in shares)	7,896,800
2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, vest equally over a period (in years)		4 years

Equity-based compensation - Sum

Equity-based compensation - Summary of Unvested Holdings Unit Activity (Detail) - Unvested Holdings Units $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Holdings Units
Units Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	270,221
Units granted (in shares) | shares	0
Units forfeited (in shares) | shares	(8,990)
Units vested (in shares) | shares	(247,746)
Units Outstanding at end of period (in shares) | shares	13,485
Weighted average grant date fair value
Weighted average grant date fair value, Outstanding at beginning of period (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.52
Weighted average grant date fair value, Units granted (in usd per share) | $ / shares	0
Weighted average grant date fair value, Units forfeited (in usd per share) | $ / shares	1.52
Weighted average grant date fair value, Units vested (usd per share) | $ / shares	1.52
Weighted average grant date fair value, Outstanding at end of period (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.52
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Outstanding at end of period (in years)	10 months 24 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding at end of period | $	$ 723

Equity-based compensation - Fai

Equity-based compensation - Fair Value of Stock Option Awards Determined on Grant Date Using Black-Scholes Valuation Model (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (years)		6 years 3 months
Expected volatility, Minimum (percentage)	29.10%	28.60%
Expected volatility, Maximum (percentage)	29.30%	32.90%
Risk-free interest rate, Minimum (percentage)	2.61%	1.86%
Risk-free interest rate, Maximum (percentage)	2.88%	2.10%
Dividend yield (percentage)	0.00%	0.00%
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (years)	6 years 3 months
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (years)	6 years 6 months

Equity-based compensation - S_2

Equity-based compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock Options
Stock Options, Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	918,206
Stock Options, Granted (in shares)	224,141
Stock Options, Exercised (in shares)	(67,349)
Stock Options, Forfeited (in shares)	(60,793)
Stock Options, Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	1,014,205
Stock Options, Vested or expected to vest (in shares)	1,014,205
Stock Option, Exercisable (in shares)	256,970
Weighted average exercise price
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at beginning of period (usd per share)	$ 19.59
Weighted average exercise price, Granted (usd per share)	38.83
Weighted average exercise price, Exercised (usd per share)	18.04
Weighted average exercise price, Forfeited (usd per share)	25.02
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at end of period (usd per share)	23.62
Weighted average exercise price, Vested or expected to vest (usd per share)	23.62
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable (usd per share)	$ 19.04
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Outstanding at end of period (years)	8 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Vested or expected to vest (years)	8 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Exercisable (years)	7 years 4 months
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding		$ 30,427
Aggregate intrinsic value, Vested or expected to vest		30,427
Aggregate intrinsic value, Exercisable		$ 8,887

Equity-based compensation - S_3

Equity-based compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Units Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Restricted stock units
Units Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	16,218
Units granted (in shares) | shares	94,177
Units vested (in shares) | shares	(24,053)
Units forfeited (in shares) | shares	(4,546)
Units Outstanding at end of period (in shares) | shares	81,796
Weighted average fair value
Weighted average grant date fair value, Outstanding at beginning of period (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 23.26
Weighted average grant date fair value, Units granted (in usd per share) | $ / shares	39.71
Weighted average grant date fair value, Units vested (usd per share) | $ / shares	28.85
Weighted average grant date fair value, Units forfeited (in usd per share) | $ / shares	36.42
Weighted average grant date fair value, Outstanding at end of period (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 39.82
Weighted average remaining contractual term, Outstanding at end of period (in years)	2 years 24 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding at end of period | $	$ 4,386

