Six Flags Entertainment 10-K 20 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 14, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Six Flags Entertainment Corp	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000701374	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	94,890,602	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$2,895.50

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$169,310		$629,208
Accounts receivable, net	51,609		29,523
Inventories	22,172		22,280
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	39,006		37,490
Deferred income taxes	71,761		44,973
Total current assets	353,858		763,474
Property and equipment, net:	'		'
Property and equipment, at cost	1,716,975		1,635,190
Accumulated depreciation	-485,292		-380,561
Total property and equipment	1,231,683		1,254,629
Other assets:	'		'
Debt issuance costs	23,821		26,043
Restricted-use investment securities	1,823		1,218
Deposits and other assets	4,268		4,214
Goodwill	630,248		630,248
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	362,113		376,565
Total other assets	1,022,273		1,038,288
Total assets	2,607,814		3,056,391
Current liabilities:	'		'
Accounts payable	24,464		23,580
Accrued compensation, payroll taxes and benefits	29,277		35,949
Accrued insurance reserves	50,771		35,369
Accrued interest payable	19,598		2,359
Other accrued liabilities	25,988		25,663
Deferred income	60,443		52,703
Current portion of long-term debt	6,269		6,240
Total current liabilities	216,810		181,863
Noncurrent Liabilities:	'		'
Long-term debt	1,394,334		1,398,966
Other long-term liabilities	39,934		76,398
Deferred income taxes	145,830		72,557
Total noncurrent liabilities	1,580,098		1,547,921
Total liabilities	1,796,908		1,729,784
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	437,569		437,941
Stockholders' equity:	'		'
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value	0		0
Common stock, $0.025 par value, 140,000,000 shares authorized and 94,857,347 and 107,637,524 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	2,371	[1]	1,345	[1]
Capital in excess of par value	842,488		904,713
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	-438,825		27,775
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-32,697		-49,101
Total Six Flags Entertainment Corporation stockholders' equity	373,337		884,732
Noncontrolling interests	0		3,934
Total equity	373,337		888,666
Total liabilities and equity	$2,607,814		$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 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 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	94,857,347	107,637,524	[1]
Common stock, shares outstanding	94,857,347	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 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'		'
Theme park admissions	$602,204	$576,708		$541,744
Theme park food, merchandise and other	448,547	437,382		413,844
Sponsorship, licensing and other fees	42,179	39,977		42,380
Accommodations revenue	17,000	16,265		15,206
Total revenue	1,109,930	1,070,332		1,013,174
Operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	417,482	411,679		397,874
Selling, general and administrative (including stock-based compensation of $27,034, $62,875 and $54,261 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	189,218	225,875		215,059
Costs of products sold	86,663	80,169		77,286
Depreciation	113,682	132,397		150,952
Amortization	14,393	15,648		18,047
Loss on disposal of assets	8,579	8,105		7,615
Gain on sale of investee	0	-67,319		0
Interest expense	75,044	47,444		66,214
Interest income	-899	-820		-997
Equity in loss of investee	0	2,222		3,111
Loss on debt extinguishment	789	587		46,520
Other expense, net	1,234	612		73
Restructure (recovery) costs, net	0	-47		25,086
Income from continuing operations before reorganization items, income taxes and discontinued operations	203,745	213,780		6,334
Reorganization items, net	-180	2,168		2,455
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	203,925	211,612		3,879
Income tax expense (benefit)	47,601	-184,154		-8,065
Income from continuing operations before discontinued operations	156,324	395,766		11,944
Income from discontinued operations	549	7,273		1,201
Net income	156,873	403,039		13,145
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-38,321	-37,104		-35,805
Net income (loss) attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	118,552	365,935		-22,660
Amounts attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation:	'	'		'
Income (loss) from continuing operations	118,003	358,662		-23,861
Income from discontinued operations	549	7,273		1,201
Net income (loss) attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	$118,552	$365,935		($22,660)
Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic:	96,940	107,684	[1]	110,150	[1]
Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted:	100,371	110,936	[1]	110,150	[1]
Net income (loss) per average common share outstanding—basic:	'	'		'
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)	$1.21	$3.33	[1]	($0.22)	[1]
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.07	[1]	$0.01	[1]
Net income (loss) attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)	$1.22	$3.40	[1]	($0.21)	[1]
Net income (loss) per average common share outstanding—diluted:	'	'		'
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)	$1.17	$3.23	[1]	($0.22)	[1]
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.07	[1]	$0.01	[1]
Net income (loss) attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)	$1.18	$3.30	[1]	($0.21)	[1]
Cash dividends declared per common share (usd per share)	$1.82	$1.35	[1]	$0.09	[1]
[1]	All 2011 and 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 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative, stock-based compensation	$27,034	$62,875	$54,261

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'		'		'
Net income	$156,873		$403,039		$13,145
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax in 2013 and 2012:	'		'		'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-1,341	[1]	4,516	[1]	-9,154
Defined benefit retirement plan	17,427	[2]	-3,204	[2]	-36,566
Change in cash flow hedging	318	[3]	-501	[3]	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax in 2013 and 2012	16,404		811		-45,720
Comprehensive income (loss)	173,277		403,850		-32,575
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-38,321		-37,104		-35,805
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	$134,956		$366,746		($68,380)
[1]	Foreign currency translation adjustment presented net of tax benefit of $0.7 million and net of tax expense of $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
[2]	Defined benefit retirement plan is presented net of tax expense of $11.5 million and net of tax benefit of $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
[3]	Change in cash flow hedging is reported net of tax expense of $0.2 million and net of tax benefit of $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax	($0.70)	($2.40)
Defined benefit retirement plan, tax	11.5	'
DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTax	9.4	-2.1
Change in cash flow hedging, tax	$0.20	$0.30

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Deficit) (USD $)		Total	Total Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	Common stock		Capital in excess of par value	(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	Non-controlling interests
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balances at Dec. 31, 2010		$868,163	$863,708	$697		$818,799	$48,404	($4,192)	$4,455
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	[1]	'	'	111,456,436		'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity		'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock		9,122	9,122	13		9,109	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	[1]	'	'	1,023,246		'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation		28,479	28,479	'		28,479	'	'	'
Dividends declared to common shareholders		-9,929	-9,929	'		'	-9,929	'	'
Repurchase of common stock		-59,998	-59,998	-26		-23,772	-36,200	'	'
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		-3,235,000	'	-3,234,746	[1]	'	'	'	'
Two-for-one common stock split		'	'	682		-682	'	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan		578	578	'		578	'	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	[1]	'	'	38,834		'	'	'	'
Fresh start valuation adjustment for SFOG, SFOT and HWP units purchased		280	280	'		'	280	'	'
Net income		-22,660	-22,660	'		'	-22,660	'	'
Net other comprehensive income, net of tax		-45,720	-45,720	'		'	'	-45,720	'
Purchase of HWP ownership interests		-984	-382	'		-399	17	'	-602
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		-183	'	'		'	'	'	-183
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		40,042	40,042	50		39,983	9	'	'
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	[1]	'	'	4,023,232		'	'	'	'
Issuance of restricted stock units		31,346	31,346	35		31,311	'	'	'
Issuance of restricted stock units (in shares)	[1]	'	'	2,786,720		'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation		62,556	62,556	'		62,556	'	'	'
Dividends declared to common shareholders		-149,111	-149,111	'		'	-149,111	'	'
Repurchase of common stock		-231,984	-231,984	-106		-62,455	-169,423	'	'
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		-8,499,000	'	-8,498,568	[1]	'	'	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan		1,206	1,206	'		1,206	'	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	[1]	'	'	42,370		'	'	'	'
Fresh start valuation adjustment for SFOG, SFOT and HWP units purchased		453	453	'		'	453	'	'
Net income		365,935	365,935	'		'	365,935	'	'
Net other comprehensive income, net of tax		811	811	'		'	'	811	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		264	'	'		'	'	'	264
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012		888,666	884,732	1,345		904,713	27,775	-49,101	3,934
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	[1]	'	'	107,637,524		'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity		'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock		29,769	29,769	63		29,706	0	'	'
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		'	'	2,700,793		'	'	'	'
Forfeiture of restricted stock units		'	'	-9,720		'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation		26,829	26,829	'		26,829	'	'	'
Dividends declared to common shareholders		-175,989	-175,989	'		'	-175,989	'	'
Repurchase of common stock		-523,589	-523,589	-235		-113,997	-409,357	'	'
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		'	'	-15,507,348		'	'	'	'
Two-for-one common stock split		'	'	1,197		-1,197	'	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan		1,296	1,296	1		1,295	'	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		'	'	36,098		'	'	'	'
Fresh start valuation adjustment for SFOG, SFOT and HWP units purchased		84	84	'		'	84	'	0
Net income		118,552	118,552	'		'	118,552	'	'
Net other comprehensive income, net of tax		16,404	16,404	'		'	'	16,404	'
Purchase of HWP ownership interests		-9,554	-4,751	'		-4,861	110	'	-4,803
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		869	'	'		'	'	'	869
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013		$373,337	$373,337	$2,371		$842,488	($438,825)	($32,697)	$0
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		'	'	94,857,347		'	'	'	'
[1]	All 2011 and 2012 common stock amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect Holdings' two-for-one common stock split in June 2013, as described in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flow from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$156,873	$403,039	$13,145
Depreciation and amortization	128,075	148,045	168,999
Reorganization items, net	-180	2,168	2,455
Stock-based compensation	27,034	62,875	54,261
Interest accretion on notes payable	1,252	1,201	1,870
Loss on debt extinguishment	789	587	46,520
Amortization of debt issuance costs	4,285	2,411	7,751
Other, including loss on disposal of assets	-10,320	-8,247	-7,168
Gain on sale of investee	0	-67,319	0
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable	-22,146	-10,497	844
Increase in inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets	-2,062	-2,352	-549
Decrease in deposits and other assets	473	5,439	6,151
Increase in accounts payable, deferred income, accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities	12,147	12,455	817
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable	17,239	1,288	-2,342
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	34,915	-194,167	-14,701
Net cash provided by operating activities before reorganization activities	369,014	373,420	292,389
Net cash used in reorganization activities	-332	-1,788	-17,452
Total net cash provided by operating activities	368,682	371,632	274,937
Cash flow from investing activities:	'	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-101,853	-99,989	-91,680
Property insurance recovery	0	1,494	536
Purchase of identifiable intangible assets	-75	0	0
Acquisition of theme park assets	0	0	-25
Purchase of restricted-use investments	-621	-706	0
Maturities of restricted-use investments	16	0	2,425
Proceeds from sale of DCP	0	69,987	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	230	1,557	216
Net cash used in investing activities	-102,303	-27,657	-88,528
Cash flow from financing activities:	'	'	'
Repayment of borrowings	-6,276	-353,230	-959,412
Proceeds from borrowings	0	800,000	934,400
Payment of debt issuance costs	-2,660	-16,878	-16,584
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	30,860	40,929	9,700
Stock repurchases	-523,589	-231,984	-59,998
Payment of cash dividends	-176,171	-148,286	-9,791
Purchase of HWP ownership interests	-9,554	0	-984
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest	-288	-2,033	-948
Noncontrolling interest distributions	-37,452	-36,840	-35,988
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-725,130	51,678	-139,605
Effect of exchange rate on cash	-1,147	2,128	-2,438
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-459,898	397,781	44,366
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	629,208	231,427	187,061
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	169,310	629,208	231,427
Supplemental cash flow information	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest	52,268	42,545	58,935
Cash paid for income taxes	$13,768	$9,435	$7,945

Description_of_Business

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Description of Business	'
Description of Business	'
	Description of Business
	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, after giving effect to disposition of parks discussed herein, 16 parks are located in the United States, one park is located in Mexico City, Mexico and one park is located in Montreal, Canada.
	On April 1, 1998, we acquired the former Six Flags Entertainment Corporation ("Former SFEC", a corporation that has been merged out of existence and that has always been a separate corporation from Holdings), which had operated regional theme parks under the Six Flags name for nearly 40 years, and established an internationally recognized brand name. We own the "Six Flags" brand name in the United States and foreign countries throughout the world. To capitalize on this name recognition, 16 of our current parks are branded as "Six Flags" parks.

