Six Flags Entertainment 10-K 19 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 13, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	Six Flags Entertainment Corp
Entity Central Index Key	701374
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		93,055,389
Entity Public Float			$3,116

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$73,884	$169,310
Accounts receivable, net	58,823	51,609
Inventories	21,099	22,172
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	44,705	39,006
Deferred income taxes	102,413	71,761
Total current assets	300,924	353,858
Property and equipment, net:
Property and equipment, at cost	1,797,617	1,716,975
Accumulated depreciation	-579,511	-485,292
Total property and equipment, net	1,218,106	1,231,683
Other assets:
Debt issuance costs	19,062	23,821
Restricted-use investment securities	2,471	1,823
Deposits and other assets	4,750	4,268
Goodwill	630,248	630,248
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	359,358	362,113
Total other assets	1,015,889	1,022,273
Total assets	2,534,919	2,607,814
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	19,315	24,464
Accrued compensation, payroll taxes and benefits	37,463	29,277
Accrued insurance reserves	41,276	50,771
Accrued interest payable	19,542	19,598
Other accrued liabilities	36,176	25,988
Deferred income	71,598	60,443
Current portion of long-term debt	6,301	6,269
Total current liabilities	231,671	216,810
Noncurrent Liabilities:
Long-term debt	1,389,215	1,394,334
Other long-term liabilities	65,396	39,934
Deferred income taxes	187,197	145,830
Total noncurrent liabilities	1,641,808	1,580,098
Total liabilities	1,873,479	1,796,908
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	437,545	437,569
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value	0	0
Common stock, $0.025 par value	2,323	2,371
Capital in excess of par value	983,317	842,488
Accumulated deficit	-702,116	-438,825
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-59,629	-32,697
Total stockholders' equity	223,895	373,337
Total liabilities and equity	$2,534,919	$2,607,814

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.03
Common stock, shares authorized	140,000,000	140,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	92,937,619	94,857,347
Common stock, shares outstanding	92,937,619	94,857,347

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues [Abstract]
Theme park admissions	$641,535	$602,204	$576,708
Theme park food, merchandise and other	460,131	448,547	437,382
Sponsorship, licensing and other fees	57,250	42,179	39,977
Accommodations revenue	16,877	17,000	16,265
Total revenue	1,175,793	1,109,930	1,070,332
Operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	437,431	417,482	411,679
Selling, general and administrative (including stock-based compensation and excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	310,955	189,218	225,875
Costs of products sold	90,515	86,663	80,169
Depreciation	105,449	113,682	132,397
Amortization	2,658	14,393	15,648
Loss on disposal of assets	5,860	8,579	8,105
Gain on sale of investee	-10,031	0	-67,319
Interest expense	73,057	75,044	47,444
Interest income	-468	-899	-820
Equity in loss of investee	0	0	2,222
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	789	587
Other expense, net	356	1,054	2,733
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	160,011	203,925	211,612
Income tax expense (benefit)	46,522	47,601	-184,154
Income from continuing operations before discontinued operations	113,489	156,324	395,766
Income from discontinued operations	545	549	7,273
Net income	114,034	156,873	403,039
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-38,012	-38,321	-37,104
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	76,022	118,552	365,935
Amounts attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation:
Income from continuing operations	75,477	118,003	358,662
Income from discontinued operations	545	549	7,273
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	$76,022	$118,552	$365,935
Weighted-average common shares outstandingbbasic:	94,477	96,940	107,684	[1]
Weighted-average common shares outstandingbdiluted:	98,139	100,371	110,936	[1]
Net income per average common share outstandingbbasic:
Income from continuing operations	$0.79	$1.21	$3.33	[1]
Income from discontinued operations	$0.01	$0.01	$0.07	[1]
Net income	$0.80	$1.22	$3.40	[1]
Net income per average common share outstandingbdiluted:
Income from continuing operations	$0.76	$1.17	$3.23	[1]
Income from discontinued operations	$0.01	$0.01	$0.07	[1]
Net income	$0.77	$1.18	$3.30	[1]
Cash dividends declared per common share	$1.93	$1.82	$1.35	[1]
[1]	All 2012 share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect Holdings' two-for-one stock split in June 2013, as described in NoteB 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation	$140,038	$27,034	$62,875

