Six Flags Entertainment 10-Q 30 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Six Flags Entertainment Corp
Entity Central Index Key	701374
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		95,132,273

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$200,962	$629,208
Accounts receivable	94,445	29,523
Inventories	27,210	22,280
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	40,256	37,490
Deferred income taxes	113,677	44,973
Total current assets	476,550	763,474
Other assets:
Debt issuance costs	22,837	26,043
Restricted-use investment securities	1,527	1,218
Deposits and other assets	4,198	4,214
Total other assets	28,562	31,475
Property and equipment, net:
Property and equipment, at cost	1,705,387	1,635,190
Accumulated depreciation	-460,191	-380,561
Total property and equipment	1,245,196	1,254,629
Goodwill	630,248	630,248
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	365,775	376,565
Total assets	2,746,331	3,056,391
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	31,644	23,580
Accrued compensation, payroll taxes and benefits	25,157	35,949
Accrued insurance reserves	42,053	35,369
Accrued interest payable	9,049	2,359
Other accrued liabilities	31,712	25,663
Deferred income	76,280	52,703
Current portion of long-term debt	6,256	6,240
Total current liabilities	222,151	181,863
Long-term debt	1,395,175	1,398,966
Other long-term liabilities	71,248	76,398
Deferred income taxes	196,935	65,070
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	456,296	437,941
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent:
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value	0	0
Common stock, $0.025 par value, 140,000,000 shares authorized; 95,026,988 and 107,637,524 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively (1)	2,376	1,345	[1]
Capital in excess of par value	835,663	904,713
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	-403,337	15,849
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-30,246	-29,688
Total Six Flags Entertainment Corporation stockholders’ equity	404,456	892,219
Noncontrolling interests	70	3,934
Total equity	404,526	896,153
Total liabilities and equity	$2,746,331	$3,056,391
[1]	Issued and outstanding stock amounts as of December 31, 2012 have been retroactively adjusted to reflect Holdings’ two-for-one stock split in June 2013, as described in Note 2 to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.03
Common stock, shares authorized	140,000,000	140,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	95,026,988	107,637,524	[1]
Common stock, shares outstanding	95,026,988	107,637,524	[1]
[1]	Issued and outstanding stock amounts as of December 31, 2012 have been retroactively adjusted to reflect Holdings’ two-for-one stock split in June 2013, as described in Note 2 to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues [Abstract]
Theme park admissions	$282,095	$271,119		$523,293	$503,690
Theme park food, merchandise and other	203,846	196,626		386,347	379,160
Sponsorship, licensing and other fees	13,589	12,409		32,064	30,076
Accommodations revenue	4,990	4,989		14,038	13,487
Total revenues	504,520	485,143		955,742	926,413
Operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	134,395	132,737		340,926	339,452
Selling, general and administrative (including stock-based compensation and excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	52,648	54,115		152,587	176,042
Costs of products sold	36,616	34,483		75,541	70,144
Depreciation	27,300	31,686		86,411	100,677
Amortization	3,598	3,626		10,796	12,045
Loss on disposal of assets	4,325	5,192		6,959	7,647
Gain on sale of investee	0	-67,041		0	-67,041
Interest expense	18,810	11,627		56,240	34,756
Interest income	-207	-208		-660	-522
Equity in loss of investee	0	1,652			2,222
Other expense, net	1,013	832		1,197	295
Restructure recovery	0	0		0	-47
Income from continuing operations before reorganization items, income taxes and discontinued operations	226,022	276,442		225,745	250,743
Reorganization items, net	0	659		-180	1,708
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	226,022	275,783		225,925	249,035
Income tax expense	86,405	11,014		82,361	8,452
Income from continuing operations before discontinued operations	139,617	264,769		143,564	240,583
Income from discontinued operations	0	7,209		0	7,157
Net income	139,617	271,978		143,564	247,740
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-19,214	-18,953		-38,327	-37,559
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	120,403	253,025		105,237	210,181
Amounts attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation:
Income from continuing operations	120,403	245,816		105,237	203,024
Income from discontinued operations	0	7,209		0	7,157
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	$120,403	$253,025		$105,237	$210,181
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic:	95,105	106,974	[1]	97,569	107,916	[1]
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted:	98,472	113,586	[1]	100,819	113,784	[1]
Net income per average common share outstanding - basic:
Income from continuing operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)	$1.27	$2.30	[1]	$1.08	$1.88	[1]
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)		$0.07	[1]		$0.07	[1]
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)	$1.27	$2.37	[1]	$1.08	$1.95	[1]
Net income per average common share outstanding - diluted:
Income from continuing operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)	$1.22	$2.17	[1]	$1.04	$1.79	[1]
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)	$0	$0.06	[1]	$0	$0.06	[1]
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)	$1.22	$2.23	[1]	$1.04	$1.85	[1]
Cash dividends declared per common share	$0.45	$0.30	[1]	$1.35	$0.90	[1]
[1]	All 2012 share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect Holdings’ two-for-one stock split in June 2013, as described in Note 2 to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation	$7,077	$12,751	$21,496	$44,884

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$139,617		$271,978	$143,564		$247,740
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax in 2013:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	483	[1]	5,273	-458	[1]	8,118
Defined benefit retirement plan	-114	[2]	-166	-283	[2]	-499
Change in cash flow hedging	94	[3]	-179	183	[3]	-829
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax in 2013	463		4,928	-558		6,790
Comprehensive income	140,080		276,906	143,006		254,530
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-19,214		-18,953	-38,327		-37,559
Comprehensive income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	$120,866		$257,953	$104,679		$216,971
[1]	Foreign currency translation adjustment is presented net of tax expense of $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and net of tax benefit of $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
[2]	Defined benefit retirement plan is presented net of tax benefit of $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
[3]	Change in cash flow hedging is presented net of tax expense of $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax benefit	$0.30	$0.20
Defined benefit retirement plan, tax benefit	0.1	0.3
Change in cash flow hedging, tax expense	$0.10	$0.10

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (USD $)		Total	Total Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	Common stock	Capital in excess of par value	Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit)	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Non-controlling interests
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011		$767,148	$763,478	$1,366	$832,112	($20,088)	($49,912)	$3,670
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	[1]			109,283,770
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock		29,925	29,925	39	29,877	9
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	[1]			3,106,872
Restricted stock unit grants		31,346	31,346	-1	31,347
Restricted stock unit grants (in shares)	[1]			-42,860
Stock-based compensation		44,625	44,625		44,625
Dividends declared to common shareholders		-99,826	-99,826			-99,826
Repurchase of common stock		-98,401	-98,401	-52	-30,534	-67,815
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	[1]			-4,154,966
Employee stock purchase plan		734	734		734
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	[1]			25,554
Fresh start valuation adjustment for SFOT units and HWP ownership interests purchased		453	453			453
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation		210,181	210,181			210,181
Net other comprehensive loss, net of tax		6,790	6,790				6,790
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		719						719
Balances at Sep. 30, 2012		893,694	889,305	1,352	908,161	22,914	-43,122	4,389
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2012	[1]			108,218,370
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012		896,153	892,219	1,345	904,713	15,849	-29,688	3,934
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	[1]			107,637,524
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock		24,971	24,971	55	24,916
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	[1]			2,347,359
Forfeiture of restricted stock units	[1]			-9,720
Stock-based compensation		21,496	21,496		21,496
Dividends declared to common shareholders		-131,187	-131,187			-131,187
Repurchase of common stock		-503,649	-503,649	-222	-109,998	-393,429
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	[1]			-14,968,486
Two-for-one common stock split		0		1,197	-1,197
Employee stock purchase plan		568	568	1	567
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	[1]			20,311
Fresh start valuation adjustment for SFOT units and HWP ownership interests purchased		84	193			193		-109
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation		105,237	105,237			105,237
Net other comprehensive loss, net of tax		-558	-558				-558
Purchase of HWP ownership interests		-9,464	-4,834		-4,834	0	0	-4,630
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		875						875
Balances at Sep. 30, 2013		$404,526	$404,456	$2,376	$835,663	($403,337)	($30,246)	$70
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	[1]			95,026,988
[1]	All common stock amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect Holdings’ two-for-one common stock split in June 2013, as described in Note 2 to these condensed consolidated financial statements

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income	$143,564	$247,740
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities before reorganization activities:
Depreciation and amortization	97,207	112,722
Stock-based compensation	21,496	44,884
Interest accretion on notes payable	934	893
Reorganization items, net	-180	1,708
Amortization of debt issuance costs	3,206	1,782
Other, including loss (gain) on disposal of assets	8,425	-58,546
Increase in accounts receivable	-64,981	-44,450
Increase in inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets	-7,822	-9,585
Decrease in deposits and other assets	316	5,308
Increase in accounts payable, deferred income, accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities	33,039	28,519
Increase in accrued interest payable	6,690	1,272
Deferred income tax expense	63,429	123
Net cash provided by operating activities before reorganization activities	305,323	332,370
Cash flows from reorganization activities:
Net cash used in reorganization activities	-332	-1,630
Net cash provided by operating activities	304,991	330,740
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	-89,182	-80,615
Property insurance recovery		1,494
Purchase of identifiable intangible assets	-75
Purchase of restricted-use investments	-467	-15,401
Maturities of restricted-use investments	158
Proceeds from sale of assets	108	872
Net cash used in investing activities	-89,458	-93,650
Cash flow from financing activities:
Repayment of borrowings	-4,709	-3,126
Payment of debt issuance costs	-264	-1,459
Payment of cash dividends	-131,443	-96,672
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	25,539	30,401
Stock repurchases	-503,649	-98,401
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	-9,464	0
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interests	-288	-2,033
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-18,725	-18,419
Net cash used in financing activities	-643,003	-189,709
Effect of exchange rate on cash	-776	2,636
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-428,246	50,017
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	629,208	231,427
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	200,962	281,444
Supplemental cash flow information
Cash paid for interest	45,411	30,802
Cash paid for income taxes	$11,447	$8,192

Chapter_11_Reorganization

Chapter 11 Reorganization	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Reorganizations [Abstract]
Chapter 11 Reorganization	Chapter 11 Reorganization
	On June 13, 2009, Six Flags, Inc. ("SFI"), Six Flags Operations Inc. ("SFO") and Six Flags Theme Parks Inc. ("SFTP") and certain of SFTP’s domestic subsidiaries (collectively with SFI, SFO and SFTP, the "Debtors") filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the "Chapter 11 Filing"). SFI’s subsidiaries that own interests in Six Flags Over Texas ("SFOT") and Six Flags Over Georgia (including Six Flags White Water Atlanta) ("SFOG" and together with SFOT, the "Partnership Parks") and the parks in Canada and Mexico were not debtors in the Chapter 11 Filing.
	On April 30, 2010 (the "Effective Date"), the Debtors emerged from Chapter 11 by consummating a restructuring through a series of transactions contemplated by the Debtors’ Modified Fourth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan"). See Note 1(a) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2012 Annual Report for a detailed explanation of the Plan. The following summarizes the reorganization transactions under the Plan:
	•	Name Change. On the Effective Date, but after the Plan became effective and prior to the distribution of securities under the Plan, SFI changed its corporate name to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.
	•	Common Stock. Pursuant to the Plan, all of SFI’s common stock, preferred stock purchase rights, preferred income equity redeemable shares and any other ownership interest in SFI including all options, warrants or rights, contractual or otherwise (including, but not limited to, stockholders agreements, registration rights agreements and rights agreements) were cancelled as of the Effective Date.
	On the Effective Date, Holdings issued an aggregate of 109,555,556 shares of common stock to holders of unsecured claims against SFI, certain holders of the 121/4% Senior Notes due 2016, certain accredited investors that held unsecured claims, and certain equity purchasers. The share amount has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the June 2011 two-for-one stock split (the "2011 Stock Split") and the June 2013 two-for-one stock split (the "2013 Stock Split") as described in Note 2.
	On June 21, 2010, the common stock commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SIX."
	•	Financing at Emergence. On the Effective Date, we entered into two exit financing facilities: (i) an $890.0 million senior secured first lien credit facility comprised of a $120.0 million revolving loan facility and a $770.0 million term loan facility (the "Exit First Lien Facility") and (ii) a $250.0 million senior secured second lien term loan facility (the "Exit Second Lien Facility").
	Also on the Effective Date, SFOG Acquisition A, Inc., SFOG Acquisition B, L.L.C., SFOT Acquisition I, Inc. and SFOT Acquisition II, Inc. (collectively, the "TW Borrowers") entered into a credit agreement with TW-SF, LLC comprised of a $150.0 million multi-draw term loan facility (the "TW Loan") for use with respect to the Partnership Parks "put" obligations.
	See Note 6 for a discussion of these facilities and subsequent amendments, early repayments, and terminations from debt extinguishment transactions.
	As required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"), we adopted fresh start accounting effective May 1, 2010 following the guidance of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification Topic 852, Reorganizations ("FASB ASC 852").
	Under fresh start accounting, the total Company value was adjusted to reorganization value and was allocated to our assets and liabilities based on their respective estimated fair values in conformity with the purchase method of accounting for business combinations in FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations ("FASB ASC 805"). The excess of reorganization value over the estimated fair value and our tangible and identifiable assets and liabilities was recognized as goodwill. Liabilities existing as of the Effective Date, other than deferred taxes, were recorded at the present value of amounts expected to be paid using appropriate risk adjusted interest rates. Deferred taxes were determined in conformity with applicable income tax accounting standards. The implementation of the Plan and the application of fresh start accounting resulted in financial statements that are not comparable to financial statements in periods prior to emergence. See Note 1(b) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2012 Annual Report for a detailed explanation of the impact of emerging from Chapter 11 and applying fresh start accounting on our financial position.