Chapter_11_Reorganization

Chapter 11 Reorganization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reorganizations [Abstract]	'
Chapter 11 Reorganization	'
	Chapter 11 Reorganization
	On June 13, 2009, Six Flags, Inc. (“SFI”) and certain of its domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United Stated Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) (Case No. 9-12019) (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 Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the Debtors' Modified Fourth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization and the Debtors emerged from Chapter 11. Pursuant to the reorganization plan, all of SFI’s common stock and other equity and debt securities were canceled as of April 30, 2010. Pursuant to the reorganization plan, all of SFI’s common stock and other equity and debt securities were canceled as of April 30, 2010. Also on April 30, 2010, but after the reorganization plan became effective and prior to the issuance of securities under the reorganization plan, SFI changed its corporate name to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation ("Holdings"). On April 30, 2010, Holdings issued an aggregate of 109,555,556 shares of common stock at $0.025 par value, as adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock splits in June 2011 and June 2013. In conjunction with the emergence from Chapter 11 and in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 852, Reorganizations ("FASB ASC 855"), we adopted fresh start accounting, pursuant to which the Company’s estimated fair value was allocated to its underlying assets and liabilities, which results in financial statements that are not comparable to financial statements for periods prior to emergence.
	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 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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
	(Recoveries) costs and expenses directly related to the reorganization	$	(180	)	$	2,168	$	2,455
	Costs and expenses directly related to the reorganization primarily include professional fees associated with advisors to the Debtors, certain creditors and the creditors' committee.
	Net cash paid for reorganization items, constituting professional fees and finance fees, totaled $0.3 million, $1.8 million and $17.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	(a)	Basis of Presentation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. We also consolidate the partnerships that own the Partnership Parks, 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 the Partnership Parks are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interests. On September 30, 2013, we acquired the noncontrolling equity interests held by non-affiliated parties in HWP Development, LLC ("HWP"), with the exception of a nominal amount retained by a non-affiliated party that we subsequently acquired on December 31, 2013. Prior to the acquisition, we 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 were reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as noncontrolling interest. 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 consolidated statements of operations. See Note 6 for further discussion.
	Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	(b)	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.
	(c)	Fair Value Measurement
	FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("FASB ASC 820"), defines fair value as the exchange prices that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The guidance also specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. In accordance with FASB ASC 820, these two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:
	•	Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;
	•	Level 2: inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the instrument; and
	•	Level 3: inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable for the asset or liability.
	This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. See Note 10 for disclosure of methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments by classification.
	(d)	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents were not significant as of December 31, 2013. Cash equivalents of $495.0 million as of December 31, 2012, consisted of short-term highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity as of purchase date of three months or less, which are readily convertible into cash. For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid debt instruments with remaining maturities as of their purchase date of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	(e)	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at weighted average cost or market value and primarily consist of products for resale including merchandise and food and miscellaneous supplies. Products are removed from inventory at weighted average cost. We have recorded a valuation allowance for slow moving inventory of $1.2 million and $0.7 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	(f)	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets include $21.5 million and $23.0 million of spare parts inventory for existing rides and attractions as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These items are expensed as the repair or maintenance of rides and attractions occur.
	(g)	Advertising Costs
	Production costs of commercials and programming are charged to operations in the year first aired. The costs of other advertising, promotion, and marketing programs are charged to operations when incurred with the exception of direct-response advertising which is charged to the period it will benefit. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had $1.6 million and $1.4 million in prepaid advertising, respectively. The amounts capitalized are included in prepaid expenses.
	Advertising and promotions expense was $61.2 million, $61.5 million and $62.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	(h)	Debt Issuance Costs
	We capitalize costs related to the issuance of debt. In connection with the amendment of our 2011 Credit Facility in December 2013, we capitalized $2.4 million of debt issuance costs directly associated with the issuance of the amendment. The amortization of such costs is recognized as interest expense using the interest method over the term of the respective debt issue. Amortization related to deferred debt issuance costs was $4.3 million, $2.4 million and $7.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	(i)	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment additions are recorded at cost and the carrying value is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Maintenance and repairs are charged directly to expense as incurred, while betterments and renewals are generally capitalized as property and equipment. When an item is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and applicable accumulated depreciation are removed and the resulting gain or loss is recognized.
	The estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:
	Rides and attractions	5 - 25 years
	Land improvements	10 - 15 years
	Buildings and improvements	Approximately 30 years
	Furniture and equipment	5 - 10 years
	(j)	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The following table reflects our intangible assets and accumulated amortization:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013				2012
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trade names, trademarks and other	$	344,075			$	344,000
	Accumulated amortization	—				—
	Total indefinite-lived intangible assets	$	344,075			$	344,000
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Third party licensing rights	$	24,361			$	24,361
	Accumulated amortization	(8,809		)		(6,407		)
	Total third party licensing rights	$	15,552			$	17,954
	Sponsorship agreements	$	—			$	43,000
	Accumulated amortization	—				(31,273		)
	Total sponsorship agreements	$	—			$	11,727
	Other identifiable intangibles	$	3,346			$	3,576
	Accumulated amortization	(860		)		(692		)
	Total other identifiable intangibles	$	2,486			$	2,884
	Total finite-lived intangible assets, cost	$	27,707			$	70,937
	Total accumulated amortization	(9,669		)		(38,372		)
	Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	$	18,038			$	32,565
	Total intangible assets, net	$	362,113			$	376,565
	Our intangible assets with identifiable useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. We expect that amortization expense on our existing intangible assets subject to amortization will average approximately $2.6 million over each of the next five years. The weighted average useful life of the third party licensing rights is 10 years.
	(k)	Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
	Long-lived assets totaled $2,224.0 million as of December 31, 2013, consisting of property and equipment ($1,231.7 million), goodwill ($630.2 million) and other intangible assets ($362.1 million). With our adoption of fresh start accounting upon emergence, assets were revalued based on the fair values of long-lived assets.
	Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators are identified that an asset may be impaired. We identify our reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets, to those reporting units. We then determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. We are a single reporting unit. For each year, the fair value of the single reporting unit exceeded our carrying amount (based on a comparison of the market price of our common stock to the carrying amount of our stockholders' equity (deficit)). In September 2012, the FASB amended FASB ASC 350 which permits entities to perform a qualitative analysis on indefinite-lived intangible assets to determine if it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. We adopted this amendment in September 2012 and have performed a qualitative analysis on our indefinite-lived trade name intangible as of December 31, 2013. Based on the results of our qualitative analysis, we determined that it was more likely than not that our trade name was not impaired. Accordingly, no impairment was required on our goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets.
	If the fair value of the reporting unit were to be less than the carrying amount, we would compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets (recognized and unrecognized) and liabilities of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill.
	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.
	(l)	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 in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations net of sales taxes collected from our guests and remitted to government taxing authorities. During 2013, we launched a 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, and can be canceled anytime 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 we believe to be customary and reasonable and recognize a pro-rata portion of the revenue as the guest attends our parks. We review the estimated redemption rate regularly and on an ongoing basis and revise it as necessary throughout the year. Total sales of multi-use admissions in excess of redemptions are recognized in deferred revenue. As of December 31, 2013, deferred revenue was primarily comprised of (i) advance sales of season pass and other admissions for the 2014 operating season, (ii) the unredeemed portion of the initial term of the membership program that will be recognized in 2014, (iii) sponsorship revenue that will be recognized in 2014 and (iv) a nominal amount for the remaining unredeemed season pass revenue and pre-sold single-day admissions revenue for the 2013 operating season that will be redeemed throughout the completion of the 2013 operating season during the first week of 2014.
	(m)	Accounts Receivable, Net
	Accounts receivable are reported at net realizable value and consist primarily of amounts due from guests for the sale of multi-use admission products, including season passes and the membership program. We are not exposed to a significant concentration of credit risk, however, based on the age of the receivables, our historical experience and other factors and assumptions we believe to be customary and reasonable, we do record an allowance for doubtful accounts. As of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the allowance for doubtful accounts and the related bad debt expense were not significant.
	(n)	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
We account for derivatives and hedging activities in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("FASB ASC 815"). 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. Changes in fair value of a derivative that is not designated as a hedge are recorded in other expense in our consolidated statements of operations on a current basis.
(o)	Commitments and Contingencies
We are involved in various lawsuits and claims that arise in the normal course of business. Amounts associated with lawsuits or claims are reserved for matters in which it is believed that losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In addition to matters in which it is believed that losses are probable, disclosure is also provided for matters in which the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is at least reasonably possible but for which a reasonable estimate of loss or range of loss is not possible. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. See Note 15 for further discussion.
(p)	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 $190.3 million and $177.4 million and as of December 31, 2013 and 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. Our 2012 results, coupled with our projected taxable income over the foreseeable future, gave us comfort that we would be able to utilize all of our federal net operating loss carryforwards before they expire. See Note 11.
Our liability for income taxes is finalized as auditable tax years pass their respective statutes of limitation in the various jurisdictions in which we are subject to tax. However, these jurisdictions may audit prior years for which the statute of limitations is closed for the purpose of making an adjustment to our taxable income in a year for which the statute of limitations has not closed. Accordingly, taxing authorities of these jurisdictions may audit prior years of the group and its predecessors for the purpose of adjusting 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 December 31, 2013, 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.
(q)	Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to Holdings' common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to Holdings' common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and the effect of all dilutive common stock equivalents. In periods where there is a net loss, diluted loss per common share is equal to basic loss per common share, since the effect of including any common stock equivalents would be antidilutive. Computations for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share were retroactively adjusted to reflect the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split described in Note 12. See Note 14 for further discussion of earnings (loss) per common share.
(r)	Stock Benefit Plans
Pursuant to the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan (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 equivalents (collectively, "Awards") 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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, stock-based compensation expense related to the Long-Term Incentive Plan was $26.8 million, $62.6 million and $54.1 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2013, options to purchase approximately 7,910,000 shares of common stock of Holdings and approximately 351,000 shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units were outstanding under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and approximately 5,083,000 shares were available for future grant.
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 ten-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 U.S. 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 option's 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.
In August 2011, stock option grants were made to the vast majority of full-time employees. Given the then current share limitations of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, certain of the option grants to officers were made contingent upon stockholder approval of an amendment to the plan increasing the number of available shares. This increase in the number of available shares received overwhelming stockholder approval at the May 2012 annual stockholders meeting, satisfying the stockholder approval contingency of such options. The accounting measurement date for these grants was May 2, 2012. At that date, the strike prices of the options were less than the prevailing trading price for the underlying shares, and as such the options were valued as in-the-money options. Due to limitations in the Black-Scholes model related to options treated as in-the-money, we elected to value the options using the Hull-White I lattice model with a simplified assumption for the early settlement to value these options. The inherent advantage of Hull-White I lattice model relative to the Black-Scholes model is that option exercises are modeled as being dependent on the evolution of the stock price and not solely on the amount of time that has passed since the grant date. The Hull-White I lattice model uses all of the same assumptions as the Black-Scholes model and also assumes a post-vesting cancellation rate, which treats a cancelled option as (i) exercised immediately if it is in-the-money or (ii) worthless if it is out-of-the-money. The post-vesting cancellation rate assumption that was used in the valuation of these options was 0%.
The following weighted-average assumptions were utilized in the Black-Scholes model for the stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	31-Dec-13						31-Dec-12				31-Dec-11
	CEO			Employees			CEO		Employees		CEO		Employees
Risk-free interest rate	1.2	%		2.03	%		1.08	%	1.08	%	—	%	1.68	%
Expected life (in years)	6.25			6.25			6.25		6.25		0		6.25
Expected volatility	39.21	%		38.98	%		44.23	%	44.14	%	—	%	43.68	%
Expected dividend yield	5.24	%		5.08	%		4.51	%	3.48	%	—	%	0.65	%
The following table summarizes option activity for the year ended December 31, 2013:
(Amounts in thousands, expect per share data)	Shares			Weighted Avg. Exercise Price				Weighted Avg. Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
				($)					($)
Balance at December 31, 2012	9,436			$	15.04
Granted	1,244			$	34.3
Exercised	(2,486	)		$	11.98
Canceled or exchanged	—			$	—
Forfeited	(283	)		$	18.56
Expired	(1	)		$	15.86
Balance at December 31, 2013	7,910			$	18.9			7.73	$	141,747
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013	7,615			$	18.86			7.73	$	136,727
Options exercisable at December 31, 2013	1,692			$	14.85			7.26	$	37,173
The weighted average grant date fair value of the options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $7.78, $8.07 and $6.91, respectively.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $57.1 million, $68.0 million and $6.9 million, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $18.0 million, $15.7 million and $10.3 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2013, there was $16.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to option awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.68 years.
Cash received from the exercise of stock options during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $29.8 million, $40.0 million and $9.1 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, 2011, approximately 10,000 shares of stock were granted to our Chief Executive Officer as part of his 2010 bonus award. In addition to the restricted stock awards granted, 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 an additional 2,912,000 shares of restricted stock units being granted to certain key employees in February 2012. 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 as of December 2012 it was clear 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 Chief Operating Officer retired and upon his retirement, 82,000 of these shares of restricted stock units were forfeited.
During the year ended December 31, 2011, an additional performance award was established based on our goal to achieve Modified EBITDA of $500 million by 2015. The aggregate payout under the performance award to key employees if the target is achieved in 2015 would be 2,650,000 shares but 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 it was not deemed probable that we would achieve the specified performance targets as of December 31, 2013. Based on the closing market price of Holdings' common stock on the last trading day of the quarter ended December 31, 2013, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to this award at target achievement in 2015 is $97.6 million that will be expensed over the service period if it becomes probable of achieving the performance condition. We will continue to evaluate the probability of achieving the performance condition going forward and record the appropriate expense if necessary.
The following table summarizes stock, restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2013:
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
				($)
Balance at December 31, 2012	694			$	9.73
Granted	19			$	38.26
Vested	(352	)		$	10.2
Forfeited	(10	)		$	8.12
Canceled	—			$	—
Non-vested balance at December 31, 2013	351			$	10.84
The weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $38.26, $22.92 and $17.57, respectively.
The total grant date fair value of the stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $0.7 million, $67.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The total fair value of stock awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $3.6 million, $68.5 million and $4.2 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2013, there was $0.8 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.58 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 quarterly 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 years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, approximately 3,000 and 5,000, respectively, DSUs were granted at a weighted-average grant date fair value of $38.26 and $24.20, respectively, per unit. The total grant date fair value of DSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, was $0.1 million. During the year ended December 31, 2011, no DSUs were granted.
As of December 31, 2013, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to the outstanding DSUs.
Dividend Equivalent Rights
On February 8, 2012, Holdings' Board of Directors granted dividend equivalent rights (DERs) to holders of unvested stock options. As of February 8, 2012, approximately 10.0 million unvested stock options were outstanding. As stockholders are paid cash dividends, the DERs will 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. 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 twelve months ended December 31, 2013, Holdings' Board of Directors granted approximately 1.2 million additional options to the majority of 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 at the Company's 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company's proposal to amend the Long-Term Incentive Plan 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 $7.6 million and $6.1 million of stock-based compensation for the DER grants during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
On September 15, 2010 and subject to stockholder approval, Holdings' Board of Directors adopted the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. On May 4, 2011, our stockholders approved the ESPP and the ESPP became effective. 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, as adjusted to reflect the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split. Holdings' common stock may be issued by either authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares purchased on the open market. As of December 31, 2013, we had 1,883,000 shares available for purchase pursuant to the ESPP.
For the ESPP six-month offering periods ended June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2013, stock-based compensation related to the purchase rights was calculated as the difference between the cost to purchase Holdings' common stock at 90% of the market value of the common stock at the beginning of the six-month offering periods and the cost to purchase Holdings' common stock at the market value of the common stock at the end of the six-month offering periods.
During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we recognized $0.2 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million of stock-based compensation expense relating to the ESPP, respectively.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no purchase rights were outstanding under the ESPP. The total intrinsic value of purchase rights exercised during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $0.2 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
(s)	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss), changes in the foreign currency translation adjustment, changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as hedges and changes in the net actuarial gains (losses) and amortization of prior service costs on our defined benefit retirement plan.
(t)	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
We record the carrying amount of our redeemable noncontrolling interests at their fair value at the date of issuance. We recognize the changes in their redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying value of these redeemable noncontrolling interests to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period, if greater than the redeemable noncontrolling interest carrying value. This method would view the end of the reporting period as if it were also the redemption date for the redeemable noncontrolling interests. We conduct an annual review to determine if the fair value of the redeemable units is less than the redemption amount. If the fair value of the redeemable units is less than the redemption amount, there would be a charge to earnings per share allocable to common stockholders. The redemption amount at the end of each reporting period did not exceed the fair value of the redeemable units.
(u)	Reclassifications
Reclassifications have been made to certain amounts reported in 2012 and 2011 to conform to the 2013 presentation.
(v)	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities ("ASU 2013-01"). 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 these new accounting rules did not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income - Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2013-02"). 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 beginning in the first quarter of 2013. The adoption of these new accounting rules did not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-04, Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date ("ASU 2013-04"). 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. We do not anticipate a material impact to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this change.
In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 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 ("ASU 2013-05"). 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. We do not anticipate a material impact to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this change.
In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 013-10, Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes ("ASU 2013-10"). 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. We do not anticipate a material impact to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this change.
In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists ("ASU 2013-11"). 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. We will reflect the impact of these amendments beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2014. We do not anticipate that the adoption of this pronouncement will result in a material impact to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Disposition_of_Theme_Parks

Disposition of Theme Parks	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Disposition of Theme Parks	'
	Disposition of Theme Parks
	The Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for all periods presented reflect the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the parks we no longer operate as discontinued operations. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no assets or liabilities held for sale related to any of our parks that had been sold, excluding contingent liabilities discussed in Note 15.
	The following are components of the net results of discontinued operations for the indicated periods:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Decrease in contingent liabilities from sale indemnities	$	549	$	7,273	$	1,201
	Income from discontinued operations	$	549	$	7,273	$	1,201
	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.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, property and equipment was classified as follows:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012
	Land	$	227,335		$	227,202
	Land improvements	177,654			166,280
	Buildings and improvements	264,853			256,967
	Rides and attractions	857,426			809,006
	Equipment	189,707			175,735
	Property and equipment, at cost	1,716,975			1,635,190
	Accumulated depreciation	(485,292		)	(380,561		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	1,231,683		$	1,254,629

Noncontrolling_Interests_Partn

Noncontrolling Interests, Partnership and Joint Ventures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interests, Partnership and Joint Ventures	'
Noncontrolling Interests, Partnership and Joint Ventures	'
	Noncontrolling Interests, Partnerships and Joint Ventures
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests represents 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 December 31, 2011	$	440,427
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased units	(453		)
	Purchases of redeemable units of SFOT and SFOG	(2,033		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	36,840
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(36,840		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	437,941
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased units	(84		)
	Purchases of redeemable units of SFOT	(288		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	37,452
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(37,452		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	437,569
	See Note 15 for a description of the partnership arrangements applicable to SFOT and SFOG. The redemption value of the partnership units as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $372.5 million and $348.2 million, respectively.
	Noncontrolling Interests
	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 that we subsequently acquired on December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, HWP was a wholly owned subsidiary. As of December 31, 2012, our ownership interest in the HWP joint venture was approximately 49.0%. The following table presents a rollforward of noncontrolling interests in HWP:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	3,670
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	264
	Balance at December 31, 2012	3,934
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	869
	Purchase of ownership interests	(4,693		)
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased ownership interests	(110		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	—
	Other
	During the third quarter of 2012, the venture (of which we held 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 connection with the sale, our license to use properties from the DCP library in our parks was terminated. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded a gain of approximately $67.3 million after recovering our $2.5 million investment and $0.5 million related to the 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 million of additional proceeds from the sale. We have not recorded a receivable for any of these additional amounts due to their contingent nature.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 with a notional amount of $470.0 million in order to limit exposure to an increase in the LIBOR interest rate of the Term Loan B (see Note 8). Our Term Loan B borrowings bear 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.
	As of December 31, 2013, approximately $0.3 million of unrealized losses associated with our interest rate contract derivative instrument is 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 the Term Loan B. For the year ended December 31, 2013, a nominal amount of hedge ineffectiveness was recorded for the interest rate agreement.

LongTerm_Indebtedness

Long-Term Indebtedness	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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") 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 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 of 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.
	On December 23, 2013, we entered into an amendment to the 2011 Credit Facility (the "2013 Credit Facility Amendment") that reduced the overall borrowing rate on the Term Loan B by 50 basis points through (i) a 25 basis point reduction in the applicable margin from 3.00% plus LIBOR to 2.75% plus LIBOR and (ii) a 25 basis point reduction in the minimum LIBOR rate from 1.00% to 0.75%. Additionally, the 2013 Credit Facility Amendment permits us to use up to $200.0 million of our excess cash on hand, over time, for general corporate purposes, including potential share repurchases. In connection with the 2013 Credit Facility Amendment, we capitalized $2.4 million of debt issuance costs directly associated with the issuance of the amendment. Additionally, we recorded a $0.8 million loss on debt extinguishment for the year ended December 31, 2013 as portions of the Term Loan B were retired and subsequently repurchased by certain lenders as a part of the amendment.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 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 secure leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2013 and 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 December 31, 2012, the Term Loan A had been fully repaid. Prior to repayment, 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 December 31, 2013 and 2012, $576.4 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 0.75% LIBOR floor, based on our senior secure 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 7). As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the applicable interest rate on the Term Loan B was 3.50% and 4.00%. respectively. 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 of the Term Loan B. The remaining proceeds were used for share repurchases. Interest payments of $21.0 million are due semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 (except in 2013 when we only made one interest payment of $22.3 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 2021 Notes and the repayment of the Term Loan A and a portion of the 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 deposited into escrow $1.8 million and $1.2 million as of December 31, 2013 and 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 becomes 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. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we acquired the minority equity interests held by non-affiliated parties in HWP.
	As a result of the Chapter 11 Filing, the Refinance Loan lender was permitted to accelerate payment thereof and therefore we classified the balance in current portion of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. In July 2012, we received a waiver from the Refinance Loan lender and have reclassified the long-term portion of the Refinance Loan to long-term debt on the 2013 and 2012 consolidated balance sheet.
	Long-Term Indebtedness Summary
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, long-term debt consisted of the following:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012
	Term Loan B	576,366			582,187
	2021 Notes	800,000			800,000
	HWP Refinance Loan	30,673			31,128
	Net discount	(6,436		)	(8,109		)
	Long-term debt	1,400,603			1,405,206
	Less current portion	(6,269		)	(6,240		)
	Total long-term debt	$	1,394,334		$	1,398,966
	As of December 31, 2013, annual maturities of long-term debt, assuming no acceleration of maturities, were as follows:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Year ending December 31:
	2014	$	6,269
	2015	6,339
	2016	6,370
	2017	34,983
	2018	553,078
	Thereafter	800,000
		$	1,407,039