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$114,034		$156,873		$403,039
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-6,803	[1]	-1,341	[1]	4,516	[1]
Defined benefit retirement plan	-19,872	[2]	17,427	[2]	-3,204	[2]
Change in cash flow hedging	-257	[3]	318	[3]	-501	[3]
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-26,932		16,404		811
Comprehensive income	87,102		173,277		403,850
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-38,012		-38,321		-37,104
Comprehensive income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	$49,090		$134,956		$366,746
[1]	Foreign currency translation adjustment presented net of tax benefit of $3.7 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and net of tax expense of $2.4 million for the year ended DecemberB 31, 2012.
[2]	Defined benefit retirement plan is presented net of tax benefit of $13.0 million for the year ended December 31 2014, net of tax expense of $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and net of tax benefit of $2.1 million for the year ended DecemberB 31, 2012.
[3]	Change in cash flow hedging is reported net of tax benefit of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, net of tax expense of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and net of tax benefit of $0.3 million for the year ended DecemberB 31, 2012.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax	($3.70)	($0.70)	$2.40
Defined benefit retirement plan, tax	13	-11.5	2.1
Change in cash flow hedging, tax	($0.20)	$0.20	($0.30)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Deficit) (USD $)		Total	Total Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	Common stock	Capital in excess of par value	(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	Non-controlling interests
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011		$767,148	$763,478	$1,366	$832,112	($20,088)	($49,912)	$3,670
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2011	[1]			109,283,770
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock		40,042	40,042	50	39,983	9	0	0
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	[1]			4,023,232
Issuance of restricted stock units (in shares)		31,346	31,346	35	31,311	0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross				2,786,720
Stock-based compensation		62,556	62,556	0	62,556	0	0	0
Dividends declared to common shareholders		-149,111	-149,111	0	0	-149,111	0	0
Repurchase of common stock		-231,984	-231,984	-106	-62,455	-169,423	0	0
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)				-8,498,568
Employee stock purchase plan		1,206	1,206	0	1,206	0	0	0
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	[1]			42,370
Fresh start valuation adjustment for SFOG, SFOT and HWP units purchased		453	453	0	0	453	0	0
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation		365,935	365,935	0	0	365,935	0	0
Net other comprehensive loss, net of tax		811	811	0	0	0	811	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		264	0	0	0	0	0	264
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012		888,666	884,732	1,345	904,713	27,775	-49,101	3,934
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2012	[1]			107,637,524
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock		29,769	29,769	63	29,706	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock (in shares)				2,700,793
Forfeiture of restricted stock units		0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Forfeiture of restricted stock units				-9,720
Stock-based compensation		26,829	26,829	0	26,829	0	0	0
Dividends declared to common shareholders		-175,989	-175,989	0	0	-175,989	0	0
Repurchase of common stock		-523,589	-523,589	-235	-113,997	-409,357	0	0
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)				-15,507,348
Two-for-one common stock split		0	0	1,197	-1,197	0	0	0
Employee stock purchase plan		1,296	1,296	1	1,295	0	0	0
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)				36,098
Fresh start valuation adjustment for SFOG, SFOT and HWP units purchased		84	84	0	0	84	0	0
Purchase of HWP ownership interests		-9,554	-4,751	0	-4,861	110	0	-4,803
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation		118,552	118,552	0	0	118,552	0	0
Net other comprehensive loss, net of tax		16,404	16,404	0	0	0	16,404	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		869	0	0	0	0	0	869
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013		373,337	373,337	2,371	842,488	-438,825	-32,697	0
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2013				94,857,347
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock		37,663	37,663	80	37,583	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock (in shares)				3,206,272
Stock-based compensation		140,038	140,038	0	140,038	0	0	0
Dividends declared to common shareholders		-182,062	-182,062	0	0	-182,062	0	0
Repurchase of common stock		-195,353	-195,353	-129	-37,968	-157,256	0	0
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)				-5,159,329
Employee stock purchase plan		1,177	1,177	1	1,176	0	0	0
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)				33,329
Fresh start valuation adjustment for SFOG, SFOT and HWP units purchased		5	5	0	0	5	0	0
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation		76,022	76,022	0	0	76,022	0	0
Net other comprehensive loss, net of tax		-26,932	-26,932	0	0	0	-26,932	0
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014		$223,895	$223,895	$2,323	$983,317	($702,116)	($59,629)	$0
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2014				92,937,619
[1]	All 2011 and 2012 common stock amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect Holdings' two-for-one common stock splits in June 2011 and June 2013, as described in NoteB 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income	$114,034	$156,873	$403,039
Depreciation and amortization	108,107	128,075	148,045
Reorganization items, net	0	-180	2,168
Stock-based compensation	140,038	27,034	62,875
Interest accretion on notes payable	1,221	1,252	1,201
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	789	587
Amortization of debt issuance costs	4,748	4,285	2,411
Other, including loss on disposal of assets	1,672	10,320	8,247
Gain on sale of investee	-10,031	0	-67,319
Increase in accounts receivable	-7,764	-22,146	-10,497
Increase in inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets	-5,744	-2,062	-2,352
(Increase) decrease in deposits and other assets	-486	473	5,439
Increase in accounts payable, deferred income, accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities	13,293	12,147	12,455
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable	-56	17,239	1,288
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	33,291	34,915	-194,167
Net cash provided by operating activities before reorganization activities	392,323	369,014	373,420
Net cash used in reorganization activities	0	-332	-1,788
Total net cash provided by operating activities	392,323	368,682	371,632
Cash flow from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	-108,660	-101,853	-99,989
Property insurance recovery	850	0	1,494
Purchase of identifiable intangible assets	-49	-75	0
Purchase of restricted-use investments, net	-648	-605	-706
Proceeds from sale of DCP	10,031	0	69,987
Proceeds from sale of assets	148	230	1,557
Net cash used in investing activities	-98,328	-102,303	-27,657
Cash flow from financing activities:
Repayment of borrowings	-6,308	-6,276	-353,230
Proceeds from borrowings	0	0	800,000
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	-2,660	-16,878
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	38,840	30,860	40,929
Stock repurchases	-195,353	-523,589	-231,984
Payment of cash dividends	-184,300	-176,171	-148,286
Purchase of HWP ownership interests	0	-9,554	0
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest	-19	-288	-2,033
Noncontrolling interest distributions	-38,012	-37,452	-36,840
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-385,152	-725,130	51,678
Effect of exchange rate on cash	-4,269	-1,147	2,128
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-95,426	-459,898	397,781
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	169,310	629,208	231,427
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	73,884	169,310	629,208
Supplemental cash flow information
Cash paid for interest	67,145	52,268	42,545
Cash paid for income taxes	$16,772	$13,768	$9,435