Earnings per share - Reconcilia

Earnings per share - Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators Used to Compute Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Numerator
Net income	$ 28,779	$ 20,472	$ 30,418	$ 23,493	$ 829	$ 18,902	$ 18,004	$ 17,866	$ 103,162	$ 55,601	$ 71,247
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests									15,141	22,455	49,747
Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.	$ 24,796	$ 17,471	$ 25,874	$ 19,880	$ (3,453)	$ 15,345	$ 12,412	$ 8,842	$ 88,021	$ 33,146	$ 21,500
Stock Options
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted-average shares outstanding adjustment									417,264	56,198	1,489
Restricted Stock Units
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted-average shares outstanding adjustment									22,618	4,962	2,908
Class A Common Stock
Denominator
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding - basic (shares)									87,235,021	78,910,390	43,300,288
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding - diluted (shares)									87,674,903	78,971,550	43,304,685
Earnings per share of Class A common stock - basic (usd per share)	$ 0.29	$ 0.20	$ 0.30	$ 0.23	$ (0.04)	$ 0.18	$ 0.16	$ 0.14	$ 1.01	$ 0.42	$ 0.50
Earnings per share of Class A common stock - diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.29	$ 0.20	$ 0.29	$ 0.23	$ (0.04)	$ 0.18	$ 0.16	$ 0.14	$ 1	$ 0.42	$ 0.50

Earnings per share - Additional

Earnings per share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock Options
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of earnings per share	143,006	489,133	208,452
Restricted Stock Units
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of earnings per share	131	1,829	0
Class B Common Stock | Continuing LLC Owners Exchange Agreement
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of earnings per share	10,275,077	19,483,737	55,305,992

Income taxes - Schedule of Inco

Income taxes - Schedule of Income Before Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 128,861	$ 426,873	$ 88,016
Foreign	2,943	2,308	1,892
Total income before the provision for income taxes	$ 131,804	$ 429,181	$ 89,908

Income taxes - Schedule of Prov

Income taxes - Schedule of Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes Expenses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current:
Federal	$ 178	$ (2,600)	$ 1,206
State	3,586	2,941	1,428
Foreign	945	817	421
Total current tax expense	4,709	1,158	3,055
Deferred:
Federal	22,757	365,470	11,633
State	946	6,857	3,755
Foreign	230	95	218
Total deferred tax expense	23,933	372,422	15,606
Provision for income taxes	$ 28,642	$ 373,580	$ 18,661

Income taxes - Additional infor

Income taxes - Additional information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)agreementshares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax cuts and jobs act of 2017, change in tax rate, Estimated Additional Income Tax Expense	$ 334,619		$ 316,813
Tax cuts and jobs act of 2017, change in tax rate, remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities	334,022
Tax cuts and jobs act of 2017, change in tax rate, mandatory repatriation	597
Current income tax rate (in percentage)		21.70%	87.10%
Liability related to uncertain tax positions	2,608	$ 300	$ 2,608
Income tax examination, settlement		2,625
Unrecognized tax benefit and related indemnification asset		2,967
Released provision for income taxes		$ 342
Number of tax receivable agreements | agreement		2
Applicable tax savings (in percentage)		85.00%
Percentage of remaining tax savings (in percentage)		15.00%
Income tax rate maximum tax liability (in percentage)		3.50%
Other income (expense) reflecting change in tax benefit obligation		$ (4,765)	317,350	$ (72)
Deferred tax asset	412,091	419,297	412,091
Deferred tax liability	5,938	6,759	5,938
Tax benefit obligation	431,360	429,233	431,360
Continuing LLC Owners
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Decrease in deferred tax assets		721	24,371
Deferred tax asset	394,108	27,565	394,108
Deferred tax liability	$ 341,089	$ 23,526	$ 341,089
Class A Common Stock | Continuing LLC Owners
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Number of shares exchanged (in shares) | shares		1,736,020	25,842,004
Other expense
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Expense for indemnification asset		$ 342

Income taxes - Schedule of Reco

Income taxes - Schedule of Reconciliation of U.S. Statutory Income Tax Rate to Company's Effective Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. statutory tax rate (in percentage)	21.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local taxes, net of federal benefit (in percentage)	5.90%	1.00%	4.90%
State rate change impact on deferred taxes (in percentage)	(3.40%)	0.80%	(1.40%)
Federal rate change impact on deferred taxes (in percentage)	0.00%	77.80%	0.00%
Tax benefit arrangement liability adjustment (in percentage)	0.80%	(25.80%)	0.00%
Foreign tax rate differential (in percentage)	0.20%	0.00%	(0.30%)
Withholding taxes and other (in percentage)	(0.30%)	0.10%	0.00%
Reserve for uncertain tax position (in percentage)	(0.20%)	0.10%	3.10%
Income attributable to non-controlling interests (in percentage)	(2.30%)	(1.90%)	(20.50%)
Effective tax rate (in percentage)	21.70%	87.10%	20.80%