Selling_General_and_Administra

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	'
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	'
	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
	Selling, general and administrative expenses comprised the following for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Park	$	121,735	$	118,162	$	118,887
	Corporate	67,483		107,713		96,172
	Total selling, general and administrative expenses	$	189,218	$	225,875	$	215,059
	Selling, general and administrative expense includes stock-based compensation of $27.0 million, $62.9 million and $54.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		December 31,
		2013						2012
	(Amounts in thousands)	Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Value			Value			Value			Value
	Financial assets (liabilities):
	Restricted-use investment securities	$	1,823		$	1,823		$	1,218		$	1,218
	Derivative instruments	—			—			32			32
	Long-term debt (including current portion)	(1,400,603		)	(1,384,603		)	(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 values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate 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 7 for additional information on our derivative instruments and related policies.
	•	The fair value of long-term debt is based on market prices that generally are observable for similar liabilities at commonly quoted intervals and are considered Level 2 fair value measurements.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The following table summarizes the components of income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	(Amounts in thousands)	Current			Deferred			Total
	2013:00:00
	U.S. federal	$	—		$	39,077		$	39,077
	Foreign	9,868			(1,123		)	8,745
	State and local	2,818			(3,039		)	(221		)
	Income tax expense	$	12,686		$	34,915		$	47,601
	2012:00:00
	U.S. federal	$	—		$	(193,457	)	$	(193,457	)
	Foreign	6,281			1,181			7,462
	State and local	3,732			(1,891		)	1,841
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	10,013		$	(194,167	)	$	(184,154	)
	2011:00:00
	U.S. federal	$	—		$	(13,063	)	$	(13,063	)
	Foreign	6,716			(599		)	6,117
	State and local	(80		)	(1,039		)	(1,119		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	6,636		$	(14,701	)	$	(8,065	)
	Recorded income tax expense (benefit) allocated to income from continuing operations differed from amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes as a result of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Computed "expected" federal income tax expense	$	71,374		$	74,064		$	1,358
	Change in valuation allowance	13,144			(246,469		)	(9,283		)
	Effect of state and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	(144		)	1,196			685
	Effect of noncontrolling interest income distribution	(13,412		)	(12,986		)	(12,532		)
	Nondeductible compensation	2,265			805			11,654
	Effect of foreign income taxes	(1,495		)	958			308
	Effect of foreign earnings earned and remitted in the same year	195			1,446			—
	Effect of foreign tax credits	(17,387		)	—			—
	Reorganization items and fresh start accounting adjustments, net	—			759			859
	Other, net	(6,939		)	(3,927		)	(1,114		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	47,601		$	(184,154	)	$	(8,065	)
	In prior periods, a deduction was taken for foreign taxes paid to other jurisdictions. The Company has elected to amend the 2011 and 2012 tax returns to take a Foreign Tax Credit in lieu of that deduction. This resulted in a net increase to deferred tax assets.
	In connection with emergence from Chapter 11, the Company's prepetition debt securities, primarily the prepetition notes issued by SFI and SFO, were extinguished. Absent an exception, a debtor recognizes cancellation of debt income ("CODI") upon discharge of its outstanding indebtedness for an amount of consideration that is less than its adjusted issue price. The Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") provides that a debtor in a bankruptcy case may exclude CODI from income but must reduce certain of its tax attributes by the amount of any CODI realized as a result of the consummation of a plan of reorganization. The amount of CODI realized by a taxpayer is the adjusted issue price of any indebtedness discharged less the sum of (i) the amount of cash paid, (ii) the issue price of any new indebtedness issued and (iii) the fair market value of any other consideration, including equity, issued. As a result of the market value of our equity upon emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, we were able to retain a significant portion of our federal NOLs and state NOLs (collectively, the "Tax Attributes") after reduction of the Tax Attributes for CODI realized on emergence from Chapter 11. As a result of emergence from Chapter 11, the Company's NOLs were reduced by approximately $804.8 million of CODI.
	Sections 382 and 383 of the IRC provide an annual limitation with respect to the ability of a corporation to utilize its Tax Attributes, as well as certain built-in-gains, against future U.S. taxable income in the event of a change in ownership. The Company's emergence from Chapter 11 is considered a change in ownership for purposes of Section 382 of the IRC. The limitation under the IRC is based on the value of the corporation as of the emergence date. The Company's estimated annual limitation of approximately $32.5 million is available for each of the next 18 years plus an additional estimated $696 million of built-in-gains which should become available to the Company from the period 2011 through 2015, on the amount of NOL carryforwards it may use in the future. Those limitation amounts accumulate for future use to the extent they are not utilized in a given year. As a result, our future U.S. taxable income may not be fully offset by the Tax Attributes if such income exceeds our annual limitation, and we may incur a tax liability with respect to such income. In addition, subsequent changes in ownership for purposes of the IRC could further diminish the Company's Tax Attributes.
	Substantially all of our future taxable temporary differences (deferred tax liabilities) relate to the different financial accounting and tax depreciation methods and periods for property and equipment (20 to 25 years for financial reporting purposes and 7 to 12 years for tax reporting purposes) and intangibles. Our net operating loss carryforwards, alternative minimum tax credits, accrued insurance expenses and deferred compensation amounts represent future income tax benefits (deferred tax assets). The following table summarizes the components of deferred income tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets	$	544,466		$	561,216
	Less: Valuation allowance	190,288			177,353
	Net deferred tax assets	354,178			383,863
	Deferred tax liabilities	428,247			411,447
	Net deferred tax liability	$	74,069		$	27,584
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$	241,712		$	288,675
	State net operating loss carryforwards	196,814			180,777
	Foreign tax credits	17,387			—
	Alternative minimum tax credits	6,591			6,591
	Accrued insurance, pension liability and other	81,962			85,173
	Total deferred tax assets	$	544,466		$	561,216
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	$	299,633		$	287,992
	Intangible assets and other	128,614			123,455
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	428,247		$	411,447
	In addition to the net operating losses recognized under financial accounting principles and included in deferred income tax assets in the above table, as of December 31, 2013, we had approximately $144.3 million of income tax deductions related to share-based payments that are in excess of the amount recognized in the accompanying financial statements. When these benefits are realized in our tax returns as a reduction of taxes that otherwise would have been required to be paid in cash, then, in accordance with ASC 718, we will recognize these excess benefits as an increase in additional paid in capital on an after-tax basis, which at current income tax rates would approximate $56.6 million. We use tax law ordering when determining when excess tax benefits have been realized.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had approximately $0.8 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively, of net operating loss carryforwards available for U.S. federal income tax purposes that expire through 2029 and $5.0 billion and $4.7 billion, respectively, of net operating loss carryforwards available for state income tax purposes that expire through 2032. We have recorded a valuation allowance of $190.3 million and $177.4 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of our deferred tax assets before they expire. The valuation allowance at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was based on our inability to use state deferred tax assets related to NOLs that were generated in states where we no longer do business or where we have consistently not generated taxable income. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had approximately $6.6 million of alternative minimum tax credits that have no expiration date.
	The change in valuation allowance attributable to income from continuing operations, discontinued operations and other comprehensive loss and equity is presented below:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Continuing operations	$	13,144		$	(246,469	)	$	(9,283	)
	Discontinued operations	(209		)	(2,763		)	(457		)
Changes in other comprehensive loss and equity	—			—			16,226
Total change in valuation allowance	$	12,935		$	(249,232	)	$	6,486
Our unrecognized tax benefit as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $43.9 million. There were no additions or reductions to this unrecognized tax benefit during 2013.

Preferred_Stock_Common_Stock_a

Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	'
	Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
	Common Stock
	As of December 31, 2013, the number of authorized shares of common stock was 140,000,000 shares, of which 94,857,347 shares were outstanding, 5,083,000 shares were reserved for future issuance through our Long-Term Incentive Plan, and 1,883,000 shares were reserved for future issuance through our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"). Pursuant to the ESPP, Holdings' common stock may be issued by either authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares purchased on the open market.
	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 consolidated financial statements and Notes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split.
	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 twelve months 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 Program, 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 permitted 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 December 31, 2013, Holdings had repurchased 14,775,000 shares at a cumulative price of approximately $500.0 million and an average price per share of $33.84 to complete the permitted repurchases under the Third Stock Repurchase Plan.
	On November 20, 2013, 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 (the “Fourth Stock Repurchase Plan”). As of February 14, 2014, Holdings has repurchased 154,000 shares at a cumulative price of approximately $5.6 million and an average price per share of $36.10 under the Fourth Stock Repurchase Plan.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, Holdings' Board of Directors declared and paid quarterly cash dividends per share of common stock as follows:
		Dividends
		Paid
		Per Share
	2013:00:00
	Fourth Quarter	$	0.47
	Third Quarter	$	0.45
	Second Quarter	$	0.45
	First Quarter	$	0.45
	2012:00:00
	Fourth Quarter	$	0.45
	Third Quarter	$	0.3
	Second Quarter	$	0.3
	First Quarter	$	0.3
	2011:00:00
	Fourth Quarter	$	0.03
	Third Quarter	$	0.03
	Second Quarter	$	0.015
	First Quarter	$	0.015
	Preferred Stock
	The number of authorized shares of preferred stock was 5,000,000 as of December 31, 2013. No shares of preferred stock were outstanding or reserved for future issuance. The authorization of preferred shares empowers Holdings' Board of Directors, without further stockholder approval, to issue preferred shares with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of Holdings' common stock. If issued, the preferred stock could also dilute the holders of Holdings' common stock and could be used to discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of us.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	The balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows:
		Currency Translation Adjustment				Cash Flow				Defined Benefit Plans			Income			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
						Hedges							Taxes
	Balance as of December 31, 2010	$	2,539			$	—			$	(6,731	)	$	—		$	(4,192	)
	Net current period change	(9,154		)		—				(36,566		)	—			(45,720		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	(6,615	)		$	—			$	(43,297	)	$	—		$	(49,912	)
	Net current period change	6,953				(865		)		(4,627		)	(269		)	1,192
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				37				(666		)	248			(381		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	338			$	(828	)		$	(48,590	)	$	(21	)	$	(49,101	)
	Net current period change	(2,048		)		(31		)		29,646			(11,039		)	16,528
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				558				(761		)	79			(124		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(1,710	)		$	(301	)		$	(19,705	)	$	(10,981	)	$	(32,697	)
	The Company had the following reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			Location of		Amount of Reclassification from AOCI
			Reclassification		Year Ended December 31,
	Component of AOCI		into Income		2013				2012
					(Amounts in thousands)
	Amortization of loss on interest rate hedge		Interest expense		$	(558	)		$	(37	)
			Income tax benefit		219				15
			Net of tax		$	(339	)		$	(22	)
	Amortization of deferred actuarial loss and prior service cost		Operating expenses		$	761			$	666
			Income tax benefit		(298		)		(263		)
			Net of tax		$	463			$	403
	Total reclassifications				$	124			$	381

Pension_Benefits

Pension Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension Benefits	'
	Pension Benefits
	As part of the acquisition of Former SFEC, we assumed the obligations related to the SFTP Defined Benefit Plan (the "SFTP Benefit Plan"). The SFTP Benefit Plan covered substantially all of SFTP's employees. During 1999, the SFTP Benefit Plan was amended to cover substantially all of our domestic full-time employees. During 2004, the SFTP Benefit Plan was further amended to cover certain seasonal workers, retroactive to January 1, 2003. The SFTP Benefit Plan permits normal retirement at age 65, with early retirement at ages 55 through 64 upon attainment of 10 years of credited service. The early retirement benefit is reduced for benefits commencing before age 62. Plan benefits are calculated according to a benefit formula based on age, average compensation over the highest consecutive five-year period during the employee's last ten years of employment and years of service. The SFTP Benefit Plan assets are invested primarily in equity and fixed income securities, as well as alternative investments, such as hedge funds. The SFTP Benefit Plan does not have significant liabilities other than benefit obligations. Under our funding policy, contributions to the SFTP Benefit Plan are determined using the projected unit credit cost method. This funding policy meets the requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
	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.
	Obligations and Funded Status
	The following table sets forth the change in our benefit plan obligation and fair value of plan assets:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013				2012				2011
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Beginning balance	$	235,502			$	218,806			$	183,048
	Interest cost	8,836				9,226				9,741
	Actuarial (gain) loss	(25,368		)		14,616				32,385
	Benefits paid	(7,157		)		(7,146		)		(6,368		)
	Benefit obligation at end of period	$	211,813			$	235,502			$	218,806
	Change in fair value of plan assets:
	Beginning balance	$	164,048			$	146,630			$	143,818
	Actual return on assets	15,068				19,648				6,480
	Employer contributions	6,000				6,075				3,750
	Administrative fees	(1,253		)		(1,159		)		(1,050		)
	Benefits paid	(7,157		)		(7,146		)		(6,368		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of period	$	176,706			$	164,048			$	146,630
	Employer contributions and benefits paid in the above table include only those amounts contributed directly to, or paid directly from, plan assets. The accumulated benefit obligation for the SFTP Benefit Plan as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $211.8 million and $235.5 million, respectively. We use December 31 as our measurement date.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the SFTP Benefit Plan's projected benefit obligation exceeded the fair value of SFTP Benefit Plan assets resulting in the SFTP Benefit Plan being underfunded, which we recognized in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. The following is a reconciliation of the SFTP Benefit Plan funded status to the amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013				2012
	Fair value of plan assets	$	176,706			$	164,048
	Benefit obligation	(211,813		)		(235,502		)
	Funded status (deficit)	$	(35,107	)		$	(71,454	)
	Other long-term liabilities	$	(35,107	)		$	(71,454	)
	The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Discount rate	4.7	%		3.85	%
	Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A
	Net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss)
	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss):
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013				2012				2011
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	1,200			$	1,150			$	1,050
	Interest cost	8,836				9,226				9,741
	Expected return on plan assets	(12,258		)		(10,982		)		(10,662		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	761				666				—
	Total net periodic benefit cost	$	(1,461	)		$	60			$	129
	Other comprehensive loss:
	Current year actuarial gain (loss)	$	28,885			$	(5,293	)		$	(36,566	)
	Total other comprehensive loss	$	28,885			$	(5,293	)		$	(36,566	)
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we have recorded $29.1 million (including tax expense of $9.4 million) and $46.5 million (net of tax benefit of $2.1 million) in accumulated other comprehensive loss in our consolidated balance sheets, respectively.
	We estimated that no amounts will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2014.
	The weighted average assumptions used to determine net costs are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate	3.85	%		4.3	%		5.4	%
	Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A
	Expected return on plan assets	7.5	%		7.5	%		7.5	%
	The discount rate assumption was developed based on high-quality corporate bond yields as of the measurement date. High quality corporate bond yield indices on over 500 AA high grade bonds are considered when selecting the discount rate.
	The return on plan assets assumption was developed based on consideration of historical market returns, current market conditions, and the SFTP Benefit Plan's past experience. Estimates of future market returns by asset category are reflective of actual long-term historical returns. Overall, it was projected that the SFTP Benefit Plan could achieve a 7.50% net return over time based on a consistent application of the existing asset allocation strategy and a continuation of the SFTP Benefit Plan's policy of monitoring manager performance.
	Description of Investment Committee and Strategy
	The Committee is responsible for managing the investment of SFTP Benefit Plan assets and ensuring that the SFTP Benefit Plan's investment program is in compliance with all provisions of ERISA, other relevant legislation, related SFTP Benefit Plan documents and the Statement of Investment Policy. The Committee has retained several mutual funds, commingled funds and/or investment managers to manage SFTP Benefit Plan assets and implement the investment process. The investment managers, in implementing their investment processes, have the authority and responsibility to select appropriate investments in the asset classes specified by the terms of the applicable prospectus or other investment manager agreements with the SFTP Benefit Plan.
	The primary financial objective of the SFTP Benefit Plan is to secure participant retirement benefits. As such, the key objective in the SFTP Benefit Plan's financial management is to promote stability and, to the extent appropriate, growth in funded status. Other related and supporting financial objectives are also considered in conjunction with a comprehensive review of current and projected SFTP Benefit Plan financial requirements.
	The assets of the fund are invested to achieve the greatest reward for the SFTP Benefit Plan consistent with a prudent level of risk. The asset return objective is to achieve, as a minimum over time, the passively managed return earned by market index funds, weighted in the proportions outlined by the asset class exposures in the SFTP Benefit Plan's long-term target asset allocation.
	The SFTP Benefit Plan's portfolio may be allocated across several hedge fund styles and strategies.
	Plan Assets
	The target allocations for plan assets are 18% domestic equity securities, 47% fixed income securities, 14% international equity securities, and 21% alternative investments. Equity securities primarily include investments in large-cap companies located in the United States and abroad. Fixed income securities include bonds and debentures issued by domestic and foreign private and governmental issuers. Alternative investments are comprised of hedge fund of funds.
The fair value of plan assets was $176.7 million and $164.0 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The expected long term rate of return on these plan assets was 7.50% in 2013, 2012 and 2011. The following table presents the categories of our plan assets and the related levels of inputs in the fair value hierarchy, as defined in Note 3(c), used to determine the fair value:
	Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2013
(Amounts in thousands)	Total				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant			Significant Unobservable Inputs
									Observable
					(Level 1)				Inputs			(Level 3)
									(Level 2)
ASSET CATEGORY:
Equity Securities:
Large-Cap Disciplined Equity (a)	$	35,446			$	35,446			$	—		$	—
Small/Mid-Cap Equity (a)	5,668				5,668				—			—
International Equity (b)	25,753				25,753				—			—
Fixed Income:
Long Duration Fixed Income (c)	67,298				67,298				—			—
High Yield (d)	8,764				8,764				—			—
Emerging Markets Debt (e)	6,583				6,583				—			—
Alternatives:
Hedge Fund of Funds (f)	9,519				—				—			9,519
Cash (g)	8,867				8,867				—			—
Other Investments (h)	8,808				8,808				—			—
Fair Value of Plan Assets	$	176,706			$	167,187			$	—		$	9,519
	Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2012
(Amounts in thousands)	Total				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant			Significant Unobservable Inputs
									Observable
					(Level 1)				Inputs			(Level 3)
									(Level 2)
ASSET CATEGORY:
Equity Securities:
Large-Cap Disciplined Equity (a)	$	37,942			$	37,942			$	—		$	—
Small/Mid-Cap Equity (a)	9,212				9,212				—			—
International Equity (b)	21,618				21,618				—			—
Fixed Income:
Long Duration Fixed Income (c)	46,084				46,084				—			—
Core Fixed Income (c)	3,081				3,081				—			—
High Yield (d)	6,145				6,145				—			—
Emerging Markets Debt (e)	4,638				4,638				—			—
Alternatives:
Hedge Fund of Funds (f)	22,618				—				—			22,618
Cash (g)	4,510				4,510				—			—
Other Investments (h)	8,200				8,200				—			—
Fair Value of Plan Assets	$	164,048			$	141,430			$	—		$	22,618
________________________________________
(a)	These categories are comprised of mutual funds actively traded on the registered exchanges or over the counter markets. The mutual funds are invested in equity securities of U.S. issuers.
(b)	This category consists of mutual funds invested primarily in equity securities (common stocks, securities that are convertible into common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants and rights to subscribe to common stocks) of non-U.S. issuers purchased in foreign markets. The mutual funds are actively traded on U.S. or foreign registered exchanges, or the over-the-counter markets.
(c)	The assets are comprised of mutual funds which are actively traded on the registered exchanges. The mutual funds are invested primarily in high quality government and corporate fixed income securities, as well as synthetic instruments or derivatives having economic characteristics similar to fixed income securities.
(d)	The high yield portion of the fixed income portfolio consists of mutual funds invested primarily in fixed income securities that are rated below investment grade. The mutual funds are actively traded on the registered exchanges.
(e)	The emerging debt portion of the portfolio consists of mutual funds primarily invested in the debt securities of government, government-related and corporate issuers in emerging market countries and of entities organized to restructure outstanding debt of such issuers. The mutual funds are actively traded on the registered exchanges.
(f)	Hedge Fund of Funds consists primarily of investments in underlying hedge funds. Management of the hedge funds has the ability to choose and combine hedge funds in order to target the fund's return objectives. Individual hedge funds hold their assets primarily in investment funds and engage in investment strategies that include temporary or dedicated directional market exposures.
(g)	Cash held at year end was to be used to purchase equity based securities in January 2014 and 2013.
(h)	This category is comprised of an investment in a common collective trust with the underlying assets invested in asset-backed securities, money market funds, corporate bonds and bank notes. The underlying assets are actively traded on the registered exchanges.
The following table represents a rollforward of the December 31, 2013 and 2012 balances of our plan assets that are valued using Level 3 inputs:
(Amounts in thousands)	Hedge Fund
	of Funds
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	21,596
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	1,022
Balance as of December 31, 2012	22,618
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	446
Relating to assets sold during the period	181
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(13,726		)
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	9,519
Expected Cash Flows
The following table summarizes expected employer contributions and future benefit payments:
(Amounts in thousands)
Expected contributions to plan trusts
2014	$	6,000
Total expected contributions	$	6,000
Expected benefit payments:
2014	$	8,460
2015	8,975
2016	9,450
2017	9,894
2018	10,610
2019 - 2023	59,633
Total expected benefit payments	$	107,022

