Six Flags Entertainment 10-Q 21 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 17, 2014
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Six Flags Entertainment Corp	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000701374	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	93,615,293

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$164,777	$169,310
Accounts receivable, net	110,336	51,609
Inventories	25,795	22,172
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	53,008	39,006
Deferred income taxes	137,985	71,761
Total current assets	491,901	353,858
Property and equipment, net:	'	'
Property and equipment, at cost	1,796,322	1,716,975
Accumulated depreciation	-557,462	-485,292
Total property and equipment, net	1,238,860	1,231,683
Other assets:	'	'
Debt issuance costs	20,251	23,821
Restricted-use investment securities	2,162	1,823
Deposits and other assets	5,220	4,268
Goodwill	630,248	630,248
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $11,632 and $9,669 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	360,127	362,113
Total other assets	1,018,008	1,022,273
Total assets	2,748,769	2,607,814
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	31,811	24,464
Accrued compensation, payroll taxes and benefits	28,383	29,277
Accrued insurance reserves	48,572	50,771
Accrued interest payable	9,095	19,598
Other accrued liabilities	38,240	25,988
Deferred income	91,031	60,443
Current portion of long-term debt	6,287	6,269
Total current liabilities	253,419	216,810
Noncurrent liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt	1,390,497	1,394,334
Other long-term liabilities	34,195	39,934
Deferred income taxes	265,344	145,830
Total noncurrent liabilities	1,690,036	1,580,098
Total liabilities	1,943,455	1,796,908
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	456,551	437,569
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value	0	0
Common stock, $0.025 par value	2,363	2,371
Capital in excess of par value	940,066	842,488
Accumulated deficit	-558,152	-438,825
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-35,514	-32,697
Total stockholders' equity	348,763	373,337
Total liabilities and equity	$2,748,769	$2,607,814

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets	$11,632	$9,669
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	94,539,261	94,857,347
Common stock, shares outstanding	94,539,261	94,857,347

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Theme park admissions	$305,820	$282,095	$545,958	$523,293
Theme park food, merchandise and other	211,870	203,846	389,609	386,347
Sponsorship, licensing and other fees	18,717	13,589	42,438	32,064
Accommodations revenue	5,436	4,990	14,107	14,038
Total revenues	541,843	504,520	992,112	955,742
Operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	143,881	134,395	352,040	340,926
Selling, general and administrative expenses (including stock-based compensation)	126,662	52,648	221,156	152,587
Costs of products sold	39,730	36,616	77,321	75,541
Depreciation	26,467	27,300	79,007	86,411
Amortization	665	3,598	1,995	10,796
Loss on disposal of assets	1,608	4,325	4,181	6,959
Gain on sale of investee	0	0	-10,031	0
Interest expense	18,533	18,810	54,626	56,240
Interest income	-69	-207	-346	-660
Other (income) expense, net	-6	1,013	-260	1,017
Income before income taxes	184,372	226,022	212,423	225,925
Income tax expense	60,332	86,405	64,272	82,361
Net income	124,040	139,617	148,151	143,564
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-19,006	-19,214	-38,012	-38,327
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	$105,034	$120,403	$110,139	$105,237
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	94,522	95,105	94,900	97,569
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$1.11	$1.27	$1.16	$1.08
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	97,274	98,472	97,885	100,819
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$1.08	$1.22	$1.13	$1.04
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.47	$0.45	$1.41	$1.35

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	$78,168	$7,077	$89,267	$21,496

Condensed_Consolidation_Statem

Condensed Consolidation Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net income	$124,040		$139,617		$148,151		$143,564
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:	'		'		'		'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-2,364	[1]	483	[1]	-2,806	[2]	-458	[2]
Defined benefit retirement plan	0	[3]	-114	[3]	0	[4]	-283	[4]
Change in cash flow hedging	681	[5]	94	[5]	-11	[6]	183	[6]
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	-1,683		463		-2,817		-558
Comprehensive income	122,357		140,080		145,334		143,006
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-19,006		-19,214		-38,012		-38,327
Comprehensive income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	$103,351		$120,866		$107,322		$104,679
[1]	Foreign currency translation adjustment is presented net of tax benefit of $1.2 million and tax expense $0.3 million for the three months ended SeptemberB 30, 2014 and SeptemberB 30, 2013, respectively.
[2]	Foreign currency translation adjustment is presented net of tax benefit of $1.5 million and $0.2 million for the nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2014 and SeptemberB 30, 2013, respectively.
[3]	Defined benefit retirement plan is presented net of tax benefit of $0.1 million for the three months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013.
[4]	Defined benefit retirement plan is presented net of tax benefit of $0.3 million for the nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013.
[5]	Change in cash flow hedging is presented net of tax expense of $0.4 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended SeptemberB 30, 2014 and SeptemberB 30, 2013, respectively.
[6]	Change in cash flow hedging is presented net of a nominal tax benefit for the nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2014 and tax expense of $0.1 million for the nine months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013.

Condensed_Consolidation_Statem1

Condensed Consolidation Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax expense (benefit)	($1.20)	$0.30	($1.50)	($0.20)
Defined benefit retirement plan, tax benefit (expense)	'	0.1	'	0.3
Change in cash flow hedging, tax expense (benefit)	$0.40	$0.10	'	$0.10

Condensed_Consolidation_Statem2

Condensed Consolidation Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Total Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	Common stock	Capital in excess of par value	Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit)	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Non-controlling interests
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	$896,153	$892,219	$1,345	$904,713	$15,849	($29,688)	$3,934
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	'	107,637,524	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock	24,971	24,971	55	24,916	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	'	'	2,347,359	'	'	'	'
Forfeiture of restricted stock units	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Forfeiture of restricted stock units (in shares)	'	'	-9,720	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	21,496	21,496	0	21,496	0	0	0
Dividends declared to common shareholders	-131,187	-131,187	0	0	-131,187	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	-503,649	-503,649	-222	-109,998	-393,429	0	0
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	'	'	-14,968,486	'	'	'	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Split	0	0	1,197	-1,197	0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	568	568	1	567	0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	'	'	20,311	'	'	'	'
Fresh start valuation adjustment for SFOT units purchased	84	193	0	0	193	0	-109
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	-9,464	-4,834	0	-4,834	0	0	-4,630
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	105,237	105,237	0	0	105,237	0	0
Net other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-558	-558	0	0	0	-558	0
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Other Noncontrolling Interests, Nonredeemable	875	0	0	0	0	0	875
Balances at Sep. 30, 2013	404,526	404,456	2,376	835,663	-403,337	-30,246	70
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	'	'	95,026,988	'	'	'	'
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	373,337	'	2,371	842,488	-438,825	-32,697	'
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	'	94,857,347	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock	30,507	'	68	30,439	0	0	'
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	'	'	2,752,365	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	89,267	'	0	89,267	0	0	'
Dividends declared to common shareholders	-133,712	'	0	0	-133,712	0	'
Repurchase of common stock	-118,592	'	-77	-22,756	-95,759	0	'
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	'	'	-3,089,434	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	629	'	1	628	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	'	'	18,983	'	'	'	'
Fresh start valuation adjustment for SFOT units purchased	5	'	'	'	5	'	'
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	110,139	'	0	0	110,139	0	'
Net other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-2,817	'	0	0	0	-2,817	'
Balances at Sep. 30, 2014	$348,763	'	$2,363	$940,066	($558,152)	($35,514)	'
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	'	'	94,539,261	'	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidation_Statem3

Condensed Consolidation Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$148,151	$143,564
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities before reorganization activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	81,002	97,207
Stock-based compensation	89,267	21,496
Interest accretion on notes payable	913	934
Reorganization items, net	0	-180
Amortization of debt issuance costs	3,559	3,206
Other, including loss on disposal of assets	-6,254	8,425
Increase in accounts receivable	-58,919	-64,981
Increase in inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets	-18,190	-7,822
(Increase) decrease in deposits and other assets	-953	316
Increase in accounts payable, deferred income, accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities	45,846	33,039
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable	-10,503	6,690
Deferred income taxes	55,336	63,429
Net cash provided by operating activities before reorganization activities	329,255	305,323
Cash flows from reorganization activities:	'	'
Net cash used in reorganization activities	0	-332
Net cash provided by operating activities	329,255	304,991
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-95,868	-89,182
Property insurance recoveries	448	0
Purchase of identifiable intangible assets	-49	-75
Purchase of restricted-use investments, net	-339	-309
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments	10,031	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	284	108
Net cash used in investing activities	-85,493	-89,458
Cash flow from financing activities:	'	'
Repayment of borrowings	-4,732	-4,709
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	-264
Payment of cash dividends	-135,775	-131,443
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	31,136	25,539
Stock repurchases	-118,592	-503,649
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	0	-9,464
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interests	-19	-288
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-19,006	-18,725
Net cash used in financing activities	-246,988	-643,003
Effect of exchange rate on cash	-1,307	-776
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-4,533	-428,246
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	169,310	629,208
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	164,777	200,962
Supplemental cash flow information	'	'
Interest Paid	60,658	45,411
Income Taxes Paid	$12,628	$11,447