General_Basis_of_Presentation

General - Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
General - Basis of Presentation
General - Basis of Presentation	General — Basis of Presentation
	We own and operate regional theme, water and zoological parks and are the largest regional theme park operator in the world. Of the 18 parks we currently own or operate, 16 parks are located in the United States, one is located in Mexico City, Mexico and one is located in Montreal, Canada.
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed, or omitted, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Commission.
	On May 5, 2011 and May 8, 2013, Holdings’ Board of Directors approved two-for-one stock splits of Holdings’ common stock effective in the form of a stock dividend of one share of common stock for each outstanding share of common stock. The record dates for the 2011 Stock Split and 2013 Stock Split were June 15, 2011 and June 12, 2013, respectively. The additional shares of common stock in connection with the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split were distributed on June 27, 2011 and June 26, 2013, respectively. In accordance with the provisions of our stock benefit plans and as determined by Holdings’ Board of Directors, the number of shares available for issuance, the number of shares subject to outstanding equity awards and the exercise prices of outstanding stock option awards were adjusted to equitably reflect the effect of the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split. All share and per share amounts presented in the condensed consolidated financial statements and Notes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split.
	"Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contains a discussion of our results of operations and our financial position and should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes. The 2012 Annual Report includes additional information about us, our operations and our financial position, and should be referred to in conjunction with this Quarterly Report. The information furnished in this Quarterly Report reflects all adjustments (which are normal and recurring) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present a fair statement of the results for the periods presented.
	Results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not indicative of the results expected for the full year. In particular, our park operations contribute a substantial majority of their annual revenue during the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year, while expenses are incurred year round.
	a.	Consolidated U.S. GAAP Presentation
	Our accounting policies reflect industry practices and conform to U.S. GAAP.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. We also consolidate the partnerships that own SFOT and SFOG as subsidiaries in our consolidated financial statements, as we have determined that we have the power to direct the activities of those entities that most significantly impact the entities’ economic performance and we have the obligation to absorb losses and receive benefits from the entities that can be potentially significant to these entities. The equity interests owned by non-affiliated parties in SFOT and SFOG are reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interests. On September 30, 2013, we acquired the minority equity interests held by non-affiliated parties in HWP Development, LLC ("HWP"), with the exception of a nominal amount that we have the option to call pursuant to the purchase agreement. Prior to the acquisition, we owned an approximate 49% interest in this joint venture and consolidated HWP as a subsidiary as we had the power to direct the activities that most significantly impacted HWP's economic performance and we had the obligation to absorb losses and receive benefits from HWP that could have been significant to HWP. The equity interests in HWP owned by non-affiliated parties prior to the acquisition as well as the nominal minority equity interests retained by a non-affiliated party subsequent to the acquisition are reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as noncontrolling interests. The portion of earnings or loss from each of the entities attributable to non-affiliated parties is reflected as net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. See Note 9 for further discussion.
	b.	Accounting for the Chapter 11 Filing
	We follow the accounting prescribed by FASB ASC 852, which provides guidance for periods subsequent to a Chapter 11 filing regarding the presentation of liabilities that are and are not subject to compromise by the Bankruptcy Court proceedings, as well as the treatment of interest expense and presentation of costs associated with the proceedings.
	Because the former stockholders of SFI owned less than 50% of the voting shares after SFI emerged from bankruptcy, we adopted fresh start accounting whereby our assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair value using the principles of purchase accounting contained in FASB ASC 805. The difference between our estimated fair value and our identifiable assets and liabilities was recognized as goodwill. See Note 1(b) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2012 Annual Report for a detailed explanation of the impact of emerging from Chapter 11 and applying fresh start accounting on our financial position.
	c.	Reorganization Items
	FASB ASC 852 requires separate disclosure of reorganization items such as realized gains and losses from the settlement of liabilities subject to compromise, provisions for losses resulting from the reorganization and restructuring of the business, as well as professional fees directly related to the process of reorganizing the Debtors under the Bankruptcy Code. The Debtors’ reorganization items consisted of the following during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012
	(Recoveries) costs and expenses related to the reorganization	$	(180	)		$	1,708
	Costs and expenses directly related to the reorganization primarily include fees associated with advisors to the Debtors, certain creditors and the creditors’ committee.
	Net cash paid for reorganization items, entirely constituting professional fees, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 totaled $0.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
	d.	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases including net operating loss and other tax carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date. We recorded a valuation allowance of $173.2 million and $169.9 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of our deferred tax assets, primarily consisting of certain state net operating loss and other tax carryforwards, before they expire. The valuation allowance was based on our estimates of taxable income by jurisdiction in which we operate and the period over which our deferred tax assets were recoverable. During the fourth quarter of 2012, we determined that the valuation allowance against our federal net operating losses was no longer required because of the significant amount of net income that we generated in 2012. Based on our 2012 results, coupled with our projected taxable income over the foreseeable future, we believe we will be able to utilize all of our federal net operating loss carryforwards before they expire.
	In determining the effective tax rate for interim periods, we consider the expected changes in our valuation allowance from current year originating or reversing timing differences between financial accounting and tax purposes and the taxable income or loss expected for the current year. For interim periods, we also account for the tax effect of significant non-recurring items in the period in which they occur as well as changes in the valuation allowance relating to a change in the assessment of the probability of utilization of the deferred income tax assets.
	Our liability for income taxes is finalized as auditable tax years pass their respective statutes of limitations in the various jurisdictions in which we are subject to tax. However, authorities of these jurisdictions may audit prior years of the group and its predecessors for which the statute of limitations is closed for the purpose of making an adjustment to our taxable income in a year or net operating loss carryforwards to years for which the statute of limitations has not closed.
	We classify interest and penalties attributable to income taxes as part of income tax expense. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had no accrued interest and penalties liability.
	Beginning in 2006, we no longer permanently reinvested foreign earnings, therefore, United States deferred income taxes have been provided on foreign earnings.
	e.	Long-Lived Assets
	We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or group of assets. If such assets are not considered to be fully recoverable, any 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.
	With the adoption of fresh start accounting upon our emergence from Chapter 11, long-lived assets were revalued based on their respective fair values.
	f.	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	We account for derivatives and hedging activities in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. This accounting guidance establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. It requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as a hedge for accounting purposes. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (e.g., gains and losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.
	We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and our strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to forecasted transactions. We also assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.
	Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until operations are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item, at which point they are reclassified to interest expense. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is not designated as a hedge are recorded in other expense, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations on a current basis. See Note 4 for further discussion.
	g.	Earnings Per Common Share
	Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income applicable to Holdings’ common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income applicable to Holdings’ common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period adjusted for the effect of all dilutive common stock equivalents. In periods in which a net loss is incurred, diluted loss per common share is equal to basic loss per common share, as the effect of including any common stock equivalents would be antidilutive. These computations have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the computation of diluted earnings per share included the effect of 3,367,000 and 3,250,000 dilutive stock options and restricted shares, respectively, and excluded the effect of 1,193,000 and 1,205,000 antidilutive stock options, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the computation of diluted earnings per share included the effect of 6,612,000 and 5,868,000 dilutive stock options, respectively, and excluded the effect of 1,844,000 and 2,282,000 antidilutive stock options, respectively. Basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was calculated as follows:
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)	September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$	120,403			$	253,025		$	105,237		$	210,181
	Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic	95,105				106,974			97,569			107,916
	Effect of dilutive stock options	3,367				6,612			3,250			5,868
	Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted	98,472				113,586			100,819			113,784
	Earnings per share — basic	$	1.27			$	2.37		$	1.08		$	1.95
	Earnings per share — diluted	$	1.22			$	2.23		$	1.04		$	1.85
	h.	Stock Benefit Plans
	Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan became effective (the "Long-Term Incentive Plan"). Pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Plan, Holdings may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, unrestricted stock, deferred stock units, performance and cash-settled awards and dividend equivalent rights to select employees, officers, directors and consultants of Holdings and its affiliates. The Long-Term Incentive Plan originally provided for the issuance of no more than 19,333,332 shares of common stock of Holdings, as adjusted to reflect the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split. In May 2012, our stockholders approved an amended and restated Long-Term Incentive Plan that, among other things, increased the number of shares available for issuance under the Long-Term Incentive Plan to 28,133,332, as adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, stock-based compensation expense related to the Long-Term Incentive Plan was $7.0 million and $12.7 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, stock-based compensation expense related to the Long-Term Incentive Plan was $21.3 million and $44.6 million, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2013, options to purchase approximately 8,282,000 shares of common stock of Holdings and approximately 371,000 shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units were outstanding under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and approximately 5,058,000 shares were available for future grant, as adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split.
	Stock Options
	Options granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan are designated as either incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. Options are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock of Holdings on the date of grant. While certain stock options are subject to acceleration in connection with a change in control, options are generally cumulatively exercisable in four equal annual installments commencing one year after the date of grant with a 10-year term. Generally, the unvested portion of stock option awards is forfeited upon termination of employment. Stock option compensation is recognized over the vesting period using the graded vesting terms of the respective grant.
	The estimated fair value of the majority of our options granted was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model. This model takes into account several factors and assumptions. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield on United States Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term assumption at the time of grant. The simplified method was used to calculate the expected term (estimated period of time outstanding) because our historical data from our pre-confirmation equity grants is not representative or sufficient to be used to develop an expected term assumption. Expected volatility of options granted prior to 2013 was based on the historical volatility of similar companies’ common stock for a period equal to the stock option’s expected term, calculated on a daily basis. Expected volatility of options granted in 2013 was based two-thirds on the historical volatility of similar companies’ common stock and one-third on our historical volatility for a period equal to the stock options’ expected term, calculated on a daily basis. The expected dividend yield is based on expected dividends for the expected term of the stock options. The fair value of stock options on the date of grant is expensed on a straight line basis over the requisite service period of the graded vesting term as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.
	The following weighted-average assumptions were utilized in the Black-Scholes model to value the stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.87	%		1.08	%
	Expected term (in years)	6.25			6.25
	Expected volatility	39.03	%		44.15	%
	Expected dividend yield	5.12	%		3.61	%
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, as adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split:
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
					Avg.			Avg.		Intrinsic Value
					Exercise			Remaining		($)
					Price ($)			Contractual
								Term
	Balance at January 1, 2013	9,436,000			$	15.04
Granted	1,241,000			$	34.3
Exercised	(2,145,000	)		$	11.67
Canceled or exchanged	—			$	—
Forfeited	(249,000	)		$	17.59
Expired	(1,000	)		$	15.86
Balance at September 30, 2013	8,282,000			$	18.72		7.96		$	125,608,000
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013	7,981,000			$	18.68		7.96		$	121,348,000
Options exercisable at September 30, 2013	1,943,000			$	14.86		7.51		$	36,780,000
The weighted average grant date fair value of the options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $7.78 and $8.07, respectively.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $49.2 million and $50.9 million, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $17.5 million and $15.2 million, respectively.
As of September 30, 2013, there was $19.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to option awards. The weighted average period over which that cost is expected to be recognized is 2.75 years.
Cash received from the exercise of stock options during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $25.0 million and $29.9 million, respectively.
Stock, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan may be subject to transfer and other restrictions as determined by the compensation committee of Holdings’ Board of Directors. Generally, the unvested portion of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards is forfeited upon termination of employment. The fair value of stock, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards on the date of grant is expensed on a straight line basis over the requisite service period of the graded vesting term as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.
During the year ended December 31, 2010, a performance award was established that, based on the EBITDA performance of the Company in 2010 and 2011, resulted in 2,912,000 shares of restricted stock units being granted to certain key employees in February 2012 (the "2012 Performance Award"), as adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split. Such restricted stock units were unvested when granted and originally scheduled to vest upon the completion of the Company’s 2012 audit if the EBITDA performance target for 2012 was achieved. Since it was clear as of December 2012 that the Company would exceed the performance target for 2012, Holdings’ Board of Directors determined it was in the best interest of the Company to accelerate the vesting of the award by a couple of months to a December 24, 2012 vesting date, thereby potentially creating significant tax savings for the individuals that received the award. As of December 31, 2012, all of the compensation expense related to this award had been recognized. In September 2012, our former Chief Operating Officer retired and upon his retirement, 82,000 of these shares of restricted stock units were forfeited, as adjusted for the 2013 Stock Split.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, an additional performance award was established based on our aspirational goal to achieve Modified EBITDA of $500 million by 2015 (the "2015 Performance Award"). If the target is achieved in 2015, an aggregate of 2,650,000 shares would be issued to certain key employees, as adjusted for the 2013 Stock Split; however, this amount could be more or less depending on the level of achievement and the timing thereof. There has been no stock-based compensation expense recorded for this performance award because, as of September 30, 2013, it is not deemed probable that we will achieve the specified performance condition. Based on the closing market price of the Holdings’ common stock on the last trading day of the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to this award at target achievement in 2015 is $89.5 million, which would be expensed over the service period if achievement of the performance condition becomes probable. We will continue to evaluate the probability of achieving the performance condition going forward and record the appropriate expense if necessary.
The following table summarizes stock, restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, as adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split:
	Shares			Weighted Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value ($)
Non-vested balance at January 1, 2013	694,000			$	9.73
Granted	19,000			$	38.26
Vested	(332,000	)		$	10.16
Forfeited	(10,000	)		$	8.12
Cancelled	—			$	—
Non-vested balance at September 30, 2013	371,000			$	10.84
The total grant date fair value of the stock, restricted stock, and restricted stock units granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $0.7 million and $67.3 million, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock, restricted stock, and restricted stock units granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $38.26 and $22.92, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $3.4 million and $3.5 million, respectively.
Excluding the unrecognized compensation expense related to the 2015 Performance Award discussed above, for which no stock-based compensation expense has been recorded as it is not deemed probable that we will achieve the specified performance condition, there was $1.1 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock, restricted stock, and restricted stock units as of September 30, 2013 that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.81 years.
Deferred Share Units
Non-employee directors can elect to receive the value of their annual cash retainer as a deferred share unit award ("DSU") under the Long-Term Incentive Plan whereby the non-employee director is granted DSUs in an amount equal to such director’s annual cash retainer divided by the closing price of Holdings’ common stock on the date of the annual stockholders meeting. Each DSU represents the Company’s obligation to issue one share of common stock and the shares are delivered approximately thirty days following the cessation of the non-employee director’s service as a director of the Company.
DSUs vest consistent with the manner in which non-employee directors’ cash retainers are paid. The fair value of the DSUs on the date of grant is expensed on a straight line basis over the requisite service period of the graded vesting term as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, approximately 3,000 and 5,000 DSUs were granted, at a weighted-average grant date fair value of $38.26 and $24.20 per unit, respectively. The total grant date fair value of DSUs granted during the the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $0.1 million.
As of September 30, 2013, all compensation expense related to the outstanding DSUs had been recognized, with the exception of a nominal amount that will be recognized during the three months ending December 31, 2013.
Dividend Equivalent Rights
On February 8, 2012, Holdings’ Board of Directors granted dividend equivalent rights ("DERs") to holders of unvested stock options. At February 8, 2012, approximately 10.0 million unvested stock options were outstanding. As stockholders are paid cash dividends, the DERs accrue dividends which will be distributed to stock option holders upon the vesting of their stock option award. Holdings will distribute the accumulated accrued dividends pursuant to the DERs in either cash or shares of common stock. Generally, holders of stock options for fewer than 1,000 shares of stock will receive their accumulated accrued dividends in cash. Conversely, generally holders of stock options for 1,000 shares of stock or greater will receive their accumulated accrued dividends in shares of common stock. In addition, Holdings’ Board of Directors granted similar DERs payable in shares of common stock if and when any shares are granted under the stock-based compensation performance award program based on the EBITDA performance of the Company in 2012 - 2015. In August 2012, Holdings’ Board of Directors granted approximately 2.0 million additional options to the majority of the full-time employees of the Company as well as DERs in connection with such options. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, Holdings’ Board of Directors granted approximately 1.2 million additional options to the majority of the full-time employees of the Company as well as DERs in connection with such options.
The DER grants to participants with 1,000 or more unvested stock options and the DER grants related to the performance award were granted contingent upon stockholder approval of the Company’s proposal to amend the Long-Term Incentive Plan at the Company’s 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to increase the number of shares for issuance under the Long-Term Incentive Plan from 19,333,332 to 28,133,332. On May 2, 2012, our stockholders approved the Long-Term Incentive Plan amendment to increase the number of shares available for issuance. We recorded $1.9 million and $2.3 million of stock-based compensation for the DER grants during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively. We recorded $6.0 million and $4.0 million of stock-based compensation for the DER grants during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively.
All of the foregoing share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") allows eligible employees to purchase Holdings’ common stock at 90% of the lower of the market value of the common stock at the beginning or end of each successive six-month offering period. Amounts accumulated through participants’ payroll deductions ("purchase rights") are used to purchase shares of common stock at the end of each purchase period. Pursuant to the ESPP, no more than 2,000,000 shares of common stock of Holdings may be issued. Holdings’ common stock may be issued by either authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares purchased on the open market. As of September 30, 2013, we had 1,898,000 shares available for purchase pursuant to the ESPP. All of the foregoing share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split.
In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Stock Based Compensation, stock-based compensation related to the purchase rights was determined using a Black-Scholes option-pricing formula. The weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of purchase rights for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 are as follows:
	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
Risk-free interest rate	0.09	%		0.15	%
Expected term (in years)	0.5			0.5
Expected volatility	22.53	%		29.17	%
Expected dividend yield	4.77	%		4.31	%
During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, we recognized $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense relating to the ESPP.
As of September 30, 2013, 17,000 purchase rights were outstanding under the ESPP.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, stock-based compensation expense consisted of the following:
	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
Long-Term Incentive Plan	$	7,030			$	12,708		$	21,302		$	44,625
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	47				43			194			259
Total Stock-Based Compensation	$	7,077			$	12,751		$	21,496		$	44,884
i.	Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue upon admission into our parks, provision of our services, or when products are delivered to our guests. Revenues are presented net of sales taxes collected from our guests and remitted to government taxing authorities in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. During 2013, we launched a membership program (the "Membership Program"). In contrast to our season pass and other multi-use offerings that expire at the end of each operating season, the Membership Program does not expire. It automatically renews on a month-to-month basis after the initial twelve-month membership term (the "Initial Term"), and can be canceled any time after the Initial Term. Guests enrolled in the Membership Program can visit our parks an unlimited number of times anytime they are open as long as the guest remains enrolled in the Membership Program. For season pass, membership and other multi-use admissions, we estimate a redemption rate based on historical experience and other factors and assumptions the Company believes to be customary and reasonable and recognize a pro-rata portion of the revenue as the guest attends our parks. The estimated redemption rate is reviewed regularly and on an ongoing basis and is revised as necessary throughout the year. Amounts received for multi-use admissions in excess of redemptions are recognized in deferred revenue. As of September 30, 2013, deferred revenue was primarily comprised of (i) the remaining unredeemed season pass revenue and pre-sold single-day admissions revenue for the current operating season, (ii) advance sales of season pass and other admissions for the 2014 operating season, (iii) the unredeemed portion of the Initial Term of the Membership Program that will be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2013 and in 2014, and (iv) sponsorship revenue that will be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2013.
j.	New Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The amendments in ASU 2013-01 clarify that the disclosure requirements of ASU 2011-11 are limited to derivatives, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions that are either offset in the statement of financial position or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. ASU 2013-01 is effective retrospectively for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption of the new accounting rules did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income - Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in ASU 2013-02 require that entities report, either on their income statement or in a footnote to their financial statements, the effects on earnings from items that are reclassified out of other comprehensive income. The new accounting rules were effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2013. The adoption of the new accounting rules did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date. The amendments in ASU 2013-04 provide guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements from which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date. ASU 2013-04 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company does not anticipate a material impact to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this change.
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. The amendments in ASU 2013-05 address the accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a foreign subsidiary or group of assets. ASU 2013-05 is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The company does not anticipate a material impact to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this change.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-10, Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. The amendments in ASU 2013-10 permit the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under U.S. GAAP. ASU 2013-10 is effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesigned hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The Company does not anticipate a material impact to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this change.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. The amendments in ASU 2013-11 provide guidance on the financial statement presentation of unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company will reflect the impact of these amendments beginning with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2014. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this pronouncement will result in a material impact to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Disposition_of_Parks