Description_of_Business

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business
	We own and operate regional theme, water and zoological parks and are the largest regional theme park operator in the world. Of the 18 parks we currently own or operate, 16 parks are located in the United States, one park is located in Mexico City, Mexico and one park is located in Montreal, Canada.
	On April 1, 1998, we acquired the former Six Flags Entertainment Corporation ("Former SFEC", a corporation that has been merged out of existence and that has always been a separate corporation from the current Six Flags Entertainment Corporation ("Holdings")), which had operated regional theme parks under the Six Flags name for nearly 40 years, and established an internationally recognized brand name. We own the "Six Flags" brand name in the United States and foreign countries throughout the world. To capitalize on this name recognition, 16 of our current parks are branded as "Six Flags" parks and we are also involved in the development of Six Flags-branded theme parks outside of North America.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	a.	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. We also consolidate the partnerships that own 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 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 consolidated balance sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interests. On September 30, 2013, we acquired the noncontrolling equity interests held by non-affiliated parties in HWP Development, LLC ("HWP"), with the exception of a nominal amount retained by a non-affiliated party that we subsequently acquired on December 31, 2013. Prior to the acquisition, we consolidated HWP as a subsidiary as we had the power to direct the activities that most significantly impacted HWP's economic performance and we had the obligation to absorb losses and receive benefits from HWP that could have been significant to HWP. The 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 consolidated statements of operations. See Note 5 for further discussion.
	Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	b.	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.
	c.	Fair Value Measurement
	Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair value as the exchange prices that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The guidance also specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, these two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:
	•	Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;
	•	Level 2: inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the instrument; and
	•	Level 3: inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable for the asset or liability.
	This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. See Note 10 for disclosure of methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments by classification.
	d.	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consists of short-term highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity as of the date of purchase of three months or less, which are readily convertible into cash. For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid debt instruments with remaining maturities as of their date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents were not significant as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	e.	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at weighted average cost or market value and primarily consist of products purchased for resale, including merchandise, food and miscellaneous supplies. Products are removed from inventory at weighted average cost. We have recorded a valuation allowance for slow moving inventory of $0.4 million and $1.2 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	f.	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets include $21.6 million and $21.5 million of spare parts inventory for existing rides and attractions as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These items are expensed as the repair or maintenance of rides and attractions occur.
	g.	Advertising Costs
	Production costs of commercials and programming are charged to operations in the year first aired. The costs of other advertising, promotion, and marketing programs are charged to operations when incurred with the exception of direct-response advertising which is charged to the period it will benefit. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $1.3 million and $1.6 million in prepaid advertising, respectively. The amounts capitalized are included in prepaid expenses.
	Advertising and promotions expense was $63.2 million, $61.2 million and $61.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	h.	Debt Issuance Costs
	We capitalize costs related to the issuance of debt. In connection with the amendment of our 2011 Credit Facility in December 2013, we capitalized $2.4 million of debt issuance costs directly associated with the issuance of the amendment. The amortization of such costs is recognized as interest expense using the interest method over the term of the respective debt issue. Amortization related to deferred debt issuance costs was $4.7 million, $4.3 million and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	i.	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment additions are recorded at cost and the carrying value is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Maintenance and repair costs that do not improve service potential or extend economic life are charged directly to expense as incurred, while betterments and renewals are generally capitalized as property and equipment. When an item is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and applicable accumulated depreciation are removed and the resulting gain or loss is recognized. See Note 3 for further detail of the components of our property and equipment.
	The estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:
	Rides and attractions	5 - 25 years
	Land improvements	10 - 15 years
	Buildings and improvements	Approximately 30 years
	Furniture and equipment	5 - 10 years
	j.	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. We identify our reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets, to those reporting units. We then determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. We are a single reporting unit. For each year, the fair value of the single reporting unit exceeded our carrying amount (based on a comparison of the market price of our common stock to the carrying amount of our stockholders' equity (deficit)). In September 2012, the FASB amended FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, which permits entities to perform a qualitative analysis on indefinite-lived intangible assets to determine if it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. We adopted this amendment in September 2012 and have performed a qualitative analysis on our indefinite-lived trade name intangible asset during the fourth quarter of each year. If as a result of this qualitative analysis we determine that it is more likely than not that an asset is impaired, quantitative impairment testing is required.
	The fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is generally determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis. An impairment loss occurs to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Further testing of goodwill occurs in a two-step process in which the fair value of each reporting unit, determined using an analysis of future cash flows, is compared to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit were to be less than the carrying amount, the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill would then be compared with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets (recognized and unrecognized) and liabilities of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.
	k.	Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
	We review long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization, for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying value of the asset or group of assets 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 the 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 asset or group of assets exceeds its respective fair value. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
	l.	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue upon admission into our parks, provision of our services, or when products are delivered to our guests. Revenues are presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations net of sales taxes collected from our guests and remitted to government taxing authorities. During 2013, we launched a membership program. In contrast to our season pass and other multi-use offerings that expire at the end of each operating season, the membership program does not expire. It automatically renews on a month-to-month basis after the initial twelve-month membership term, and can be canceled any time after the initial term 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 December 31, 2014, deferred income was primarily comprised of (i) advance sales of season pass and other admissions for the 2015 operating season, (ii) unredeemed portions of the membership program that will be recognized in 2015, (iii) sponsorship revenue that will be recognized in 2015 and (iv) a nominal amount for the remaining unredeemed season pass revenue and pre-sold single-day admissions revenue for the 2014 operating season that was redeemed throughout the completion of the 2014 operating season during the first week of 2015.
	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 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.
	m.	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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, we have recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts of $6.3 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts is primarily comprised of estimated defaults under our membership plans.
	n.	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	We account for derivatives and hedging activities in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. This accounting guidance establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. It requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as a hedge for accounting purposes. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (e.g., gains and losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.
	We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and our strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to forecasted transactions. We also assess, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.
	Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash-flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until operations are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item, at which point they are reclassified to interest expense. Changes in fair value of a derivative that is not designated as a hedge are recorded in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations on a current basis. See Note 6 for further discussion.
	o.	Commitments and Contingencies
	We are involved in various lawsuits and claims that arise in the normal course of business. Amounts associated with lawsuits or claims are reserved for matters in which it is believed that losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In addition to matters in which it is believed that losses are probable, disclosure is also provided for matters in which the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is at least reasonably possible but for which a reasonable estimate of loss or range of loss is not possible. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. See Note 15 for further discussion.
	p.	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases including net operating loss and other tax carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date. We recorded a valuation allowance of $97.3 million and $186.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 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. During the fourth quarter of 2012, we determined that the valuation allowance against our federal net operating losses was no longer required because of the significant amount of net income that we generated in 2012. Our 2012 and subsequent results, coupled with our projected taxable income over the foreseeable future, gave us comfort that we would be able to utilize all of our federal net operating loss carryforwards before they expire.
	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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had no accrued interest and penalties liability.
	Because we do not permanently reinvest foreign earnings, United States deferred income taxes have been provided on unremitted foreign earnings to the extent that such foreign earnings are expected to be taxable upon repatriation.
	q.	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 using the treasury stock method. 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. Computations for basic and diluted earnings per share were retroactively adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split in June 2013 described in Note 12. See Note 14 for further discussion of earnings per common share.
	r.	Stock-Based Compensation
	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 to select employees, officers, directors and consultants of Holdings and its affiliates. We recognize the fair value of each grant as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period using the graded vesting terms of the respective grant. The fair value of stock option grants is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model. The fair value of stock, restricted stock units and restricted stock awards is the quoted market price of Holdings' stock on the grant date. See Note 9 for further discussion of stock-based compensation and related disclosures.
	s.	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income consists of net income, changes in the foreign currency translation adjustment, changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as hedges and changes in the net actuarial gains (losses) and amortization of prior service costs on our defined benefit retirement plan.
	t.	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
	We record the carrying amount of our redeemable noncontrolling interests at their fair value at the date of issuance. We recognize the changes in their redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying value of these redeemable noncontrolling interests to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period, if greater than the redeemable noncontrolling interest carrying value.
	This method would view the end of the reporting period as if it were also the redemption date for the redeemable noncontrolling interests. We conduct an annual review to determine if the fair value of the redeemable units is less than the redemption amount. If the fair value of the redeemable units is less than the redemption amount, there would be a charge to earnings per share allocable to common stockholders. The redemption amount at the end of each reporting period did not exceed the fair value of the redeemable units.
	u.	Discontinued Operations
	The consolidated financial statements as of and for all periods presented reflect the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the parks we no longer operate as discontinued operations. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized income from discontinued operations of $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $7.3 million, respectively, primarily as a result of a reduction in contingent liabilities associated with sale indemnities related to the sale of certain of our parks prior to 2010. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no assets or liabilities held for sale related to any of our parks that had been sold, excluding contingent liabilities discussed in Note 15. Because our long-term debt is not directly associated with discontinued operations, we do not allocate a portion of our interest expense to the discontinued operations.
	v.	Reclassifications
	Reclassifications have been made to certain amounts reported in 2013 and 2012 to conform to the 2014 presentation.
w.	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.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, property and equipment was classified as follows:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013
	Land	$	227,983		$	227,335
	Land improvements	191,307			177,654
	Buildings and improvements	268,425			264,853
	Rides and attractions	903,304			857,426
	Equipment	206,598			189,707
	Property and equipment, at cost	1,797,617			1,716,975
	Accumulated depreciation	(579,511		)	(485,292		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	1,218,106		$	1,231,683