General_Basis_of_Presentation

General - Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
General - Basis of Presentation	'
	General — Basis of Presentation
	We own and operate regional theme, water and zoological parks and are the largest regional theme park operator in the world. Of the 18 parks we currently own or operate, 16 parks are located in the United States, one is located in Mexico City, Mexico and one is located in Montreal, Canada. We are also involved in the development of Six Flags-branded theme parks outside of North America.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed, or omitted, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
	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 "2011 Stock Split" and "2013 Stock Split", respectively). 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 unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 2011 Stock Split and the 2013 Stock Split.
	"Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contains a discussion of our results of operations and our financial position and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes. The 2013 Annual Report includes additional information about us, our operations and our financial position, and should be referred to in conjunction with this Quarterly Report. The information furnished in this Quarterly Report reflects all normal and recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present a fair statement of the results for the periods presented.
	Results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not indicative of the results expected for the full year. In particular, our park operations contribute a substantial majority of their annual revenue during the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year, while expenses are incurred year round.
	a.	Consolidated U.S. GAAP Presentation
	Our accounting policies reflect industry practices and conform to U.S. GAAP.
	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. We also consolidate the partnerships that own Six Flags Over Texas ("SFOT") and Six Flags Over Georgia (including Six Flags White Water Atlanta) ("SFOG", and together with SFOT, the "Partnership Parks") as subsidiaries in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, as we have determined that we have the power to direct the activities of those entities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance and we have the obligation to absorb losses and receive benefits from the entities that can be potentially significant to these entities. The equity interests owned by non-affiliated parties in the Partnership Parks are reflected in the accompanying condensed 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 owned an approximate 49% interest in this joint venture and consolidated HWP as a subsidiary as we had the power to direct the activities that most significantly impacted HWP's economic performance and we had the obligation to absorb losses and receive benefits from HWP that could have been significant to HWP. The portion of earnings or loss attributable to non-affiliated parties in the Partnership Parks and HWP is reflected as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. See Note 7 for further discussion.
	b.	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 $194.3 million and $190.3 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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. Our projected taxable income over the foreseeable future gives us comfort that we will be able to utilize all of our federal net operating loss carryforwards before they expire.
	In determining the effective tax rate for interim periods, we consider the expected changes in our valuation allowance from current year originating or reversing timing differences between financial accounting and tax purposes and the taxable income or loss expected for the current year. For interim periods, we also account for the tax effect of significant non-recurring items in the period in which they occur as well as changes in the valuation allowance relating to a change in the assessment of the probability of utilization of the deferred income tax assets.
	Our liability for income taxes is finalized as auditable tax years pass their respective statutes of limitations in the various jurisdictions in which we are subject to tax. However, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had no accrued interest and penalties liability.
	We do not reinvest foreign earnings, therefore United States deferred income taxes have been provided on unremitted foreign earnings.
	c.	Long-Lived Assets
	We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or group of assets. If such assets are not considered to be fully recoverable, any impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
	d.	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	We account for derivatives and hedging activities in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. This accounting guidance establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. It requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as a hedge for accounting purposes. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (e.g., gains and losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.
	We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and our strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to forecasted transactions. We also assess, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.
	Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until operations are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item, at which point they are reclassified to interest expense. Changes in fair value of a derivative that is not designated as a hedge are recorded in other income (expense), net in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations on a current basis.
	In March 2012, we entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate agreement (the "Interest Rate Cap Agreement") that we designated and documented as a cash flow hedge. The term of the Interest Rate Cap Agreement expired in March 2014 and no unrealized losses remain to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to operations.
	In April 2014, we entered into three separate interest rate swap agreements (collectively, the "Interest Rate Swap Agreements") that we designated and documented as cash flow hedges. The Interest Rate Swap Agreements expire in December 2017. See Note 2 for further discussion.
	e.	Earnings Per Common Share
	Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Holdings' common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income 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 for which 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.
	The computation of diluted earnings per share included the effect of 2,752,000 and 3,367,000 dilutive stock options and restricted shares and excluded the effect of 1,858,000 and 1,193,000 antidilutive stock options for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively. The computation of diluted earnings per share included the effect of 2,985,000 and 3,250,000 dilutive stock options and restricted shares and excluded the effect of 1,784,000 and 1,205,000 antidilutive stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively. Earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was calculated as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)	September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	$	105,034		$	120,403		$	110,139		$	105,237
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — basic:	94,522			95,105			94,900			97,569
	Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted shares	2,752			3,367			2,985			3,250
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — diluted:	97,274			98,472			97,885			100,819
	Earnings per share — basic:	$	1.11		$	1.27		$	1.16		$	1.08
	Earnings per share — diluted:	$	1.08		$	1.22		$	1.13		$	1.04
	f.	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, the "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 three months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, stock-based compensation expense related to the Long-Term Incentive Plan was $78.1 million and $7.0 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, stock-based compensation expense related to the Long-Term Incentive Plan was $89.0 million and $21.3 million, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2014, options to purchase approximately 7,136,000 shares of common stock of Holdings and approximately 37,000 shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units were outstanding under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and approximately 3,181,000 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 United States Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term assumption at the time of grant. The simplified method was used to calculate the expected term (estimated period of time outstanding) because our historical data from our pre-confirmation equity grants is not representative or sufficient to be used to develop an expected term assumption. Expected volatility of options granted prior to 2013 was based on the historical volatility of similar companies' common stock for a period equal to the stock option's expected term, calculated on a daily basis. Expected volatility of options granted in 2013 and 2014 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.
	The following weighted-average assumptions were utilized in the Black-Scholes model to value the stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2014		September 30, 2013
	Risk-free interest rate	1.96	%	1.87	%
	Expected term (in years)	6.25		6.25
	Expected volatility	38.78	%	39.03	%
	Expected dividend yield	4.84	%	5.12	%
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
	(Share and Aggregate Intrinsic Value amounts in thousands)	Shares		Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
				Avg.			Avg.		Intrinsic Value
				Exercise			Remaining		($)
				Price ($)			Contractual
							Term
	Balance at December 31, 2013	7,910		$	18.9
	Granted	1,673		$	37.98
	Exercised	(2,371	)	$	12.87
	Canceled or exchanged	—		$	—
	Forfeited	(76	)	$	25.77
	Expired	—		$	—
	Balance at September 30, 2014	7,136		$	25.3		7.87		$	71,054
	Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014	6,952		$	25.09		7.84		$	70,541
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2014	2,890		$	16.81		6.74		$	50,847
The weighted average grant date fair value of the options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $8.90 and $7.78, respectively.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $59.6 million and $49.2 million, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $19.3 million and $17.5 million, respectively.
As of September 30, 2014, there was $21.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to option awards. The weighted average period over which that cost is expected to be recognized is 3.25 years.
Cash received from the exercise of stock options during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $30.5 million and $25.0 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, a performance award was established based on our goal to achieve Modified EBITDA of $500 million by 2015 (the "2015 Performance Award"). If the target is achieved in 2015, an aggregate of 2,575,000 shares would be issued to certain key employees, as adjusted for the 2013 Stock Split; however, this amount could be more or less depending on the level of achievement and the timing thereof. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, it was determined that achievement of the Modified EBITDA performance target is probable by 2015. As such, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Stock Compensation, we have accrued $60.8 million, plus an additional $11.8 million for the associated dividend equivalent rights ("DERs"), for stock-based compensation expense related to the 2015 Performance Award as of September 30, 2014. Based on the closing market price of Holdings' common stock on the last trading day of the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to the 2015 Performance Award was $27.7 million, plus the remaining expense for the associated DERs, which will be approximately $8.0 million, that will be expensed over the remaining service period.
The following table summarizes stock, restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
(Share amounts in thousands)	Shares		Weighted Average
			Grant Date
			Fair Value ($)
Non-vested balance at December 31, 2013	351		$	10.84
Granted	18		$	41.14
Vested	(332	)	$	11.07
Forfeited	—		$	—
Canceled	—		$	—
Non-vested balance at September 30, 2014	37		$	23.68
The weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock awards granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $41.14 and $38.26, respectively.
The total grant date fair value of the stock awards granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $0.7 million for both periods. The total fair value of stock awards that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $10.0 million and $3.4 million, respectively.
Excluding the unrecognized compensation expense related to the 2015 Performance Award discussed above, there was $0.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock, restricted stock, and restricted stock units as of September 30, 2014 that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.60 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 Holdings' obligation to issue one share of common stock. The shares are delivered approximately thirty days following the cessation of the non-employee director's service as a director of Holdings.
DSUs vest consistent with the manner in which non-employee directors' cash retainers are paid. The fair value of the DSUs on the date of grant is expensed on a straight line basis over the requisite service period.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, approximately 3,000 DSUs were granted at a weighted-average grant date fair value of $41.14 and $38.26 per DSU, respectively. The total grant date fair value of DSUs granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $0.1 million.
As of September 30, 2014, there was a nominal amount of unrecognized compensation expense related to the outstanding DSUs.
Dividend Equivalent Rights
On February 8, 2012, Holdings' Board of Directors granted DERs to holders of unvested stock options, at which time, approximately 10.0 million unvested stock options were outstanding. As stockholders are paid cash dividends, the DERs accrue dividends, which will be distributed to stock option holders upon the vesting of their stock option award. Holdings will distribute the accumulated accrued dividends pursuant to the DERs in either cash or shares of common stock. Generally, holders of stock options for fewer than 1,000 shares of stock will receive their accumulated accrued dividends in cash and 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 2015 Performance Award. 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. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Holdings' Board of Directors granted approximately 1.7 million additional options to the majority of the full-time employees of the Company as well as DERs in connection with such options.
Exclusive of stock-based compensation recognized for the DER grants associated with the 2015 Performance Award discussed above, we recorded stock-based compensation for DER grants of $1.7 million and $4.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. We recorded $1.9 million and $6.0 million of stock-based compensation for DER grants during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
All of the foregoing share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") allows eligible employees to purchase Holdings' common stock at 90% of the lower of the market value of the common stock at the beginning or end of each successive six-month offering period. Amounts accumulated through participants' payroll deductions ("purchase rights") are used to purchase shares of common stock at the end of each purchase period. Pursuant to the ESPP, no more than 2,000,000 shares of common stock of Holdings may be issued. Holdings' common stock may be issued by either authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares purchased on the open market. As of September 30, 2014, we had 1,864,000 shares available for purchase pursuant to the ESPP. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Stock Based Compensation, stock-based compensation related to purchase rights is recognized based on the intrinsic value of each respective six-month ESPP offering period.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, stock-based compensation expense consisted of the following:
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
Long-Term Incentive Plan	$	78,118		$	7,030		$	89,038		$	21,302
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	50			47			229			194
Total Stock-Based Compensation	$	78,168		$	7,077		$	89,267		$	21,496
g.	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 unaudited condensed 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 any time thereafter pursuant to the terms of the membership program. 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, memberships in the initial twelve-month term 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. Amounts received for multi-use admissions in excess of redemptions are recognized in deferred income. For active memberships after the initial twelve-month term, we recognize revenue monthly as payments are received. As of September 30, 2014, deferred income was primarily comprised of (i) unredeemed 2014 season pass revenue, (ii) advance sales of season pass and other admissions for the 2015 operating season, (iii) pre-sold single-day admissions revenue for the current operating season, (iv) unredeemed portions of the membership program that will be recognized in 2014 and 2015 and (iv) sponsorship revenue that will be recognized in 2014.
During 2014, we entered into two agreements to assist third parties in the planning, design, development and operation of Six Flags-branded theme parks outside of North America. Pursuant to these agreements, we agreed to provide exclusivity, brand licensing, and other services to assist in the design, development, and project management of Six Flags-branded theme parks, as well as initial and ongoing management services. Each significant deliverable qualifies as a separate unit of accounting. We recognize revenue under these agreements over the relevant service period of each unit of accounting based on its relative selling price, as determined by our best estimate of selling price. Our best estimate of selling price is established consistent with our overall pricing strategy and includes, but is not limited to, consideration of current market conditions, various risk factors and our required return and profit objectives. We review the service period of each unit of accounting regularly and on an ongoing basis and revise it as necessary throughout the year. Revisions to the relevant service periods of the units of accounting may result in revisions to revenue in future periods and are recognized in the period in which the change is identified.
h.	Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable are reported at net realizable value and consist primarily of amounts due from guests for the sale of group outings and 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the allowance for doubtful accounts and the related bad debt expense were primarily comprised of estimated defaults under deferred season pass payment and membership plans.
i.	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). The amendments in ASU 2014-09 provide for a single, principles-based model for revenue recognition that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016 and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. It permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and early adoption is not permitted. We have not yet selected a transition method and are in the process of evaluating the effect this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	In March 2012, we entered into the Interest Rate Cap Agreement with a notional amount of $470.0 million in order to limit exposure to an increase in the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") interest rate of the Term Loan B (see Note 4). Our Term Loan B borrowings bear interest based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The Interest Rate Cap Agreement capped the LIBOR component of the interest rate at 1.00%. Upon execution, we designated and documented the Interest Rate Cap Agreement as a cash flow hedge. The term of the Interest Rate Cap Agreement began in March 2012 and expired in March 2014.
	In April 2014, we entered into the Interest Rate Swap Agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $200.0 million to mitigate the risk of an increase in the LIBOR interest rate above the 0.75% minimum LIBOR rate in effect on the Term Loan B. The term of the Interest Rate Swap Agreements began in June 2014 and expires in December 2017. Upon execution, we designated and documented the Interest Rate Swap Agreements as cash flow hedges.
	By utilizing a derivative instrument to hedge our exposure to LIBOR rate changes, we are exposed to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. To mitigate this risk, the hedging instrument was placed with counterparties that we believe pose minimal credit risk. Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a financial instrument that results from a change in interest rates, commodity prices, or currency exchange rates. The market risk associated with the Interest Rate Swap Agreements is managed by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken. We hold and issue derivative instruments for risk management purposes only and do not utilize derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.
	We record derivative instruments at fair value on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets with the effective portion of all cash flow designated derivatives deferred in other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion, if any, recognized immediately in earnings. Our derivatives are measured on a recurring basis using Level 2 inputs. The fair value measurements of our derivatives are based on market prices that generally are observable for similar assets or liabilities at commonly quoted intervals. Derivative assets and derivative liabilities that have maturity dates equal to or less than twelve months from the balance sheet date are included in prepaid and other current assets and other accrued liabilities, respectively. Derivative assets and derivative liabilities that have maturity dates greater than twelve months from the balance sheet date are included in deposits and other assets and other long-term liabilities, respectively.
	Derivative instruments recorded at fair value in our unaudited and audited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, consisted of the following:
		Derivative Assets						Derivative Liabilities
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements - Current	$	—		$	—		$	1,331		$	—
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements - Noncurrent	1,013			—			—			—
		$	1,013		$	—		$	1,331		$	—
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we held no derivatives not designated as hedging instruments.
	Effective changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") on the condensed consolidated balance sheet when in qualifying relationships and are reclassified to interest expense when the forecasted transaction takes place. Ineffective changes, if any, and changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are recorded directly in interest expense and other (income) expense, net, respectively.
	Gains and losses, net of tax, on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges included in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 were as follows:
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013
		Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI						Loss Reclassified from						Loss Recognized in
		(Effective Portion)						AOCI into Operations						Operations on Derivatives
								(Effective Portion)						(Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014		2013
	Interest Rate Cap Agreement	$	—		$	(5	)	$	—		$	(161	)	$	—	$	—
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements	974			—			(148		)	—			—		—
	Total	$	974		$	(5	)	$	(148	)	$	(161	)	$	—	$	—
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013
		Loss Recognized in AOCI						Loss Reclassified from						Loss Recognized in
		(Effective Portion)						AOCI into Operations						Operations on Derivatives
								(Effective Portion)						(Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014		2013
	Interest Rate Cap Agreement	$	—		$	(30	)	$	(301	)	$	(331	)	$	—	$	(1	)
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements	(466		)	—			(148		)	—			—		—
	Total	$	(466	)	$	(30	)	$	(449	)	$	(331	)	$	—	$	(1	)
	As of September 30, 2014, approximately $1.7 million of unrealized losses associated with our Interest Rate Swap Agreements are expected to be reclassified from AOCI to operations during the next twelve months. Transactions and events expected to occur over the next twelve months that will necessitate reclassifying these unrealized losses to operations are the periodic interest payments that are required to be made on the Term Loan B. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, a nominal amount of hedge ineffectiveness was recorded for the Interest Rate Swap Agreements.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The following table and accompanying information present the estimated fair values and classifications of our financial instruments in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		As of
		30-Sep-14						31-Dec-13
	(Amounts in thousands)	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
	Financial assets (liabilities):
	Restricted-use investment securities	$	2,162		$	2,162		$	1,823		$	1,823
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements assets	1,013			1,013			—			—
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements liabilities	(1,331		)	(1,331		)	—			—
	Long-term debt (including current portion)	(1,396,784		)	(1,375,422		)	(1,400,603		)	(1,384,603		)
	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 measurement of the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities is based on market prices that generally are observable for similar assets and liabilities at commonly quoted intervals and is considered a Level 2 fair value measurement. Derivative assets and liabilities that have maturity dates equal to or less than twelve months from the balance sheet date are included in prepaid and other current assets and other accrued liabilities, respectively. Derivative assets and liabilities that have maturity dates greater than twelve months from the balance sheet date are included in deposits and other assets and other long-term liabilities, respectively. See Note 2 for additional information on our derivative instruments and related Company policies.
	•	The measurement of the fair value of long-term debt is based on market prices that generally are observable for similar liabilities at commonly quoted intervals and is considered a Level 2 fair value measurement.