Disposition of Parks	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposition of Parks	Disposition of Parks
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there were no assets or liabilities held for sale related to any of our parks that were sold in previous years, excluding contingent liabilities discussed in Note 8.
	The following table summarizes our loss from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Decrease in contingent liabilities from sale indemnities	$	—	$	7,209	$	—	$	7,157
	Income from discontinued operations	$	—	$	7,209	$	—	$	7,157
	Our long-term debt is not directly associated with discontinued operations and we have not allocated a portion of our interest expense to the discontinued operations.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	In March 2012, we entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate agreement in order to limit exposure to an increase in the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") on $470.0 million of Term Loan B (see Note 6), which bears interest based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The interest rate agreement capped the LIBOR component of the interest rate at 1.00%. The term of the agreement began in March 2012 and expires in March 2014. Upon executing the agreement, we designated and documented the interest rate agreement as a cash flow hedge.
	By utilizing a derivative instrument to hedge our exposure to LIBOR rate changes, we are exposed to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. To mitigate this risk, the hedging instrument was placed with a counterparty that we believe poses minimal credit risk. Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a financial instrument that results from a change in interest rates, commodity prices, or currency exchange rates. The market risk associated with the interest rate cap agreement is managed by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.
	We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.
	We record derivative instruments at fair value. Our derivatives are measured on a recurring basis using Level 2 inputs. The fair value measurements of our derivatives are based on market prices that generally are observable for similar assets or liabilities at commonly quoted intervals. Derivative assets and derivative liabilities that have maturity dates equal to or less than twelve months from the balance sheet date are included in prepaid and other current assets and other accrued liabilities, respectively. Derivative assets and derivative liabilities that have maturity dates greater than twelve months from the balance sheet date are included in deposits and other assets and other long-term liabilities, respectively.
	Derivatives recorded at fair value in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of the following:
		Derivative Assets
		As of
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
	Interest rate contract — current	$	—		$	2
	Interest rate contract — non-current	—			30
		$	—		$	32
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we held no derivative liabilities. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we held no derivatives not designated as hedging instruments.
	Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") on the condensed consolidated balance sheet when in qualifying effective relationships and are reclassified to interest expense when the forecasted transaction takes place. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are recorded directly in other (income) expense, net.
	Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges included in our condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 were as follows:
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012
		Loss Recognized in OCI						Loss Reclassified from						Loss Recognized
		(Effective Portion)						AOCI into Operations						in Operations on
								(Effective Portion)						Derivatives (Ineffective
														Portion and Amount
														Excluded from
														Effectiveness Testing)
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest rate contract	$	(5	)	$	(187	)	$	(161	)	$	(8	)	$	—		$	—
	Total	$	(5	)	$	(187	)	$	(161	)	$	(8	)	$	—		$	—
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012
		Loss Recognized in OCI						Loss Reclassified from						Loss Recognized
		(Effective Portion)						AOCI into Operations						in Operations on
								(Effective Portion)						Derivatives (Ineffective
														Portion and Amount
														Excluded from
														Effectiveness Testing)
		2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest rate contract	$	(30	)	$	(837	)	$	(331	)	$	(8	)	$	(1	)	$	—
	Total	$	(30	)	$	(837	)	$	(331	)	$	(8	)	$	(1	)	$	—
	As of September 30, 2013, approximately $0.5 million of unrealized losses associated with our interest rate contract derivative instrument are expected to be reclassified from AOCI to operations during the next twelve months. Transactions and events expected to occur over the next twelve months that will necessitate reclassifying these unrealized losses to operations are the periodic interest payments that are required to be made on Term Loan B. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, a nominal amount of hedge ineffectiveness was recorded for the interest rate agreement.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The following table and accompanying information present the estimated fair values and classifications of our financial instruments in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		As of
		30-Sep-13						31-Dec-12
	(Amounts in thousands)	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
	Financial assets (liabilities):
	Restricted-use investment securities	$	1,527		$	1,527		$	1,218		$	1,218
	Derivative instruments	—			—			32			32
	Long-term debt (including current portion)	(1,401,431		)	(1,367,711		)	(1,405,206		)	(1,410,255		)
	The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:
	•	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximates their fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
	•	Restricted-use investment securities consist of interest bearing bank accounts for which their carrying value approximates their fair value because of their short term maturity. The measurement of restricted-use investment securities is considered a Level 2 fair value measurement.
	•	The fair value of derivative assets is based on market prices that generally are observable for similar assets at commonly quoted intervals and are considered Level 2 fair value measurements. Derivative assets that have maturity dates equal to or less than twelve months from the balance sheet date are included in prepaid and other current assets. Derivative assets that have maturity dates greater than twelve months from the balance sheet date are included in deposits and other assets. See Note 4 for additional information on our derivative instruments and related Company policies.
	•	The fair value of long-term debt is based on market prices that generally are observable for similar assets at commonly quoted intervals and are considered Level 2 fair value measurements.

LongTerm_Indebtedness

Long-Term Indebtedness	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Indebtedness	Long-Term Indebtedness
	2011 Credit Facility
	On December 20, 2011, we entered into a $1,135.0 million credit agreement (the "2011 Credit Facility"), which replaced the Exit First Lien Facility, with several lenders including Wells Fargo Bank National Association, as administrative agent, and related loan and security documentation agents. The 2011 Credit Facility was comprised of a 5-year $200.0 million revolving credit loan facility (the "Revolving Loan"), a 5-year $75.0 million Tranche A Term Loan facility ("Term Loan A") and a 7-year $860.0 million Tranche B Term Loan facility ("Term Loan B" and together with the Term Loan A, the "Term Loans"). In certain circumstances, the Term Loan B could be increased by $300.0 million. The proceeds from the $935.0 million Term Loans were used, along with $15.0 million of existing cash, to retire the $950.0 million senior term loan from the prior facility. Interest on the 2011 Credit Facility accrues based on pricing rates corresponding with SFTP’s senior secured leverage ratios as set forth in the credit agreement.
	On December 21, 2012, we entered into an amendment to the 2011 Credit Facility (the "2012 Credit Facility Amendment") that among other things, permitted us to (i) issue $800.0 million of senior unsecured notes, (ii) use $350.0 million of the proceeds of the senior unsecured notes to repay the $72.2 million that was outstanding under the Term Loan A and $277.8 million of the outstanding balance under the Term Loan B, (iii) use the remaining $450.0 million of proceeds for share repurchases and other corporate matters, and (iv) reduced the interest rate payable on the Term Loan B by 25 basis points.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, no advances under the Revolving Loan were outstanding (excluding letters of credit in the amount of $18.8 million and $18.2 million, respectively). Interest on the Revolving Loan accrues at an annual rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin with an unused commitment fee based on our senior secured leverage ratio. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Revolving Loan unused commitment fee was 0.375% and 0.500%, respectively. The principal amount of the Revolving Loan is due and payable on December 20, 2016.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Term Loan A had been fully repaid. Interest on the Term Loan A accrued at an annual rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on our senior secured leverage ratio.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $577.8 million and $582.2 million, respectively, was outstanding under the Term Loan B. Interest on the Term Loan B accrues at an annual rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin, with a 1.00% LIBOR floor, based on our senior secured leverage ratio. In March 2012, we entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate agreement to limit exposure to an increase in the LIBOR interest rate on $470.0 million of the Term Loan B. The interest rate agreement capped the LIBOR component of the interest rate at 1.00% (see Note 4). As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the applicable interest rate on the Term Loan B was 4.00%. As of March 31, 2013, the Term Loan B began amortizing in quarterly installments of $1.5 million. All remaining outstanding principal will be due and payable on December 20, 2018.
	Amounts outstanding under the 2011 Credit Facility are guaranteed by Holdings, SFO and certain of the domestic subsidiaries of SFTP (collectively, the "Loan Parties"). The 2011 Credit Facility is secured by first priority liens upon substantially all existing and after-acquired assets of the Loan Parties. The 2011 Credit Facility agreement contains certain representations, warranties and affirmative covenants, including minimum interest coverage and a maximum senior leverage maintenance covenant. In addition, the 2011 Credit Facility agreement contains restrictive covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit or restrict, among other things, the ability of the Loan Parties to incur indebtedness, create liens, engage in mergers, consolidations and other fundamental changes, make investments or loans, engage in transactions with affiliates, pay dividends, make capital expenditures and repurchase capital stock. The 2011 Credit Facility agreement contains certain events of default, including payment, breaches of covenants and representations, cross defaults to other material indebtedness, judgment, and changes of control and bankruptcy events of default.
	2021 Notes
	On December 21, 2012, Holdings issued $800.0 million of 5.25% senior unsecured notes due January 15, 2021 (the "2021 Notes"). The proceeds from the 2021 Notes were used to repay the $72.2 million that was outstanding under the Term Loan A and to repay $277.8 million of the outstanding balance under the Term Loan B. The remaining proceeds were used for share repurchases. Interest payments of $21.0 million are due on January 15 and July 15 (except in 2013 when we only made one interest payment of $23.8 million on July 15 and in 2021 when we will only make one payment of $21.0 million on January 15).
	The 2021 Notes are guaranteed by the Loan Parties. The 2021 Notes contain restrictive covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit or restrict, among other things, the ability of the Loan Parties to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, engage in mergers, consolidations and other fundamental changes, make investments, engage in transactions with affiliates, pay dividends and repurchase capital stock. The 2021 Notes contain certain events of default, including payment, breaches of covenants and representations, cross defaults to other material indebtedness, judgment, and changes of control and bankruptcy events of default.
	In connection with the 2012 Credit Facility Amendment, the issuance of the $800.0 million of senior unsecured notes, and the repayment of Term Loan A and a portion of Term Loan B, we recorded a $0.6 million loss on debt extinguishment for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	HWP Refinance Loan
	On November 5, 2007, HWP entered into a $33.0 million term loan (the "Refinance Loan") retiring (i) the $31.0 million construction-term loan with Marshall Investments Corporation incurred December 17, 2004 and (ii) the term loan and revolving line of credit with BankFirst incurred April 20, 2006. Borrowings under the Refinance Loan bear interest at 6.72%. Monthly payments of principal and interest of $0.2 million are payable through November 1, 2017. On December 1, 2017, all unpaid principal and interest is due and payable. Due to significant early pre-payment penalties under the Refinance Loan, we do not currently intend to pre-pay the Refinance Loan prior to its scheduled maturity. HWP is subject to various covenants under the Refinance Loan that place certain restrictions limiting or prohibiting engaging in certain types of transactions. Pursuant to the Refinance Loan, HWP had deposited into escrow $1.5 million and $1.2 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and will make additional monthly deposits to cover annual amounts owed for insurance, taxes and furniture, fixture and equipment purchases.
	In connection with the issuance of the Refinance Loan, Holdings and the other joint venture partners provided a limited guarantee of the Refinance Loan, which would become operative under certain limited circumstances, including the voluntary bankruptcy of HWP or its managing member and other specified events of default. As additional security for the Refinance Loan, we also provided a $1.0 million letter of credit to secure the Refinance Loan. On September 30, 2013, we acquired the minority equity interests held by non-affiliated parties in HWP, with the exception of a nominal amount retained by a non-affiliated party.
	Long-Term Indebtedness Summary
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, long-term debt consisted of the following:
		As of
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Term Loan B	$	577,821		$	582,187
	2021 Notes	800,000			800,000
	HWP Refinance Loan	30,786			31,128
	Net discount	(7,176		)	(8,109		)
	Long-term debt	1,401,431			1,405,206
	Less current portion	(6,256		)	(6,240		)
	Total long-term debt	$	1,395,175		$	1,398,966