Earnings_Loss_Per_Common_Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	'
	Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Holdings' common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Holdings' common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and the effect of all dilutive common stock equivalents. In periods where there is a net loss, diluted loss per common share is equal to basic loss per common share, since the effect of including any common stock equivalents would be antidilutive. These computations have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split as described in Note 12.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the computation of diluted earnings per share included the effect of 3.4 million and 3.3 million dilutive stock options and restricted stock units, respectively, and excluded the effect of 1.2 million and 1.9 million antidilutive stock options, respectively. Earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was calculated as follows:
		For the year ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)	2013		2012
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$	118,552	$	365,935
	Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic	96,940		107,684
	Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units	3,431		3,252
	Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted	100,371		110,936
	Earnings per share—basic	$	1.22	$	3.4
	Earnings per share—diluted	$	1.18	$	3.3
	For the year ended December 31, 2011, we incurred a net loss and therefore diluted shares outstanding equaled basic shares outstanding as the computation of diluted shares outstanding excluded the effect of 11.4 million antidilutive stock options.
	These share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split as described in Note 12.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 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 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 $67.3 million in 2014 (subject to cost of living adjustments) to the limited partners in the Partnership Parks (based on our ownership of units as of December 31, 2013, our share of the distribution will be approximately $29.2 million) and (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 to the extent tendered by the unit holders (the “Partnership Park Put”). The agreed price for units tendered in the Partnership Park Put is based on a valuation of each of the respective Partnership Parks (the “Specified Price”) that is the greater of (a) a valuation for each of the respective Partnership Parks 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) and (b) a valuation derived from the highest prices previously paid for the units of the Partnership Parks by certain entities.  Pursuant to the valuation methodologies described in the preceding sentence, the Specified Price for the Partnership Parks, if determined as of December 31, 2013, is $282.2 million in the case of SFOG and $375.6 million in the case of SFOT. As of December 31, 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 $372.5 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 Price, increased by a cost of living adjustment. As we purchase additional units, we are entitled to a proportionate increase in our share of the minimum annual distributions. 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. 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 $19.4 million of capital expenditures at these parks during the 2013 season and intend to incur approximately $18.3 million of capital expenditures at these parks for the 2014 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. The two partnerships generated approximately $55.2 million of cash in 2013 from operating activities after deduction of capital expenditures and excluding the impact of short-term intercompany advances from or payments to SFI or Holdings, as the case may be. As of December 31, 2013 and 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.
	Operating Leases
	We lease under long-term leases the sites of Six Flags Mexico, La Ronde and a small parcel near Six Flags New England. In certain cases, rent is based upon a percentage of the revenues earned by the applicable park. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we recognized approximately $6.5 million, $6.0 million, and $5.7 million, respectively, of rental expense under these rent agreements.
	Total rental expense from continuing operations, including office space and park sites, was approximately $13.2 million, $12.1 million and $11.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Future minimum obligations under non-cancelable operating leases, including site leases, as of December 31, 2013, are summarized as follows:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Year ending December 31,
	2014	$	6,141
	2015	6,055
	2016	6,061
	2017	5,969
	2018	3,735
	2019 and thereafter	151,286
	Total	$	179,247
	License Agreements
	We are party to a license agreement pursuant to which we have the exclusive right on a long term basis to theme park use in the United States and Canada (excluding the Las Vegas, Nevada metropolitan area) of all animated, cartoon and comic book characters that Warner Bros. and DC Comics have the right to license for such use. The license fee is subject to periodic scheduled increases and is payable on a per-theme park basis.
	In November 1999, we entered into license agreements (collectively, the "International License Agreements") pursuant to which we have the exclusive right on a long term basis to theme parks use in Europe, Central and South America of all animated, cartoon and comic book characters that Warner Bros., DC Comics and the Cartoon Network have the right to license for such use. Under the International License Agreements, the license fee is based on specified percentages of the gross revenues of the applicable parks.
	Insurance
	We maintain insurance of the type and in amounts that we believe is commercially reasonable and that is 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. 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). Defense costs are in addition to these retentions. 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. For workers' compensation claims arising after November 15, 2003, our deductible is $0.75 million ($0.5 million deductible for the period from November 15, 2001 to November 15, 2003). 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.
	The majority of our current insurance policies expire on December 31, 2014. 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.
	Capital Expenditures
	The vast majority of our capital expenditures in 2014 and beyond will be made on a discretionary basis.
	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. The patent expired in October 2012. 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. On February 7, 2014, the Magistrate Judge issued an order on defendants’ motions for summary judgment, recommending that United States Patent No. 5,277,125 be held invalid on the four separate grounds advanced by the defendants, and that certain rides would not infringe even if the patent was not invalid.
	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. Pursuant to the trial that concluded on November 20, 2013, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff for $35 million. The jury allocated 92% of the verdict against Six Flags and the judgment was entered on February 11, 2014. In conjunction with our insurers, we intend to vigorously challenge the verdict in both post-trial motions and an appeal, which our insurers are pursuing on Six Flags’ and the insurers' behalf. We have reserved the full amount of our $2.5 million self-insurance retention, net of expected insurance recoveries, plus estimated litigation costs in connection with this incident.
	We terminated Jeffrey R. Speed, our former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, from his employment with us, without cause, as that term is defined in Mr. Speed's employment agreement with us, effective October 6, 2010. On or about September 2, 2010, Mr. Speed filed with the American Arbitration Association a Statement of Claim and Demand for Arbitration against Holdings, SFI, SFO and SFTP, as Respondents. Mr. Speed's arbitration action asserted various claims relating to and arising out of his employment agreement with us. In April 2011, the arbitrator issued an interim award finding in favor of certain of Mr. Speed's claims and denying others. The amount of the award was $23.7 million, plus interest and attorney's fees. In May 2011, we reached a settlement with Mr. Speed. The terms of the settlement are confidential and we recorded a $25.1 million restructuring charge to reflect the full settlement and related costs after consideration of amounts previously accrued.
	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. We have reserved the full amount of our $2.5 million self-insurance retention plus estimated litigation costs in connection with this incident.
	On July 19, 2013, an accident occurred on a ride at our park in Arlington, Texas, in which a fatality occurred. 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 September 10, 2013, a civil action against us was commenced in the District Court of Tarrant County, Texas in connection with the incident seeking monetary damages. 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. On February 14, 2014, we filed a cross action against Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, GmbH seeking statutory indemnity. We have reserved the full amount of our $2.5 million self-insurance retention, net of expected insurance recoveries, plus estimated litigation costs in connection with this incident.
	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 that we subsequently acquired on December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, HWP was a wholly owned subsidiary.
	Tax and other contingencies
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had accrued liabilities for tax and other indemnification contingencies of $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, related to certain parks sold in previous years that could be recognized as recovery 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.

Business_Segments

Business Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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, tax expense, 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. Park level expenses exclude all non-cash operating expenses, principally depreciation and amortization and all non-operating expenses.
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Theme park revenues	$	1,109,930		$	1,070,332		$	1,013,174
	Theme park cash expenses	(625,880		)	(610,010		)	(594,047		)
	Aggregate park EBITDA	484,050			460,322			419,127
	Equity in income of investee—EBITDA	—			5,520			10,027
	Corporate expenses	(40,449		)	(44,838		)	(41,911		)
	Stock-based compensation	(27,034		)	(62,875		)	(54,261		)
	Other expense, net	(1,234		)	(612		)	(73		)
	Loss on disposal of assets	(8,579		)	(8,105		)	(7,615		)
	Gain on sale of investee	—			67,319			—
	Loss on debt extinguishment	(789		)	(587		)	(46,520		)
	Restructure recovery (costs)	—			47			(25,086		)
	Reorganization items, net	180			(2,168		)	(2,455		)
	Equity in loss of investee—depreciation and other expense	—			(7,742		)	(13,138		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(128,075		)	(148,045		)	(168,999		)
	Interest expense	(75,044		)	(47,444		)	(66,214		)
	Interest income	899			820			997
	Income from continuing operations before reorganization items and income taxes	$	203,925		$	211,612		$	3,879
	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 reflects our long-lived assets (which consists of property and equipment and intangible assets), revenues and income (loss) from continuing operations by domestic and foreign categories as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	(Amounts in thousands)	Domestic			Foreign			Total
	As of and for the year ended December 31, 2013
	Long-lived assets	$	2,119,529		$	104,515		$	2,224,044
	Revenues	989,509			120,421			1,109,930
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	182,736			21,189			203,925
	As of and for the year ended December 31, 2012
	Long-lived assets	$	2,151,771		$	109,671		$	2,261,442
	Revenues	956,732			113,600			1,070,332
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	193,028			18,584			211,612
	As of and for the year ended December 31, 2011
	Long-lived assets	$	2,209,597		$	105,036		$	2,314,633
	Revenues	904,453			108,721			1,013,174
	(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	(14,478		)	18,357			3,879

Restructure_Recovery_Costs

Restructure (Recovery) Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructure (Recovery) Costs	'
	Restructure (Recovery) Costs
	During 2010, the Company experienced significant changes in its senior management and Holdings' Board of Directors. We implemented a series of initiatives to reduce costs which included workforce reductions and contract terminations related to our new strategic direction. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded $25.1 million in restructure costs for the settlement with our former CFO in May 2011 (see Note 15). During the year ended December 31, 2012 we reversed the remaining amount of less than $0.1 million that was accrued for the settlement of our former CFO as a restructure recovery.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we did not incur any cash expenditures related to these restructure costs. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we incurred $31.7 million in cash expenditures related to these restructure costs.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had no accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets related to restructure costs.

Immaterial_Correction_of_an_Er

Immaterial Correction of an Error (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Immaterial Correction of an Error	'
	Immaterial Correction of an Error
	In conjunction with the preparation of our 2013 income tax provision, we determined an immaterial correction was needed related to the inclusion of a deferred tax asset related to the accumulated foreign earnings timing difference that was inadvertently included in the reversal of the valuation allowance. The foreign earnings timing difference should have continued to be fully reserved through the valuation allowance. Additionally, it was determined that the allocation of the reversal of the valuation allowance to other comprehensive income should have been allocated to income tax expense (benefit) on the consolidated statement of operations as opposed to accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated balance sheet.
	We have adjusted our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 to appropriately reflect the change in income tax expense and deferred income taxes. The impact of these adjustments is limited to the fourth quarter of 2012 and does not impact prior interim financial statements. All financial information included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements impacted by the below adjustments have been revised as applicable.
	The following tables present the effect of these adjustments on our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012:
	Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)	As Reported			Adjustments			As Revised
	Liabilities
	Deferred income taxes	$	65,070		$	7,487		$	72,557
	Total noncurrent liabilities	1,540,434			7,487			1,547,921
	Total liabilities	1,722,297			7,487			1,729,784
	Equity
	Retained earnings	$	15,849		$	11,926		$	27,775
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(29,688		)	(19,413		)	(49,101		)
	Total Six Flags Entertainment Corporation stockholders' equity	892,219			(7,487		)	884,732
	Total equity	896,153			(7,487		)	888,666
	Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)	As Reported			Adjustments			As Revised
	Components of net income
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	(172,228	)	$	(11,926	)	$	(184,154	)
	Income from continuing operations before discontinued operations	383,840			11,926			395,766
	Net income	391,113			11,926			403,039
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	354,009			11,926			365,935
	Amounts attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
	Income from continuing operations	$	346,736		$	11,926		$	358,662
	Income from discontinued operations	7,273			—			7,273
	Net income	$	354,009		$	11,926		$	365,935
	Net income per average common share outstanding - basic
	Income from continuing operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$	3.22		$	0.11		$	3.33
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	0.07			—			0.07
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$	3.29		$	0.11		$	3.4
	Net income per average common share outstanding - diluted
	Income from continuing operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$	3.12		$	0.11		$	3.23
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	0.07			—			0.07
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$	3.19		$	0.11		$	3.3
	Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)	As Reported			Adjustments			As Revised
	Components of comprehensive income
	Net income	$	391,113		$	11,926		$	403,039
	Foreign current translation adjustment	6,835			(2,319		)	4,516
	Defined benefit retirement plan	13,890			(17,094		)	(3,204		)
	Change in cash flow hedging	(501		)	—			(501		)
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax	20,224			(19,413		)	811
	Comprehensive income	411,337			(7,487		)	403,850
	Comprehensive income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	374,233			(7,487		)	366,746
	Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)	As Reported			Adjustments			As Revised
	Cash flow from operating activities
	Net income	$	391,113		$	11,926		$	403,039
	Deferred income tax benefit	(182,241		)	(11,926		)	(194,167		)