LongTerm_Indebtedness

Long-Term Indebtedness	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 the senior secured leverage ratios of Six Flags Theme Park Inc. ("SFTP") as set forth in the credit agreement.
	On December 21, 2012, we entered into an amendment to the 2011 Credit Facility (the "2012 Credit Facility Amendment") that among other things, permitted us to (i) issue $800.0 million of senior unsecured notes (see 2021 Notes below), (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.
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, no advances under the Revolving Loan were outstanding (excluding amounts reserved for letters of credit in the amount of $20.8 million and $18.8 million, respectively). Interest on the Revolving Loan accrues at an annual rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin with an unused commitment fee based on our senior secured leverage ratio. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Revolving Loan unused commitment fee was 0.375%. The principal amount of the Revolving Loan is due and payable on December 20, 2016.
	The Term Loan A was fully repaid in 2012. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $572.0 million and $576.4 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 secured leverage ratio. In March 2012, we entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate agreement to limit exposure to an increase in the LIBOR interest rate on $470.0 million of the Term Loan B. The Interest Rate Cap Agreement capped the LIBOR component of the interest rate at 1.00%. The term of the Interest Rate Cap Agreement expired in March 2014. In April 2014, we entered into the Interest Rate Swap Agreements with a notional amount of $200.0 million to mitigate the risk of an increase in the LIBOR interest rate above the 0.75% minimum LIBOR rate in effect on the Term Loan B. See Note 2 for further discussion. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the applicable interest rate on the Term Loan B was 3.50%. 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, Six Flags Operations Inc. 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.
	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 $2.2 million and $1.8 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and will make additional monthly deposits to cover annual amounts owed for insurance, taxes and furniture, fixture and equipment purchases.
	Long-Term Indebtedness Summary
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, long-term debt consisted of the following:
		As of
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Term Loan B	$	571,999		$	576,366
	2021 Notes	800,000			800,000
	HWP Refinance Loan	30,308			30,673
	Net discount	(5,523		)	(6,436		)
	Long-term debt	1,396,784			1,400,603
	Less current portion	(6,287		)	(6,269		)
	Total long-term debt	$	1,390,497		$	1,394,334