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	We assess goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or when an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate potential impairment. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we performed a qualitative analysis of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and noted no indicators of impairment. Through that analysis, we determined that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeded their respective fair values. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying amount of goodwill was $630.2 million.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, intangible assets, net consisted of the following:
		As of December 31, 2014
	(Amounts in thousands, except years)	Weighted-Average Remaining Amortization Period		Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Net
		(Years)		Carrying Value					Carrying Value
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trade names, trademarks and other			$	344,075	$	—		$	344,075
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Third party licensing rights	5.5		24,461		(11,237		)	13,224
	Other	31.1		3,036		(977		)	2,059
	Total intangible assets, net			$	371,572	$	(12,214	)	$	359,358
		As of December 31, 2013
	(Amounts in thousands, except years)	Weighted-Average Remaining Amortization Period		Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Net
		(Years)		Carrying Value					Carrying Value
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trade names, trademarks and other			$	344,075	$	—		$	344,075
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Third party licensing rights	6.5		24,361		(8,809		)	15,552
	Other	31.7		3,346		(860		)	2,486
	Total intangible assets, net			$	371,782	$	(9,669	)	$	362,113
	Amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets totaled $2.7 million, $14.4 million and $15.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We expect that amortization expense on our existing intangible assets subject to amortization for the succeeding five years and thereafter will approximate the following:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	For the year ending December 31:
	2015	$	2,637
	2016	2,637
	2017	2,495
	2018	2,441
	2019	2,435
	2020 and thereafter	2,638
		$	15,283

Noncontrolling_Interests_Partn

Noncontrolling Interests, Partnership and Joint Ventures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interests, Partnership and Joint Ventures
Noncontrolling Interests, Partnership and Joint Ventures	Noncontrolling Interests, Partnerships and Joint Ventures
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests represents the non-affiliated parties' share of the assets of the 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, 2012	$	437,941
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased units	(84		)
	Purchases of redeemable units of SFOT	(288		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	37,452
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(37,452		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	437,569
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased units	(5		)
	Purchases of redeemable units of SFOT	(19		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	38,012
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(38,012		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	437,545
	See Note 15 for a description of the partnership arrangements applicable to the Partnership Parks, the accounts of which are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The redemption value of the partnership units as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $393.6 million and $372.5 million, respectively.
	Noncontrolling Interests
	Noncontrolling interests represent the non-affiliated parties' share of the assets of HWP. On September 30, 2013, we acquired the minority equity interests held by non-affiliated parties in HWP, with the exception of a nominal amount retained by a non-affiliated party that we subsequently acquired on December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, HWP was a wholly owned subsidiary. 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 interest in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. The following table presents a rollforward of noncontrolling interests in HWP:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	3,934
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	869
	Purchase of ownership interests	(4,693		)
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased ownership interests	(110		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	—
	Other
	During the third quarter of 2012, our interest in dick clark productions, inc. ("DCP") was sold to a third party. In connection with the sale, we received $70.0 million for our portion of the proceeds and we recorded a gain of approximately $67.3 million. We received an additional $0.3 million in January 2013 related to the sale of another small investment that was owned by the venture. 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 we received $10.0 million of additional proceeds and recognized the incremental gain on the sale of DCP.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	In March 2012, we entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate agreement (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 7). 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 three separate interest rate swap agreements (collectively, 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. We manage the market risk associated with the Interest Rate Swap Agreements by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that we may undertake. 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 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 consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
		Derivative Assets						Derivative Liabilities
	(Amounts in thousands)	December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements - Current	$	—		$	—		$	1,325		$	—
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements - Noncurrent	599			—			—			—
		$	599		$	—		$	1,325		$	—
	As of December 31, 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 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 consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
		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			2012			2014			2013			2012			2014		2013			2012
	Interest Rate Cap Agreement	$	—		$	(31	)	$	(865	)	$	(301	)	$	(558	)	$	(37	)	$	—	$	(1	)	$	—
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements	(1,604		)	—			—			(878		)	—			—			—		—			—
	Total	$	(1,604	)	$	(31	)	$	(865	)	$	(1,179	)	$	(558	)	$	(37	)	$	—	$	(1	)	$	—
	As of December 31, 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 year ended December 31, 2014, no hedge ineffectiveness was recorded for the Interest Rate Swap Agreement.