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following table provides the changes in the composition of AOCI during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	(Amounts in thousands)	Cumulative				Cash Flow				Defined Benefit				Income			Accumulated
		Translation				Hedges				Plans				Taxes			Other
		Adjustment															Comprehensive
																	Income (Loss)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	338			$	(828	)		$	(48,590	)		$	19,392		$	(29,688	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—				331				(575		)		97			(147		)
	Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) activity	(692		)		(31		)		—				312			(411		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(354	)		$	(528	)		$	(49,165	)		$	19,801		$	(30,246	)
	The Company had the following reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
			Location of		Amount of Reclassification from AOCI
			Reclassification		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	Component of AOCI		into Income		September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012				September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
					(Amounts in thousands)
	Amortization of loss on interest rate hedge		Interest expense		$	(161	)		$	8			$	(331	)	$	8
			Income tax benefit		64				—				131			—
			Net of tax in 2013		$	(97	)		$	8			$	(200	)	$	8
	Amortization of deferred actuarial loss and prior service cost		Operating expenses		$	187			$	166			$	575		$	499
			Income tax benefit		(75		)		—				(228		)	—
			Net of tax in 2013		$	112			$	166			$	347		$	499
	Total reclassifications				$	15			$	174			$	147		$	507

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Partnership Parks
	On April 1, 1998, we acquired all of the capital stock of the former Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (a corporation that has been merged out of existence and that has always been a separate corporation from Holdings, "Former SFEC") for $976.0 million, paid in cash. In addition to our obligations under outstanding indebtedness and other securities issued or assumed in the Former SFEC acquisition, we also guaranteed in connection therewith certain contractual obligations relating to the Partnership Parks. Specifically, we guaranteed the obligations of the general partners of those partnerships to (i) make minimum annual distributions (including rent) of approximately $66.3 million in 2013 (subject to annual cost of living adjustments) to the limited partners in the Partnership Parks (based on our ownership of units as of September 30, 2013, our share of the distribution will be approximately $28.8 million) and to (ii) make minimum capital expenditures at each of the Partnership Parks during rolling five-year periods, based generally on 6% of the Partnership Parks’ revenues. Cash flow from operations at the Partnership Parks is used to satisfy these requirements first, before any funds are required from us. We also guaranteed the obligation of our subsidiaries to annually purchase all outstanding limited partnership units in the Partnership Parks to the extent tendered by the unit holders. The agreed price for these purchases is based on a valuation for each of the respective Partnership Parks equal to the greater of (i) a value derived by multiplying such park’s weighted average four year EBITDA (as defined in the agreements that govern the partnerships) by a specified multiple (8.0 in the case of SFOG and 8.5 in the case of SFOT) or (ii) $250.0 million in the case of SFOG and $374.8 million in the case of SFOT (the "Specified Prices"). As of September 30, 2013, we owned approximately 30.5% and 53.1% of the Georgia limited partner interests and Texas limited partner interests, respectively. The remaining redeemable units of approximately 69.5% and 46.9% of the Georgia limited partner and Texas limited partner, respectively, represent an ultimate redemption value for the limited partnership units of approximately $357.3 million. Our obligations with respect to SFOG and SFOT will continue until 2027 and 2028, respectively.
	In 2027 and 2028, we will have the option to purchase all remaining units in the Georgia limited partner and the Texas limited partner, respectively, at a price based on the Specified Prices, increased by a cost of living adjustment. Pursuant to the 2013 annual offer, we did not purchase any units from the Georgia partnership and we purchased 0.18 units from the Texas partnership for approximately $0.3 million in May 2013. As we purchase additional units, we are entitled to a proportionate increase in our share of the minimum annual distributions. Based on the current agreed price of the units, the maximum unit purchase obligations for 2014 at both parks will aggregate approximately $357.3 million, representing approximately 69.5% of the outstanding units of SFOG and 46.9% of the outstanding units of SFOT. Pursuant to the 2012 annual offer, we purchased 0.79 units from the Georgia partnership and 0.05 units from the Texas partnership for approximately $2.0 million in May 2012. The $300 million accordion feature on the Term Loan B under the 2011 Credit Facility is available for borrowing for future "put" obligations if necessary.
	In connection with our acquisition of the Former SFEC, we entered into the Subordinated Indemnity Agreement with certain of the Company’s entities, Time Warner and an affiliate of Time Warner, pursuant to which, among other things, we transferred to Time Warner (which has guaranteed all of our obligations under the Partnership Park arrangements) record title to the corporations which own the entities that have purchased and will purchase limited partnership units of the Partnership Parks, and we received an assignment from Time Warner of all cash flow received on such limited partnership units, and we otherwise control such entities. In addition, we issued preferred stock of the managing partner of the partnerships to Time Warner. In the event of a default by us under the Subordinated Indemnity Agreement or of our obligations to our partners in the Partnership Parks, these arrangements would permit Time Warner to take full control of both the entities that own limited partnership units and the managing partner. If we satisfy all such obligations, Time Warner is required to transfer to us the entire equity interests of these entities.
	We incurred $6.2 million of capital expenditures at these parks during the 2012 season and intend to incur approximately $21.0 million of capital expenditures at these parks for the 2013 season, an amount in excess of the minimum required expenditure. Cash flows from operations at the Partnership Parks will be used to satisfy the annual distribution and capital expenditure requirements, before any funds are required from us. In 2012, the two partnerships generated approximately $52.8 million of cash from operating activities after deduction of capital expenditures and excluding the impact of short-term intercompany advances from or payments to Holdings. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had total loans receivable outstanding of $239.3 million from the partnerships that own the Partnership Parks, primarily to fund the acquisition of Six Flags White Water Atlanta and to make capital improvements and distributions to the limited partners. These intercompany loans are eliminated in consolidation.
	Insurance
	We maintain insurance of the types and in amounts that we believe are commercially reasonable and that are available to businesses in our industry. We maintain multi-layered general liability policies that provide for excess liability coverage of up to $100.0 million per occurrence. For incidents arising after November 15, 2003 but prior to December 31, 2008, our self-insured retention is $2.5 million per occurrence ($2.0 million per occurrence for the twelve months ended November 15, 2003 and $1.0 million per occurrence for the twelve months ended November 15, 2002) for our domestic parks and a nominal amount per occurrence for our international parks. Defense costs are in addition to these retentions. In addition, for incidents arising after November 1, 2004 but prior to December 31, 2008, we have a one-time additional $0.5 million self-insured retention, in the aggregate, applicable to all claims in the policy year. For incidents arising on or after December 31, 2008, our self-insured retention is $2.0 million, followed by a $0.5 million deductible per occurrence applicable to all claims in the policy year for our domestic parks and our park in Canada and a nominal amount per occurrence for our park in Mexico. Our deductible after November 15, 2003 is $0.75 million for workers’ compensation claims ($0.5 million deductible for the period from November 15, 2001 to November 15, 2003). Our general liability policies cover the cost of punitive damages only in certain jurisdictions. Based upon reported claims and an estimate for incurred, but not reported claims, we accrue a liability for our self-insured retention contingencies. We also maintain fire and extended coverage, business interruption, terrorism and other forms of insurance typical to businesses in this industry. The all peril property coverage policies insure our real and personal properties (other than land) against physical damage resulting from a variety of hazards. Additionally, we maintain information security and privacy liability insurance in the amount of $10.0 million with a $0.25 million self-insured retention per event.
	As we generally enter into insurance arrangements for one-year periods, the majority of our current insurance policies expire on December 31, 2013. We cannot predict the level of the premiums that we may be required to pay for subsequent insurance coverage, the level of any self-insurance retention applicable thereto, the level of aggregate coverage available or the availability of coverage for specific risks.
	Litigation
	We are party to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business, including the cases discussed below. Matters that are probable of unfavorable outcome to us and which can be reasonably estimated are accrued. Such accruals are based on information known about the matters, our estimate of the outcomes of such matters and our experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters. None of the actions are believed by management to involve amounts that would be material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity after consideration of recorded accruals.
	On March 1, 2007, Safety Braking Corporation, Magnetar Technologies Corp. and G&T Conveyor Co. filed a Complaint for Patent Infringement (the "Patent Complaint") in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware naming SFI, SFTP, and certain of our other subsidiaries as defendants, along with other industry theme park owners and operators. The Patent Complaint alleges that we are liable for direct or indirect infringement of United States Patent No. 5,277,125 because of our ownership and/or operation of various theme parks and amusement rides. The Patent Complaint seeks damages and injunctive relief. On July 8, 2008, the Court entered a Stipulation and Order of Dismissal of Safety Braking Corporation. Thus, as of that date, only Magnetar Technologies Corp. and G&T Conveyor Co. remain as plaintiffs. We have contacted the manufacturers of the amusement rides that we believe may be impacted by this case, requiring such manufacturers to honor their indemnification obligations with respect to this case. We tendered the defense of this matter to certain of the ride manufacturers. Fact and expert discovery has concluded and summary judgment motions were filed in January 2013. The defendants moved for summary judgment that United States Patent No. 5,277,125 was invalid on four separate grounds, that damages for certain rides were barred by the doctrine of laches and/or by the patent owner’s failure to mark the patent number on products embodying the patented invention, and that certain rides do not infringe the patent. The plaintiffs moved for summary judgment that certain rides do infringe. Summary judgment briefing has been completed. No trial date has been set. The patent expired in October 2012.
	On January 6, 2009, a civil action against us was commenced in the State Court of Cobb County, Georgia. The plaintiff sought damages for personal injuries, including an alleged brain injury, as a result of an altercation with a group of individuals on property adjacent to SFOG on July 3, 2007. Certain of the individuals were employees of the park, but were off-duty and not acting within the course or scope of their employment with SFOG at the time the altercation occurred. The plaintiff, who had exited the park, claims that we were negligent in our security of the premises. Four of the individuals who allegedly participated in the altercation are also named as defendants in the litigation. Our motion for summary judgment was denied by the trial court on May 19, 2011. The trial date originally set for October 7, 2013 was continued to November 11, 2013.
	On July 3, 2012, a civil action was commenced against us in the Superior Court of Solano County, California. The plaintiffs sought damages for personal injuries when a guest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom jumped on a swinging gate arm that entered a passing tram carrying the plaintiffs on July 3, 2010.
	On July 19, 2013, an accident occurred on a ride at our park in Arlington, Texas, in which a fatality occurred. On September 10, 2013, a civil action against us was commenced in the District Court of Tarrant County, Texas in connection with the incident. Utilizing both internal and external experts, we completed the investigation of the accident and concluded that there was no mechanical failure of the ride. On October 4, 2013, we filed an answer denying the claims. On October 14, 2013, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint naming Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, GmbH, the ride manufacturer, as a co-defendant in the lawsuit. We intend to vigorously defend the action. Our self-insurance retention in connection with this incident totals $2.5 million.
	HWP Guarantee
	We guaranteed the payment of a $32.2 million construction term loan incurred by HWP for the purpose of financing the construction and development of a hotel and indoor water park project located adjacent to The Great Escape theme park in Queensbury, New York, which opened in February 2006. On November 5, 2007, the loan was refinanced with the $33.0 million Refinance Loan and the proceeds were used to repay the existing loan. In connection with the refinancing, Holdings and the other joint venture partners provided a limited guarantee of the Refinance Loan, which would become operative under certain limited circumstances, including the voluntary bankruptcy of HWP or its managing member. As additional security for the Refinance Loan, we provided a $1.0 million letter of credit. On September 30, 2013, we acquired the minority equity interests held by non-affiliated parties in HWP, with the exception of a nominal amount retained by a non-affiliated party.
	Tax and Other Contingencies
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we have accrued liabilities for tax and other indemnification contingencies of $0.5 million related to certain parks sold in previous years that could be recognized as a recovery of losses from discontinued operations in the future if such liabilities are not requested to be paid. During 2012, we closed two large claims related to parks that we no longer own and we recognized approximately $7.3 million as a recovery of losses from discontinued operations as those liabilities were not going to be paid.