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following table provides the changes in the composition of AOCI during the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
	(Amounts in thousands)	Cumulative				Cash Flow				Defined Benefit				Income				Accumulated
		Translation				Hedges				Plans				Taxes				Other
		Adjustment																Comprehensive
																		Income (Loss)
	Balances at December 31, 2013	$	(1,710	)		$	(301	)		$	(19,705	)		$	(10,981	)		$	(32,697	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—				449				—				(176		)		273
	Current period other comprehensive income (loss) activity	(4,338		)		(466		)		—				1,714				(3,090		)
	Balances at September 30, 2014	$	(6,048	)		$	(318	)		$	(19,705	)		$	(9,443	)		$	(35,514	)
	The Company had the following reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013:
			Location of Reclassification into Income		Amount of Reclassification from AOCI
					Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	Component of AOCI				September 30, 2014				September 30, 2013				September 30, 2014				September 30, 2013
					(Amounts in thousands)
	Amortization of loss on interest rate hedge		Interest expense		$	(148	)		$	(161	)		$	(449	)		$	(331	)
			Income tax expense		58				64				176				131
			Net of tax		$	(90	)		$	(97	)		$	(273	)		$	(200	)
	Amortization of deferred actuarial loss and prior service cost		Operating expenses		$	—			$	187			$	—			$	575
			Income tax expense		—				(75		)		—				(228		)
			Net of tax		$	—			$	112			$	—			$	347
	Total reclassifications				$	(90	)		$	15			$	(273	)		$	147

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Partnership Parks
	On April 1, 1998, we acquired all of the capital stock of the former Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (a corporation that has been merged out of existence and that has always been a separate corporation from Holdings, "Former SFEC") for $976.0 million, paid in cash. In addition to our obligations under outstanding indebtedness and other securities issued or assumed in the Former SFEC acquisition, we also guaranteed 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 September 30, 2014, 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 September 30, 2014 is $282.2 million in the case of SFOG and $375.6 million in the case of SFOT. As of September 30, 2014, 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 a current 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. 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. Pursuant to the 2014 annual offer, we did not purchase any units from the Georgia partnership and we purchased 0.0125 units from the Texas partnership for approximately $19,000 in May 2014. As we purchase additional units, we are entitled to a proportionate increase in our share of the minimum annual distributions. The maximum unit purchase obligations for 2014 at both parks aggregated approximately $372.5 million, representing approximately 69.5% of the outstanding units of SFOG and 46.9% of the outstanding units of SFOT. The $300.0 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 $21.4 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 Partnership Parks 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 Holdings. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 in prior years.
	Insurance
	We maintain insurance of the types and in amounts that we believe are commercially reasonable and that are available to businesses in our industry. We maintain multi-layered general liability policies that provide for excess liability coverage of up to $100.0 million per occurrence. For incidents arising after November 15, 2003 but prior to December 31, 2008, our self-insured retention is $2.5 million per occurrence ($2.0 million per occurrence for the twelve months ended November 15, 2003 and $1.0 million per occurrence for the twelve months ended November 15, 2002) for our domestic parks and a nominal amount per occurrence for our international parks. 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. 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.
	Generally, we enter into our insurance policies on an annual basis and 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.
	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 Holdings, 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. remained 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 July 24, 2014, the District Court entered an order adopting the Magistrate Judge’s recommendations in full. On August 27, 2014, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
	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 $35.0 million. The jury allocated 92% of the verdict against Six Flags and the judgment was entered on February 11, 2014. A notice of appeal was filed on September 19, 2014, which our insurers are pursuing on Six Flags' and the insurers' behalf, and on October 2, 2014, the plaintiff filed a notice of cross appeal. We have paid the full amount of our $2.5 million self-insurance retention to our insurers.
	On June 27, 2012, Wishtoyo Foundation and its Ventura Coastkeeper program, Los Angeles Coastkeeper d/b/a Santa Monica Baykeeper, and Friends of the Santa Clara River, all non-profit corporations, filed a complaint against Holdings, SFTP and Magic Mountain LLC in the United States District Court for the Central District of California seeking declaratory and injunctive relief and civil penalties under, among others, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (more commonly known as the Clean Water Act). The plaintiffs allege that Six Flags Magic Mountain discharged water in violation of its water discharge permits into the Santa Clara River. Holdings is no longer a defendant in this litigation, which is scheduled to go to trial in January 2015. While we believe it is possible that we could incur a liability by reason of this action, it is premature to assess the likelihood of any impact that this litigation may have on our financial position. Accordingly, our condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any costs or liabilities related to this litigation as the probability of the outcome is currently not determinable and the loss is not estimable.
	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, a fatal accident occurred on a ride at our park in Arlington, Texas. 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. On February 14, 2014, we filed a cross action against Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, GmbH seeking statutory indemnity. On March 5, 2014, Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, GMBH filed an answer to our cross-action denying liability and asserting certain affirmative defenses. On March 7, 2014, Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, GMBH filed a cross-action against us for negligence and sought 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.
	Tax and Other Contingencies
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had accrued liabilities for tax and other indemnification contingencies of $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, related to certain parks sold in previous years that could be recognized as recovery of losses from discontinued operations in the future if such liabilities are not requested to be paid.

Noncontrolling_Interests_Partn

Noncontrolling Interests, Partnerships and Joint Ventures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Noncontrolling Interests, Partnerships and Joint Ventures	'
	Noncontrolling Interests, Partnerships and Joint Ventures
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests represent the non-affiliated parties' share of the assets of the Partnership Parks that are less than wholly-owned: SFOT, SFOG and 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 the Partnership Parks:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	437,569
	Purchase of redeemable units	(19		)
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased units	(5		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	38,012
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(19,006		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	456,551
	See Note 6 for a description of the partnership arrangements applicable to the Partnership Parks, the accounts of which are included in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The redemption value of the partnership units as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was approximately $372.5 million.
	Noncontrolling Interests
	Noncontrolling interests represented the non-affiliated parties' share of the assets of HWP. On September 30, 2013, we acquired the noncontrolling 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. For periods prior to the acquisition, the non-affiliated parties' share of the net income of HWP is recorded in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	Other
	During the third quarter of 2012, our interest in dick clark productions, inc. ("DCP") was sold to a third party. In connection with this sale, a portion of the proceeds remained in escrow pending the resolution of certain items. Due to the contingent nature of the amounts that remained in escrow, we did not record a receivable for the additional proceeds and these amounts were not included in our calculation of the gain we recognized upon the sale of DCP during 2012. In June 2014, all of these items were favorably resolved and, as such, we received $10.0 million of additional proceeds and recognized the incremental gain on the sale of DCP.

Business_Segments

Business Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Business Segments	'
	Business Segments
	We manage our operations on an individual park location basis, including operations from parks owned, managed and branded. 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). Primarily 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 Park EBITDA 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.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
	Theme park revenues	$	541,843		$	504,520		$	992,112		$	955,742
	Theme park cash expenses	(217,782		)	(206,931		)	(525,986		)	(516,399		)
	Aggregate park EBITDA	324,061			297,589			466,126			439,343
	Corporate expenses	(14,323		)	(9,651		)	(35,264		)	(31,159		)
	Stock-based compensation	(78,168		)	(7,077		)	(89,267		)	(21,496		)
	Other income (expense), net	6			(1,013		)	260			(1,017		)
	Loss on disposal of assets	(1,608		)	(4,325		)	(4,181		)	(6,959		)
	Gain on sale of investee	—			—			10,031			—
	Depreciation and amortization	(27,132		)	(30,898		)	(81,002		)	(97,207		)
	Interest expense	(18,533		)	(18,810		)	(54,626		)	(56,240		)
	Interest income	69			207			346			660
	Income before income taxes	$	184,372		$	226,022		$	212,423		$	225,925
	All of our owned or managed parks are located in the United States with the exception of one park in Mexico City, Mexico and one park in Montreal, Canada. We also have revenue and expenses related to the development of Six Flags-branded theme parks outside of North America. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013:
		Domestic			Foreign			Total
	2014	(Amounts in thousands)
	Long-lived assets	$	2,128,917		$	100,318		$	2,229,235
	Revenues	905,105			87,007			992,112
	Income before income taxes	191,212			21,211			212,423
	2013
	Long-lived assets	$	2,135,482		$	105,737		$	2,241,219
	Revenues	865,541			90,201			955,742
	Income before income taxes	205,643			20,282			225,925

Pension_Benefits

Pension Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension Benefits	'
	Pension Benefits
	We froze our pension plan effective March 31, 2006, pursuant to which most participants no longer earned future pension benefits. Effective February 16, 2009, the remaining participants in the pension plan no longer earned future benefits. The following summarizes our pension costs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2014				September 30, 2013				September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
	Service cost	$	400			$	303			$	1,200		$	895
	Interest cost	2,404				2,202				7,282			6,634
	Expected return on plan assets	(3,186		)		(3,063		)		(9,565		)	(9,195		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	—				187				—			575
	Total net periodic benefit	$	(382	)		$	(371	)		$	(1,083	)	$	(1,091	)
	Weighted-Average Assumptions Used To Determine Net Cost
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
	Discount rate	4.75	%		3.85	%		4.75	%		3.85	%
	Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
	Expected return on plan assets	7.25	%		7.5	%		7.25	%		7.5	%
	Employer Contributions
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, we made pension contributions of $4.5 million.

Stock_Repurchase_Plans

Stock Repurchase Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock Repurchase Plans	'
Stock Repurchase Plans	'
	Stock Repurchase Plans
	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 "January 2012 Stock Repurchase Plan"). Under the January 2012 Stock Repurchase Plan, during the twelve months 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 January 2012 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 "December 2012 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 December 2012 Stock Repurchase Plan.
	On November 20, 2013, Holdings announced that its Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program that permits Holdings to repurchase up to $500.0 million in shares of Holdings' common stock over a four-year period (the "November 2013 Stock Repurchase Plan"). As of October 17, 2014, Holdings had repurchased 4,185,000 shares at a cumulative price of approximately $156.6 million and an average price per share of $37.42 under the November 2013 Stock Repurchase Plan, leaving approximately $343.4 million for permitted repurchases.
	All of the foregoing share and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split.
	The timing of share repurchases is limited by the covenants in the 2011 Credit Facility, as amended, and the 2021 Notes. We will continue to evaluate the share repurchase limits per the covenants on an on-going basis to determine our ability to utilize the remaining amount authorized for share repurchases. See Note 4 for further discussion.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	Subsequent Events
	On October 21, 2014, we announced that Holdings' Board of Directors approved an increase in our ongoing quarterly cash dividend from $0.47 per share of common stock to $0.52 per share of common stock. The fourth quarter 2014 dividend will be payable December 8, 2014 to shareholders of record as of November 25, 2014.
	On October 21, 2014, we established a performance award based on our new long-term aspirational goal of achieving $600 million of Modified EBITDA by the year 2017 (the "2017 Performance Award") upon which an aggregate of 2,400,000 shares of common stock, along with dividend equivalent rights equal in number to the number of shares granted, would be issued to certain key employees. The number and timing of any issuances of common stock under the 2017 Performance Award will depend on progress toward the $600 million Modified EBITDA target and the timing thereof.