LongTerm_Indebtedness

Long-Term Indebtedness	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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) reduce the interest rate payable on the Term Loan B by 25 basis points.
	On December 23, 2013, we entered into an amendment to the 2011 Credit Facility (the "2013 Credit Facility Amendment") that reduced the overall borrowing rate on the Term Loan B by 50 basis points through (i) a 25 basis point reduction in the applicable margin from 3.00% plus LIBOR to 2.75% plus LIBOR and (ii) a 25 basis point reduction in the minimum LIBOR rate from 1.00% to 0.75%. Additionally, the 2013 Credit Facility Amendment permits us to use up to $200.0 million of our excess cash on hand, over time, for general corporate purposes, including potential share repurchases. In connection with the 2013 Credit Facility Amendment, we capitalized $2.4 million of debt issuance costs directly associated with the issuance of the amendment. Additionally, we recorded a $0.8 million loss on debt extinguishment for the year ended December 31, 2013 as portions of the Term Loan B were retired and subsequently repurchased by certain lenders as a part of the 2013 Credit Facility Amendment.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 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 December 31, 2014 and 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, $570.5 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 6 for further discussion. As of December 31, 2014 and 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 is due and payable on December 20, 2018.
	Amounts outstanding under the 2011 Credit Facility are guaranteed by Holdings, Six Flags Operations Inc. ("SFO") and certain of the domestic subsidiaries of SFTP (collectively, the "Loan Parties"). The 2011 Credit Facility is secured by first priority liens upon substantially all existing and after-acquired assets of the Loan Parties. The 2011 Credit Facility agreement contains certain representations, warranties and affirmative covenants, including minimum interest coverage and a maximum senior leverage maintenance covenant. In addition, the 2011 Credit Facility agreement contains restrictive covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit or restrict, among other things, the ability of the Loan Parties to incur indebtedness, create liens, engage in mergers, consolidations and other fundamental changes, make investments or loans, engage in transactions with affiliates, pay dividends, make capital expenditures and repurchase capital stock. The 2011 Credit Facility agreement contains certain events of default, including payment, breaches of covenants and representations, cross defaults to other material indebtedness, judgment, and changes of control and bankruptcy events of default.
	2021 Notes
	On December 21, 2012, Holdings issued $800.0 million of 5.25% senior unsecured notes due January 15, 2021 (the "2021 Notes"). The proceeds from the 2021 Notes were used to repay the $72.2 million that was outstanding under the Term Loan A and to repay $277.8 million of the outstanding balance of the Term Loan B. The remaining proceeds were used for share repurchases. Interest payments of $21.0 million are due semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 (except in 2013 when we only made one interest payment of $22.3 million on July 15 and in 2021 when we will only make one payment of $21.0 million on January 15).
	The 2021 Notes are guaranteed by the Loan Parties. The 2021 Notes contain restrictive covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit or restrict, among other things, the ability of the Loan Parties to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, engage in mergers, consolidations and other fundamental changes, make investments, engage in transactions with affiliates, pay dividends and repurchase capital stock. The 2021 Notes contain certain events of default, including payment, breaches of covenants and representations, cross defaults to other material indebtedness, judgment, and changes of control and bankruptcy events of default.
	In connection with the 2012 Credit Facility Amendment, the issuance of the 2021 Notes and the repayment of the Term Loan A and a portion of the Term Loan B, we recorded a $0.6 million loss on debt extinguishment for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	HWP Refinance Loan
	On November 5, 2007, HWP entered into a $33.0 million term loan (the "Refinance Loan") retiring (i) the $31.0 million construction-term loan with Marshall Investments Corporation incurred December 17, 2004 and (ii) the term loan and revolving line of credit with BankFirst incurred April 20, 2006. Borrowings under the Refinance Loan bear interest at 6.72%. Monthly payments of principal and interest of $0.2 million are payable through November 1, 2017. On December 1, 2017, all unpaid principal and interest is due and payable. Due to significant early pre-payment penalties under the Refinance Loan, we do not currently intend to pre-pay the Refinance Loan prior to its scheduled maturity. HWP is subject to various covenants under the Refinance Loan that place certain restrictions limiting or prohibiting engaging in certain types of transactions. Pursuant to the Refinance Loan, HWP deposited into escrow $2.5 million and $1.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, long-term debt consisted of the following:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013
	Term Loan B	$	570,544		$	576,366
	2021 Notes	800,000			800,000
	HWP Refinance Loan	30,187			30,673
	Net discount	(5,215		)	(6,436		)
	Long-term debt	1,395,516			1,400,603
	Less current portion	(6,301		)	(6,269		)
	Total long-term debt	$	1,389,215		$	1,394,334
	As of December 31, 2014, annual maturities of long-term debt, assuming no acceleration of maturities, were as follows:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	For the year ending December 31:
	2015	$	6,301
	2016	6,369
	2017	34,983
	2018	553,078
	2019	—
	2020 and thereafter	800,000
		$	1,400,731

Selling_General_and_Administra

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
	Selling, general and administrative expenses comprised the following for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Park	$	122,322	$	121,735	$	118,162
	Corporate	188,633		67,483		107,713
	Total selling, general and administrative expenses	$	310,955	$	189,218	$	225,875
	Corporate, selling, general and administrative expense includes stock-based compensation of $140.0 million, $27.0 million and $62.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Stock_Benefit_Plans_Notes