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	'
	Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
	Following is a summary of the unaudited interim results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(Amounts in thousands)	First			Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Total revenue	$	87,521		$	363,701	$	504,520	$	154,188
	Net (loss) income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	(62,527		)	47,361		120,403		13,315
	Net (loss) income per weighted average common share outstanding:
	Basic	$	(0.61	)	$	0.49	$	1.27	$	0.14
	Diluted	(0.61		)	0.47		1.22		0.13
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)	First			Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Total revenue	$	66,358		$	374,912	$	485,143	$	143,919
	Net (loss) income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	(115,109		)	72,265		253,025		155,754
	Net (loss) income per weighted average common share outstanding:
	Basic	$	(1.05	)	$	0.67	$	2.37	$	1.46
	Diluted	(1.05		)	0.64		2.23		1.4
	All per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split as described in Note 12.
	We operate a seasonal business. In particular, our theme park operations contribute most of their annual revenue during the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year.
	In the fourth quarter of 2012, we reduced our income tax valuation allowance which materially impacted the net income for that quarter. See Note 11.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. We also consolidate the partnerships that own the Partnership Parks, 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 the Partnership Parks are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interests. On September 30, 2013, we acquired the noncontrolling equity interests held by non-affiliated parties in HWP Development, LLC ("HWP"), with the exception of a nominal amount retained by a non-affiliated party that we subsequently acquired on December 31, 2013. Prior to the acquisition, we 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 were reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as noncontrolling interest. 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 consolidated statements of operations. See Note 6 for further discussion.
	Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.
Fair Value Measurement	'
	Fair Value Measurement
	FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("FASB ASC 820"), defines fair value as the exchange prices that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The guidance also specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. In accordance with FASB ASC 820, these two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:
	•	Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;
	•	Level 2: inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the instrument; and
	•	Level 3: inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable for the asset or liability.
	This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. See Note 10 for disclosure of methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments by classification.
Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents were not significant as of December 31, 2013. Cash equivalents of $495.0 million as of December 31, 2012, consisted of short-term highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity as of purchase date of three months or less, which are readily convertible into cash. For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid debt instruments with remaining maturities as of their purchase date of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at weighted average cost or market value and primarily consist of products for resale including merchandise and food and miscellaneous supplies. Products are removed from inventory at weighted average cost. We have recorded a valuation allowance for slow moving inventory of $1.2 million and $0.7 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	'
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets include $21.5 million and $23.0 million of spare parts inventory for existing rides and attractions as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These items are expensed as the repair or maintenance of rides and attractions occur.
Advertising Costs	'
	Advertising Costs
	Production costs of commercials and programming are charged to operations in the year first aired. The costs of other advertising, promotion, and marketing programs are charged to operations when incurred with the exception of direct-response advertising which is charged to the period it will benefit. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had $1.6 million and $1.4 million in prepaid advertising, respectively. The amounts capitalized are included in prepaid expenses.
	Advertising and promotions expense was $61.2 million, $61.5 million and $62.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Debt Issuance Costs.	'
	Debt Issuance Costs
	We capitalize costs related to the issuance of debt. In connection with the amendment of our 2011 Credit Facility in December 2013, we capitalized $2.4 million of debt issuance costs directly associated with the issuance of the amendment. The amortization of such costs is recognized as interest expense using the interest method over the term of the respective debt issue. Amortization related to deferred debt issuance costs was $4.3 million, $2.4 million and $7.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment additions are recorded at cost and the carrying value is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Maintenance and repairs are charged directly to expense as incurred, while betterments and renewals are generally capitalized as property and equipment. When an item is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and applicable accumulated depreciation are removed and the resulting gain or loss is recognized.
	The estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:
	Rides and attractions	5 - 25 years
	Land improvements	10 - 15 years
	Buildings and improvements	Approximately 30 years
	Furniture and equipment	5 - 10 years
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The following table reflects our intangible assets and accumulated amortization:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013				2012
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trade names, trademarks and other	$	344,075			$	344,000
	Accumulated amortization	—				—
	Total indefinite-lived intangible assets	$	344,075			$	344,000
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Third party licensing rights	$	24,361			$	24,361
	Accumulated amortization	(8,809		)		(6,407		)
	Total third party licensing rights	$	15,552			$	17,954
	Sponsorship agreements	$	—			$	43,000
	Accumulated amortization	—				(31,273		)
	Total sponsorship agreements	$	—			$	11,727
	Other identifiable intangibles	$	3,346			$	3,576
	Accumulated amortization	(860		)		(692		)
	Total other identifiable intangibles	$	2,486			$	2,884
	Total finite-lived intangible assets, cost	$	27,707			$	70,937
	Total accumulated amortization	(9,669		)		(38,372		)
	Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	$	18,038			$	32,565
	Total intangible assets, net	$	362,113			$	376,565
	Our intangible assets with identifiable useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. We expect that amortization expense on our existing intangible assets subject to amortization will average approximately $2.6 million over each of the next five years. The weighted average useful life of the third party licensing rights is 10 years.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets	'
	Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
	Long-lived assets totaled $2,224.0 million as of December 31, 2013, consisting of property and equipment ($1,231.7 million), goodwill ($630.2 million) and other intangible assets ($362.1 million). With our adoption of fresh start accounting upon emergence, assets were revalued based on the fair values of long-lived assets.
	Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators are identified that an asset may be impaired. We identify our reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets, to those reporting units. We then determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. We are a single reporting unit. For each year, the fair value of the single reporting unit exceeded our carrying amount (based on a comparison of the market price of our common stock to the carrying amount of our stockholders' equity (deficit)). In September 2012, the FASB amended FASB ASC 350 which permits entities to perform a qualitative analysis on indefinite-lived intangible assets to determine if it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. We adopted this amendment in September 2012 and have performed a qualitative analysis on our indefinite-lived trade name intangible as of December 31, 2013. Based on the results of our qualitative analysis, we determined that it was more likely than not that our trade name was not impaired. Accordingly, no impairment was required on our goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets.
	If the fair value of the reporting unit were to be less than the carrying amount, we would compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets (recognized and unrecognized) and liabilities of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill.
	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.
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 in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations net of sales taxes collected from our guests and remitted to government taxing authorities. During 2013, we launched a 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, and can be canceled anytime 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 we believe to be customary and reasonable and recognize a pro-rata portion of the revenue as the guest attends our parks. We review the estimated redemption rate regularly and on an ongoing basis and revise it as necessary throughout the year. Total sales of multi-use admissions in excess of redemptions are recognized in deferred revenue. As of December 31, 2013, deferred revenue was primarily comprised of (i) advance sales of season pass and other admissions for the 2014 operating season, (ii) the unredeemed portion of the initial term of the membership program that will be recognized in 2014, (iii) sponsorship revenue that will be recognized in 2014 and (iv) a nominal amount for the remaining unredeemed season pass revenue and pre-sold single-day admissions revenue for the 2013 operating season that will be redeemed throughout the completion of the 2013 operating season during the first week of 2014.
Accounts Receivable, Net	'
	Accounts Receivable, Net
	Accounts receivable are reported at net realizable value and consist primarily of amounts due from guests for the sale of multi-use admission products, including season passes and the membership program. We are not exposed to a significant concentration of credit risk, however, based on the age of the receivables, our historical experience and other factors and assumptions we believe to be customary and reasonable, we do record an allowance for doubtful accounts.
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 ("FASB ASC 815"). 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. Changes in fair value of a derivative that is not designated as a hedge are recorded in other expense in our consolidated statements of operations on a current basis.
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	We are involved in various lawsuits and claims that arise in the normal course of business. Amounts associated with lawsuits or claims are reserved for matters in which it is believed that losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In addition to matters in which it is believed that losses are probable, disclosure is also provided for matters in which the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is at least reasonably possible but for which a reasonable estimate of loss or range of loss is not possible. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. See Note 15 for further discussion.
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 $190.3 million and $177.4 million and as of December 31, 2013 and 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. Our 2012 results, coupled with our projected taxable income over the foreseeable future, gave us comfort that we would be able to utilize all of our federal net operating loss carryforwards before they expire. See Note 11.
	Our liability for income taxes is finalized as auditable tax years pass their respective statutes of limitation in the various jurisdictions in which we are subject to tax. However, these jurisdictions may audit prior years for which the statute of limitations is closed for the purpose of making an adjustment to our taxable income in a year for which the statute of limitations has not closed. Accordingly, taxing authorities of these jurisdictions may audit prior years of the group and its predecessors for the purpose of adjusting 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 December 31, 2013, 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.
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	'
	Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to Holdings' common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to Holdings' common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and the effect of all dilutive common stock equivalents. In periods where there is a net loss, diluted loss per common share is equal to basic loss per common share, since the effect of including any common stock equivalents would be antidilutive. Computations for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share were retroactively adjusted to reflect the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split described in Note 12. See Note 14 for further discussion of earnings (loss) per common share.
Stock Benefit Plans	'
	Stock Benefit Plans
	Pursuant to the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan (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 equivalents (collectively, "Awards") 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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, stock-based compensation expense related to the Long-Term Incentive Plan was $26.8 million, $62.6 million and $54.1 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, options to purchase approximately 7,910,000 shares of common stock of Holdings and approximately 351,000 shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units were outstanding under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and approximately 5,083,000 shares were available for future grant.
	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 ten-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 U.S. 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 option's 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.
	In August 2011, stock option grants were made to the vast majority of full-time employees. Given the then current share limitations of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, certain of the option grants to officers were made contingent upon stockholder approval of an amendment to the plan increasing the number of available shares. This increase in the number of available shares received overwhelming stockholder approval at the May 2012 annual stockholders meeting, satisfying the stockholder approval contingency of such options. The accounting measurement date for these grants was May 2, 2012. At that date, the strike prices of the options were less than the prevailing trading price for the underlying shares, and as such the options were valued as in-the-money options. Due to limitations in the Black-Scholes model related to options treated as in-the-money, we elected to value the options using the Hull-White I lattice model with a simplified assumption for the early settlement to value these options. The inherent advantage of Hull-White I lattice model relative to the Black-Scholes model is that option exercises are modeled as being dependent on the evolution of the stock price and not solely on the amount of time that has passed since the grant date. The Hull-White I lattice model uses all of the same assumptions as the Black-Scholes model and also assumes a post-vesting cancellation rate, which treats a cancelled option as (i) exercised immediately if it is in-the-money or (ii) worthless if it is out-of-the-money. The post-vesting cancellation rate assumption that was used in the valuation of these options was 0%.
	The following weighted-average assumptions were utilized in the Black-Scholes model for the stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		31-Dec-13						31-Dec-12				31-Dec-11
		CEO			Employees			CEO		Employees		CEO		Employees
	Risk-free interest rate	1.2	%		2.03	%		1.08	%	1.08	%	—	%	1.68	%
	Expected life (in years)	6.25			6.25			6.25		6.25		0		6.25
	Expected volatility	39.21	%		38.98	%		44.23	%	44.14	%	—	%	43.68	%
	Expected dividend yield	5.24	%		5.08	%		4.51	%	3.48	%	—	%	0.65	%
	The following table summarizes option activity for the year ended December 31, 2013:
	(Amounts in thousands, expect per share data)	Shares			Weighted Avg. Exercise Price				Weighted Avg. Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
					($)					($)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	9,436			$	15.04
	Granted	1,244			$	34.3
	Exercised	(2,486	)		$	11.98
	Canceled or exchanged	—			$	—
	Forfeited	(283	)		$	18.56
	Expired	(1	)		$	15.86
	Balance at December 31, 2013	7,910			$	18.9			7.73	$	141,747
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013	7,615			$	18.86			7.73	$	136,727
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2013	1,692			$	14.85			7.26	$	37,173
	The weighted average grant date fair value of the options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $7.78, $8.07 and $6.91, respectively.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $57.1 million, $68.0 million and $6.9 million, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $18.0 million, $15.7 million and $10.3 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, there was $16.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to option awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.68 years.
	Cash received from the exercise of stock options during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $29.8 million, $40.0 million and $9.1 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, 2011, approximately 10,000 shares of stock were granted to our Chief Executive Officer as part of his 2010 bonus award. In addition to the restricted stock awards granted, 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 an additional 2,912,000 shares of restricted stock units being granted to certain key employees in February 2012. 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 as of December 2012 it was clear 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 Chief Operating Officer retired and upon his retirement, 82,000 of these shares of restricted stock units were forfeited.
	During the year ended December 31, 2011, an additional performance award was established based on our goal to achieve Modified EBITDA of $500 million by 2015. The aggregate payout under the performance award to key employees if the target is achieved in 2015 would be 2,650,000 shares but 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 it was not deemed probable that we would achieve the specified performance targets as of December 31, 2013. Based on the closing market price of Holdings' common stock on the last trading day of the quarter ended December 31, 2013, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to this award at target achievement in 2015 is $97.6 million that will be expensed over the service period if it becomes probable of achieving the performance condition. We will continue to evaluate the probability of achieving the performance condition going forward and record the appropriate expense if necessary.
	The following table summarizes stock, restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2013:
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
					($)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	694			$	9.73
	Granted	19			$	38.26
	Vested	(352	)		$	10.2
	Forfeited	(10	)		$	8.12
	Canceled	—			$	—
	Non-vested balance at December 31, 2013	351			$	10.84
	The weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $38.26, $22.92 and $17.57, respectively.
	The total grant date fair value of the stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $0.7 million, $67.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The total fair value of stock awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $3.6 million, $68.5 million and $4.2 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, there was $0.8 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.58 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 quarterly 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 years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, approximately 3,000 and 5,000, respectively, DSUs were granted at a weighted-average grant date fair value of $38.26 and $24.20, respectively, per unit. The total grant date fair value of DSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, was $0.1 million. During the year ended December 31, 2011, no DSUs were granted.
	As of December 31, 2013, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to the outstanding DSUs.
	Dividend Equivalent Rights
	On February 8, 2012, Holdings' Board of Directors granted dividend equivalent rights (DERs) to holders of unvested stock options. As of February 8, 2012, approximately 10.0 million unvested stock options were outstanding. As stockholders are paid cash dividends, the DERs will 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. 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 twelve months ended December 31, 2013, Holdings' Board of Directors granted approximately 1.2 million additional options to the majority of 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 at the Company's 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company's proposal to amend the Long-Term Incentive Plan 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 $7.6 million and $6.1 million of stock-based compensation for the DER grants during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	On September 15, 2010 and subject to stockholder approval, Holdings' Board of Directors adopted the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. On May 4, 2011, our stockholders approved the ESPP and the ESPP became effective. 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, as adjusted to reflect the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split. Holdings' common stock may be issued by either authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares purchased on the open market. As of December 31, 2013, we had 1,883,000 shares available for purchase pursuant to the ESPP.
	For the ESPP six-month offering periods ended June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2013, stock-based compensation related to the purchase rights was calculated as the difference between the cost to purchase Holdings' common stock at 90% of the market value of the common stock at the beginning of the six-month offering periods and the cost to purchase Holdings' common stock at the market value of the common stock at the end of the six-month offering periods.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we recognized $0.2 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million of stock-based compensation expense relating to the ESPP, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no purchase rights were outstanding under the ESPP. The total intrinsic value of purchase rights exercised during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $0.2 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss), changes in the foreign currency translation adjustment, changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as hedges and changes in the net actuarial gains (losses) and amortization of prior service costs on our defined benefit retirement plan.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	'
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
	We record the carrying amount of our redeemable noncontrolling interests at their fair value at the date of issuance. We recognize the changes in their redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying value of these redeemable noncontrolling interests to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period, if greater than the redeemable noncontrolling interest carrying value. This method would view the end of the reporting period as if it were also the redemption date for the redeemable noncontrolling interests. We conduct an annual review to determine if the fair value of the redeemable units is less than the redemption amount. If the fair value of the redeemable units is less than the redemption amount, there would be a charge to earnings per share allocable to common stockholders. The redemption amount at the end of each reporting period did not exceed the fair value of the redeemable units.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In January 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities ("ASU 2013-01"). 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 these new accounting rules did not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income - Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2013-02"). 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 beginning in the first quarter of 2013. The adoption of these new accounting rules did not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-04, Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date ("ASU 2013-04"). 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. We do not anticipate a material impact to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this change.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 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 ("ASU 2013-05"). 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. We do not anticipate a material impact to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this change.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 013-10, Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes ("ASU 2013-10"). 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. We do not anticipate a material impact to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this change.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists ("ASU 2013-11"). 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. We will reflect the impact of these amendments beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2014. We do not anticipate that the adoption of this pronouncement will result in a material impact to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Chapter_11_Reorganization_Tabl

Chapter 11 Reorganization (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reorganizations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debtors' reorganization items	'
	The Debtors' reorganization items consisted of the following during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
	(Recoveries) costs and expenses directly related to the reorganization	$	(180	)	$	2,168	$	2,455

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of estimated useful lives of property and equipment	'
	The estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:
	Rides and attractions	5 - 25 years
	Land improvements	10 - 15 years
	Buildings and improvements	Approximately 30 years
	Furniture and equipment	5 - 10 years
Schedule of intangible assets and accumulated amortization	'
	The following table reflects our intangible assets and accumulated amortization:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013				2012
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trade names, trademarks and other	$	344,075			$	344,000
	Accumulated amortization	—				—
	Total indefinite-lived intangible assets	$	344,075			$	344,000
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Third party licensing rights	$	24,361			$	24,361
	Accumulated amortization	(8,809		)		(6,407		)
	Total third party licensing rights	$	15,552			$	17,954
	Sponsorship agreements	$	—			$	43,000
	Accumulated amortization	—				(31,273		)
	Total sponsorship agreements	$	—			$	11,727
	Other identifiable intangibles	$	3,346			$	3,576
	Accumulated amortization	(860		)		(692		)
	Total other identifiable intangibles	$	2,486			$	2,884
	Total finite-lived intangible assets, cost	$	27,707			$	70,937
	Total accumulated amortization	(9,669		)		(38,372		)
	Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	$	18,038			$	32,565
	Total intangible assets, net	$	362,113			$	376,565
Stock Benefit Plans	'
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 for the stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		31-Dec-13						31-Dec-12				31-Dec-11
		CEO			Employees			CEO		Employees		CEO		Employees
	Risk-free interest rate	1.2	%		2.03	%		1.08	%	1.08	%	—	%	1.68	%
	Expected life (in years)	6.25			6.25			6.25		6.25		0		6.25
	Expected volatility	39.21	%		38.98	%		44.23	%	44.14	%	—	%	43.68	%
	Expected dividend yield	5.24	%		5.08	%		4.51	%	3.48	%	—	%	0.65	%
Schedule of stock option activity	'
	The following table summarizes option activity for the year ended December 31, 2013:
	(Amounts in thousands, expect per share data)	Shares			Weighted Avg. Exercise Price				Weighted Avg. Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
					($)					($)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	9,436			$	15.04
	Granted	1,244			$	34.3
	Exercised	(2,486	)		$	11.98
	Canceled or exchanged	—			$	—
	Forfeited	(283	)		$	18.56
	Expired	(1	)		$	15.86
	Balance at December 31, 2013	7,910			$	18.9			7.73	$	141,747
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013	7,615			$	18.86			7.73	$	136,727
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2013	1,692			$	14.85			7.26	$	37,173
Schedule of stock, restricted stock award and restricted stock unit activity	'
	The following table summarizes stock, restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2013:
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
					($)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	694			$	9.73
	Granted	19			$	38.26
	Vested	(352	)		$	10.2
	Forfeited	(10	)		$	8.12
	Canceled	—			$	—
	Non-vested balance at December 31, 2013	351			$	10.84

Disposition_of_Theme_Parks_Tab

Disposition of Theme Parks (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Summary of income (loss) from discontinued operations	'
	The following are components of the net results of discontinued operations for the indicated periods:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Decrease in contingent liabilities from sale indemnities	$	549	$	7,273	$	1,201
	Income from discontinued operations	$	549	$	7,273	$	1,201

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Summary of property and equipment	'
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, property and equipment was classified as follows:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012
	Land	$	227,335		$	227,202
	Land improvements	177,654			166,280
	Buildings and improvements	264,853			256,967
	Rides and attractions	857,426			809,006
	Equipment	189,707			175,735
	Property and equipment, at cost	1,716,975			1,635,190
	Accumulated depreciation	(485,292		)	(380,561		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	1,231,683		$	1,254,629

Noncontrolling_Interests_Partn1

Noncontrolling Interests, Partnership and Joint Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interests, Partnership 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 December 31, 2011	$	440,427
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased units	(453		)
	Purchases of redeemable units of SFOT and SFOG	(2,033		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	36,840
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(36,840		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	437,941
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased units	(84		)
	Purchases of redeemable units of SFOT	(288		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	37,452
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(37,452		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	437,569
Schedule of changes in noncontrolling interests	'
	The following table presents a rollforward of noncontrolling interests in HWP:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	3,670
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	264
	Balance at December 31, 2012	3,934
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	869
	Purchase of ownership interests	(4,693		)
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased ownership interests	(110		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	—

LongTerm_Indebtedness_Tables

Long-Term Indebtedness (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of long-term debt	'
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, long-term debt consisted of the following:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012
	Term Loan B	576,366			582,187
	2021 Notes	800,000			800,000
	HWP Refinance Loan	30,673			31,128
	Net discount	(6,436		)	(8,109		)
	Long-term debt	1,400,603			1,405,206
	Less current portion	(6,269		)	(6,240		)
	Total long-term debt	$	1,394,334		$	1,398,966
Schedule of annual maturities of long-term debt, assuming no acceleration of maturities	'
	As of December 31, 2013, annual maturities of long-term debt, assuming no acceleration of maturities, were as follows:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Year ending December 31:
	2014	$	6,269
	2015	6,339
	2016	6,370
	2017	34,983
	2018	553,078
	Thereafter	800,000
		$	1,407,039

Selling_General_and_Administra1

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	'
Summary of selling, general and administrative expenses	'
	Selling, general and administrative expenses comprised the following for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Park	$	121,735	$	118,162	$	118,887
	Corporate	67,483		107,713		96,172
	Total selling, general and administrative expenses	$	189,218	$	225,875	$	215,059

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		December 31,
		2013						2012
	(Amounts in thousands)	Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Value			Value			Value			Value
	Financial assets (liabilities):
	Restricted-use investment securities	$	1,823		$	1,823		$	1,218		$	1,218
	Derivative instruments	—			—			32			32
	Long-term debt (including current portion)	(1,400,603		)	(1,384,603		)	(1,405,206		)	(1,410,255		)

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of components of income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations	'
	The following table summarizes the components of income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	(Amounts in thousands)	Current			Deferred			Total
	2013:00:00
	U.S. federal	$	—		$	39,077		$	39,077
	Foreign	9,868			(1,123		)	8,745
	State and local	2,818			(3,039		)	(221		)
	Income tax expense	$	12,686		$	34,915		$	47,601
	2012:00:00
	U.S. federal	$	—		$	(193,457	)	$	(193,457	)
	Foreign	6,281			1,181			7,462
	State and local	3,732			(1,891		)	1,841
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	10,013		$	(194,167	)	$	(184,154	)
	2011:00:00
	U.S. federal	$	—		$	(13,063	)	$	(13,063	)
	Foreign	6,716			(599		)	6,117
	State and local	(80		)	(1,039		)	(1,119		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	6,636		$	(14,701	)	$	(8,065	)
Schedule of recorded income tax (benefit) expense allocated to income (loss) from continuing operations differed from amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate	'
	Recorded income tax expense (benefit) allocated to income from continuing operations differed from amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes as a result of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Computed "expected" federal income tax expense	$	71,374		$	74,064		$	1,358
	Change in valuation allowance	13,144			(246,469		)	(9,283		)
	Effect of state and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	(144		)	1,196			685
	Effect of noncontrolling interest income distribution	(13,412		)	(12,986		)	(12,532		)
	Nondeductible compensation	2,265			805			11,654
	Effect of foreign income taxes	(1,495		)	958			308
	Effect of foreign earnings earned and remitted in the same year	195			1,446			—
	Effect of foreign tax credits	(17,387		)	—			—
	Reorganization items and fresh start accounting adjustments, net	—			759			859
	Other, net	(6,939		)	(3,927		)	(1,114		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	47,601		$	(184,154	)	$	(8,065	)
Summarizes the components of deferred income tax assets and deferred tax liabilities	'
	The following table summarizes the components of deferred income tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets	$	544,466		$	561,216
	Less: Valuation allowance	190,288			177,353
	Net deferred tax assets	354,178			383,863
	Deferred tax liabilities	428,247			411,447
	Net deferred tax liability	$	74,069		$	27,584
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$	241,712		$	288,675
	State net operating loss carryforwards	196,814			180,777
	Foreign tax credits	17,387			—
	Alternative minimum tax credits	6,591			6,591
	Accrued insurance, pension liability and other	81,962			85,173
	Total deferred tax assets	$	544,466		$	561,216
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	$	299,633		$	287,992
	Intangible assets and other	128,614			123,455
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	428,247		$	411,447
Schedule of change in valuation allowance attributable to income (loss) from continuing operations, discontinued operations and other comprehensive loss and equity	'
	The change in valuation allowance attributable to income from continuing operations, discontinued operations and other comprehensive loss and equity is presented below:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Continuing operations	$	13,144		$	(246,469	)	$	(9,283	)
	Discontinued operations	(209		)	(2,763		)	(457		)
	Changes in other comprehensive loss and equity	—			—			16,226
	Total change in valuation allowance	$	12,935		$	(249,232	)	$	6,486