Income taxes - Schedule of Defe

Income taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expense and reserves	$ 37		$ 1,422
Deferred revenue	4,619		1,900
Goodwill and intangible assets	409,740		404,547
Net operating loss	0		603
Other	4,901		3,619
Deferred tax assets	419,297		412,091
Deferred tax liabilities:
Prepaid expenses	(922)		(773)
Property and equipment	(5,837)		(5,165)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(6,759)		(5,938)
Total deferred tax assets	412,538		406,153
Reported as:
Deferred income taxes - non-current assets	414,841	$ 411,067	407,782
Deferred income taxes - non-current liabilities	(2,303)	$ (1,629)	(1,629)
Total deferred tax assets	$ 412,538		$ 406,153

Income taxes - Summary Of Chang

Income taxes - Summary Of Changes In Unrecognized Tax Positions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 2,608	$ 2,608
Decrease related to prior year tax positions	(2,308)	0
Balance at end of year	$ 300	$ 2,608

Income taxes - Schedule of Futu

Income taxes - Schedule of Future Payments Under Tax Benefit Arrangements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
2,019	$ 24,765
2,020	24,996
2,021	25,450
2,022	25,975
2,023	26,482
Thereafter	301,565
Total	$ 429,233	$ 431,360

Commitments and contingencies -

Commitments and contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Rental expense	$ 24,900,000	$ 20,296,000	$ 19,203,000
Maximum obligation of guarantees of leases and debt	732,000	979,000
Accrued potential obligation recorded under guaranty arrangement	0	$ 0
Advertising Purchase Commitment
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Purchase commitments	17,848,000
Equipment Purchase Commitment
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Purchase commitments	$ 18,189,000

Commitments and contingencies_2

Commitments and contingencies - Schedule of Future Commitments Under Noncancelable Operating Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,019	$ 15,911
2,020	15,219
2,020	13,454
2,021	12,561
2,022	11,133
Thereafter	45,324
Total	$ 113,602

Retirement Plan - Additional In

Retirement Plan - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Percentage of employer matching contribution	100.00%
Maximum percentage of employee contribution	4.00%
Total employer matching contributions expense	$ 832	$ 623	$ 484

Segments - Additional Informati

Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment									3
Number of operating segments | segment									0
Total revenue	$ 174,359,000	$ 136,656,000	$ 140,550,000	$ 121,333,000	$ 134,028,000	$ 97,496,000	$ 107,316,000	$ 91,102,000	$ 572,898,000	$ 429,942,000	$ 378,241,000
Franchise revenue
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									224,140,000	150,155,000	116,488,000
Franchise revenue | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									4,634,000	2,368,000	1,771,000
Franchise revenue | Placement Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									11,502,000	11,371,000	10,513,000
Corporate-owned stores
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									138,599,000	112,114,000	104,721,000
Corporate-owned stores | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									4,425,000	4,402,000	$ 4,180,000
Long-lived assets	$ 1,892,000				$ 2,558,000				1,892,000	$ 2,558,000
Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									$ 0

Segments - Summary of Financial

Segments - Summary of Financial Information for the Company's Reportable Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 174,359	$ 136,656	$ 140,550	$ 121,333	$ 134,028	$ 97,496	$ 107,316	$ 91,102	$ 572,898	$ 429,942	$ 378,241
Total Segment EBITDA									213,129	496,225	148,535
Corporate and other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Segment EBITDA									(43,753)	284,372	(26,007)
Franchise revenue
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									224,140	150,155	116,488
Franchise revenue | Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Segment EBITDA									152,571	126,459	97,256
Franchise revenue | US
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									219,506	147,787	114,717
Franchise revenue | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									4,634	2,368	1,771
Corporate-owned stores
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									138,599	112,114	104,721
Corporate-owned stores | Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Segment EBITDA									56,704	46,855	40,847
Corporate-owned stores | US
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									134,174	107,712	100,541
Corporate-owned stores | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									4,425	4,402	4,180
Equipment revenue
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									210,159	167,673	157,032
Equipment revenue | Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Segment EBITDA									47,607	38,539	36,439
Equipment revenue | US
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									$ 210,159	$ 167,673	$ 157,032