Stock Benefit Plans (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Stock Benefit Plans
	Pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Plan, Holdings may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, unrestricted stock, deferred stock units, performance and cash-settled awards and dividend equivalents 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 Holdings' two-for-one stock splits in June 2011 and June 2013. 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 stock split in June 2013.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, stock-based compensation expense related to the Long-Term Incentive Plan was $139.8 million, $26.8 million and $62.6 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, options to purchase approximately 6,686,000 shares of common stock of Holdings and approximately 17,000 shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units were outstanding under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and approximately 2,928,000 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.
	In August 2011, stock option grants were made to the vast majority of full-time employees. Given the then current share limitations of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, certain of the option grants to officers were made contingent upon stockholder approval of an amendment to the plan increasing the number of available shares. This increase in the number of available shares received overwhelming stockholder approval at the May 2012 annual stockholders meeting, satisfying the stockholder approval contingency of such options. The accounting measurement date for these grants was May 2, 2012. At that date, the strike prices of the options were less than the prevailing trading price for the underlying shares, as a result of which the options were valued as in-the-money options. Due to limitations in the Black-Scholes model related to options treated as in-the-money, we elected to value the options using the Hull-White I lattice model with a simplified assumption for the early settlement to value these options. The inherent advantage of Hull-White I lattice model relative to the Black-Scholes model is that option exercises are modeled as being dependent on the evolution of the stock price and not solely on the amount of time that has passed since the grant date. The Hull-White I lattice model uses all of the same assumptions as the Black-Scholes model and also assumes a post-vesting cancellation rate, which treats a canceled option as (i) exercised immediately if it is in-the-money or (ii) worthless if it is out-of-the-money. The post-vesting cancellation rate assumption that was used in the valuation of these options was 0%.
	The following weighted-average assumptions were utilized in the Black-Scholes model to value the stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		31-Dec-14					31-Dec-13					31-Dec-12
		CEO		Employees			CEO			Employees		CEO		Employees
	Risk-free interest rate	1.96	%	1.96	%		1.2	%		2.03	%	1.08	%	1.08	%
	Expected life (in years)	6.25		6.25			6.25			6.25		6.25		6.25
	Expected volatility	38.69	%	38.81	%		39.21	%		38.98	%	44.23	%	44.14	%
	Expected dividend yield	4.78	%	4.87	%		5.24	%		5.08	%	4.51	%	3.48	%
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	(Amounts in thousands, expect per share data)	Shares		Weighted Avg. Exercise Price				Weighted Avg. Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
				($)						($)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	7,910		$	18.9
	Granted	1,723		$	37.86
	Exercised	(2,811	)	$	13.4
	Canceled or exchanged	—		$	—
	Forfeited	(136	)	$	27.99
	Expired	—		$	—
	Balance at December 31, 2014	6,686		$	25.91			7.65		$	115,268
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014	6,520		$	25.71			7.63		$	113,672
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	2,541		$	16.72			6.35		$	67,148
	The weighted average grant date fair value of the options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $8.86, $7.78 and $8.07, respectively.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $70.1 million, $57.1 million and $68.0 million, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $19.8 million, $18.0 million and $15.7 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, there was $18.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to option awards. The weighted-average period over which that cost is expected to be recognized is 3.05 years.
	Cash received from the exercise of stock options during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $37.7 million, $29.8 million and $40.0 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, 2010 a performance award was established that, based on the EBITDA performance of the Company in 2010 and 2011, resulted in an additional 2,912,000 shares of restricted stock units being granted to certain key employees in February 2012. Such restricted stock units were unvested when granted and originally scheduled to vest upon the completion of the Company's 2012 audit if the EBITDA performance target for 2012 was achieved. Since as of December 2012 it was clear that the Company would exceed the performance target for 2012, Holdings' Board of Directors determined it was in the best interest of the Company to accelerate the vesting of the award by a couple of months to a December 24, 2012 vesting date thereby potentially creating significant tax savings for the individuals that received the award. As of December 31, 2012, all of the compensation expense related to this award had been recognized.
	During the year ended December 31, 2011, an additional performance award was established based on our goal to achieve Modified EBITDA of $500 million by 2015 (the "2015 Performance Award"). If the target is achieved in 2015, an aggregate of 2,628,000 shares plus associated dividend equivalent rights ("DERs") 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 third quarter of 2014, it was determined that achievement of the Modified EBITDA performance target is probable by 2015. As a result, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Stock Compensation, we began accruing stock-based compensation expense related to the 2015 Performance Award. Furthermore, the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 exceeded the threshold for a 2014 partial achievement award, resulting in the issuance of a partial achievement award in February 2015. The issuance of the remaining shares available under the 2015 Performance Award is contingent upon the achievement of the Modified EBITDA performance target in 2015 or a 2015 partial achievement award, which remain probable. We have accrued $104.5 million, plus an additional $14.3 million for the associated DERs, for stock-based compensation expense related to the 2015 Performance Award as of December 31, 2014. Based on the closing market price of Holdings' common stock on the last trading day of the quarter ended December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to the 2015 Performance Award was $17.4 million, plus the remaining expense for the associated DERs, which will be approximately $4.2 million, that will be expensed over the remaining service period.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, an additional performance award was established based on our aspirational goal to achieve Modified EBITDA of $600 million by 2017. The aggregate payout under the performance award to key employees if the target is achieved in 2017 would be 2,400,000 shares plus associated DERs but could be more or less depending on the level of achievement and the timing thereof. There has been no stock-based compensation expense recorded for this performance award because it is not deemed probable that we will achieve the specified performance targets as of December 31, 2014. Based on the closing market price of Holdings' common stock on the last trading day of the quarter ended December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to this award at target achievement in 2017 is $103.6 million that will be expensed over the service period if it becomes probable of achieving the performance condition. We will continue to evaluate the probability of achieving the performance condition going forward and record the appropriate expense if necessary.
	The following table summarizes stock, restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
				($)
	Non-vested balance at December 31, 2013	351		$	10.84
	Granted	18		$	41.14
	Vested	(352	)	$	11.06
	Forfeited	—		$	—
	Canceled	—		$	—
	Non-vested balance at December 31, 2014	17		$	38.83
	The weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $41.14, $38.26 and $22.92, respectively.
	The total grant date fair value of the stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0.7 million, $0.7 million and $67.3 million, respectively. The total fair value of stock awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $3.9 million, $3.6 million and $68.5 million, respectively.
	Exclusive of the unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to the 2015 Performance Award discussed above, there was $0.2 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units as of December 31, 2014 that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.35 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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, approximately 3,000, 3,000 and 5,000 DSUs, respectively, were granted at a weighted-average grant date fair value of $41.14, $38.26 and $24.20 per DSU, respectively. The total grant date fair value of DSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $0.1 million.
	As of December 31, 2014, there was no 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. The DERs accrue dividends as of the record date of each of Holdings' dividends that 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 and the 2017 Performance Award. The DER grants to participants with 1,000 or more unvested stock options and the DER grants related to the performance award were granted contingent upon stockholder approval at the Company's 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company's proposal to amend the Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares for issuance under the Long-Term Incentive Plan from 19,333,332 to 28,133,332. On May 2, 2012, our stockholders approved the Long-Term Incentive Plan amendment to increase the number of shares available for issuance.
	Holdings' Board of Directors granted approximately 1.7 million, 1.2 million and 2.0 million additional options to the majority of full-time employees of the Company as well as DERs in connection with such options during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. 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 $6.0 million, $7.6 million and 6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	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, as adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split in June 2013. Holdings' common stock may be issued by either authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares purchased on the open market. As of December 31, 2014, we had 1,850,000 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. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, no purchase rights were outstanding under the ESPP.
	Stock-based compensation expense consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013				2012
	Long-Term Incentive Plan	$	139,788		$	26,829			$	62,556
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan	250			205				319
Total stock-based compensation	$	140,038		$	27,034			$	62,875