General_Basis_of_Presentation_

General - Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Consolidated U.S. GAAP Presentation	'
	Consolidated U.S. GAAP Presentation
	Our accounting policies reflect industry practices and conform to U.S. GAAP.
	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. We also consolidate the partnerships that own Six Flags Over Texas ("SFOT") and Six Flags Over Georgia (including Six Flags White Water Atlanta) ("SFOG", and together with SFOT, the "Partnership Parks") as subsidiaries in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, as we have determined that we have the power to direct the activities of those entities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance and we have the obligation to absorb losses and receive benefits from the entities that can be potentially significant to these entities. The equity interests owned by non-affiliated parties in the Partnership Parks are reflected in the accompanying condensed 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 owned an approximate 49% interest in this joint venture and consolidated HWP as a subsidiary as we had the power to direct the activities that most significantly impacted HWP's economic performance and we had the obligation to absorb losses and receive benefits from HWP that could have been significant to HWP. The portion of earnings or loss attributable to non-affiliated parties in the Partnership Parks and HWP is reflected as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. See Note 7 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 $194.3 million and $190.3 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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. Our projected taxable income over the foreseeable future gives us comfort that we will be able to utilize all of our federal net operating loss carryforwards before they expire.
	In determining the effective tax rate for interim periods, we consider the expected changes in our valuation allowance from current year originating or reversing timing differences between financial accounting and tax purposes and the taxable income or loss expected for the current year. For interim periods, we also account for the tax effect of significant non-recurring items in the period in which they occur as well as changes in the valuation allowance relating to a change in the assessment of the probability of utilization of the deferred income tax assets.
	Our liability for income taxes is finalized as auditable tax years pass their respective statutes of limitations in the various jurisdictions in which we are subject to tax. However, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had no accrued interest and penalties liability.
	We do not reinvest foreign earnings, therefore United States deferred income taxes have been provided on unremitted foreign earnings.
Long-Lived Assets	'
	Long-Lived Assets
	We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or group of assets. If such assets are not considered to be fully recoverable, any impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	We account for derivatives and hedging activities in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. This accounting guidance establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. It requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as a hedge for accounting purposes. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (e.g., gains and losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.
	We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and our strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to forecasted transactions. We also assess, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.
	Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until operations are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item, at which point they are reclassified to interest expense. Changes in fair value of a derivative that is not designated as a hedge are recorded in other income (expense), net in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations on a current basis.
	In March 2012, we entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate agreement (the "Interest Rate Cap Agreement") that we designated and documented as a cash flow hedge. The term of the Interest Rate Cap Agreement expired in March 2014 and no unrealized losses remain to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to operations.
	In April 2014, we entered into three separate interest rate swap agreements (collectively, the "Interest Rate Swap Agreements") that we designated and documented as cash flow hedges. The Interest Rate Swap Agreements expire in December 2017. See Note 2 for further discussion.
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	'
	Earnings Per Common Share
	Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Holdings' common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income 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 for which 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.
	The computation of diluted earnings per share included the effect of 2,752,000 and 3,367,000 dilutive stock options and restricted shares and excluded the effect of 1,858,000 and 1,193,000 antidilutive stock options for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively. The computation of diluted earnings per share included the effect of 2,985,000 and 3,250,000 dilutive stock options and restricted shares and excluded the effect of 1,784,000 and 1,205,000 antidilutive stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively. Earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was calculated as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)	September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	$	105,034		$	120,403		$	110,139		$	105,237
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — basic:	94,522			95,105			94,900			97,569
	Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted shares	2,752			3,367			2,985			3,250
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — diluted:	97,274			98,472			97,885			100,819
	Earnings per share — basic:	$	1.11		$	1.27		$	1.16		$	1.08
	Earnings per share — diluted:	$	1.08		$	1.22		$	1.13		$	1.04
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, the "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 three months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, stock-based compensation expense related to the Long-Term Incentive Plan was $78.1 million and $7.0 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, stock-based compensation expense related to the Long-Term Incentive Plan was $89.0 million and $21.3 million, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2014, options to purchase approximately 7,136,000 shares of common stock of Holdings and approximately 37,000 shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units were outstanding under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and approximately 3,181,000 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 United States Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term assumption at the time of grant. The simplified method was used to calculate the expected term (estimated period of time outstanding) because our historical data from our pre-confirmation equity grants is not representative or sufficient to be used to develop an expected term assumption. Expected volatility of options granted prior to 2013 was based on the historical volatility of similar companies' common stock for a period equal to the stock option's expected term, calculated on a daily basis. Expected volatility of options granted in 2013 and 2014 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.
	The following weighted-average assumptions were utilized in the Black-Scholes model to value the stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2014		September 30, 2013
	Risk-free interest rate	1.96	%	1.87	%
	Expected term (in years)	6.25		6.25
	Expected volatility	38.78	%	39.03	%
	Expected dividend yield	4.84	%	5.12	%
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
	(Share and Aggregate Intrinsic Value amounts in thousands)	Shares		Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
				Avg.			Avg.		Intrinsic Value
				Exercise			Remaining		($)
				Price ($)			Contractual
							Term
	Balance at December 31, 2013	7,910		$	18.9
	Granted	1,673		$	37.98
	Exercised	(2,371	)	$	12.87
	Canceled or exchanged	—		$	—
	Forfeited	(76	)	$	25.77
	Expired	—		$	—
	Balance at September 30, 2014	7,136		$	25.3		7.87		$	71,054
	Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014	6,952		$	25.09		7.84		$	70,541
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2014	2,890		$	16.81		6.74		$	50,847
	The weighted average grant date fair value of the options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $8.90 and $7.78, respectively.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $59.6 million and $49.2 million, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $19.3 million and $17.5 million, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2014, there was $21.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to option awards. The weighted average period over which that cost is expected to be recognized is 3.25 years.
	Cash received from the exercise of stock options during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $30.5 million and $25.0 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, a performance award was established based on our goal to achieve Modified EBITDA of $500 million by 2015 (the "2015 Performance Award"). If the target is achieved in 2015, an aggregate of 2,575,000 shares would be issued to certain key employees, as adjusted for the 2013 Stock Split; however, this amount could be more or less depending on the level of achievement and the timing thereof. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, it was determined that achievement of the Modified EBITDA performance target is probable by 2015. As such, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Stock Compensation, we have accrued $60.8 million, plus an additional $11.8 million for the associated dividend equivalent rights ("DERs"), for stock-based compensation expense related to the 2015 Performance Award as of September 30, 2014. Based on the closing market price of Holdings' common stock on the last trading day of the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to the 2015 Performance Award was $27.7 million, plus the remaining expense for the associated DERs, which will be approximately $8.0 million, that will be expensed over the remaining service period.
	The following table summarizes stock, restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
	(Share amounts in thousands)	Shares		Weighted Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value ($)
	Non-vested balance at December 31, 2013	351		$	10.84
	Granted	18		$	41.14
	Vested	(332	)	$	11.07
	Forfeited	—		$	—
	Canceled	—		$	—
	Non-vested balance at September 30, 2014	37		$	23.68
	The weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock awards granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $41.14 and $38.26, respectively.
	The total grant date fair value of the stock awards granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $0.7 million for both periods. The total fair value of stock awards that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $10.0 million and $3.4 million, respectively.
	Excluding the unrecognized compensation expense related to the 2015 Performance Award discussed above, there was $0.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock, restricted stock, and restricted stock units as of September 30, 2014 that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.60 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 Holdings' obligation to issue one share of common stock. The shares are delivered approximately thirty days following the cessation of the non-employee director's service as a director of Holdings.
	DSUs vest consistent with the manner in which non-employee directors' cash retainers are paid. The fair value of the DSUs on the date of grant is expensed on a straight line basis over the requisite service period.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, approximately 3,000 DSUs were granted at a weighted-average grant date fair value of $41.14 and $38.26 per DSU, respectively. The total grant date fair value of DSUs granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $0.1 million.
	As of September 30, 2014, there was a nominal amount of unrecognized compensation expense related to the outstanding DSUs.
	Dividend Equivalent Rights
	On February 8, 2012, Holdings' Board of Directors granted DERs to holders of unvested stock options, at which time, approximately 10.0 million unvested stock options were outstanding. As stockholders are paid cash dividends, the DERs accrue dividends, which will be distributed to stock option holders upon the vesting of their stock option award. Holdings will distribute the accumulated accrued dividends pursuant to the DERs in either cash or shares of common stock. Generally, holders of stock options for fewer than 1,000 shares of stock will receive their accumulated accrued dividends in cash and 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 2015 Performance Award. 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. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Holdings' Board of Directors granted approximately 1.7 million additional options to the majority of the full-time employees of the Company as well as DERs in connection with such options.
	Exclusive of stock-based compensation recognized for the DER grants associated with the 2015 Performance Award discussed above, we recorded stock-based compensation for DER grants of $1.7 million and $4.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. We recorded $1.9 million and $6.0 million of stock-based compensation for DER grants during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
	All of the foregoing share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 2013 Stock Split.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") allows eligible employees to purchase Holdings' common stock at 90% of the lower of the market value of the common stock at the beginning or end of each successive six-month offering period. Amounts accumulated through participants' payroll deductions ("purchase rights") are used to purchase shares of common stock at the end of each purchase period. Pursuant to the ESPP, no more than 2,000,000 shares of common stock of Holdings may be issued. Holdings' common stock may be issued by either authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares purchased on the open market. As of September 30, 2014, we had 1,864,000 shares available for purchase pursuant to the ESPP. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Stock Based Compensation, stock-based compensation related to purchase rights is recognized based on the intrinsic value of each respective six-month ESPP offering period.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, stock-based compensation expense consisted of the following:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
Long-Term Incentive Plan	$	78,118		$	7,030		$	89,038		$	21,302
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	50			47			229			194
Total Stock-Based Compensation	$	78,168		$	7,077		$	89,267		$	21,496
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 unaudited condensed 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 any time thereafter pursuant to the terms of the membership program. 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, memberships in the initial twelve-month term 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. Amounts received for multi-use admissions in excess of redemptions are recognized in deferred income. For active memberships after the initial twelve-month term, we recognize revenue monthly as payments are received. As of September 30, 2014, deferred income was primarily comprised of (i) unredeemed 2014 season pass revenue, (ii) advance sales of season pass and other admissions for the 2015 operating season, (iii) pre-sold single-day admissions revenue for the current operating season, (iv) unredeemed portions of the membership program that will be recognized in 2014 and 2015 and (iv) sponsorship revenue that will be recognized in 2014.
	During 2014, we entered into two agreements to assist third parties in the planning, design, development and operation of Six Flags-branded theme parks outside of North America. Pursuant to these agreements, we agreed to provide exclusivity, brand licensing, and other services to assist in the design, development, and project management of Six Flags-branded theme parks, as well as initial and ongoing management services. Each significant deliverable qualifies as a separate unit of accounting. We recognize revenue under these agreements over the relevant service period of each unit of accounting based on its relative selling price, as determined by our best estimate of selling price. Our best estimate of selling price is established consistent with our overall pricing strategy and includes, but is not limited to, consideration of current market conditions, various risk factors and our required return and profit objectives. We review the service period of each unit of accounting regularly and on an ongoing basis and revise it as necessary throughout the year. Revisions to the relevant service periods of the units of accounting may result in revisions to revenue in future periods and are recognized in the period in which the change is identified.
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 group outings and 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the allowance for doubtful accounts and the related bad debt expense were primarily comprised of estimated defaults under deferred season pass payment and membership plans.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). The amendments in ASU 2014-09 provide for a single, principles-based model for revenue recognition that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016 and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. It permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and early adoption is not permitted. We have not yet selected a transition method and are in the process of evaluating the effect this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