Noncontrolling_Interests_Partn

Noncontrolling Interests, Partnerships and Joint Ventures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interests, Partnerships and Joint Ventures
Noncontrolling Interests, Partnerships and Joint Ventures	Noncontrolling Interests, Partnerships and Joint Ventures
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests represent the non-affiliated parties’ share of the assets of the three parks that are less than wholly-owned, including SFOT and SFOG (including Six Flags White Water Atlanta which is owned by the partnership that owns SFOG).
	The following table presents a rollforward of redeemable noncontrolling interests in SFOT and SFOG:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	437,941
	Purchase of redeemable units of SFOT	(288		)
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased units	(84		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	37,452
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(18,725		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	456,296
	See Note 8 for a description of the partnership arrangements applicable to SFOT and SFOG, the accounts of which are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements. The redemption value of the partnership units as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was approximately $357.3 million and $357.6 million, respectively.
	Noncontrolling interests represent the non-affiliated parties’ share of the assets of HWP. On September 30, 2013, we acquired the minority equity interests held by non-affiliated parties in HWP, with the exception of a nominal amount retained by a non-affiliated party. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, our ownership interest in the HWP joint venture was approximately 99.25% and 49%, respectively. The following table presents a rollforward of noncontrolling interests in HWP:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	3,934
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	875
	Purchase of ownership interests	(4,630		)
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased interests	(109		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	70
	During the third quarter of 2012, the venture (of which we hold a 39.2% interest) that owned dick clark productions, inc. ("DCP") sold DCP to a third party. We received approximately $70.0 million for our portion of the proceeds from the sale on October 1, 2012 and we received an additional $0.3 million in January 2013 related to the sale of another small investment that was owned by the venture. In 2012, we recorded a gain of approximately $67.3 million after recovering our $2.5 million investment and a $0.5 million license that allowed us to air DCP shows at our parks. A portion of the sale proceeds are being held in escrow pending resolution of certain items related to the sale. If all of these items result in favorable outcomes, we would receive up to $10.0 million of additional proceeds from the sale. We have not recorded a receivable for any of these additional amounts due to their contingent nature.

Business_Segments

Business Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	Business Segments
	We manage our operations on an individual park location basis. Discrete financial information is maintained for each park and provided to our corporate management for review and as a basis for decision making. The primary performance measures used to allocate resources are park earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("Park EBITDA") and Park Free Cash Flow (Park EBITDA less park capital expenditures). All of our parks provide similar products and services through a similar process to the same class of customer through a consistent method. We also believe that the parks share common economic characteristics. As such, we have only one reportable segment — theme parks. The following table presents segment financial information and a reconciliation of the primary segment performance measure to income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations. Park level expenses exclude all non-cash operating expenses, principally depreciation and amortization and all non-operating expenses.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Theme park revenues	$	504,520		$	485,143		$	955,742		$	926,413
	Theme park cash expenses	(206,931		)	(200,582		)	(516,399		)	(509,846		)
	Aggregate park EBITDA	297,589			284,561			439,343			416,567
	Equity in income of investee — EBITDA	—			288			—			5,520
	Corporate expenses	(9,651		)	(8,002		)	(31,159		)	(30,908		)
	Stock-based compensation	(7,077		)	(12,751		)	(21,496		)	(44,884		)
	Other expense, net	(1,013		)	(832		)	(1,197		)	(295		)
	Equity in loss of investee — depreciation and other expense	—			(1,940		)	—			(7,742		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(30,898		)	(35,312		)	(97,207		)	(112,722		)
	Loss on disposal of fixed assets	(4,325		)	(5,192		)	(6,959		)	(7,647		)
	Gain on sale of investee	—			67,041			—			67,041
	Reorganization items, net	—			(659		)	180			(1,708		)
	Restructure recovery	—			—			—			47
	Interest expense	(18,810		)	(11,627		)	(56,240		)	(34,756		)
	Interest income	207			208			660			522
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	226,022		$	275,783		$	225,925		$	249,035
	All of our parks are located in the United States with the exception of one park in Mexico City, Mexico and one park in Montreal, Canada. The following information presents our long-lived assets (which consists of property and equipment and intangible assets), revenues and income from continuing operations by domestic and foreign categories as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		Domestic			Foreign			Total
	2013	(Amounts in thousands)
	Long-lived assets	$	2,135,482		$	105,737		$	2,241,219
	Revenues	865,541			90,201			955,742
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	205,643			20,282			225,925
	2012
	Long-lived assets	$	2,165,406		$	110,590		$	2,275,996
	Revenues	841,922			84,491			926,413
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	228,765			20,270			249,035

Pension_Benefits

Pension Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension Benefits	Pension Benefits
	We froze our pension plan effective March 31, 2006, pursuant to which most participants no longer earned future pension benefits. Effective February 16, 2009, the remaining participants in the pension plan no longer earned future benefits. The following summarizes our pension costs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012				September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Service cost	$	303			$	288			$	895		$	863
	Interest cost	2,202				2,307				6,634			6,920
	Expected return on plan assets	(3,063		)		(2,746		)		(9,195		)	(8,237		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	187				166				575			499
	Total net periodic (benefit) cost	$	(371	)		$	15			$	(1,091	)	$	45
	Weighted-Average Assumptions Used To Determine Net Cost
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Discount rate	3.85	%		4.3	%		3.85	%		4.3	%
	Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
	Expected return on plan assets	7.5	%		7.5	%		7.5	%		7.5	%
	Employer Contributions
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, we made pension contributions of $4.5 million and $6.1 million, respectively.

Stock_Repurchase_Plans

Stock Repurchase Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock Repurchase Plans
Stock Repurchase Plans	Stock Repurchase Plans
	On February 24, 2011, Holdings’ Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program that permitted Holdings to repurchase up to $60.0 million in shares of Holdings’ common stock over a three-year period (the "First Stock Repurchase Plan"). Under the First Stock Repurchase Plan, during the year ended December 31, 2011, Holdings repurchased an aggregate of 3,235,000 shares at a cumulative price of approximately $60.0 million. The small amount of remaining shares that were permitted to be repurchased under the First Stock Repurchase Plan were repurchased in January 2012.
	On January 3, 2012, Holdings’ Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program that permitted Holdings to repurchase up to $250.0 million in shares of Holdings’ common stock over a four-year period (the "Second Stock Repurchase Plan"). Under the Second Stock Repurchase Plan, during the year ended December 31, 2012, Holdings repurchased an aggregate of 8,499,000 shares at a cumulative price of approximately $232.0 million. As of January 4, 2013, Holdings had repurchased an additional 578,000 shares at a cumulative price of approximately $18.0 million and an average price per share of $31.16 to complete the permitted repurchases under the Second Stock Repurchase Plan.
	On December 11, 2012, Holdings’ Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program that permits Holdings to repurchase up to $500.0 million in shares of Holdings’ common stock over a three-year period (the "Third Stock Repurchase Plan"). As of October 25, 2013, Holdings had repurchased 14,390,000 shares at a cumulative price of approximately $485.6 million and an average price per share of $33.75 under the Third Stock Repurchase Plan leaving approximately $14.4 million for permitted repurchases.
	All of the foregoing share and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split.
	The timing of share repurchases is limited by the covenants in the 2011 Credit Facility and the 2021 Notes. We will continue to evaluate the share repurchase limits per the covenants on an on-going basis to determine our ability to utilize the remaining amount authorized for share repurchases. See Note 6 for further discussion.