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		As of
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	(Amounts in thousands)	Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Value			Value			Value			Value
	Financial assets (liabilities):
	Restricted-use investment securities	$	2,471		$	2,471		$	1,823		$	1,823
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements assets	599			599			—			—
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements liabilities	(1,325		)	(1,325		)	—			—
	Long-term debt (including current portion)	(1,395,516		)	(1,396,690		)	(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 6 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.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The following table summarizes the domestic and foreign components of income from continuing operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	145,622		$	182,736		$	193,028
	Foreign	14,389			21,189			18,584
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	160,011		$	203,925		$	211,612
	The following table summarizes the components of income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(Amounts in thousands)	Current			Deferred			Total
	2014:00:00
	U.S. federal	$	(57	)	$	31,757		$	31,700
	Foreign	6,260			46			6,306
	State and local	7,028			1,488			8,516
	Income tax expense	$	13,231		$	33,291		$	46,522
	2013:00:00
	U.S. federal	$	—		$	39,077		$	39,077
	Foreign	9,868			(1,123		)	8,745
	State and local	2,818			(3,039		)	(221		)
	Income tax expense	$	12,686		$	34,915		$	47,601
	2012:00:00
	U.S. federal	$	—		$	(193,457	)	$	(193,457	)
	Foreign	6,281			1,181			7,462
	State and local	3,732			(1,891		)	1,841
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	10,013		$	(194,167	)	$	(184,154	)
	Recorded income tax expense (benefit) allocated to income from continuing operations differed from amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes as a result of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Computed "expected" federal income tax expense	$	56,004		$	71,374		$	74,064
	Effect of noncontrolling interest income distribution	(13,114		)	(13,412		)	(12,986		)
	Change in valuation allowance	1,413			13,144			(246,469		)
	Effect of state and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	5,535			(144		)	1,196
	Nondeductible compensation	2,271			2,265			805
	Effect of foreign income taxes	635			(1,495		)	958
	Effect of foreign earnings earned and remitted in the same year	11,126			195			1,446
	Effect of foreign tax credits	(15,571		)	(17,387		)	—
	Effect of additional basis due to amended returns, net of NOL reduction	(3,532		)	—			—
	Reorganization items and fresh start accounting adjustments, net	—			—			759
	Other, net	1,755			(6,939		)	(3,927		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	46,522		$	47,601		$	(184,154	)
	In prior periods, a deduction was taken for foreign taxes paid to other jurisdictions. The Company has elected to amend the 2011 and 2012 tax returns to take a Foreign Tax Credit in lieu of that deduction and to recover additional fixed asset basis. Additionally, the Company filed an amended return for 2013 to recoup additional fixed asset basis and to recover previously expired NOL carryforwards. This resulted in a net increase to deferred tax assets.
	In connection with emergence from Chapter 11, the Company's prepetition debt securities, primarily the prepetition notes issued by SFI and SFO, were extinguished. Absent an exception, a debtor recognizes cancellation of debt income ("CODI") upon discharge of its outstanding indebtedness for an amount of consideration that is less than its adjusted issue price. The Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") provides that a debtor in a bankruptcy case may exclude CODI from income but must reduce certain of its tax attributes by the amount of any CODI realized as a result of the consummation of a plan of reorganization. The amount of CODI realized by a taxpayer is the adjusted issue price of any indebtedness discharged less the sum of (i) the amount of cash paid, (ii) the issue price of any new indebtedness issued and (iii) the fair market value of any other consideration, including equity, issued. As a result of the market value of our equity upon emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, we were able to retain a significant portion of our federal NOLs and state NOLs (collectively, the "Tax Attributes") after reduction of the Tax Attributes for CODI realized on emergence from Chapter 11. As a result of emergence from Chapter 11, the Company's NOLs were reduced by approximately $804.8 million of CODI.
	Sections 382 and 383 of the IRC impose an annual limitation on the utilization of NOLs and other favorable Tax Attribute carryforwards that a corporation has at the time of a so-called "ownership change" within the meaning of IRC Section 382. The Company's issuance of stock pursuant to its reorganization under Chapter 11 resulted in such an ownership change. The limitation amount is the product of the value of the Company, computed under special rules that apply to a bankruptcy reorganization, and a published rate that applied for the month the Company emerged from Chapter 11. The Company's limitation amount is approximately $32.5 million for each year to which NOLs and other Tax Attribute carryforwards that existed at emergence are carried, increased by the portion of the net built-in income and gain that existed at emergence and that IRS pronouncements permit a taxpayer to treat as recognized during the five year period following the ownership change. This has allowed the Company to increase its annual limitation by amounts that are expected to total $696.0 million by the end of 2015. Annual limitation amounts accumulate for future use to the extent they are not utilized in a given year. As a result of the Section 382 limitation, the Company may have a cash tax liability in future years even though its deferred tax assets have not been exhausted. A subsequent ownership change could further limit the Company's utilization of NOLs and other Tax Attributes if a smaller limitation resulted from the subsequent ownership change or applied to NOLs and other Tax Attributes accumulated after emergence from Chapter 11.
	Substantially all of our future taxable temporary differences (deferred tax liabilities) relate to the different financial accounting and tax depreciation methods and periods for property and equipment (20 to 25 years for financial reporting purposes and 7 to 12 years for tax reporting purposes) and intangibles. Our net operating loss carryforwards, alternative minimum tax credits, accrued insurance expenses and deferred compensation amounts represent future income tax benefits (deferred tax assets). The following table summarizes the components of deferred income tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets	$	427,141		$	540,581
	Less: Valuation allowance	97,284			186,403
	Net deferred tax assets	329,857			354,178
	Deferred tax liabilities	414,641			428,247
	Net deferred tax liability	$	84,784		$	74,069
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$	158,638		$	241,712
	State net operating loss carryforwards	104,752			196,814
	Deferred compensation	57,030			16,579
	Foreign tax credits	32,958			17,387
	Alternative minimum tax credits	6,591			6,591
	Accrued insurance, pension liability and other	67,172			61,498
	Total deferred tax assets	$	427,141		$	540,581
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	$	290,432		$	299,633
	Intangible assets and other	124,209			128,614
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	414,641		$	428,247
In addition to the net operating losses recognized under financial accounting principles and included in deferred income tax assets in the above table, we had approximately $202.3 million of income tax deductions related to share-based payments that are in excess of the amount recognized in the accompanying financial statements as of December 31, 2014. When these benefits are realized in our tax returns as a reduction of taxes that otherwise would have been required to be paid in cash, then, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, we will recognize these excess benefits as an increase in additional paid in capital on an after-tax basis, which at current income tax rates would approximate $79.3 million. We use the "with and without" method when determining when excess tax benefits have been realized.
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had approximately $6.6 million of alternative minimum tax credits that have no expiration date.
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had approximately $0.6 billion and $0.8 billion, respectively, of net operating loss carryforwards available for U.S. federal income tax purposes that expire through 2029 and $3.4 billion and $5.0 billion, respectively, of net operating loss carryforwards available for state income tax purposes that expire through 2032. We have recorded a valuation allowance of $97.3 million and $186.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of our deferred tax assets before they expire. The valuation allowance at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was based on our inability to use state deferred tax assets related to NOLs that were generated in states where we no longer do business or where we have consistently not generated taxable income. During the year ended December 31, 2014, certain of these fully valued deferred tax assets related to NOL carryforwards were written off or written down as a result of changes in state tax laws. In particular, fully valued NOL carryforwards related to past operations in Ohio were written off since our operations in that state are no longer subject to corporate income tax in that state. Additionally, due to a change in New York tax law, certain NOL carryforwards were converted from pre-apportionment NOL carryforwards to post-apportionment NOL carryforwards, resulting in a write down of these fully valued NOLs. In conjunction with each of these changes, a corresponding reduction in valuation allowance was recorded. These changes did not impact our results of operations.
The change in valuation allowance attributable to income from continuing operations, discontinued operations and other comprehensive loss and equity is presented below:
	Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Continuing operations	$	1,413		$	13,144		$	(246,469	)
Discontinued operations	(207		)	(209		)	(2,763		)
Changes in other comprehensive loss and equity	—			—			—
Total change in valuation allowance	$	1,206		$	12,935		$	(249,232	)
Our unrecognized tax benefit as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $43.9 million. There were no additions or reductions to this unrecognized tax benefit during 2014. We classify interest and penalties attributable to income taxes as part of income tax expense. Due to the Company's NOL position, we have not accrued any penalties and interest.