General_Basis_of_Presentation_1

General - Basis of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	Earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was calculated as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)	September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	$	105,034		$	120,403		$	110,139		$	105,237
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — basic:	94,522			95,105			94,900			97,569
	Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted shares	2,752			3,367			2,985			3,250
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding — diluted:	97,274			98,472			97,885			100,819
	Earnings per share — basic:	$	1.11		$	1.27		$	1.16		$	1.08
	Earnings per share — diluted:	$	1.08		$	1.22		$	1.13		$	1.04
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	'
	The following weighted-average assumptions were utilized in the Black-Scholes model to value the stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2014		September 30, 2013
	Risk-free interest rate	1.96	%	1.87	%
	Expected term (in years)	6.25		6.25
	Expected volatility	38.78	%	39.03	%
	Expected dividend yield	4.84	%	5.12	%
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	'
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
	(Share and Aggregate Intrinsic Value amounts in thousands)	Shares		Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
				Avg.			Avg.		Intrinsic Value
				Exercise			Remaining		($)
				Price ($)			Contractual
							Term
	Balance at December 31, 2013	7,910		$	18.9
	Granted	1,673		$	37.98
	Exercised	(2,371	)	$	12.87
	Canceled or exchanged	—		$	—
	Forfeited	(76	)	$	25.77
	Expired	—		$	—
	Balance at September 30, 2014	7,136		$	25.3		7.87		$	71,054
	Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014	6,952		$	25.09		7.84		$	70,541
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2014	2,890		$	16.81		6.74		$	50,847
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	'
	The following table summarizes stock, restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
	(Share amounts in thousands)	Shares		Weighted Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value ($)
	Non-vested balance at December 31, 2013	351		$	10.84
	Granted	18		$	41.14
	Vested	(332	)	$	11.07
	Forfeited	—		$	—
	Canceled	—		$	—
	Non-vested balance at September 30, 2014	37		$	23.68
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan	'
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, stock-based compensation expense consisted of the following:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
	Long-Term Incentive Plan	$	78,118		$	7,030		$	89,038		$	21,302
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan	50			47			229			194
	Total Stock-Based Compensation	$	78,168		$	7,077		$	89,267		$	21,496

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	'
	Derivative instruments recorded at fair value in our unaudited and audited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, consisted of the following:
		Derivative Assets						Derivative Liabilities
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements - Current	$	—		$	—		$	1,331		$	—
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements - Noncurrent	1,013			—			—			—
		$	1,013		$	—		$	1,331		$	—
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'
	Gains and losses, net of tax, on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges included in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 were as follows:
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013
		Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI						Loss Reclassified from						Loss Recognized in
		(Effective Portion)						AOCI into Operations						Operations on Derivatives
								(Effective Portion)						(Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014		2013
	Interest Rate Cap Agreement	$	—		$	(5	)	$	—		$	(161	)	$	—	$	—
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements	974			—			(148		)	—			—		—
	Total	$	974		$	(5	)	$	(148	)	$	(161	)	$	—	$	—
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013
		Loss Recognized in AOCI						Loss Reclassified from						Loss Recognized in
		(Effective Portion)						AOCI into Operations						Operations on Derivatives
								(Effective Portion)						(Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014		2013
	Interest Rate Cap Agreement	$	—		$	(30	)	$	(301	)	$	(331	)	$	—	$	(1	)
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements	(466		)	—			(148		)	—			—		—
	Total	$	(466	)	$	(30	)	$	(449	)	$	(331	)	$	—	$	(1	)

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of estimated fair values of the entity's financial instruments and classification of such instruments	'
	The following table and accompanying information present the estimated fair values and classifications of our financial instruments in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		As of
		30-Sep-14						31-Dec-13
	(Amounts in thousands)	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
	Financial assets (liabilities):
	Restricted-use investment securities	$	2,162		$	2,162		$	1,823		$	1,823
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements assets	1,013			1,013			—			—
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements liabilities	(1,331		)	(1,331		)	—			—
	Long-term debt (including current portion)	(1,396,784		)	(1,375,422		)	(1,400,603		)	(1,384,603		)

LongTerm_Indebtedness_Tables

Long-Term Indebtedness (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of long-term debt	'
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, long-term debt consisted of the following:
		As of
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Term Loan B	$	571,999		$	576,366
	2021 Notes	800,000			800,000
	HWP Refinance Loan	30,308			30,673
	Net discount	(5,523		)	(6,436		)
	Long-term debt	1,396,784			1,400,603
	Less current portion	(6,287		)	(6,269		)
	Total long-term debt	$	1,390,497		$	1,394,334

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Schedule of components of AOCI	'
	The following table provides the changes in the composition of AOCI during the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
	(Amounts in thousands)	Cumulative				Cash Flow				Defined Benefit				Income				Accumulated
		Translation				Hedges				Plans				Taxes				Other
		Adjustment																Comprehensive
																		Income (Loss)
	Balances at December 31, 2013	$	(1,710	)		$	(301	)		$	(19,705	)		$	(10,981	)		$	(32,697	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—				449				—				(176		)		273
	Current period other comprehensive income (loss) activity	(4,338		)		(466		)		—				1,714				(3,090		)
	Balances at September 30, 2014	$	(6,048	)		$	(318	)		$	(19,705	)		$	(9,443	)		$	(35,514	)
Schedule of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'
	The Company had the following reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013:
			Location of Reclassification into Income		Amount of Reclassification from AOCI
					Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	Component of AOCI				September 30, 2014				September 30, 2013				September 30, 2014				September 30, 2013
					(Amounts in thousands)
	Amortization of loss on interest rate hedge		Interest expense		$	(148	)		$	(161	)		$	(449	)		$	(331	)
			Income tax expense		58				64				176				131
			Net of tax		$	(90	)		$	(97	)		$	(273	)		$	(200	)
	Amortization of deferred actuarial loss and prior service cost		Operating expenses		$	—			$	187			$	—			$	575
			Income tax expense		—				(75		)		—				(228		)
			Net of tax		$	—			$	112			$	—			$	347
	Total reclassifications				$	(90	)		$	15			$	(273	)		$	147

Noncontrolling_Interests_Partn1

Noncontrolling Interests, Partnerships and Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Schedule of changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests	'
	The following table presents a rollforward of redeemable noncontrolling interests in the Partnership Parks:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	437,569
	Purchase of redeemable units	(19		)
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased units	(5		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	38,012
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(19,006		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	456,551