Preferred_Stock_Common_Stock_a1

Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Schedule of quarterly cash dividends per share of common stock declared and paid	'
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, Holdings' Board of Directors declared and paid quarterly cash dividends per share of common stock as follows:
		Dividends
		Paid
		Per Share
	2013:00:00
	Fourth Quarter	$	0.47
	Third Quarter	$	0.45
	Second Quarter	$	0.45
	First Quarter	$	0.45
	2012:00:00
	Fourth Quarter	$	0.45
	Third Quarter	$	0.3
	Second Quarter	$	0.3
	First Quarter	$	0.3
	2011:00:00
	Fourth Quarter	$	0.03
	Third Quarter	$	0.03
	Second Quarter	$	0.015
	First Quarter	$	0.015
Schedule of balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	'
	The balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows:
		Currency Translation Adjustment				Cash Flow				Defined Benefit Plans			Income			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
						Hedges							Taxes
	Balance as of December 31, 2010	$	2,539			$	—			$	(6,731	)	$	—		$	(4,192	)
	Net current period change	(9,154		)		—				(36,566		)	—			(45,720		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	(6,615	)		$	—			$	(43,297	)	$	—		$	(49,912	)
	Net current period change	6,953				(865		)		(4,627		)	(269		)	1,192
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				37				(666		)	248			(381		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	338			$	(828	)		$	(48,590	)	$	(21	)	$	(49,101	)
	Net current period change	(2,048		)		(31		)		29,646			(11,039		)	16,528
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				558				(761		)	79			(124		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(1,710	)		$	(301	)		$	(19,705	)	$	(10,981	)	$	(32,697	)
Schedule of Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The Company had the following reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			Location of		Amount of Reclassification from AOCI
			Reclassification		Year Ended December 31,
	Component of AOCI		into Income		2013				2012
					(Amounts in thousands)
	Amortization of loss on interest rate hedge		Interest expense		$	(558	)		$	(37	)
			Income tax benefit		219				15
			Net of tax		$	(339	)		$	(22	)
	Amortization of deferred actuarial loss and prior service cost		Operating expenses		$	761			$	666
			Income tax benefit		(298		)		(263		)
			Net of tax		$	463			$	403
	Total reclassifications				$	124			$	381

Pension_Benefits_Tables

Pension Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of changes in benefit plan obligation and fair value of plan assets	'
	The following table sets forth the change in our benefit plan obligation and fair value of plan assets:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013				2012				2011
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Beginning balance	$	235,502			$	218,806			$	183,048
	Interest cost	8,836				9,226				9,741
	Actuarial (gain) loss	(25,368		)		14,616				32,385
	Benefits paid	(7,157		)		(7,146		)		(6,368		)
	Benefit obligation at end of period	$	211,813			$	235,502			$	218,806
	Change in fair value of plan assets:
	Beginning balance	$	164,048			$	146,630			$	143,818
	Actual return on assets	15,068				19,648				6,480
	Employer contributions	6,000				6,075				3,750
	Administrative fees	(1,253		)		(1,159		)		(1,050		)
	Benefits paid	(7,157		)		(7,146		)		(6,368		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of period	$	176,706			$	164,048			$	146,630
Schedule of reconciliation of benefit plan funded status to amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the SFTP Benefit Plan funded status to the amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013				2012
	Fair value of plan assets	$	176,706			$	164,048
	Benefit obligation	(211,813		)		(235,502		)
	Funded status (deficit)	$	(35,107	)		$	(71,454	)
	Other long-term liabilities	$	(35,107	)		$	(71,454	)
Schedule of weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	'
	The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Discount rate	4.7	%		3.85	%
	Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A
Schedule of components of net periodic benefit cost and amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	'
	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss):
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013				2012				2011
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	1,200			$	1,150			$	1,050
	Interest cost	8,836				9,226				9,741
	Expected return on plan assets	(12,258		)		(10,982		)		(10,662		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	761				666				—
	Total net periodic benefit cost	$	(1,461	)		$	60			$	129
	Other comprehensive loss:
	Current year actuarial gain (loss)	$	28,885			$	(5,293	)		$	(36,566	)
	Total other comprehensive loss	$	28,885			$	(5,293	)		$	(36,566	)
Schedule of weighted average assumptions used to determine net costs	'
	The weighted average assumptions used to determine net costs are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate	3.85	%		4.3	%		5.4	%
	Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A
	Expected return on plan assets	7.5	%		7.5	%		7.5	%
Schedule of fair value of plan assets	'
	The following table presents the categories of our plan assets and the related levels of inputs in the fair value hierarchy, as defined in Note 3(c), used to determine the fair value:
		Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2013
	(Amounts in thousands)	Total				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant			Significant Unobservable Inputs
										Observable
						(Level 1)				Inputs			(Level 3)
										(Level 2)
	ASSET CATEGORY:
	Equity Securities:
	Large-Cap Disciplined Equity (a)	$	35,446			$	35,446			$	—		$	—
	Small/Mid-Cap Equity (a)	5,668				5,668				—			—
	International Equity (b)	25,753				25,753				—			—
	Fixed Income:
	Long Duration Fixed Income (c)	67,298				67,298				—			—
	High Yield (d)	8,764				8,764				—			—
	Emerging Markets Debt (e)	6,583				6,583				—			—
	Alternatives:
	Hedge Fund of Funds (f)	9,519				—				—			9,519
	Cash (g)	8,867				8,867				—			—
	Other Investments (h)	8,808				8,808				—			—
	Fair Value of Plan Assets	$	176,706			$	167,187			$	—		$	9,519
		Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)	Total				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant			Significant Unobservable Inputs
										Observable
						(Level 1)				Inputs			(Level 3)
										(Level 2)
	ASSET CATEGORY:
	Equity Securities:
	Large-Cap Disciplined Equity (a)	$	37,942			$	37,942			$	—		$	—
	Small/Mid-Cap Equity (a)	9,212				9,212				—			—
	International Equity (b)	21,618				21,618				—			—
	Fixed Income:
	Long Duration Fixed Income (c)	46,084				46,084				—			—
	Core Fixed Income (c)	3,081				3,081				—			—
	High Yield (d)	6,145				6,145				—			—
	Emerging Markets Debt (e)	4,638				4,638				—			—
	Alternatives:
	Hedge Fund of Funds (f)	22,618				—				—			22,618
	Cash (g)	4,510				4,510				—			—
	Other Investments (h)	8,200				8,200				—			—
	Fair Value of Plan Assets	$	164,048			$	141,430			$	—		$	22,618
	________________________________________
	(a)	These categories are comprised of mutual funds actively traded on the registered exchanges or over the counter markets. The mutual funds are invested in equity securities of U.S. issuers.
	(b)	This category consists of mutual funds invested primarily in equity securities (common stocks, securities that are convertible into common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants and rights to subscribe to common stocks) of non-U.S. issuers purchased in foreign markets. The mutual funds are actively traded on U.S. or foreign registered exchanges, or the over-the-counter markets.
	(c)	The assets are comprised of mutual funds which are actively traded on the registered exchanges. The mutual funds are invested primarily in high quality government and corporate fixed income securities, as well as synthetic instruments or derivatives having economic characteristics similar to fixed income securities.
	(d)	The high yield portion of the fixed income portfolio consists of mutual funds invested primarily in fixed income securities that are rated below investment grade. The mutual funds are actively traded on the registered exchanges.
	(e)	The emerging debt portion of the portfolio consists of mutual funds primarily invested in the debt securities of government, government-related and corporate issuers in emerging market countries and of entities organized to restructure outstanding debt of such issuers. The mutual funds are actively traded on the registered exchanges.
	(f)	Hedge Fund of Funds consists primarily of investments in underlying hedge funds. Management of the hedge funds has the ability to choose and combine hedge funds in order to target the fund's return objectives. Individual hedge funds hold their assets primarily in investment funds and engage in investment strategies that include temporary or dedicated directional market exposures.
	(g)	Cash held at year end was to be used to purchase equity based securities in January 2014 and 2013.
	(h)	This category is comprised of an investment in a common collective trust with the underlying assets invested in asset-backed securities, money market funds, corporate bonds and bank notes. The underlying assets are actively traded on the registered exchanges.
Schedule of rollforward of the balances of plan assets that are valued using Level 3 inputs	'
	The following table represents a rollforward of the December 31, 2013 and 2012 balances of our plan assets that are valued using Level 3 inputs:
	(Amounts in thousands)	Hedge Fund
		of Funds
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	21,596
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	1,022
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	22,618
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	446
	Relating to assets sold during the period	181
	Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(13,726		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	9,519
Summary of expected employer contributions and future benefit payments	'
	The following table summarizes expected employer contributions and future benefit payments:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Expected contributions to plan trusts
	2014	$	6,000
	Total expected contributions	$	6,000
	Expected benefit payments:
	2014	$	8,460
	2015	8,975
	2016	9,450
	2017	9,894
	2018	10,610
	2019 - 2023	59,633
	Total expected benefit payments	$	107,022

Earnings_Loss_Per_Common_Share1

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of calculation of earnings per common share	'
	Earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was calculated as follows:
		For the year ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)	2013		2012
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$	118,552	$	365,935
	Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic	96,940		107,684
	Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units	3,431		3,252
	Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted	100,371		110,936
	Earnings per share—basic	$	1.22	$	3.4
	Earnings per share—diluted	$	1.18	$	3.3

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of future minimum obligations under non-cancellable operating leases	'
	Future minimum obligations under non-cancelable operating leases, including site leases, as of December 31, 2013, are summarized as follows:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Year ending December 31,
	2014	$	6,141
	2015	6,055
	2016	6,061
	2017	5,969
	2018	3,735
	2019 and thereafter	151,286
	Total	$	179,247

Business_Segments_Tables

Business Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of segment financial information and a reconciliation of the primary segment performance measure to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	'
	The following table presents segment financial information and a reconciliation of the primary segment performance measure to income from continuing operations before income taxes. Park level expenses exclude all non-cash operating expenses, principally depreciation and amortization and all non-operating expenses.
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Theme park revenues	$	1,109,930		$	1,070,332		$	1,013,174
	Theme park cash expenses	(625,880		)	(610,010		)	(594,047		)
	Aggregate park EBITDA	484,050			460,322			419,127
	Equity in income of investee—EBITDA	—			5,520			10,027
	Corporate expenses	(40,449		)	(44,838		)	(41,911		)
	Stock-based compensation	(27,034		)	(62,875		)	(54,261		)
	Other expense, net	(1,234		)	(612		)	(73		)
	Loss on disposal of assets	(8,579		)	(8,105		)	(7,615		)
	Gain on sale of investee	—			67,319			—
	Loss on debt extinguishment	(789		)	(587		)	(46,520		)
	Restructure recovery (costs)	—			47			(25,086		)
	Reorganization items, net	180			(2,168		)	(2,455		)
	Equity in loss of investee—depreciation and other expense	—			(7,742		)	(13,138		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(128,075		)	(148,045		)	(168,999		)
	Interest expense	(75,044		)	(47,444		)	(66,214		)
	Interest income	899			820			997
	Income from continuing operations before reorganization items and income taxes	$	203,925		$	211,612		$	3,879
Schedule of information reflecting long-lived assets, revenues and income (loss) from continuing operations by domestic and foreign categories	'
	The following information reflects our long-lived assets (which consists of property and equipment and intangible assets), revenues and income (loss) from continuing operations by domestic and foreign categories as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	(Amounts in thousands)	Domestic			Foreign			Total
	As of and for the year ended December 31, 2013
	Long-lived assets	$	2,119,529		$	104,515		$	2,224,044
	Revenues	989,509			120,421			1,109,930
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	182,736			21,189			203,925
	As of and for the year ended December 31, 2012
	Long-lived assets	$	2,151,771		$	109,671		$	2,261,442
	Revenues	956,732			113,600			1,070,332
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	193,028			18,584			211,612
	As of and for the year ended December 31, 2011
	Long-lived assets	$	2,209,597		$	105,036		$	2,314,633
	Revenues	904,453			108,721			1,013,174
	(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	(14,478		)	18,357			3,879

Immaterial_Correction_of_an_Er1

Immaterial Correction of an Error (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Schedule of error corrections on consolidated financial statements	'
	The following tables present the effect of these adjustments on our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012:
	Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)	As Reported			Adjustments			As Revised
	Liabilities
	Deferred income taxes	$	65,070		$	7,487		$	72,557
	Total noncurrent liabilities	1,540,434			7,487			1,547,921
	Total liabilities	1,722,297			7,487			1,729,784
	Equity
	Retained earnings	$	15,849		$	11,926		$	27,775
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(29,688		)	(19,413		)	(49,101		)
	Total Six Flags Entertainment Corporation stockholders' equity	892,219			(7,487		)	884,732
	Total equity	896,153			(7,487		)	888,666
	Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)	As Reported			Adjustments			As Revised
	Components of net income
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	(172,228	)	$	(11,926	)	$	(184,154	)
	Income from continuing operations before discontinued operations	383,840			11,926			395,766
	Net income	391,113			11,926			403,039
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	354,009			11,926			365,935
	Amounts attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
	Income from continuing operations	$	346,736		$	11,926		$	358,662
	Income from discontinued operations	7,273			—			7,273
	Net income	$	354,009		$	11,926		$	365,935
	Net income per average common share outstanding - basic
	Income from continuing operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$	3.22		$	0.11		$	3.33
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	0.07			—			0.07
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$	3.29		$	0.11		$	3.4
	Net income per average common share outstanding - diluted
	Income from continuing operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$	3.12		$	0.11		$	3.23
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	0.07			—			0.07
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$	3.19		$	0.11		$	3.3
	Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)	As Reported			Adjustments			As Revised
	Components of comprehensive income
	Net income	$	391,113		$	11,926		$	403,039
	Foreign current translation adjustment	6,835			(2,319		)	4,516
	Defined benefit retirement plan	13,890			(17,094		)	(3,204		)
	Change in cash flow hedging	(501		)	—			(501		)
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax	20,224			(19,413		)	811
	Comprehensive income	411,337			(7,487		)	403,850
	Comprehensive income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	374,233			(7,487		)	366,746
	Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)	As Reported			Adjustments			As Revised
	Cash flow from operating activities
	Net income	$	391,113		$	11,926		$	403,039
	Deferred income tax benefit	(182,241		)	(11,926		)	(194,167		)

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of the unaudited interim results of operations	'
	Following is a summary of the unaudited interim results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(Amounts in thousands)	First			Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Total revenue	$	87,521		$	363,701	$	504,520	$	154,188
	Net (loss) income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	(62,527		)	47,361		120,403		13,315
	Net (loss) income per weighted average common share outstanding:
	Basic	$	(0.61	)	$	0.49	$	1.27	$	0.14
	Diluted	(0.61		)	0.47		1.22		0.13
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)	First			Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Total revenue	$	66,358		$	374,912	$	485,143	$	143,919
	Net (loss) income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	(115,109		)	72,265		253,025		155,754
	Net (loss) income per weighted average common share outstanding:
	Basic	$	(1.05	)	$	0.67	$	2.37	$	1.46
	Diluted	(1.05		)	0.64		2.23		1.4

Description_of_Business_Detail

Description of Business (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
	park
Entity Location [Line Items]	'
Number of parks owned or operated	18
Period of operation of theme parks by the former SFEC under Six Flags name (in years)	'40 years
Number of parks branded as "Six Flags" parks	16
United States	'
Entity Location [Line Items]	'
Number of parks owned or operated	16
Mexico	'
Entity Location [Line Items]	'
Number of parks owned or operated	1
Canada	'
Entity Location [Line Items]	'
Number of parks owned or operated	1