General_Basis_of_Presentation_

General - Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
General - Basis of Presentation
Consolidated U.S. GAAP Presentation	Consolidated U.S. GAAP Presentation
	Our accounting policies reflect industry practices and conform to U.S. GAAP.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. We also consolidate the partnerships that own SFOT and SFOG as subsidiaries in our consolidated financial statements, as we have determined that we have the power to direct the activities of those entities that most significantly impact the entities’ economic performance and we have the obligation to absorb losses and receive benefits from the entities that can be potentially significant to these entities. The equity interests owned by non-affiliated parties in SFOT and SFOG are reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interests. On September 30, 2013, we acquired the minority equity interests held by non-affiliated parties in HWP Development, LLC ("HWP"), with the exception of a nominal amount that we have the option to call pursuant to the purchase agreement. Prior to the acquisition, we owned an approximate 49% interest in this joint venture and consolidated HWP as a subsidiary as we had the power to direct the activities that most significantly impacted HWP's economic performance and we had the obligation to absorb losses and receive benefits from HWP that could have been significant to HWP. The equity interests in HWP owned by non-affiliated parties prior to the acquisition as well as the nominal minority equity interests retained by a non-affiliated party subsequent to the acquisition are reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as noncontrolling interests. The portion of earnings or loss from each of the entities attributable to non-affiliated parties is reflected as net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. See Note 9 for further discussion.
Accounting for the Chapter 11 Filing	Accounting for the Chapter 11 Filing
	We follow the accounting prescribed by FASB ASC 852, which provides guidance for periods subsequent to a Chapter 11 filing regarding the presentation of liabilities that are and are not subject to compromise by the Bankruptcy Court proceedings, as well as the treatment of interest expense and presentation of costs associated with the proceedings.
	Because the former stockholders of SFI owned less than 50% of the voting shares after SFI emerged from bankruptcy, we adopted fresh start accounting whereby our assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair value using the principles of purchase accounting contained in FASB ASC 805. The difference between our estimated fair value and our identifiable assets and liabilities was recognized as goodwill. See Note 1(b) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2012 Annual Report for a detailed explanation of the impact of emerging from Chapter 11 and applying fresh start accounting on our financial position.
Reorganization Items	Reorganization Items
	FASB ASC 852 requires separate disclosure of reorganization items such as realized gains and losses from the settlement of liabilities subject to compromise, provisions for losses resulting from the reorganization and restructuring of the business, as well as professional fees directly related to the process of reorganizing the Debtors under the Bankruptcy Code. The Debtors’ reorganization items consisted of the following during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012
	(Recoveries) costs and expenses related to the reorganization	$	(180	)		$	1,708
	Costs and expenses directly related to the reorganization primarily include fees associated with advisors to the Debtors, certain creditors and the creditors’ committee.
	Net cash paid for reorganization items, entirely constituting professional fees, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 totaled $0.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases including net operating loss and other tax carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date. We recorded a valuation allowance of $173.2 million and $169.9 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of our deferred tax assets, primarily consisting of certain state net operating loss and other tax carryforwards, before they expire. The valuation allowance was based on our estimates of taxable income by jurisdiction in which we operate and the period over which our deferred tax assets were recoverable. During the fourth quarter of 2012, we determined that the valuation allowance against our federal net operating losses was no longer required because of the significant amount of net income that we generated in 2012. Based on our 2012 results, coupled with our projected taxable income over the foreseeable future, we believe we will be able to utilize all of our federal net operating loss carryforwards before they expire.
	In determining the effective tax rate for interim periods, we consider the expected changes in our valuation allowance from current year originating or reversing timing differences between financial accounting and tax purposes and the taxable income or loss expected for the current year. For interim periods, we also account for the tax effect of significant non-recurring items in the period in which they occur as well as changes in the valuation allowance relating to a change in the assessment of the probability of utilization of the deferred income tax assets.
	Our liability for income taxes is finalized as auditable tax years pass their respective statutes of limitations in the various jurisdictions in which we are subject to tax. However, authorities of these jurisdictions may audit prior years of the group and its predecessors for which the statute of limitations is closed for the purpose of making an adjustment to our taxable income in a year or net operating loss carryforwards to years for which the statute of limitations has not closed.
	We classify interest and penalties attributable to income taxes as part of income tax expense. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had no accrued interest and penalties liability.
	Beginning in 2006, we no longer permanently reinvested foreign earnings, therefore, United States deferred income taxes have been provided on foreign earnings.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets
	We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or group of assets. If such assets are not considered to be fully recoverable, any 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.
	With the adoption of fresh start accounting upon our emergence from Chapter 11, long-lived assets were revalued based on their respective fair values.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	We account for derivatives and hedging activities in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. This accounting guidance establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. It requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as a hedge for accounting purposes. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (e.g., gains and losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.
	We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and our strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to forecasted transactions. We also assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.
	Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until operations are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item, at which point they are reclassified to interest expense. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is not designated as a hedge are recorded in other expense, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations on a current basis. See Note 4 for further discussion.
Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings Per Common Share
	Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income applicable to Holdings’ common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income applicable to Holdings’ common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period adjusted for the effect of all dilutive common stock equivalents. In periods in which a net loss is incurred, diluted loss per common share is equal to basic loss per common share, as the effect of including any common stock equivalents would be antidilutive. These computations have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the computation of diluted earnings per share included the effect of 3,367,000 and 3,250,000 dilutive stock options and restricted shares, respectively, and excluded the effect of 1,193,000 and 1,205,000 antidilutive stock options, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the computation of diluted earnings per share included the effect of 6,612,000 and 5,868,000 dilutive stock options, respectively, and excluded the effect of 1,844,000 and 2,282,000 antidilutive stock options, respectively. Basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was calculated as follows:
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)	September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$	120,403			$	253,025		$	105,237		$	210,181
	Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic	95,105				106,974			97,569			107,916
	Effect of dilutive stock options	3,367				6,612			3,250			5,868
	Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted	98,472				113,586			100,819			113,784
	Earnings per share — basic	$	1.27			$	2.37		$	1.08		$	1.95
	Earnings per share — diluted	$	1.22			$	2.23		$	1.04		$	1.85
Stock Benefit Plans	Stock Benefit Plans
	Pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan became effective (the "Long-Term Incentive Plan"). Pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Plan, Holdings may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, unrestricted stock, deferred stock units, performance and cash-settled awards and dividend equivalent rights to select employees, officers, directors and consultants of Holdings and its affiliates. The Long-Term Incentive Plan originally provided for the issuance of no more than 19,333,332 shares of common stock of Holdings, as adjusted to reflect the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split. In May 2012, our stockholders approved an amended and restated Long-Term Incentive Plan that, among other things, increased the number of shares available for issuance under the Long-Term Incentive Plan to 28,133,332, as adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, stock-based compensation expense related to the Long-Term Incentive Plan was $7.0 million and $12.7 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, stock-based compensation expense related to the Long-Term Incentive Plan was $21.3 million and $44.6 million, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2013, options to purchase approximately 8,282,000 shares of common stock of Holdings and approximately 371,000 shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units were outstanding under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and approximately 5,058,000 shares were available for future grant, as adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split.
	Stock Options
	Options granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan are designated as either incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. Options are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock of Holdings on the date of grant. While certain stock options are subject to acceleration in connection with a change in control, options are generally cumulatively exercisable in four equal annual installments commencing one year after the date of grant with a 10-year term. Generally, the unvested portion of stock option awards is forfeited upon termination of employment. Stock option compensation is recognized over the vesting period using the graded vesting terms of the respective grant.
	The estimated fair value of the majority of our options granted was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model. This model takes into account several factors and assumptions. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield on United States Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term assumption at the time of grant. The simplified method was used to calculate the expected term (estimated period of time outstanding) because our historical data from our pre-confirmation equity grants is not representative or sufficient to be used to develop an expected term assumption. Expected volatility of options granted prior to 2013 was based on the historical volatility of similar companies’ common stock for a period equal to the stock option’s expected term, calculated on a daily basis. Expected volatility of options granted in 2013 was based two-thirds on the historical volatility of similar companies’ common stock and one-third on our historical volatility for a period equal to the stock options’ expected term, calculated on a daily basis. The expected dividend yield is based on expected dividends for the expected term of the stock options. The fair value of stock options on the date of grant is expensed on a straight line basis over the requisite service period of the graded vesting term as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.
	The following weighted-average assumptions were utilized in the Black-Scholes model to value the stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.87	%		1.08	%
	Expected term (in years)	6.25			6.25
	Expected volatility	39.03	%		44.15	%
	Expected dividend yield	5.12	%		3.61	%
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, as adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split:
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
					Avg.			Avg.		Intrinsic Value
					Exercise			Remaining		($)
					Price ($)			Contractual
								Term
	Balance at January 1, 2013	9,436,000			$	15.04
	Granted	1,241,000			$	34.3
	Exercised	(2,145,000	)		$	11.67
	Canceled or exchanged	—			$	—
	Forfeited	(249,000	)		$	17.59
	Expired	(1,000	)		$	15.86
	Balance at September 30, 2013	8,282,000			$	18.72		7.96		$	125,608,000
	Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013	7,981,000			$	18.68		7.96		$	121,348,000
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013	1,943,000			$	14.86		7.51		$	36,780,000
	The weighted average grant date fair value of the options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $7.78 and $8.07, respectively.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $49.2 million and $50.9 million, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $17.5 million and $15.2 million, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2013, there was $19.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to option awards. The weighted average period over which that cost is expected to be recognized is 2.75 years.
	Cash received from the exercise of stock options during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $25.0 million and $29.9 million, respectively.
	Stock, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
	Stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan may be subject to transfer and other restrictions as determined by the compensation committee of Holdings’ Board of Directors. Generally, the unvested portion of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards is forfeited upon termination of employment. The fair value of stock, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards on the date of grant is expensed on a straight line basis over the requisite service period of the graded vesting term as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.
	During the year ended December 31, 2010, a performance award was established that, based on the EBITDA performance of the Company in 2010 and 2011, resulted in 2,912,000 shares of restricted stock units being granted to certain key employees in February 2012 (the "2012 Performance Award"), as adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split. Such restricted stock units were unvested when granted and originally scheduled to vest upon the completion of the Company’s 2012 audit if the EBITDA performance target for 2012 was achieved. Since it was clear as of December 2012 that the Company would exceed the performance target for 2012, Holdings’ Board of Directors determined it was in the best interest of the Company to accelerate the vesting of the award by a couple of months to a December 24, 2012 vesting date, thereby potentially creating significant tax savings for the individuals that received the award. As of December 31, 2012, all of the compensation expense related to this award had been recognized. In September 2012, our former Chief Operating Officer retired and upon his retirement, 82,000 of these shares of restricted stock units were forfeited, as adjusted for the 2013 Stock Split.
	During the year ended December 31, 2011, an additional performance award was established based on our aspirational goal to achieve Modified EBITDA of $500 million by 2015 (the "2015 Performance Award"). If the target is achieved in 2015, an aggregate of 2,650,000 shares would be issued to certain key employees, as adjusted for the 2013 Stock Split; however, this amount could be more or less depending on the level of achievement and the timing thereof. There has been no stock-based compensation expense recorded for this performance award because, as of September 30, 2013, it is not deemed probable that we will achieve the specified performance condition. Based on the closing market price of the Holdings’ common stock on the last trading day of the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to this award at target achievement in 2015 is $89.5 million, which would be expensed over the service period if achievement of the performance condition becomes probable. We will continue to evaluate the probability of achieving the performance condition going forward and record the appropriate expense if necessary.
	The following table summarizes stock, restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, as adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split:
		Shares			Weighted Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value ($)
	Non-vested balance at January 1, 2013	694,000			$	9.73
	Granted	19,000			$	38.26
	Vested	(332,000	)		$	10.16
	Forfeited	(10,000	)		$	8.12
	Cancelled	—			$	—
	Non-vested balance at September 30, 2013	371,000			$	10.84
	The total grant date fair value of the stock, restricted stock, and restricted stock units granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $0.7 million and $67.3 million, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock, restricted stock, and restricted stock units granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $38.26 and $22.92, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $3.4 million and $3.5 million, respectively.
	Excluding the unrecognized compensation expense related to the 2015 Performance Award discussed above, for which no stock-based compensation expense has been recorded as it is not deemed probable that we will achieve the specified performance condition, there was $1.1 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock, restricted stock, and restricted stock units as of September 30, 2013 that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.81 years.
	Deferred Share Units
	Non-employee directors can elect to receive the value of their annual cash retainer as a deferred share unit award ("DSU") under the Long-Term Incentive Plan whereby the non-employee director is granted DSUs in an amount equal to such director’s annual cash retainer divided by the closing price of Holdings’ common stock on the date of the annual stockholders meeting. Each DSU represents the Company’s obligation to issue one share of common stock and the shares are delivered approximately thirty days following the cessation of the non-employee director’s service as a director of the Company.
	DSUs vest consistent with the manner in which non-employee directors’ cash retainers are paid. The fair value of the DSUs on the date of grant is expensed on a straight line basis over the requisite service period of the graded vesting term as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, approximately 3,000 and 5,000 DSUs were granted, at a weighted-average grant date fair value of $38.26 and $24.20 per unit, respectively. The total grant date fair value of DSUs granted during the the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was $0.1 million.
	As of September 30, 2013, all compensation expense related to the outstanding DSUs had been recognized, with the exception of a nominal amount that will be recognized during the three months ending December 31, 2013.
	Dividend Equivalent Rights
	On February 8, 2012, Holdings’ Board of Directors granted dividend equivalent rights ("DERs") to holders of unvested stock options. At February 8, 2012, approximately 10.0 million unvested stock options were outstanding. As stockholders are paid cash dividends, the DERs accrue dividends which will be distributed to stock option holders upon the vesting of their stock option award. Holdings will distribute the accumulated accrued dividends pursuant to the DERs in either cash or shares of common stock. Generally, holders of stock options for fewer than 1,000 shares of stock will receive their accumulated accrued dividends in cash. Conversely, generally holders of stock options for 1,000 shares of stock or greater will receive their accumulated accrued dividends in shares of common stock. In addition, Holdings’ Board of Directors granted similar DERs payable in shares of common stock if and when any shares are granted under the stock-based compensation performance award program based on the EBITDA performance of the Company in 2012 - 2015. In August 2012, Holdings’ Board of Directors granted approximately 2.0 million additional options to the majority of the full-time employees of the Company as well as DERs in connection with such options. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, Holdings’ Board of Directors granted approximately 1.2 million additional options to the majority of the full-time employees of the Company as well as DERs in connection with such options.
	The DER grants to participants with 1,000 or more unvested stock options and the DER grants related to the performance award were granted contingent upon stockholder approval of the Company’s proposal to amend the Long-Term Incentive Plan at the Company’s 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to increase the number of shares for issuance under the Long-Term Incentive Plan from 19,333,332 to 28,133,332. On May 2, 2012, our stockholders approved the Long-Term Incentive Plan amendment to increase the number of shares available for issuance. We recorded $1.9 million and $2.3 million of stock-based compensation for the DER grants during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively. We recorded $6.0 million and $4.0 million of stock-based compensation for the DER grants during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively.
	All of the foregoing share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") allows eligible employees to purchase Holdings’ common stock at 90% of the lower of the market value of the common stock at the beginning or end of each successive six-month offering period. Amounts accumulated through participants’ payroll deductions ("purchase rights") are used to purchase shares of common stock at the end of each purchase period. Pursuant to the ESPP, no more than 2,000,000 shares of common stock of Holdings may be issued. Holdings’ common stock may be issued by either authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares purchased on the open market. As of September 30, 2013, we had 1,898,000 shares available for purchase pursuant to the ESPP. All of the foregoing share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split.
	In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Stock Based Compensation, stock-based compensation related to the purchase rights was determined using a Black-Scholes option-pricing formula. The weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of purchase rights for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Risk-free interest rate	0.09	%		0.15	%
Expected term (in years)	0.5			0.5
Expected volatility	22.53	%		29.17	%
Expected dividend yield	4.77	%		4.31	%
During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, we recognized $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense relating to the ESPP.
As of September 30, 2013, 17,000 purchase rights were outstanding under the ESPP.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, stock-based compensation expense consisted of the following:
	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
Long-Term Incentive Plan	$	7,030			$	12,708		$	21,302		$	44,625
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	47				43			194			259
Total Stock-Based Compensation	$	7,077			$	12,751		$	21,496		$	44,884
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue upon admission into our parks, provision of our services, or when products are delivered to our guests. Revenues are presented net of sales taxes collected from our guests and remitted to government taxing authorities in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. During 2013, we launched a membership program (the "Membership Program"). In contrast to our season pass and other multi-use offerings that expire at the end of each operating season, the Membership Program does not expire. It automatically renews on a month-to-month basis after the initial twelve-month membership term (the "Initial Term"), and can be canceled any time after the Initial Term. Guests enrolled in the Membership Program can visit our parks an unlimited number of times anytime they are open as long as the guest remains enrolled in the Membership Program. For season pass, membership and other multi-use admissions, we estimate a redemption rate based on historical experience and other factors and assumptions the Company believes to be customary and reasonable and recognize a pro-rata portion of the revenue as the guest attends our parks. The estimated redemption rate is reviewed regularly and on an ongoing basis and is revised as necessary throughout the year. Amounts received for multi-use admissions in excess of redemptions are recognized in deferred revenue. As of September 30, 2013, deferred revenue was primarily comprised of (i) the remaining unredeemed season pass revenue and pre-sold single-day admissions revenue for the current operating season, (ii) advance sales of season pass and other admissions for the 2014 operating season, (iii) the unredeemed portion of the Initial Term of the Membership Program that will be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2013 and in 2014, and (iv) sponsorship revenue that will be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2013.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The amendments in ASU 2013-01 clarify that the disclosure requirements of ASU 2011-11 are limited to derivatives, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions that are either offset in the statement of financial position or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. ASU 2013-01 is effective retrospectively for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption of the new accounting rules did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income - Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in ASU 2013-02 require that entities report, either on their income statement or in a footnote to their financial statements, the effects on earnings from items that are reclassified out of other comprehensive income. The new accounting rules were effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2013. The adoption of the new accounting rules did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date. The amendments in ASU 2013-04 provide guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements from which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date. ASU 2013-04 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company does not anticipate a material impact to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this change.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. The amendments in ASU 2013-05 address the accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a foreign subsidiary or group of assets. ASU 2013-05 is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The company does not anticipate a material impact to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this change.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-10, Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. The amendments in ASU 2013-10 permit the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under U.S. GAAP. ASU 2013-10 is effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesigned hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The Company does not anticipate a material impact to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this change.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. The amendments in ASU 2013-11 provide guidance on the financial statement presentation of unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company will reflect the impact of these amendments beginning with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2014. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this pronouncement will result in a material impact to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

General_Basis_of_Presentation_1

General - Basis of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Schedule of Debtors' reorganization items	The Debtors’ reorganization items consisted of the following during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012
	(Recoveries) costs and expenses related to the reorganization	$	(180	)		$	1,708
Schedule of calculation of earnings per common share	Basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 was calculated as follows:
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)	September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$	120,403			$	253,025		$	105,237		$	210,181
	Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic	95,105				106,974			97,569			107,916
	Effect of dilutive stock options	3,367				6,612			3,250			5,868
	Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted	98,472				113,586			100,819			113,784
	Earnings per share — basic	$	1.27			$	2.37		$	1.08		$	1.95
	Earnings per share — diluted	$	1.22			$	2.23		$	1.04		$	1.85
Schedule of stock option activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, as adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split:
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
					Avg.			Avg.		Intrinsic Value
					Exercise			Remaining		($)
					Price ($)			Contractual
								Term
	Balance at January 1, 2013	9,436,000			$	15.04
	Granted	1,241,000			$	34.3
	Exercised	(2,145,000	)		$	11.67
	Canceled or exchanged	—			$	—
	Forfeited	(249,000	)		$	17.59
	Expired	(1,000	)		$	15.86
	Balance at September 30, 2013	8,282,000			$	18.72		7.96		$	125,608,000
	Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013	7,981,000			$	18.68		7.96		$	121,348,000
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013	1,943,000			$	14.86		7.51		$	36,780,000
Schedule of stock, restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity	The following table summarizes stock, restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, as adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split:
		Shares			Weighted Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value ($)
	Non-vested balance at January 1, 2013	694,000			$	9.73
	Granted	19,000			$	38.26
	Vested	(332,000	)		$	10.16
	Forfeited	(10,000	)		$	8.12
	Cancelled	—			$	—
	Non-vested balance at September 30, 2013	371,000			$	10.84
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, stock-based compensation expense consisted of the following:
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Long-Term Incentive Plan	$	7,030			$	12,708		$	21,302		$	44,625
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan	47				43			194			259
	Total Stock-Based Compensation	$	7,077			$	12,751		$	21,496		$	44,884
Long-Term Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted	The following weighted-average assumptions were utilized in the Black-Scholes model to value the stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.87	%		1.08	%
	Expected term (in years)	6.25			6.25
	Expected volatility	39.03	%		44.15	%
	Expected dividend yield	5.12	%		3.61	%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted	The weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of purchase rights for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Risk-free interest rate	0.09	%		0.15	%
	Expected term (in years)	0.5			0.5
	Expected volatility	22.53	%		29.17	%
	Expected dividend yield	4.77	%		4.31	%

Disposition_of_Parks_Tables

Disposition of Parks (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Summary of loss from discontinued operations	The following table summarizes our loss from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Decrease in contingent liabilities from sale indemnities	$	—	$	7,209	$	—	$	7,157
	Income from discontinued operations	$	—	$	7,209	$	—	$	7,157

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of derivatives recorded at fair value in condensed consolidated balance sheets	Derivatives recorded at fair value in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of the following:
		Derivative Assets
		As of
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
	Interest rate contract — current	$	—		$	2
	Interest rate contract — non-current	—			30
		$	—		$	32
Schedule of gains and losses, net of tax, on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges included in condensed consolidated statement of operations	Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges included in our condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 were as follows:
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012
		Loss Recognized in OCI						Loss Reclassified from						Loss Recognized
		(Effective Portion)						AOCI into Operations						in Operations on
								(Effective Portion)						Derivatives (Ineffective
														Portion and Amount
														Excluded from
														Effectiveness Testing)
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest rate contract	$	(5	)	$	(187	)	$	(161	)	$	(8	)	$	—		$	—
	Total	$	(5	)	$	(187	)	$	(161	)	$	(8	)	$	—		$	—
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012
		Loss Recognized in OCI						Loss Reclassified from						Loss Recognized
		(Effective Portion)						AOCI into Operations						in Operations on
								(Effective Portion)						Derivatives (Ineffective
														Portion and Amount
														Excluded from
														Effectiveness Testing)
		2013			2012			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest rate contract	$	(30	)	$	(837	)	$	(331	)	$	(8	)	$	(1	)	$	—
	Total	$	(30	)	$	(837	)	$	(331	)	$	(8	)	$	(1	)	$	—