Segments - Reconciliation of To

Segments - Reconciliation of Total Segment EBITDA to Income Before Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Total Segment EBITDA									$ 213,129	$ 496,225	$ 148,535
Depreciation and amortization									35,260	31,761	31,502
Other (expense) income									(6,175)	316,928	1,371
Income from operations	$ 52,742	$ 43,573	$ 48,811	$ 38,918	$ 42,277	$ 33,954	$ 38,250	$ 33,055	184,044	147,536	115,662
Interest expense, net									(46,065)	(35,283)	(27,125)
Other income (expense), net									(6,175)	316,928	1,371
Income before income taxes									$ 131,804	$ 429,181	$ 89,908

Segments - Summary of Company's

Segments - Summary of Company's Assets by Reportable Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total consolidated assets	$ 1,353,416	$ 1,095,750	$ 1,092,465
Operating segments | Franchise revenue
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total consolidated assets	319,422		243,348
Operating segments | Corporate-owned stores
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total consolidated assets	243,221		167,367
Operating segments | Equipment revenue
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total consolidated assets	210,462		206,632
Unallocated
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total consolidated assets	$ 580,311		$ 475,118

Segments - Summary of Company_2

Segments - Summary of Company's Goodwill by Reportable Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total consolidated goodwill	$ 199,513	$ 176,981	$ 176,981	$ 176,981
Franchise revenue
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total consolidated goodwill	16,938		16,938
Corporate-owned stores
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total consolidated goodwill	89,909		67,377
Equipment revenue
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total consolidated goodwill	$ 92,666		$ 92,666	$ 92,666

Corporate-owned and franchise_3

Corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores - Schedule of Changes in Corporate-owned and Franchisee-owned Stores (Detail) - store	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Stores operated at beginning of period	1,518	1,313	1,124
New stores opened	230	210	195
Stores debranded, sold or consolidated	(6)	(5)	(6)
Stores operated at end of period	1,742	1,518	1,313
Franchisee-owned stores
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Stores operated at beginning of period	1,456	1,255	1,066
New stores opened	226	206	195
Stores debranded, sold or consolidated	(16)	(5)	(6)
Stores operated at end of period	1,666	1,456	1,255
Corporate-owned stores
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Stores operated at beginning of period	62	58	58
New stores opened	4	4	0
Stores acquired from franchisees	10	0	0
Stores operated at end of period	76	62	58

Quarterly financial data (Una_3

Quarterly financial data (Unaudited) - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 174,359	$ 136,656	$ 140,550	$ 121,333	$ 134,028	$ 97,496	$ 107,316	$ 91,102	$ 572,898	$ 429,942	$ 378,241
Income from operations	52,742	43,573	48,811	38,918	42,277	33,954	38,250	33,055	184,044	147,536	115,662
Net income	28,779	20,472	30,418	23,493	829	18,902	18,004	17,866	103,162	55,601	71,247
Net income (loss) attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.	$ 24,796	$ 17,471	$ 25,874	$ 19,880	$ (3,453)	$ 15,345	$ 12,412	$ 8,842	$ 88,021	$ 33,146	$ 21,500
Class A Common Stock
Earnings (loss) per share:
Class A - Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.29	$ 0.20	$ 0.30	$ 0.23	$ (0.04)	$ 0.18	$ 0.16	$ 0.14	$ 1.01	$ 0.42	$ 0.50
Class A - Diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.29	$ 0.20	$ 0.29	$ 0.23	$ (0.04)	$ 0.18	$ 0.16	$ 0.14	$ 1	$ 0.42	$ 0.50

Valuation and Qualifying Acco_2

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 32	$ 687	$ 629
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	19	(19)	58
Write-offs and other	33	(636)	0
Balance at End of Period	$ 84	$ 32	$ 687