Chapter_11_Reorganization_Deta

Chapter 11 Reorganization (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2010
Reorganizations [Abstract]	'	'		'	'
Common stock, shares issued	94,857,347	107,637,524	[1]	'	109,555,556
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.03		'	$0.03
Reorganization items, net	($180)	$2,168		$2,455	'
Cash Used in Reorganization Activities	($332)	($1,788)		($17,452)	'
[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 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reorganization Items	'	'	'
(Recoveries) costs and expenses directly related to the reorganization	($180,000)	$2,168,000	$2,455,000
Net cash used in reorganization activities	-332,000	-1,788,000	-17,452,000
Cash Equivalents	'	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	495,000,000	'
Maximum remaining maturity period of highly liquid investments as of purchase date to be considered cash equivalents	'3 months	'	'
Inventories	'	'	'
Valuation allowance for slow moving inventory	1,200,000	700,000	'
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	'	'	'
Spare parts inventory for existing rides and attractions included in prepaid expenses and other current assets	21,500,000	23,000,000	'
Advertising Costs	'	'	'
Prepaid advertising	1,600,000	1,400,000	'
Advertising and promotions expense	61,200,000	61,500,000	62,500,000
Debt Issuance Costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Debt issuance costs	2,660,000	16,878,000	16,584,000
Interest Expense, Other Long-term Debt	4,300,000	2,400,000	7,800,000
Loss on debt extinguishment	-789,000	-587,000	-46,520,000
2013 Credit Facility Amendment	'	'	'
Debt Issuance Costs [Abstract]	'	'	'
Debt issuance costs	$2,400,000	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Buildings and improvements	'
Property and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life for property and equipment for financial reporting purpose	'30 years
Minimum	'
Property and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life for property and equipment for financial reporting purpose	'20 years
Minimum | Rides and attractions	'
Property and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life for property and equipment for financial reporting purpose	'5 years
Minimum | Land improvements	'
Property and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life for property and equipment for financial reporting purpose	'10 years
Minimum | Furniture and equipment	'
Property and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life for property and equipment for financial reporting purpose	'5 years
Maximum	'
Property and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life for property and equipment for financial reporting purpose	'25 years
Maximum | Rides and attractions	'
Property and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life for property and equipment for financial reporting purpose	'25 years
Maximum | Land improvements	'
Property and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life for property and equipment for financial reporting purpose	'15 years
Maximum | Furniture and equipment	'
Property and Equipment	'
Estimated useful life for property and equipment for financial reporting purpose	'10 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'	'
Goodwill	$630,248,000	$630,248,000
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	344,075,000	344,000,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, cost	27,707,000	70,937,000
Accumulated amortization	-9,669,000	-38,372,000
Intangible assets, net	18,038,000	32,565,000
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	362,113,000	376,565,000
Average amortization expense on existing intangible assets subject to amortization for each of next five years	2,600,000	'
Third party licensing rights	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, cost	24,361,000	24,361,000
Accumulated amortization	-8,809,000	-6,407,000
Intangible assets, net	15,552,000	17,954,000
Estimated useful life (in years)	'10 years	'
Sponsorship agreements	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, cost	0	43,000,000
Accumulated amortization	0	-31,273,000
Intangible assets, net	0	11,727,000
Other identifiable intangibles	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, cost	3,346,000	3,576,000
Accumulated amortization	-860,000	-692,000
Intangible assets, net	2,486,000	2,884,000
Trade names and trademarks	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	$344,075,000	$344,000,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets	'	'
Long-lived assets	$2,224,000,000	'
Property and equipment	1,231,683,000	1,254,629,000
Goodwill	630,248,000	630,248,000
Other intangible assets	$362,113,000	$376,565,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes	'	'
Valuation allowance related to deferred tax asset, primarily consisting of certain net operating loss and other tax carryforwards	$190,288,000	$177,353,000
Liability of accrued interest and penalties attributable to income taxes	$0	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	2-May-12	Apr. 30, 2010
Details of stock benefit plans	'	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative, stock-based compensation	$27,034,000	$62,875,000	$54,261,000	'	'
Long-Term Incentive Plan	'	'	'	'	'
Details of stock benefit plans	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Plan	'	'	'	28,133,332	19,333,332
Selling, general and administrative, stock-based compensation	26,800,000	62,600,000	54,100,000	'	'
Shares available for future grant (in shares)	5,083,000	'	'	'	'
Long-Term Incentive Plan | Stock Options	'	'	'	'	'
Details of stock benefit plans	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Plan	1,000,000	'	'	'	'
Options to purchase common stock outstanding (in shares)	7,910,000	9,436,000	'	'	'
Option vesting term (in years)	'4 years	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	'10 years	'	'	'	'
Post-vesting cancellation rate used in valuation of options (as a percent)	'	0.00%	'	'	'
Shares	'	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	9,436,000	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	1,244,000	'	'	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	-2,486,000	'	'	'	'
Forfeited (in shares)	-283,000	'	'	'	'
Expired (in shares)	-1,000	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	7,910,000	9,436,000	'	'	'
Vested and expected to vest (in shares)	7,615,000	'	'	'	'
Options exercisable (in shares)	1,692,000	'	'	'	'
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)	$11.98	'	'	'	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$18.56	'	'	'	'
Expired (in dollars per share)	$15.86	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$18.90	$15.04	'	'	'
Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share)	$18.86	'	'	'	'
Options exercisable (in dollars per share)	$14.85	'	'	'	'
Weighted Avg. Remaining Contractual Term	'	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in years)	'7 years 8 months 23 days	'	'	'	'
Vested and expected to vest (in years)	'7 years 8 months 23 days	'	'	'	'
Options exercisable (in years)	'7 years 3 months 4 days	'	'	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in dollars)	'	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars)	141,747,000	'	'	'	'
Vested and expected to vest (in dollars)	136,727,000	'	'	'	'
Options exercisable (in dollars)	37,173,000	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation additional disclosures	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$7.78	$8.07	$6.91	'	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised (in dollars)	57,100,000	68,000,000	6,900,000	'	'
Fair value of options vested during the period (in dollars)	18,000,000	15,700,000	10,300,000	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	16,400,000	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'2 years 8 months 5 days	'	'	'	'
Cash received from the exercise of stock option	29,800,000	40,000,000	9,100,000	'	'
Long-Term Incentive Plan | Stock Options | Chief executive officer	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted	'	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.20%	1.08%	0.00%	'	'
Expected term (in years)	'6 years 3 months	'6 years 3 months	'0 years	'	'
Expected volatility (as a percent)	39.21%	44.23%	0.00%	'	'
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	5.24%	4.51%	0.00%	'	'
Long-Term Incentive Plan | Stock Options | Key employees	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted	'	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	2.03%	1.08%	1.68%	'	'
Expected term (in years)	'6 years 3 months	'6 years 3 months	'6 years 3 months	'	'
Expected volatility (as a percent)	38.98%	44.14%	43.68%	'	'
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	5.08%	3.48%	0.65%	'	'
Long-Term Incentive Plan | Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units	'	'	'	'	'
Details of stock benefit plans	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	351,000	694,000	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation additional disclosures	'	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$800,000	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'6 months 28 days	'	'	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 7) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

2-May-12

Apr. 30, 2010

Aug. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 08, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dividend Equivalent Rights Award

Dividend Equivalent Rights Award

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

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

Stock Options

Stock Options

Stock Options

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

Bonus award

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

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

Deferred Stock Units

Deferred Stock Units

Deferred Stock Units

Chief operating officer

Chief executive officer

Key employees

Key employees

Details of stock benefit plans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,000

'

'

'

10,000

'

'

'

'

5,000

0

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,912,000

'

2,650,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$16,400,000

'

$800,000

'

'

'

'

'

$97,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unvested stock options outstanding (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

694,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,000

'

'

'

10,000

'

'

'

'

5,000

0

'

'

'

Vested (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-352,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeited (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-10,000

'

'

-82,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

351,000

694,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$38.26

$22.92

$17.57

'

'

'

'

'

$38.26

$24.20

'

'

'

'

Vested (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10.20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeited (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$8.12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10.84

$9.73

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

67,300,000

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,600,000

68,500,000

4,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years 8 months 5 days

'

'6 months 28 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 (in days)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

90.00%

'

'

Successive offering period under plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 months

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28,133,332

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28,133,332

19,333,332

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

Shares available for purchase (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

5,083,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,883,000

'

'

Share-based compensation general disclosures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Selling, general and administrative, stock-based compensation

27,034,000

62,875,000

54,261,000

7,600,000

6,100,000

26,800,000

62,600,000

54,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

300,000

200,000

Total intrinsic value of purchase rights exercised during the six-month period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

300,000

200,000

Option vesting term (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Modified EBITDA for an additional performance award

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Disposition_of_Theme_Parks_Det

Disposition of Theme Parks (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Components of the net results of discontinued operations	'	'	'
Decrease (increase) in contingent liabilities from sale indemnities	$549,000	$7,273,000	$1,201,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	549,000	7,273,000	1,201,000
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation	0	0	'
Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation	$0	$0	'

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of property and equipment	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$1,716,975	$1,635,190
Accumulated depreciation	-485,292	-380,561
Total property and equipment	1,231,683	1,254,629
Land	'	'
Summary of property and equipment	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	227,335	227,202
Land improvements	'	'
Summary of property and equipment	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	177,654	166,280
Buildings and improvements	'	'
Summary of property and equipment	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	264,853	256,967
Rides and attractions	'	'
Summary of property and equipment	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	857,426	809,006
Equipment	'	'
Summary of property and equipment	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$189,707	$175,735

Noncontrolling_Interests_Partn2

Noncontrolling Interests, Partnership and Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

park

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)

SFOT and SFOG

SFOT and SFOG

HWP Development, LLC (HWP)

HWP Development, LLC (HWP)

Maximum

Noncontrolling Interests, Partnership 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

$440,427,000

'

'

Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased units

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-84,000

-453,000

'

'

Purchases of redeemable units

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-288,000

-2,033,000

'

'

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,452,000

36,840,000

'

'

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-37,452,000

-36,840,000

'

'

Balance at the end of the period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

437,569,000

437,941,000

'

'

Redemption value of partnership units

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

372,500,000

348,200,000

'

'

Ownership interest in joint venture (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

49.00%

Changes in noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at the beginning of the period

3,934,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,934,000

3,670,000

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

38,321,000

37,104,000

35,805,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

869,000

264,000

Purchase of ownership interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,693,000

'

Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased ownership interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-110,000

'

Balance at the end of the period

0

3,934,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

3,934,000

Investments under equity method and joint ventures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of interest in a venture

'

'

'

'

'

'

39.20%

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of DCP

0

69,987,000

0

300,000

70,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain on sale of investee

0

67,319,000

0

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Feb. 29, 2008
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		Interest rate contract	Interest rate contract
Derivatives	'	'	'
Component of agreement for Term loan B	'	$470	'
Interest rate basis for term loan borrowings	'	'LIBOR	'LIBOR
Derivative Cap (as a percent)	'	1.00%	'
Net deferred losses on derivative instruments expected to be reclassified to operations during the next twelve months	($0.30)	'	'

LongTerm_Indebtedness_Details

Long-Term Indebtedness (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 20, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 20, 2011

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 20, 2011

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 20, 2011

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 20, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 23, 2013

Dec. 23, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 23, 2013

Dec. 23, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2010

Dec. 21, 2012

Nov. 30, 2007

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2008

2013

2021

New Credit Facility

Revolving Loan

Revolving Loan

Revolving Loan

Revolving Loan

New Term Loans

New Term Loans

Term Loan A

Term Loan A

Term Loan A

Term Loan A

Term Loan B

Term Loan B

Term Loan B

Term Loan B

Term Loan B

First Lien Amendment

First Lien Senior Credit Facility

Senior unsecured 2021 Notes

Senior unsecured 2021 Notes

Senior unsecured 2021 Notes

Credit Facility Pre-2013 Amendment

2013 Credit Facility Amendment

2013 Credit Facility Amendment

2013 Credit Facility Amendment

2013 Credit Facility Amendment

HWP Refinance Loan

HWP Refinance Loan

HWP Refinance Loan

2012 Credit Facility Amendment

HWP

HWP

HWP

Interest rate contract

Interest rate contract

Credit Facility Amendment, Reduction in Variable Rate Floor

Credit Facility Amendment, Reduction in Basis Spread on Variable Rate

Construction term loan

HWP Refinance Loan

HWP Refinance Loan

Summary of Long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity of revolving loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,135,000,000

'

$0

$0

$200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$33,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt maturity period (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face amount of 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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in refinance loan

'

1,407,039,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

576,366,000

582,187,000

'

'

950,000,000

'

800,000,000

800,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

30,673,000

31,128,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, additional borrowings amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

800,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds utilized for repayment of existing debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

350,000,000

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

72,200,000

'

'

'

277,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31,000,000

'

'

'

'

Remaining proceeds utilized for share repurchases and other corporate matters

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

450,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduction in interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

0.25%

0.25%

'

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

Spread over variable rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

2.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instruments base rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'LIBOR

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

0.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Component of agreement for Term loan B

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

470,000,000

'

Derivative Cap (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

Debt issuance costs

'

2,660,000

16,878,000

16,584,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on debt extinguishment

'

789,000

587,000

46,520,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letter of credit amount excluded from borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,800,000

18,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Frequency of periodic payment of interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'annual

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'annual

'

'

'

'

'semi-annually

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitment fee (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.38%

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.50%

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

'

'

'

22,300,000

21,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Monthly payments of principal and interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

Amount deposited into escrow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,800,000

$1,200,000

'

'

LongTerm_Indebtedness_Details_

Long-Term Indebtedness (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Long-term debt	'	'
Long-term debt	$1,407,039	'
Net discount	-6,436	-8,109
Long-term debt	1,400,603	1,405,206
Less current portion	-6,269	-6,240
Long-term debt	1,394,334	1,398,966
Annual maturities of long-term debt, assuming no acceleration of maturities	'	'
2014	6,269	'
2015	6,339	'
2016	6,370	'
2017	34,983	'
2018	553,078	'
Thereafter	800,000	'
Total	1,407,039	'
Term Loan B	'	'
Summary of Long-term debt	'	'
Long-term debt	576,366	582,187
Annual maturities of long-term debt, assuming no acceleration of maturities	'	'
Total	576,366	582,187
Senior unsecured 2021 Notes	'	'
Summary of Long-term debt	'	'
Long-term debt	800,000	800,000
Annual maturities of long-term debt, assuming no acceleration of maturities	'	'
Total	800,000	800,000
HWP Refinance Loan	'	'
Summary of Long-term debt	'	'
Long-term debt	30,673	31,128
Annual maturities of long-term debt, assuming no acceleration of maturities	'	'
Total	$30,673	$31,128

Selling_General_and_Administra2

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$189,218	$225,875	$215,059
Selling, general and administrative, stock-based compensation	27,034	62,875	54,261
Park	'	'	'
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	121,735	118,162	118,887
Corporate	'	'	'
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$67,483	$107,713	$96,172

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair value measurements and disclosures	'	'
Restricted-use investment securities	$1,823	$1,218
Carrying Amount	'	'
Fair value measurements and disclosures	'	'
Restricted-use investment securities	1,823	1,218
Derivative instruments	0	32
Long-term debt (including current portion)	-1,400,603	-1,405,206
Fair Value	'	'
Fair value measurements and disclosures	'	'
Restricted-use investment securities	1,823	1,218
Derivative instruments	0	32
Long-term debt (including current portion)	($1,384,603)	($1,410,255)

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current	'	'	'
Foreign	$9,868,000	$6,281,000	$6,716,000
State and local	2,818,000	3,732,000	-80,000
Total current income tax	12,686,000	10,013,000	6,636,000
Deferred	'	'	'
U.S. federal	39,077,000	-193,457,000	-13,063,000
Foreign	-1,123,000	1,181,000	-599,000
State and local	-3,039,000	-1,891,000	-1,039,000
Total deferred income tax	34,915,000	-194,167,000	-14,701,000
Total income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'
U.S. federal income tax	39,077,000	-193,457,000	-13,063,000
Foreign income tax	8,745,000	7,462,000	6,117,000
State and local income tax	-221,000	1,841,000	-1,119,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	47,601,000	-184,154,000	-8,065,000
Recorded income tax expense (benefit) allocated to income (loss) from continuing operations differing from amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate	'	'	'
U.S. federal income tax rate (as a percent)	35.00%	'	'
Computed "expected" federal income tax expense (benefit)	71,374,000	74,064,000	1,358,000
Change in valuation allowance	13,144,000	-246,469,000	-9,283,000
Effect of state and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	-144,000	1,196,000	685,000
Effect of noncontrolling interest income distribution	-13,412,000	-12,986,000	-12,532,000
Nondeductible compensation	2,265,000	805,000	11,654,000
Effect of foreign income taxes	-1,495,000	958,000	308,000
Effect of foreign earnings earned and remitted in the same year	195,000	1,446,000	0
Effect of foreign tax credits	-17,387,000	0	0
Reorganization items and fresh start accounting adjustments, net	0	759,000	859,000
Other, net	-6,939,000	-3,927,000	-1,114,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	47,601,000	-184,154,000	-8,065,000
Net operating loss carryforwards disclosure	'	'	'
Reduction in net operating loss as a result of emergence from chapter 11	804,800,000	'	'
Estimated annual limitation	32,500,000	'	'
Estimated annual limitation available period (in years)	'18 years	'	'
Estimated built in gains	$696,000,000	'	'
Summary of property and equipment	'	'	'
Estimated useful life for property and equipment for tax reporting purpose, minimum (in years)	'7 years	'	'
Estimated useful life for property and equipment for tax reporting purpose, maximum (in years)	'12 years	'	'
Minimum	'	'	'
Summary of property and equipment	'	'	'
Estimated useful life for property and equipment for financial reporting purpose	'20 years	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Summary of property and equipment	'	'	'
Estimated useful life for property and equipment for financial reporting purpose	'25 years	'	'

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$241,712,000	$288,675,000
State net operating loss carryforwards	196,814,000	180,777,000
Foreign tax credits	17,387,000	0
Alternative minimum tax credits	6,591,000	6,591,000
Accrued insurance, pension liability and other	81,962,000	85,173,000
Total deferred tax asset	544,466,000	561,216,000
Less: Valuation allowance	190,288,000	177,353,000
Net deferred tax assets	354,178,000	383,863,000
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Property and equipment	299,633,000	287,992,000
Intangible assets and other	128,614,000	123,455,000
Total deferred tax liabilities	428,247,000	411,447,000
Net deferred tax liability	74,069,000	27,584,000
Estimated income tax deductions related to share-based payments	144,300,000	'
Estimated excess income tax benefits pertaining to share-based payments recognized as an increase in additional paid in capital at current income tax rates	56,600,000	'
U.S. federal	'	'
Details of net operating loss carryforwards	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	800,000,000	900,000,000
State	'	'
Details of net operating loss carryforwards	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$5,000,000,000	$4,700,000,000

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Valuation allowance	'	'	'
Change in valuation allowance	$12,935,000	($249,232,000)	$6,486,000
Unrecognized tax benefit	43,900,000	'	'
Continuing operations	'	'	'
Valuation allowance	'	'	'
Change in valuation allowance	13,144,000	-246,469,000	-9,283,000
Discontinued operations	'	'	'
Valuation allowance	'	'	'
Change in valuation allowance	-209,000	-2,763,000	-457,000
Other Comprehensive loss and Equity	'	'	'
Valuation allowance	'	'	'
Change in valuation allowance	$0	$0	$16,226,000

Preferred_Stock_Common_Stock_a2

Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Nov. 20, 2013

Jan. 04, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Feb. 28, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 18, 2014

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Subsequent Event

Common Stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of authorized shares of common stock

'

'

'

140,000,000

'

'

'

140,000,000

'

'

'

140,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

140,000,000

140,000,000

'

140,000,000

'

'

'

Number of shares outstanding

'

'

'

107,637,524

[1]

'

'

'

94,857,347

'

'

'

107,637,524

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

94,857,347

107,637,524

[1]

'

94,857,347

'

'

'

Shares available for future grant (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,083,000

1,883,000

'

Stock split ratio

'

'

2

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend in form of number of shares for each outstanding share of common stock

'

'

1

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchase program

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of shares authorized to be repurchased under Stock Repurchase Program

$500,000,000

'

'

$500,000,000

$250,000,000

'

$60,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period over which shares are authorized to be repurchased (in years)

'

'

'

'3 years

'4 years

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate shares repurchased

'

578,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,499,000

3,235,000

14,775,000

'

'

154,000

Value of shares repurchased

'

$18,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$523,589,000

$231,984,000

$59,998,000

$500,000,000

'

'

$5,600,000

Average price (in dollars per share)

'

$31.16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$33.84

'

'

$36.10

Cash dividends per share of common stock paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.47

$0.45

$0.45

$0.45

$0.45

$0.30

$0.30

$0.30

$0.03

$0.03

$0.02

$0.02

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of authorized shares of preferred stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

[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 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Preferred_Stock_Common_Stock_a3

Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	($49,101)	($49,912)	($4,192)
Net current period change	16,528	1,192	-45,720
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	124	381	'
Balance at the end of the period	-32,697	-49,101	-49,912
Currency Translation Adjustment	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	338	-6,615	2,539
Net current period change	-2,048	6,953	-9,154
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	'
Balance at the end of the period	-1,710	338	-6,615
Cash Flow Hedges	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	-828	0	0
Net current period change	-31	-865	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	558	37	'
Balance at the end of the period	-301	-828	0
Defined Benefit Plans	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	48,590	43,297	6,731
Net current period change	29,646	-4,627	-36,566
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	-761	-666	'
Balance at the end of the period	19,705	48,590	43,297
Income Taxes	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	-21	0	0
Net current period change	-11,039	-269	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	79	248	'
Balance at the end of the period	($10,981)	($21)	$0

Preferred_Stock_Common_Stock_a4

Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest expense	($75,044)	($47,444)	($66,214)
Income tax expense (benefit)	47,601	-184,154	-8,065
Total reclassifications, net of tax	156,873	403,039	13,145
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total reclassifications, net of tax	124	381	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of loss on interest rate hedge	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest expense	-558	-37	'
Income tax expense (benefit)	219	15	'
Total reclassifications, net of tax	-339	-22	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of deferred actuarial loss and prior service cost	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating expenses	761	666	'
Income tax expense (benefit)	-298	-263	'
Total reclassifications, net of tax	$463	$403	'