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of estimated fair values of the entity's financial instruments and classification of such instruments	The following table and accompanying information present the estimated fair values and classifications of our financial instruments in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		As of
		30-Sep-13						31-Dec-12
	(Amounts in thousands)	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
	Financial assets (liabilities):
	Restricted-use investment securities	$	1,527		$	1,527		$	1,218		$	1,218
	Derivative instruments	—			—			32			32
	Long-term debt (including current portion)	(1,401,431		)	(1,367,711		)	(1,405,206		)	(1,410,255		)

LongTerm_Indebtedness_Tables

Long-Term Indebtedness (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, long-term debt consisted of the following:
		As of
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Term Loan B	$	577,821		$	582,187
	2021 Notes	800,000			800,000
	HWP Refinance Loan	30,786			31,128
	Net discount	(7,176		)	(8,109		)
	Long-term debt	1,401,431			1,405,206
	Less current portion	(6,256		)	(6,240		)
	Total long-term debt	$	1,395,175		$	1,398,966

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of components of AOCI	The following table provides the changes in the composition of AOCI during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	(Amounts in thousands)	Cumulative				Cash Flow				Defined Benefit				Income			Accumulated
		Translation				Hedges				Plans				Taxes			Other
		Adjustment															Comprehensive
																	Income (Loss)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	338			$	(828	)		$	(48,590	)		$	19,392		$	(29,688	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—				331				(575		)		97			(147		)
	Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) activity	(692		)		(31		)		—				312			(411		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(354	)		$	(528	)		$	(49,165	)		$	19,801		$	(30,246	)
Schedule of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The Company had the following reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
			Location of		Amount of Reclassification from AOCI
			Reclassification		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	Component of AOCI		into Income		September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012				September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
					(Amounts in thousands)
	Amortization of loss on interest rate hedge		Interest expense		$	(161	)		$	8			$	(331	)	$	8
			Income tax benefit		64				—				131			—
			Net of tax in 2013		$	(97	)		$	8			$	(200	)	$	8
	Amortization of deferred actuarial loss and prior service cost		Operating expenses		$	187			$	166			$	575		$	499
			Income tax benefit		(75		)		—				(228		)	—
			Net of tax in 2013		$	112			$	166			$	347		$	499
	Total reclassifications				$	15			$	174			$	147		$	507

Noncontrolling_Interests_Partn1

Noncontrolling Interests, Partnerships and Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interests, Partnerships and Joint Ventures
Schedule of changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests	The following table presents a rollforward of redeemable noncontrolling interests in SFOT and SFOG:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	437,941
	Purchase of redeemable units of SFOT	(288		)
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased units	(84		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	37,452
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(18,725		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	456,296
Schedule of changes in noncontrolling interests	The following table presents a rollforward of noncontrolling interests in HWP:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	3,934
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	875
	Purchase of ownership interests	(4,630		)
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased interests	(109		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	70

Business_Segments_Tables

Business Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment financial information and a reconciliation of the primary segment performance measure to loss from continuing operations before income taxes
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Theme park revenues	$	504,520		$	485,143		$	955,742		$	926,413
	Theme park cash expenses	(206,931		)	(200,582		)	(516,399		)	(509,846		)
	Aggregate park EBITDA	297,589			284,561			439,343			416,567
	Equity in income of investee — EBITDA	—			288			—			5,520
	Corporate expenses	(9,651		)	(8,002		)	(31,159		)	(30,908		)
	Stock-based compensation	(7,077		)	(12,751		)	(21,496		)	(44,884		)
	Other expense, net	(1,013		)	(832		)	(1,197		)	(295		)
	Equity in loss of investee — depreciation and other expense	—			(1,940		)	—			(7,742		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(30,898		)	(35,312		)	(97,207		)	(112,722		)
	Loss on disposal of fixed assets	(4,325		)	(5,192		)	(6,959		)	(7,647		)
	Gain on sale of investee	—			67,041			—			67,041
	Reorganization items, net	—			(659		)	180			(1,708		)
	Restructure recovery	—			—			—			47
	Interest expense	(18,810		)	(11,627		)	(56,240		)	(34,756		)
	Interest income	207			208			660			522
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	226,022		$	275,783		$	225,925		$	249,035
Schedule of information reflecting long-lived assets, revenues and loss from continuing operations by domestic and foreign categories	The following information presents our long-lived assets (which consists of property and equipment and intangible assets), revenues and income from continuing operations by domestic and foreign categories as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		Domestic			Foreign			Total
	2013	(Amounts in thousands)
	Long-lived assets	$	2,135,482		$	105,737		$	2,241,219
	Revenues	865,541			90,201			955,742
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	205,643			20,282			225,925
	2012
	Long-lived assets	$	2,165,406		$	110,590		$	2,275,996
	Revenues	841,922			84,491			926,413
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	228,765			20,270			249,035

Pension_Benefits_Tables

Pension Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of pension costs	The following summarizes our pension costs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012				September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Service cost	$	303			$	288			$	895		$	863
	Interest cost	2,202				2,307				6,634			6,920
	Expected return on plan assets	(3,063		)		(2,746		)		(9,195		)	(8,237		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	187				166				575			499
	Total net periodic (benefit) cost	$	(371	)		$	15			$	(1,091	)	$	45
Schedule of weighted average assumptions used to determine net cost	Weighted-Average Assumptions Used To Determine Net Cost
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Discount rate	3.85	%		4.3	%		3.85	%		4.3	%
	Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
	Expected return on plan assets	7.5	%		7.5	%		7.5	%		7.5	%

Chapter_11_Reorganization_Deta

Chapter 11 Reorganization (Details)	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	8-May-13	5-May-11	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2010	Apr. 30, 2010
					Discharge of debt to holders of 2016 Notes	Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (Holdings)
Common Stock
Common stock issued by Holdings (in shares)						109,555,556
Interest rate (as a percent)					12.25%
Stock split ratio	2	2	2	2

Chapter_11_Reorganization_Deta1

Chapter 11 Reorganization (Details 2) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2010
	facility
Financing at Emergence
Number of exit financing facilities	2
Senior secured first lien credit facility
Financing at Emergence
Maximum borrowing capacity of revolving loan	890,000,000
Revolving loan facility
Financing at Emergence
Current borrowing capacity	120,000,000
Exit First Lien Facility
Financing at Emergence
Maximum borrowing capacity of revolving loan	770,000,000
Senior secured second lien term loan facility
Financing at Emergence
Maximum borrowing capacity of revolving loan	250,000,000
TW Loan | TW Borrowers
Financing at Emergence
Maximum borrowing capacity of revolving loan	150,000,000

General_Basis_of_Presentation_2

General - Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended				9 Months Ended				0 Months Ended
	8-May-13	5-May-11	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
					park			park				Maximum	United States	Mexico	Canada	HWP Development, LLC (HWP)	HWP Development, LLC (HWP)
													park	park	park
Number of parks owned or operated					18			18					16	1	1
Stock split ratio	2	2	2	2
Dividend in form of number of shares for each outstanding share of common stock	1	1
Ownership interest in joint venture (as a percent)																99.25%	49.00%
Accounting for the Chapter 11 Filing
Former shareholders' ownership interest in SFI after emerging from bankruptcy (as a percent)												50.00%
Reorganization Items
(Recoveries) costs and expenses related to the reorganization								($180,000)	$1,708,000
Net cash paid for reorganization items, entirely constituting professional fees								332,000	1,630,000
Income Taxes
Valuation allowance related to deferred tax asset, primarily consisting of certain state net operating loss and other tax carryforwards					173,200,000			173,200,000			169,900,000
Liability of accrued interest and penalties attributable to income taxes					0			0
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
Antidilutive stock options excluded from computation of diluted shares outstanding (in shares)					1,193,000	1,844,000		1,205,000	2,282,000
Calculation of earnings per common share
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders					$120,403,000	$253,025,000		$105,237,000	$210,181,000
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic					95,105,000	106,974,000	[1]	97,569,000	107,916,000	[1]
Effect of dilutive stock options (in shares)					3,367,000	6,612,000		3,250,000	5,868,000
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)					98,472,000	113,586,000	[1]	100,819,000	113,784,000	[1]
Earnings per share - basic (in dollars per share)					$1.27	$2.37	[1]	$1.08	$1.95	[1]
Earnings per share - diluted (in dollars per share)					$1.22	$2.23	[1]	$1.04	$1.85	[1]
[1]	All 2012 share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect Holdings’ two-for-one stock split in June 2013, as described in Note 2 to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

General_Basis_of_Presentation_3

General - Basis of Presentation (Details 2) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

31-May-12

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dividend equivalent rights

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Chief Executive Officer and certain full-time employees

Stock options

Stock options

Restricted stock and restricted stock units

Dividend equivalent rights

installment

Details of stock benefit plans

Additional options granted by Board of Directors (in shares)

2,000,000

Number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Plan

19,333,332

2,000,000

2,000,000

Maximum number of shares of common stock authorized to be issued under the Plan

28,133,332

28,133,332

Stock-based compensation expense

$7,030,000

$12,708,000

$21,302,000

$44,625,000

$47,000

$43,000

$194,000

$259,000

Options to purchase common stock outstanding (in shares)

8,282,000

Shares outstanding under the plan

371,000

Shares available for future grant

5,058,000

5,058,000

1,898,000

1,898,000

Number of equal annual installments over which options outstanding are cumulatively exercisable

4

Options exercisable commencement period from grant date

1 year

Term over which options are granted

10 years

Portion of expected volatility based on historical volatility of similar entities' common stock (as a percent)

0.67

Portion of expected volatility based on historical volatility of the entity's common stock (as a percent)

0.33

Weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted

Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)

1.87%

1.08%

0.09%

0.15%

Expected term

6 years 3 months

6 years 3 months

6 months

6 months

Expected volatility (as a percent)

39.03%

44.15%

22.53%

29.17%

Expected dividend yield (as a percent)

5.12%

3.61%

4.77%

4.31%

Shares

Options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)

9,436,000

Granted (in shares)

1,241,000

Exercised (in shares)

-2,145,000

Forfeited (in shares)

-249,000

Expired (in shares)

-1,000

Options outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)

8,282,000

Vested and expected to vest (in shares)

7,981,000

Options exercisable (in shares)

1,943,000

Weighted Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share)

Options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)

$15.04

Granted (in dollars per share)

$34.30

Exercised (in dollars per share)

$11.67

Forfeited (in dollars per share)

$17.59

Expired (in dollars per share)

$15.86

Options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)

$18.72

Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share)

$18.68

Options exercisable (in dollars per share)

$14.86

Options outstanding at the end of the period

7 years 11 months 17 days

Vested and expected to vest

7 years 11 months 17 days

Options exercisable

7 years 6 months 4 days

Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in dollars)

Options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars)

125,608,000

Vested and expected to vest (in dollars)

121,348,000

Options exercisable (in dollars)

36,780,000

Stock-based compensation additional disclosures

Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)

$7.78

$8.07

Total intrinsic value of options exercised (in dollars)

49,200,000

50,900,000

Fair value of options vested during the period (in dollars)

17,500,000

15,200,000

Unrecognized compensation expense (in dollars)

19,900,000

Weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized

2 years 9 months

Cash received from the exercise of stock option

$25,000,000

$29,900,000

Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Purchase Rights Outstanding Number

17,000

17,000

General_Basis_of_Presentation_4

General - Basis of Presentation (Details 3) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 08, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

31-May-12

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Restricted stock and restricted stock units

Dividend equivalent rights

Dividend equivalent rights

Dividend equivalent rights

Dividend equivalent rights

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

former Chief Operating Officer

Chief Executive Officer and certain full-time employees

Performance award based on the EBITDA performance of the Company in 2011 and 2012

Restricted stock and restricted stock units

Restricted stock and restricted stock units

Performance award based on the EBITDA performance of the Company in 2012-2015

Performance award based on the EBITDA performance of the Company in 2012-2015

Stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units

Stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units

Deferred stock units

Deferred stock units

Key employees

Key employees

Details of stock benefit plans

Potential award grant based on achievement of performance criteria (in shares)

2,912,000

2,650,000

Modified EBITDA for an additional performance award

$500,000,000

Unrecognized compensation expense (in dollars)

89,500,000

1,100,000

Shares

Non-vested balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)

694,000

Granted (in shares)

19,000

3,000

5,000

Vested (in shares)

-332,000

Forfeited (in shares)

-82,000

-10,000

Non-vested balance at the end of the period (in shares)

371,000

371,000

Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)

Non-vested shares at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)

$9.73

Granted (in dollars per share)

$38.26

$22.92

$38.26

$24.20

Vested (in dollars per share)

$10.16

Forfeited (in dollars per share)

$8.12

Non-vested shares at the end of the period (in dollars per share)

$10.84

Total grant date fair value of the stock awards granted (in dollars)

700,000

67,300,000

100,000

100,000

Total fair value of stock awards that vested during the period (in dollars)

3,400,000

3,500,000

Weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized

9 months 22 days

Number of shares to be issued for each award

1

Period following cessation of the non-employee director's service after which shares are to be delivered

30 days

Unvested stock options outstanding (in shares)

10,000,000

Dividend equivalent rights threshold for accumulated accrued dividend distribution to receive cash dividends (shares)

1,000

Dividend equivalent rights threshold for accumulated accrued dividend distribution to receive stock dividends (shares)

1,000

Dividend equivalent rights threshold for accumulated accrued dividend distribution (in shares)

1,000

Additional options granted by Board of Directors (in shares)

2,000,000

Granted (in shares)

1,241,000

Number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Plan

19,333,332

2,000,000

2,000,000

Maximum number of shares of common stock authorized to be issued under the Plan

28,133,332

28,133,332

Share-based compensation general disclosures

Stock-based compensation for dividend equivalent rights

1,900,000

2,300,000

6,000,000

4,000,000

Percentage of the market value of common stock at beginning or end of the offering period for shares eligible to be purchased

90.00%

90.00%

Successive offering period under Plan

6 months

Shares available for grant (in shares)