Business_Segments_Tables

Business Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reconciliation [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	'
	The following table presents segment financial information and a reconciliation of Park EBITDA 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.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
	Theme park revenues	$	541,843		$	504,520		$	992,112		$	955,742
	Theme park cash expenses	(217,782		)	(206,931		)	(525,986		)	(516,399		)
	Aggregate park EBITDA	324,061			297,589			466,126			439,343
	Corporate expenses	(14,323		)	(9,651		)	(35,264		)	(31,159		)
	Stock-based compensation	(78,168		)	(7,077		)	(89,267		)	(21,496		)
	Other income (expense), net	6			(1,013		)	260			(1,017		)
	Loss on disposal of assets	(1,608		)	(4,325		)	(4,181		)	(6,959		)
	Gain on sale of investee	—			—			10,031			—
	Depreciation and amortization	(27,132		)	(30,898		)	(81,002		)	(97,207		)
	Interest expense	(18,533		)	(18,810		)	(54,626		)	(56,240		)
	Interest income	69			207			346			660
	Income before income taxes	$	184,372		$	226,022		$	212,423		$	225,925
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]	'
Schedule of information reflecting long-lived assets, revenues and 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013:
		Domestic			Foreign			Total
	2014	(Amounts in thousands)
	Long-lived assets	$	2,128,917		$	100,318		$	2,229,235
	Revenues	905,105			87,007			992,112
	Income before income taxes	191,212			21,211			212,423
	2013
	Long-lived assets	$	2,135,482		$	105,737		$	2,241,219
	Revenues	865,541			90,201			955,742
	Income before income taxes	205,643			20,282			225,925

Pension_Benefits_Tables

Pension Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of pension costs	'
	The following summarizes our pension costs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013:
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	(Amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2014				September 30, 2013				September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
	Service cost	$	400			$	303			$	1,200		$	895
	Interest cost	2,404				2,202				7,282			6,634
	Expected return on plan assets	(3,186		)		(3,063		)		(9,565		)	(9,195		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	—				187				—			575
	Total net periodic benefit	$	(382	)		$	(371	)		$	(1,083	)	$	(1,091	)
Schedule of weighted average assumptions used to determine net cost	'
	Weighted-Average Assumptions Used To Determine Net Cost
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
	Discount rate	4.75	%		3.85	%		4.75	%		3.85	%
	Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A
	Expected return on plan assets	7.25	%		7.5	%		7.25	%		7.5	%

General_Basis_of_Presentation_2

General - Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended						0 Months Ended
	8-May-13	5-May-11	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
			park		park			United States	Mexico [Member]	Canada [Member]	HWP Development, LLC (HWP)
								park	park	park
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of parks owned or operated	'	'	18	'	18	'	'	16	1	1	'
Stock split ratio	2	2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividend in form of number of shares for each outstanding share of common stock	1	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership interest in joint venture (as a percent)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	49.00%
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Valuation allowance related to deferred tax asset, primarily consisting of certain state net operating loss and other tax carryforwards	'	'	$194,300,000	'	$194,300,000	'	$190,300,000	'	'	'	'
Liability of accrued interest and penalties attributable to income taxes	'	'	0	'	0	'	0	'	'	'	'
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive stock options excluded from computation of diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	'	'	1,858,000	1,193,000	1,784,000	1,205,000	'	'	'	'	'
Calculation of earnings per common share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	'	'	$105,034,000	$120,403,000	$110,139,000	$105,237,000	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	'	'	94,522,000	95,105,000	94,900,000	97,569,000	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment	'	'	2,752,000	3,367,000	2,985,000	3,250,000	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	'	'	97,274,000	98,472,000	97,885,000	100,819,000	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic	'	'	$1.11	$1.27	$1.16	$1.08	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	'	'	$1.08	$1.22	$1.13	$1.04	'	'	'	'	'

General_Basis_of_Presentation_3

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

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

3-May-10

Aug. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 08, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Dividend Equivalent Rights [Member]

Dividend Equivalent Rights [Member]

Dividend Equivalent Rights [Member]

Dividend Equivalent Rights [Member]

Performance Award 2015 [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional General Disclosures [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized

'

'

'

'

28,133,332

'

28,133,332

'

19,333,332

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

2,000,000

'

Stock-based Compensation Expense

$78,168,000

$7,077,000

$89,267,000

$21,496,000

$78,118,000

$7,030,000

$89,038,000

$21,302,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,700,000

$1,900,000

$4,800,000

$6,000,000

$60,841,000

$50,000

$47,000

$229,000

$194,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant

'

'

'

'

3,181,000

'

3,181,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,864,000

'

1,864,000

'

Percentage of Lower of Market Value of Common Stock at which Eligible Employees Can Purchase

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

90.00%

'

90.00%

'

Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Offering Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 months

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.96%

1.87%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 years 3 months

'6 years 3 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected volatility (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38.78%

39.03%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected dividend yield (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.84%

5.12%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.6667

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.3333

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,910,000

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$18.90

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

1,673,000

'

1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$37.98

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercised (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,371,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercised (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$12.87

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeited (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-76,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeited (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$25.77

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expired (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expired (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,136,000

'

7,910,000

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$25.30

'

$18.90

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options outstanding at the end of the period (weighted-average remaining term)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years 10 months 13 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options outstanding at the end of the period (intrinsic value)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

71,054,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vested and expected to vest (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,952,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$25.09

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vested and expected to vest (weighted-average remaining term)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years 10 months 2 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vested and expected to vest (intrinsic value)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

70,541,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options exercisable (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,890,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options exercisable (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$16.81

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options exercisable (weighted-average remaining term)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 years 8 months 27 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options exercisable (intrinsic value)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,847,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'four equal annual installments commencing one year after the date of grant

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$8.90

$7.78

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total intrinsic value of options exercised (in dollars)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

59,600,000

49,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,300,000

17,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation expense, options (in dollars)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 3 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash received from the exercise of stock option

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$30,500,000

$25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

General_Basis_of_Presentation_4

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

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Performance Award 2015 [Member]

Performance Award 2015 [Member]

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Deferred Stock Units [Member]

Deferred Stock Units [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Dividend Equivalent Rights [Member]

Dividend Equivalent Rights [Member]

Dividend Equivalent Rights [Member]

Dividend Equivalent Rights [Member]

Dividend Equivalent Rights, Performance Award 2015 [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

351,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10.84

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,000

'

3,000

3,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$41.14

$38.26

$41.14

$38.26

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vested (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-332,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vested (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$11.07

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeited (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeited (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$23.68

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Modified EBITDA for Additional Performance Award

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Potential Grants Based on Performance Criteria

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,575,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock-based Compensation Expense

78,168,000

7,077,000

89,267,000

21,496,000

78,118,000

7,030,000

89,038,000

21,302,000

60,841,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,700,000

1,900,000

4,800,000

6,000,000

11,800,000

Unrecognized compensation expense, other (in dollars)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,700,000

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,000,000

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 months 6 days

'

'

'

'3 years 3 months

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$41.14

$38.26

$41.14

$38.26

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

700,000

100,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10,000,000

$3,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares to be issued for each award

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

Dec. 23, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 23, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Interest Rate Cap [Member]

Interest Rate Cap [Member]

Interest Rate Cap [Member]

Interest Rate Cap [Member]

Interest Rate Cap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B, As Amended 2013 [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B, As Amended 2013 [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B, As Amended 2013 [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B, As Amended 2013 [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Interest Rate Cap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative, Notional Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$470,000,000

'

'

'

'

$200,000,000

'

'

'

$200,000,000

'

'

Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Variable Rate Basis Floor

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.75%

'

0.75%

'

'

'

Derivative Cap (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

Derivative Liability [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Liability, Current

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,331,000

0

Derivative Liability, Noncurrent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Derivative Liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,331,000

0

Derivative Asset [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Asset, Current

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Derivative Asset, Noncurrent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,013,000

0

Derivative Asset

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,013,000

0

Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion

974,000

-5,000

-466,000

-30,000

'

0

-5,000

0

-30,000

'

974,000

0

-466,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion

-148,000

-161,000

-449,000

-331,000

'

0

-161,000

-301,000

-331,000

'

-148,000

0

-148,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing

0

0

0

-1,000

'

0

0

0

-1,000

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net deferred losses on derivative instruments expected to be reclassified to operations during the next twelve months

$1,700,000

'

$1,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair value measurements and disclosures	'	'
Restricted-use investment securities	$2,162	$1,823
Long-term debt (including current portion)	-1,396,784	-1,400,603
Reported Value Measurement [Member]	'	'
Fair value measurements and disclosures	'	'
Restricted-use investment securities	2,162	1,823
Derivative Asset	1,013	0
Derivative Liability	-1,331	0
Long-term debt (including current portion)	-1,396,784	-1,400,603
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'	'
Fair value measurements and disclosures	'	'
Restricted-use investment securities	2,162	1,823
Derivative Asset	1,013	0
Derivative Liability	-1,331	0
Long-term debt (including current portion)	($1,375,422)	($1,384,603)

LongTerm_Indebtedness_Details

Long-Term Indebtedness (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 20, 2011

Mar. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2014

Dec. 23, 2013

Dec. 20, 2011

Dec. 20, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 20, 2011

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 20, 2011

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 20, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 21, 2012

Dec. 23, 2013

Dec. 23, 2013

Dec. 23, 2013

Dec. 23, 2013

Dec. 20, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 23, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

Jul. 15, 2013

Dec. 21, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 15, 2021

Nov. 05, 2007

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 20, 2011

Nov. 05, 2007

Interest Rate Cap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Credit Facility Amendment 2013 [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Revolving Loan [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Revolving Loan [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Revolving Loan [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Revolving Loan [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loans [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan A [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan A [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B, As Amended 2013 [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B, As Amended 2013 [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B, As Amended 2013 [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B, As Amended 2013 [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B, As Amended 2013 [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B, As Amended 2013 [Member]

Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B, As Amended 2013 [Member]

Senior Unsecured 2021 Notes [Member]

Senior Unsecured 2021 Notes [Member]

Senior Unsecured 2021 Notes [Member]

Senior Unsecured 2021 Notes [Member]

Senior Unsecured 2021 Notes [Member]

HWP Refinance Loan [Member]

HWP Refinance Loan [Member]

HWP Refinance Loan [Member]

Old Debt - First Lien Amendment [Member]

Old Debt - HWP Construction Loan [Member]

Credit Facility Amendment 2012 [Member]

Credit Facility Amendment 2013 [Member]

Credit Facility Amendment 2013 [Member]

Credit Facility Amendment 2013 [Member]