Pension_Benefits_Details

Pension Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	bond
Change in benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$235,502,000	$218,806,000	$183,048,000
Interest cost	8,836,000	9,226,000	9,741,000
Actuarial (gain) loss	-25,368,000	14,616,000	32,385,000
Benefits paid	-7,157,000	-7,146,000	-6,368,000
Benefit obligation at end of period	211,813,000	235,502,000	218,806,000
Change in fair value of plan assets:	'	'	'
Beginning balance	164,048,000	146,630,000	143,818,000
Actual return on assets	15,068,000	19,648,000	6,480,000
Employer contributions	6,000,000	6,075,000	3,750,000
Administrative fees	-1,253,000	-1,159,000	-1,050,000
Benefits paid	-7,157,000	-7,146,000	-6,368,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	176,706,000	164,048,000	146,630,000
Reconciliation of benefit plan funded status to the amounts recognized in the entity's consolidated balance sheets	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	176,706,000	164,048,000	146,630,000
Benefit obligation	-211,813,000	-235,502,000	-218,806,000
Funded status (deficit)	-35,107,000	-71,454,000	'
Other long-term liabilities	-35,107,000	-71,454,000	'
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.70%	3.85%	'
Net periodic benefit cost:	'	'	'
Service cost	1,200,000	1,150,000	1,050,000
Interest cost	8,836,000	9,226,000	9,741,000
Expected return on plan assets	-12,258,000	-10,982,000	-10,662,000
Amortization of net actuarial loss	761,000	666,000	0
Total net periodic benefit cost	-1,461,000	60,000	129,000
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'	'
Current year actuarial (loss) gain	28,885,000	-5,293,000	-36,566,000
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	28,885,000	-5,293,000	-36,566,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-29,100,000	-46,500,000	'
DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTax	-9,400,000	2,100,000	'
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'
Estimated amount to be amortized from AOCI	$0	'	'
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net costs	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.85%	4.30%	5.40%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Number of a high grade bonds considered when selecting discount rate	500	'	'
SFTP Benefit Plan	'	'	'
Pension Benefits	'	'	'
Normal retirement age (in years)	'65 years	'	'
Early retirement age, low end of range (in years)	'55 years	'	'
Early retirement age, high end of range (in years)	'64 years	'	'
Attainment of credited service (in years)	'10 years	'	'
Threshold age for reduction in early retirement benefit (in years)	'62 years	'	'
Number of highest consecutive period of average compensation, used in plan benefit calculation (in years)	'5 years	'	'
Period of average compensation, used in plan benefit calculation (in years)	'10 years	'	'

Pension_Benefits_Details_2

Pension Benefits (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	$176,706	$164,048	$146,630
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Rollforward of the balances of plan assets that are valued using level 3 inputs (in thousands)	'	'	'
Beginning balance	164,048	146,630	143,818
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	176,706	164,048	146,630
Estimated Future Employer Contributions	'	'	'
2014	6,000	'	'
Expected benefit payments:	'	'	'
2014	8,460	'	'
2015	8,975	'	'
2016	9,450	'	'
2017	9,894	'	'
2018	10,610	'	'
2019	59,633	'	'
Total benefit payments	107,022	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	167,187	141,430	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	167,187	141,430	'
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	9,519	22,618	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	9,519	22,618	'
Domestic equity securities	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Target allocation (as a percent)	18.00%	'	'
Fixed income securities	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Target allocation (as a percent)	47.00%	'	'
International equity	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Target allocation (as a percent)	14.00%	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	25,753	'	'
Rollforward of the balances of plan assets that are valued using level 3 inputs (in thousands)	'	'	'
Beginning balance	21,618	'	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	25,753	'	'
International equity | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	25,753	21,618	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	25,753	21,618	'
International equity | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
International equity | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Alternatives	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Target allocation (as a percent)	21.00%	'	'
Large-Cap Disciplined Equity	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	35,446	37,942	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	35,446	37,942	'
Large-Cap Disciplined Equity | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	35,446	37,942	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	35,446	37,942	'
Large-Cap Disciplined Equity | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Large-Cap Disciplined Equity | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Small/Mid-Cap Equity	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	5,668	9,212	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	5,668	9,212	'
Small/Mid-Cap Equity | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	5,668	9,212	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	5,668	9,212	'
Small/Mid-Cap Equity | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Small/Mid-Cap Equity | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Long Duration Fixed Income	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	67,298	46,084	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	67,298	46,084	'
Long Duration Fixed Income | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	67,298	46,084	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	67,298	46,084	'
Long Duration Fixed Income | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Long Duration Fixed Income | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Core Fixed Income	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	'	3,081	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	'	3,081	'
Core Fixed Income | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	'	3,081	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	'	3,081	'
Core Fixed Income | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	'	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	'	0	'
Core Fixed Income | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	'	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	'	0	'
High Yield	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	8,764	6,145	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	8,764	6,145	'
High Yield | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	8,764	6,145	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	8,764	6,145	'
High Yield | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
High Yield | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Emerging Markets Debt	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	6,583	4,638	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	6,583	4,638	'
Emerging Markets Debt | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	6,583	4,638	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	6,583	4,638	'
Emerging Markets Debt | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Emerging Markets Debt | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Hedge Fund of Funds	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	9,519	22,618	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	9,519	22,618	'
Hedge Fund of Funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Hedge Fund of Funds | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Hedge Fund of Funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	9,519	22,618	'
Rollforward of the balances of plan assets that are valued using level 3 inputs (in thousands)	'	'	'
Beginning balance	22,618	21,596	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	446	1,022	'
Relating to assets sold during the period	181	'	'
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	-13,726	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	9,519	22,618	'
Cash	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	8,867	4,510	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	8,867	4,510	'
Cash | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	8,867	4,510	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	8,867	4,510	'
Cash | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Cash | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Other Investments	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	8,808	8,200	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	8,808	8,200	'
Other Investments | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	8,808	8,200	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	8,808	8,200	'
Other Investments | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	0	0	'
Other Investments | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'	'
Pension plan	'	'	'
Assets measured at fair value	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	$0	$0	'

Earnings_Loss_Per_Common_Share2

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Calculation of earnings per common share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net (loss) income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders

$13,315

$120,403

$47,361

($62,527)

$155,754

$253,025

$72,265

($115,109)

$118,552

$365,935

($22,660)

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

96,940,000

107,684,000

[1]

110,150,000

[1]

Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,431,000

3,252,000

'

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,371,000

110,936,000

[1]

110,150,000

[1]

Earnings per share - basic (usd per share)

$0.14

$1.27

$0.49

($0.61)

$1.46

$2.37

$0.67

($1.05)

$1.22

$3.40

[1]

($0.21)

[1]

Earnings per share - diluted (usd per share)

$0.13

$1.22

$0.47

($0.61)

$1.40

$2.23

$0.64

($1.05)

$1.18

$3.30

[1]

($0.21)

[1]

Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000

1,900,000

11,400,000

[1]

All 2011 and 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 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Apr. 01, 1998

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

31-May-13

31-May-13

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-13

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

park

Term Loan B

Six Flags Over Georgia (SFOG) and Six Flags Over Texas (SFOT)

Six Flags Over Georgia (SFOG)

Six Flags Over Georgia (SFOG)

Six Flags Over Texas (SFOT)

Six Flags Over Texas (SFOT)

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

$976,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual distributions by general partners to limited partners in partnership parks

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

67,300,000

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29,200,000

'

'

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 (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

Specified multiple for purchase price valuation (in multipliers)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8

'

8.5

'

'

'

Specified price for purchase of partnership parks

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

282,200,000

'

375,600,000

'

'

'

Limited partner interests owned (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30.50%

'

53.10%

'

'

'

Remaining redeemable units (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

69.50%

'

46.90%

'

'

'

Current redemption value for limited partnership units

'

372,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Units purchased in partnership parks (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0.18

'

'

'

'

Units purchased pursuant to annual offer

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accordion feature available for borrowing for future put obligations

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital expenditures incurred on parks

'

19,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated capital expenditures on partnership parks in the next fiscal year

'

18,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

55,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total loans receivable from the partnerships that own partnership parks

'

239,300,000

239,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Leases

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rental expense under the rent agreements

'

6,500,000

6,000,000

5,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total rental expense from continuing operations

'

13,200,000

12,100,000

11,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future minimum obligations under non-cancellable operating leases

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2014

'

6,141,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2015

'

6,055,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2016

'

6,061,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2017

'

5,969,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2018

'

3,735,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2019 and thereafter

'

151,286,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total

'

$179,247,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

50 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 15, 2003

Nov. 15, 2002

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 15, 2003

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 20, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 05, 2007

Feb. 28, 2006

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

ground

Domestic

Domestic

Domestic

Domestic and Canada

Domestic and Canada

Multi-layered general liability policies

Workers' compensation claims

Workers' compensation claims

Information security and privacy liability insurance policy

Information security and privacy liability insurance policy

Personal injury due to altercation

Personal injury due to altercation

Termination of employment

Personal injury

Civil Action Due to SFOT Accident

HWP Guarantee

HWP Guarantee

HWP Guarantee

Tax and other contingencies

Tax and other contingencies

time

individual

claim

Insurance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Excess liability coverage per occurrence

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Self-insured retention per occurrence

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of times additional self-insured retention taken

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional one time self-insured retention

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deductible per occurrence applicable to all claims in the policy year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

750,000

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Insurance value maintained

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of grounds on which defendants moved for summary judgment that United States Patent No. 5,277,125 was invalid

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Litigation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Numbers of individuals who allegedly participated in the altercation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of interim award

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring charge recorded to reflect the full settlement and related costs after consideration of amounts previously accrued

'

0

-47,000

25,086,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Self Insurance Reserve

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

2,500,000

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Percentage Allocated

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

92.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

HWP Guarantee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment guaranteed for construction term loan incurred by HWP

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,200,000

'

'

Refinance of construction term loan with new term loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

33,000,000

'

'

'

Amount of letter of credit as additional security for the loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

Tax and other contingencies

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued tax liabilities and indemnification contingencies

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

400,000

Number of large claims related to parks closed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

Losses from discontinued operations recovered

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$7,300,000

'

Business_Segments_Details

Business Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
									segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	'
Segment Reporting Information, Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Theme park revenues	$154,188	$504,520	$363,701	$87,521	$143,919	$485,143	$374,912	$66,358	$1,109,930	$1,070,332	$1,013,174
Theme park cash expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-625,880	-610,010	-594,047
Aggregate park EBITDA	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	484,050	460,322	419,127
Equity in income of investee - EBITDA	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	5,520	10,027
Corporate expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-40,449	-44,838	-41,911
Stock-based compensation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-27,034	-62,875	-54,261
Other (expense) income, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,234	-612	-73
Loss on disposal of assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-8,579	-8,105	-7,615
Gain on sale of investee	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	67,319	0
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-789	-587	-46,520
Restructure (recovery) costs, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	47	-25,086
Reorganization items, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	180	-2,168	-2,455
Equity in loss of investee - depreciation and other expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-7,742	-13,138
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-128,075	-148,045	-168,999
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-75,044	-47,444	-66,214
Interest income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	899	820	997
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$203,925	$211,612	$3,879

Business_Segments_Details_2

Business Segments (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	park								park
Business segment information by geographical areas	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of parks owned or operated	18	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18	'	'
Long-lived assets	$2,224,044	'	'	'	$2,261,442	'	'	'	$2,224,044	$2,261,442	$2,314,633
Revenues	154,188	504,520	363,701	87,521	143,919	485,143	374,912	66,358	1,109,930	1,070,332	1,013,174
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	203,925	211,612	3,879
Domestic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business segment information by geographical areas	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	2,119,529	'	'	'	2,151,771	'	'	'	2,119,529	2,151,771	2,209,597
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	989,509	956,732	904,453
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	182,736	193,028	-14,478
Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business segment information by geographical areas	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	104,515	'	'	'	109,671	'	'	'	104,515	109,671	105,036
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	120,421	113,600	108,721
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$21,189	$18,584	$18,357
Mexico	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business segment information by geographical areas	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of parks owned or operated	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	'
Canada	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business segment information by geographical areas	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of parks owned or operated	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	'

Restructure_Recovery_Costs_Det

Restructure (Recovery) Costs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Restructure costs	$0	($47,000)	$25,086,000
Accrual for the settlement with former CFO as a restructure costs recovered	'	100,000	'
Cash expenditures related to restructure cost	0	0	31,700,000
Accrued liabilities related to restructure costs	$0	$0	'

Immaterial_Correction_of_an_Er2

Immaterial Correction of an Error (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Balance Sheet

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred income taxes

$145,830

'

'

'

$72,557

'

'

'

$145,830

$72,557

'

'

Total noncurrent liabilities

1,580,098

'

'

'

1,547,921

'

'

'

1,580,098

1,547,921

'

'

Total liabilities

1,796,908

'

'

'

1,729,784

'

'

'

1,796,908

1,729,784

'

'

Retained earnings

-438,825

'

'

'

27,775

'

'

'

-438,825

27,775

'

'

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

-32,697

'

'

'

-49,101

'

'

'

-32,697

-49,101

-49,912

-4,192

Total Six Flags Entertainment Corporation stockholders' equity

373,337

'

'

'

884,732

'

'

'

373,337

884,732

'

'

Total equity

373,337

'

'

'

888,666

'

'

'

373,337

888,666

767,148

868,163

Statement of Operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

47,601

-184,154

-8,065

'

Income from continuing operations before discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

156,324

395,766

11,944

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

156,873

403,039

13,145

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

13,315

120,403

47,361

-62,527

155,754

253,025

72,265

-115,109

118,552

365,935

-22,660

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

118,003

358,662

-23,861

'

Income from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

549

7,273

1,201

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1.21

$3.33

[1]

($0.22)

[1]

'

Income from discontinued operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.01

$0.07

[1]

$0.01

[1]

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

$0.14

$1.27

$0.49

($0.61)

$1.46

$2.37

$0.67

($1.05)

$1.22

$3.40

[1]

($0.21)

[1]

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1.17

$3.23

[1]

($0.22)

[1]

'

Income from discontinued operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.01

$0.07

[1]

$0.01

[1]

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

$0.13

$1.22

$0.47

($0.61)

$1.40

$2.23

$0.64

($1.05)

$1.18

$3.30

[1]

($0.21)

[1]

'

Statement of Comprehensive Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

156,873

403,039

13,145

'

Foreign currency translation adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,341

[2]

4,516

[2]

-9,154

'

Defined benefit retirement plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,427

[3]

-3,204

[3]

-36,566

'

Change in cash flow hedging

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

318

[4]

-501

[4]

0

'

Net other comprehensive income, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,404

811

-45,720

'

Comprehensive income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

173,277

403,850

-32,575

'

Comprehensive income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

134,956

366,746

-68,380

'

Statement of Cash Flows

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

156,873

403,039

13,145

'

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

34,915

-194,167

-14,701

'

As Reported

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance Sheet

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred income taxes

'

'

'

'

65,070

'

'

'

'

65,070

'

'

Total noncurrent liabilities

'

'

'

'

1,540,434

'

'

'

'

1,540,434

'

'

Total liabilities

'

'

'

'

1,722,297

'

'

'

'

1,722,297

'

'

Retained earnings

'

'

'

'

15,849

'

'

'

'

15,849

'

'

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

'

'

'

'

-29,688

'

'

'

'

-29,688

'

'

Total Six Flags Entertainment Corporation stockholders' equity

'

'

'

'

892,219

'

'

'

'

892,219

'

'

Total equity

'

'

'

'

896,153

'

'

'

'

896,153

'

'

Statement of Operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-172,228

'

'

Income from continuing operations before discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

383,840

'

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

391,113

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

354,009

'

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

346,736

'

'

Income from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,273

'

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3.22

[1]

'

'

Income from discontinued operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.07

[1]

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3.29

[1]

'

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3.12

'

'

Income from discontinued operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.07

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3.19

[1]

'

'

Statement of Comprehensive Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

391,113

'

'

Foreign currency translation adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,835

[2]

'

'

Defined benefit retirement plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,890

[3]

'

'

Change in cash flow hedging

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-501

'

'

Net other comprehensive income, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,224

'

'

Comprehensive income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

411,337

'

'

Comprehensive income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

374,233

'

'

Statement of Cash Flows

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

391,113

'

'

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-182,241

'

'

Adjustments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance Sheet

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred income taxes

'

'

'

'

7,487

'

'

'

'

7,487

'

'

Total noncurrent liabilities

'

'

'

'

7,487

'

'

'

'

7,487

'

'

Total liabilities

'

'

'

'

7,487

'

'

'

'

7,487

'

'

Retained earnings

'

'

'

'

11,926

'

'

'

'

11,926

'

'

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

'

'

'

'

-19,413

'

'

'

'

-19,413

'

'

Total Six Flags Entertainment Corporation stockholders' equity

'

'

'

'

-7,487

'

'

'

'

-7,487

'

'

Total equity

'

'

'

'

-7,487

'

'

'

'

-7,487

'

'

Statement of Operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-11,926

'

'

Income from continuing operations before discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,926

'

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,926

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,926

'

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,926

'

'

Income from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.11

[1]

'

'

Income from discontinued operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

[1]

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.11

[1]

'

'

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.11

'

'

Income from discontinued operations attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.11

[1]

'

'

Statement of Comprehensive Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,926

'

'

Foreign currency translation adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,319

[2]

'

'

Defined benefit retirement plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17,094

[3]

'

'

Change in cash flow hedging

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

Net other comprehensive income, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-19,413

'

'

Comprehensive income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,487

'

'

Comprehensive income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,487

'

'

Statement of Cash Flows

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,926

'

'

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($11,926)

'

'

[1]

All 2011 and 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 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

[2]

Foreign currency translation adjustment presented net of tax benefit of $0.7 million and net of tax expense of $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

[3]

Defined benefit retirement plan is presented net of tax expense of $11.5 million and net of tax benefit of $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

[4]

Change in cash flow hedging is reported net of tax expense of $0.2 million and net of tax benefit of $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'
Total revenue	$154,188	$504,520	$363,701	$87,521	$143,919	$485,143	$374,912	$66,358	$1,109,930	$1,070,332		$1,013,174
Net (loss) income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$13,315	$120,403	$47,361	($62,527)	$155,754	$253,025	$72,265	($115,109)	$118,552	$365,935		($22,660)
Net (loss) income per weighted average common share outstanding:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'
Earnings per share - basic (usd per share)	$0.14	$1.27	$0.49	($0.61)	$1.46	$2.37	$0.67	($1.05)	$1.22	$3.40	[1]	($0.21)	[1]
Earnings per share - diluted (usd per share)	$0.13	$1.22	$0.47	($0.61)	$1.40	$2.23	$0.64	($1.05)	$1.18	$3.30	[1]	($0.21)	[1]
[1]	All 2011 and 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 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.