5,058,000

5,058,000

1,898,000

1,898,000

Stock-based compensation expense

Stock-based compensation expense

$7,030,000

$12,708,000

$21,302,000

$44,625,000

$0

$47,000

$43,000

$194,000

$259,000

Disposition_of_Parks_Details

Disposition of Parks (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Assets held for sale	$0		$0		$0
Liabilities held for sale	0		0		0
Components of the net results of discontinued operations
Decrease in contingent liabilities from sale indemnities		7,209		7,157
Loss from discontinued operations	$0	$7,209	$0	$7,157

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative liabilities		$0	$0
Net deferred losses on derivative instruments expected to be reclassified to operations during the next twelve months		500,000
Interest rate contract
Derivatives
Component of agreement for Term loan B	470,000,000
Interest rate basis for term loan borrowings	LIBOR
Derivative Cap (as a percent)	1.00%
Derivative Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative Assets, current		0	2,000
Derivative Assets, non-current		0	30,000
Derivative Assets		$0	$32,000

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 2) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Cash Flow Hedges

Cash Flow Hedges

Cash Flow Hedges

Cash Flow Hedges

Cash Flow Hedges

Cash Flow Hedges

Interest rate contract

Interest rate contract

Interest rate contract

Interest rate contract

Interest rate contract

Not designated as hedge

Not designated as hedge

Cash Flow Hedges

Cash Flow Hedges

Cash Flow Hedges

Cash Flow Hedges

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

Derivatives

$0

$0

Loss Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)

5,000

187,000

30,000

837,000

-5,000

-187,000

-30,000

-837,000

Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Operations (Effective Portion)

-161,000

-8,000

-331,000

-8,000

-161,000

-8,000

-331,000

-8,000

Loss Recognized in Operations on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)

$0

$1,000

$0

$1,400

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial assets (liabilities):
Restricted-use investment securities	$1,527	$1,218
Carrying Amount
Financial assets (liabilities):
Restricted-use investment securities	1,527	1,218
Derivative instruments	0	32
Long-term debt (including current portion)	-1,401,431	-1,405,206
Fair Value
Financial assets (liabilities):
Restricted-use investment securities	1,527	1,218
Derivative instruments	0	32
Long-term debt (including current portion)	($1,367,711)	($1,410,255)

LongTerm_Indebtedness_Details

Long-Term Indebtedness (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 20, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 20, 2011

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 21, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2007

Nov. 30, 2007

Interest rate contract

Payable July 15, 2013

Payable January 15, 2021

New Credit Facility

Revolving Loan

Revolving Loan

Revolving Loan

Revolving Loan

Revolving Loan

New Term Loans

Term Loan A

Term Loan A

Term Loan A

Term Loan B

Term Loan B

Term Loan B

Term Loan B

First Lien Amendment

Senior unsecured 2021 Notes

Senior unsecured 2021 Notes

Senior unsecured 2021 Notes

HWP Refinance Loan

HWP Refinance Loan

Revolving Loan

Revolving Loan

HWP

HWP

HWP

HWP

HWP Refinance Loan

HWP Refinance Loan

HWP Refinance Loan

Construction term loan

Summary of Long-term debt

Maximum borrowing capacity of revolving loan

$1,135,000,000

$200,000,000

Period of line of credit

5 years

Debt maturity period

5 years

7 years

Proceeds from Term Loans

935,000,000

75,000,000

860,000,000

Additional borrowing capacity

300,000,000

Cash used to retire debt

15,000,000

Repayment of debt

72,200,000

277,800,000

950,000,000

31,000,000

Debt instrument, additional borrowings amount

800,000,000

Proceeds utilized for repayment of existing debt

350,000,000

Remaining proceeds utilized for share repurchases and other corporate matters

450,000,000

Reduction in interest rate (as a percent)

0.25%

Advances outstanding

0

0

Letter of credit amount excluded from borrowing capacity

18,800,000

18,200,000

1,000,000

Debt instruments base rate

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

Unused commitment fee (as a percent)

0.38%

0.50%

Interest rate, variable interest rate floor (as a percent)

1.00%

Increase in refinance loan

577,821,000

582,187,000

800,000,000

800,000,000

30,786,000

31,128,000

33,000,000

Frequency of periodic payment of interest

Annual

Annual

semi annual

Component of agreement for Term loan B

470,000,000

Derivative Cap (as a percent)

1.00%

Debt instrument, interest rate at period end (as a percent)

4.00%

4.00%

Quarterly amortization

1,500,000

Accrued interest on debt instrument (as a percent)

5.25%

6.72%

Periodic payment of interest

21,000,000

23,800,000

21,000,000

Net loss on prepayment of debt

600,000

Monthly payments of principal and interest

200,000

Amount deposited into escrow

$1,500,000

$1,200,000

LongTerm_Indebtedness_Details_

Long-Term Indebtedness (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Long-term debt
Net discount	($7,176)	($8,109)
Long-term debt	1,401,431	1,405,206
Less current portion	-6,256	-6,240
Total long-term debt	1,395,175	1,398,966
Term Loan B
Summary of Long-term debt
Long-term debt	577,821	582,187
Senior unsecured 2021 Notes
Summary of Long-term debt
Long-term debt	800,000	800,000
HWP Refinance Loan
Summary of Long-term debt
Long-term debt	$30,786	$31,128

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the beginning of the period			$19,392
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			97
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) activity			312
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the end of the period	19,801		19,801
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the beginning of the period			-29,688
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	-15	-174	-147	-507
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) activity			-411
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the end of the period	-30,246		-30,246
Cumulative Translation Adjustment
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the beginning of the period			338
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) activity			-692
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the end of the period	-354		-354
Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the beginning of the period			-828
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			331
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) activity			-31
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the end of the period	-528		-528
Defined Benefit Plans
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the beginning of the period			-48,590
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			-575
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the end of the period	($49,165)		($49,165)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Interest expense	$18,810	$11,627	$56,240	$34,756
Income tax benefit	86,405	11,014	82,361	8,452
Net of tax in 2013	-139,617	-271,978	-143,564	-247,740
Total reclassifications	15	174	147	507
Amortization of loss on interest rate hedge | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Interest expense	-161	8	-331	8
Income tax benefit	64	0	131	0
Net of tax in 2013	-97	8	-200	8
Amortization of deferred actuarial loss and prior service cost | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Operating expenses	187	166	575	499
Income tax benefit	-75	0	-228	0
Net of tax in 2013	$112	$166	$347	$499

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 01, 1998

Dec. 31, 2011

31-May-12

Sep. 30, 2013

31-May-13

31-May-12

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

park

Term Loan B

Six Flags Over Georgia (SFOG)

Six Flags Over Georgia (SFOG)

Six Flags Over Texas (SFOT)

Six Flags Over Texas (SFOT)

Six Flags Over Texas (SFOT)

Tax and other contingencies

Tax and other contingencies

Obligations guaranteed of general partner

Obligations guaranteed of general partner

Obligations guaranteed of subsidiaries

multiplier

multiplier

Minimum

Details of commitments and contingencies

Acquisition of capital stock of the former Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, paid in cash

$976

Annual distributions by general partners to limited partners in partnership parks

66.3

Share of Partnership Parks' annual distributions paid to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

28.8

Rolling period for making minimum capital expenditure at each of the Partnership Parks

5 years

Percentage of capital expenditures to Partnership Parks' revenues

6.00%

Weighted average period of the park's EBITDA for calculation of value of purchase price

4 years

Specified multiple for purchase price valuation (in multipliers)

8

8.5

Specified price for purchase of partnership parks

250

374.8

Limited partner interests owned (as a percent)

30.50%

53.10%

Remaining redeemable units (as a percent)

69.50%

46.90%

Maximum unit purchase obligation for 2014

357.3

Units purchased in partnership parks (in shares)

0.79

0.18

0.05

Units purchased pursuant to annual offer

2

0.3

Accordion feature available for borrowing for future put obligations

300

Capital expenditures incurred on parks

6.2

Estimated capital expenditures on partnership parks current season

21

Number of partnerships (in parks)

2

Cash generated from operating activities by partnerships, after deduction of capital expenditures and excluding the impact of short-term intercompany advances

52.8

Total loans receivable from the partnerships that own partnership parks

239.3

239.3

Accrued tax liabilities and indemnification contingencies

$0.50

$0.50

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

61 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

50 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 15, 2003

Nov. 15, 2002

Dec. 30, 2008

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2008

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 15, 2003

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 05, 2007

Feb. 28, 2006

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

item

Domestic

Domestic

Domestic

Domestic

Domestic and Canada

Domestic and Canada

Insurance

Multi-layered general liability policies

Workers' compensation claims

Workers' compensation claims

Information security and privacy liability insurance policy

HWP Guarantee

HWP Guarantee

HWP Guarantee

Personal Injury Due to SFOG Altercation [Member]

Civil action due to SFOT accident

Tax and other contingencies

Tax and other contingencies

time

individual

item

Insurance

Excess liability coverage per occurrence

$100

Self-insured retention per occurrence

2

1

2.5

0.25

Number of times additional self-insured retention taken

1

Additional one time self-insured retention

0.5

0.5

Deductible per occurrence applicable to all claims in the policy year

2

0.75

0.5

Insurance value maintained

10

Insurance arrangement period

1 year

Litigation

Number of actions that would be material to consolidated financial position

0

Numbers of individuals who allegedly participated in the altercation

4

Self insurance reserve

2.5

HWP Guarantee

Payment guaranteed for construction term loan incurred by HWP

32.2

Refinance of construction term loan with new term loan

33

Amount of letter of credit as additional security for the loan

1

Tax and other contingencies

Accrued tax liabilities and indemnification contingencies

0.5

0.5

Number of large claims related to parks closed

2

Losses from discontinued operations recovered

$7.30

Noncontrolling_Interests_Partn2

Noncontrolling Interests, Partnerships and Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 24, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
			park		SFOT and SFOG	SFOT and SFOG	HWP Development, LLC (HWP)	HWP Development, LLC (HWP)	HWP Development, LLC (HWP)	Dick Clark Productions, Inc (DCP)	Dick Clark Productions, Inc (DCP)	Dick Clark Productions, Inc (DCP)	Dick Clark Productions, Inc (DCP)	Dick Clark Productions, Inc (DCP)
														Maximum
Noncontrolling Interests, Partnerships and Joint Ventures
Number of less than wholly-owned parks			3
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests
Balance at the beginning of the period			$437,941,000		$437,941,000
Purchase of redeemable units of SFOT			288,000	2,033,000	-288,000
Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased units					-84,000
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests					37,452,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interests					-18,725,000
Balance at the end of the period	456,296,000		456,296,000		456,296,000
Redemption value of partnership units					357,300,000	357,600,000
Ownership interest in joint venture (as a percent)							99.25%	49.00%
Changes in noncontrolling interests
Balance at the beginning of the period			3,934,000						3,934,000
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-19,214,000	-18,953,000	-38,327,000	-37,559,000					875,000
Purchase of ownership interests									-4,630,000
Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased interests									-109,000
Balance at the end of the period	70,000		70,000					3,934,000	70,000
Investments under equity method and joint ventures
Percentage of interest in a venture													39.20%
Proceeds from sale of DCP										70,000,000	300,000
Gain on the sale of investee	0	67,041,000	0	67,041,000								67,300,000
Recovered investment												2,500,000
Recovered license												500,000
Additional proceeds to be received from the sale of DCP														$10,000,000

Business_Segments_Details

Business Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
	park		segment
			park
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments			1
Business segment information
Theme park revenues	$504,520	$485,143	$955,742	$926,413
Theme park cash expenses	-206,931	-200,582	-516,399	-509,846
Aggregate park EBITDA	297,589	284,561	439,343	416,567
Equity in income of investee-EBITDA	0	288	0	5,520
Corporate expenses	-9,651	-8,002	-31,159	-30,908
Stock-based compensation	-7,077	-12,751	-21,496	-44,884
Other (expense) income, net	-1,013	-832	-1,197	-295
Equity in loss of investee - depreciation and other expense		-1,940	0	-7,742
Depreciation and amortization	-30,898	-35,312	-97,207	-112,722
Loss on disposal of fixed assets	-4,325	-5,192	-6,959	-7,647
Gain on sale of investee	0	67,041	0	67,041
Reorganization items, net	0	-659	180	-1,708
Restructure recovery	0	0	0	47
Interest expense	-18,810	-11,627	-56,240	-34,756
Interest income	207	208	660	522
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	$226,022	$275,783	$225,925	$249,035
Number of parks owned or operated	18		18
Mexico
Business segment information
Number of parks owned or operated	1		1
Canada
Business segment information
Number of parks owned or operated	1		1

Business_Segments_Details_2

Business Segments (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Business segment information by geographical areas
Long-lived assets	$2,241,219	$2,275,996	$2,241,219	$2,275,996
Revenues	504,520	485,143	955,742	926,413
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	226,022	275,783	225,925	249,035
Domestic
Business segment information by geographical areas
Long-lived assets	2,135,482	2,165,406	2,135,482	2,165,406
Revenues			865,541	841,922
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations			205,643	228,765
Foreign
Business segment information by geographical areas
Long-lived assets	105,737	110,590	105,737	110,590
Revenues			90,201	84,491
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations			$20,282	$20,270

Pension_Benefits_Details

Pension Benefits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$303,000	$288,000	$895,000	$863,000
Interest cost	2,202,000	2,307,000	6,634,000	6,920,000
Expected return on plan assets	-3,063,000	-2,746,000	-9,195,000	-8,237,000
Amortization of net actuarial loss	187,000	166,000	575,000	499,000
Total net periodic (benefit) cost	-371,000	15,000	-1,091,000	45,000
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net cost
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.85%	4.30%	3.85%	4.30%
Expected return on plan assets (as a percent)	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Employer contributions			$4,500,000	$6,100,000

Stock_Repurchase_Plans_Details

Stock Repurchase Plans (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended					9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 25, 2013	Jan. 04, 2013	Dec. 11, 2012	Jan. 03, 2012	Feb. 24, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock repurchase program
Amount of shares authorized to be repurchased under Stock Repurchase Program			$500,000,000	$250,000,000	$60,000,000
Period over which shares are authorized to be repurchased			3 years	4 years	3 years
Total number of shares purchased	14,390,000	578,000						8,499,000	3,235,000
Value of shares repurchased	485,600,000	18,000,000				503,649,000	98,401,000	232,000,000	60,000,000
Average price paid per share (in dollars per share)	$33.75	$31.16
Permitted dollar value of repurchases under the plans or programs	$14,400,000