Interest Rate Cap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Variable Rate Basis Spread [Member]

LIBOR Floor [Member]

Summary of Long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

'

'

'

'

$1,135,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$75,000,000

'

$860,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$800,000,000

'

'

'

$33,000,000

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Term

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Additional Contingent Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Utilized for Extinguishment of Existing Debt Instruments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

935,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

350,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Existing Cash Used To Retire Long-Term Debt

15,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

72,200,000

'

277,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

950,000,000

31,000,000

Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Utilized for Share Repurchases and Other Corporate Matters

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

450,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Amendment, Interest Rate Reduction

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

0.50%

0.25%

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

2.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

0.75%

'

'

'

'

0.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Excess Cash Available for General Corporate Purposes

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Line of Credit

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,800,000

'

18,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment

'

'

'

'

'

'annual

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'annual

'

'

'

'

'

'

'semi-annual

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.38%

0.38%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Gross

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

571,999,000

576,366,000

'

'

'

'

'

800,000,000

800,000,000

'

'

30,308,000

30,673,000

'

'

Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

470,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Cap (as a percent)

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative, Notional Amount

'

470,000,000

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.25%

'

'

'

6.72%

'

'

'

'

Periodic payment of interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,300,000

21,000,000

'

'

21,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

Amounts Deposited Into Escrow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,200,000

$1,800,000

'

'

LongTerm_Indebtedness_Details_

Long-Term Indebtedness (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Long-term debt	'	'
Net discount	($5,523)	($6,436)
Long-term debt	1,396,784	1,400,603
Less current portion	-6,287	-6,269
Total long-term debt	1,390,497	1,394,334
Senior Unsecured 2021 Notes [Member]	'	'
Summary of Long-term debt	'	'
Long-term debt	800,000	800,000
HWP Refinance Loan [Member]	'	'
Summary of Long-term debt	'	'
Long-term debt	$30,308	$30,673

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the beginning of the period	($10,981)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	-176
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) activity	1,714
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the end of the period	-9,443
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the beginning of the period	-32,697
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	273
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) activity	-3,090
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the end of the period	-35,514
Cumulative Translation Adjustment [Member]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the beginning of the period	-1,710
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) activity	-4,338
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the end of the period	-6,048
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the beginning of the period	-301
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	449
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) activity	-466
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the end of the period	-318
Defined Benefit Plans [Member]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the beginning of the period	-19,705
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) activity	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the end of the period	($19,705)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	($18,533)	($18,810)	($54,626)	($56,240)
Income tax benefit	-60,332	-86,405	-64,272	-82,361
Total reclassifications	'	'	273	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Total reclassifications	-90	15	-273	147
Amortization of loss on interest rate hedge [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-148	-161	-449	-331
Income tax benefit	58	64	176	131
Total reclassifications	-90	-97	-273	-200
Amortization of deferred actuarial loss and prior service cost [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses	0	187	0	575
Income tax benefit	0	-75	0	-228
Total reclassifications	$0	$112	$0	$347

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 1998	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	31-May-14	31-May-13	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
					Scenario, Forecast [Member]	Six Flags over Georgia [Member]	Six Flags over Texas [Member]	Six Flags over Texas [Member]	Six Flags over Texas [Member]	Six Flags over Texas and Georgia [Member]	Six Flags over Texas and Georgia [Member]
						multiplier			multiplier		Scenario, Forecast [Member]
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	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rolling period for making minimum capital expenditure at each of the Partnership Parks	'	'5 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of capital expenditures to Partnership Parks' revenues	'	6.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average period of the park's EBITDA for calculation of value of purchase price	'	'4 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Specified multiple for purchase price valuation (in multipliers)	'	'	'	'	'	8	'	'	8.5	'	'
Specified price for purchase of partnership parks	'	'	'	'	'	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%	'	'
Temporary Equity, Redemption Value	'	372,500,000	'	372,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Units purchased in partnership parks (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.0125	0.18	'	'	'
Units purchased pursuant to annual offer	'	'	'	'	'	'	19,000	300,000	'	'	'
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	'	95,868,000	89,182,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	19,400,000	21,400,000
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	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Nov. 20, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

claim

Multi-layered general liability policies

Multi-layered general liability policies

Multi-layered general liability policies

Multi-layered general liability policies

Multi-layered general liability policies

Workers' compensation claims

Workers' compensation claims

Information security and privacy liability insurance policy

Personal Injury Due to SFOG Altercation [Member]

Personal Injury Due to SFOG Altercation [Member]

Personal Injury Due to SFDK Accident [Member]

Civil Action Due to SFOT Accident [Member]

November 16, 2001 - November 15, 2002 [Member]

November 16, 2002 - November 15, 2003 [Member]

November 16, 2003 - December 30, 2008 [Member]

November 2, 2004 - December 30, 2008 [Member]

November 16, 2001 - November 15, 2003 [Member]

individual

Insurance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Excess liability coverage per occurrence

'

'

$100

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Self-insured retention per occurrence

'

'

2

1

2

2.5

'

'

'

0.25

'

'

'

'

Insurance, Additional Self Insured Retention Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deductible per occurrence applicable to all claims in the policy year

'

'

0.5

'

'

'

'

0.75

0.5

'

'

'

'

'

Insurance value maintained

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10

'

'

'

'

Litigation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of actions that would be material to consolidated financial position

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Numbers of individuals who allegedly participated in the altercation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

'

Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35

'

'

'

Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Percentage Allocated

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

92.00%

'

'

'

Self insurance reserve

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.5

2.5

2.5

Tax and other contingencies

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued tax liabilities and indemnification contingencies

$0.50

$0.40

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling_Interests_Partn2

Noncontrolling Interests, Partnerships and Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount	'	'	'	$437,569,000	'	'
Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	19,000	288,000	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount	'	456,551,000	'	456,551,000	'	'
Temporary Equity, Redemption Value	'	372,500,000	'	372,500,000	'	372,500,000
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal	10,031,000	0	0	10,031,000	0	'
Six Flags over Texas [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	-19,000	'	'
Six Flags over Texas and Georgia [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fresh Start Adjustment Increase (Decrease), Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	5,000	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	-38,012,000	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders	'	'	'	$19,006,000	'	'

Business_Segments_Details

Business Segments (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
				segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	'	'	'	1	'
Theme park revenues	'	$541,843	$504,520	$992,112	$955,742
Theme park cash expenses	'	-217,782	-206,931	-525,986	-516,399
Aggregate park EBITDA	'	324,061	297,589	466,126	439,343
Corporate expenses	'	-14,323	-9,651	-35,264	-31,159
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	78,168	7,077	89,267	21,496
Other (expense) income, net	'	6	-1,013	260	-1,017
Loss on disposal of fixed assets	'	-1,608	-4,325	-4,181	-6,959
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal	10,031	0	0	10,031	0
Depreciation and amortization	'	-27,132	-30,898	-81,002	-97,207
Interest expense	'	-18,533	-18,810	-54,626	-56,240
Interest income	'	69	207	346	660
Income before income taxes	'	$184,372	$226,022	$212,423	$225,925

Business_Segments_Details_2

Business Segments (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	park		park
Business segment information by geographical areas	'	'	'	'
Number of parks owned or operated	18	'	18	'
Long-lived assets	$2,229,235	$2,241,219	$2,229,235	$2,241,219
Revenues	541,843	504,520	992,112	955,742
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	184,372	226,022	212,423	225,925
Domestic [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business segment information by geographical areas	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	2,128,917	2,135,482	2,128,917	2,135,482
Revenues	'	'	905,105	865,541
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	191,212	205,643
Foreign [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business segment information by geographical areas	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	100,318	105,737	100,318	105,737
Revenues	'	'	87,007	90,201
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	$21,211	$20,282
Mexico [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business segment information by geographical areas	'	'	'	'
Number of parks owned or operated	1	'	1	'
Canada [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business segment information by geographical areas	'	'	'	'
Number of parks owned or operated	1	'	1	'

Pension_Benefits_Details

Pension Benefits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net periodic benefit cost:	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$400,000	$303,000	$1,200,000	$895,000
Interest cost	2,404,000	2,202,000	7,282,000	6,634,000
Expected return on plan assets	-3,186,000	-3,063,000	-9,565,000	-9,195,000
Amortization of net actuarial loss	0	187,000	0	575,000
Total net periodic (benefit) cost	-382,000	-371,000	-1,083,000	-1,091,000
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net cost	'	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.75%	3.85%	4.75%	3.85%
Expected return on plan assets (as a percent)	7.25%	7.50%	7.25%	7.50%
Employer contributions	'	'	$4,500,000	$4,500,000

Stock_Repurchase_Plans_Details

Stock Repurchase Plans (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	11 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jan. 04, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 11, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 20, 2013	Oct. 17, 2014
			January 2012 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]	January 2012 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]	January 2012 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]	December 2012 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]	December 2012 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]	November 2013 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]	November 2013 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]
									Subsequent Event [Member]
Schedule of Stock Repurchase Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount of shares authorized to be repurchased under Stock Repurchase Program	'	'	'	$250,000,000	'	$500,000,000	'	$500,000,000	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Period in Force	'	'	'	'4 years	'	'3 years	'	'4 years	'
Total number of shares purchased	'	'	578,000	'	8,499,000	'	14,775,000	'	4,185,290
Value of shares repurchased	118,592,000	503,649,000	18,000,000	'	232,000,000	'	500,000,000	'	156,600,000
Average price paid per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$31.16	'	'	'	$33.84	'	$37.42
Permitted dollar value of repurchases under the plans or programs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$343,400,000

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 21, 2014	Oct. 21, 2014
					Subsequent Event [Member]	Performance Award 2017 [Member]
						Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]
						Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.47	$0.45	$1.41	$1.35	$0.52	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Modified EBITDA for Additional Performance Award	'	'	'	'	'	$600
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Potential Grants Based on Performance Criteria	'	'	'	'	'	2,400