Preferred_Stock_Common_Stock_a

Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
	Common Stock
	As of December 31, 2014, the number of authorized shares of common stock was 140,000,000 shares, of which 92,937,619 shares were outstanding, 2,928,000 shares were reserved for future issuance through our Long-Term Incentive Plan, and 1,850,000 shares were reserved for future issuance through the ESPP. Pursuant to the ESPP, Holdings' common stock may be issued by either authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares purchased on the open market.
	On May 8, 2013, Holdings' Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split of Holdings' common stock effective in the form of a stock dividend of one share of common stock for each outstanding share of common stock. The record date for the stock split was June 12, 2013. The additional shares of common stock in connection with the June 2013 stock split were distributed on June 26, 2013. 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 June 2013 stock split. All share and per share amounts presented in the consolidated financial statements and Notes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the June 2013 stock split.
	On February 24, 2011, Holdings' Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program that permitted Holdings to repurchase up to $60.0 million in shares of Holdings' common stock over a three-year period (the "February 2011 Stock Repurchase Plan"). Under the February 2011 Stock Repurchase Plan, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, Holdings repurchased an aggregate of 3,235,000 shares at a cumulative price of approximately $60.0 million. The small amount of remaining shares that were permitted to be repurchased under the February 2011 Stock Repurchase Plan were repurchased in January 2012.
	On January 3, 2012, Holdings' Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program that permitted Holdings to repurchase up to $250.0 million in shares of Holdings' common stock over a four-year period (the "January 2012 Stock Repurchase Plan"). Under the January 2012 Stock Repurchase Plan, during the year ended December 31, 2012, Holdings repurchased an aggregate of 8,499,000 shares at a cumulative price of approximately $232.0 million. As of January 4, 2013, Holdings had repurchased an additional 578,000 shares at a cumulative price of approximately $18.0 million and an average price per share of $31.16 to complete the permitted repurchases under the 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' 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"). Under the November 2013 Stock Repurchase Plan, as of December 31, 2014, Holdings had repurchased an aggregate of 5,314,000 shares at a cumulative price of approximately $200.9 million and an average price per share of $37.81 under the November 2013 Stock Repurchase Plan, leaving approximately $299.1 million for permitted repurchases.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, Holdings' Board of Directors declared and paid quarterly cash dividends per share of common stock as follows:
		Dividends
		Paid
		Per Share
	2014:00:00
	Fourth Quarter	$	0.52
	Third Quarter	$	0.47
	Second Quarter	$	0.47
	First Quarter	$	0.47
	2013:00:00
	Fourth Quarter	$	0.47
	Third Quarter	$	0.45
	Second Quarter	$	0.45
	First Quarter	$	0.45
	2012:00:00
	Fourth Quarter	$	0.45
	Third Quarter	$	0.3
	Second Quarter	$	0.3
	First Quarter	$	0.3
	Preferred Stock
	As of December 31, 2014, the number of authorized shares of preferred stock was 5,000,000, none of which have been issued or reserved for future issuance. The authorization of preferred shares empowers Holdings' Board of Directors, without further stockholder approval, to issue preferred shares with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of Holdings' common stock. If issued, the preferred stock could also dilute the holders of Holdings' common stock and could be used to discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of us.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	The balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows:
		Currency Translation Adjustment				Cash Flow				Defined Benefit Plans				Income			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
						Hedges								Taxes
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	(6,615	)		$	—			$	(43,297	)		$	—		$	(49,912	)
	Net current period change	6,953				(865		)		(4,627		)		(269		)	1,192
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				37				(666		)		248			(381		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	338			$	(828	)		$	(48,590	)		$	(21	)	$	(49,101	)
	Net current period change	(2,048		)		(31		)		29,646				(11,039		)	16,528
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				558				(761		)		79			(124		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(1,710	)		$	(301	)		$	(19,705	)		$	(10,981	)	$	(32,697	)
	Net current period change	(10,488		)		(1,604		)		(32,880		)		17,327			(27,645		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				1,179				—				(466		)	713
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(12,198	)		$	(726	)		$	(52,585	)		$	5,880		$	(59,629	)
	The Company had the following reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			Location of		Amount of Reclassification from AOCI
			Reclassification		Year Ended December 31,
	Component of AOCI		into Income		2014				2013				2012
					(Amounts in thousands)
	Amortization of loss on interest rate hedge		Interest expense		$	(1,179	)		$	(558	)		$	(37	)
			Income tax benefit		466				219				15
			Net of tax		$	(713	)		$	(339	)		$	(22	)
	Amortization of deferred actuarial loss and prior service cost		Operating expenses		$	—			$	761			$	666
			Income tax benefit		—				(298		)		(263		)
			Net of tax		$	—			$	463			$	403
	Total reclassifications				$	(713	)		$	124			$	381

Pension_Benefits

Pension Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension Benefits	Pension Benefits
	As part of the acquisition of Former SFEC, we assumed the obligations related to the SFTP Defined Benefit Plan (the "SFTP Benefit Plan"). The SFTP Benefit Plan covered substantially all of SFTP's employees. During 1999, the SFTP Benefit Plan was amended to cover substantially all of our domestic full-time employees. During 2004, the SFTP Benefit Plan was further amended to cover certain seasonal workers, retroactive to January 1, 2003. The SFTP Benefit Plan permits normal retirement at age 65, with early retirement at ages 55 through 64 upon attainment of 10 years of credited service. The early retirement benefit is reduced for benefits commencing before age 62. Plan benefits are calculated according to a benefit formula based on age, average compensation over the highest consecutive five-year period during the employee's last ten years of employment and years of service. The SFTP Benefit Plan assets are invested primarily in equity and fixed income securities, as well as alternative investments, such as hedge funds. The SFTP Benefit Plan does not have significant liabilities other than benefit obligations. Under our funding policy, contributions to the SFTP Benefit Plan are determined using the projected unit credit cost method. This funding policy meets the requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
	We froze our pension plan effective March 31, 2006, pursuant to which most participants no longer earned future pension benefits. Effective February 16, 2009, the remaining participants in the pension plan no longer earned future benefits.
	Obligations and Funded Status
	The following table sets forth the change in our benefit plan obligation and fair value of plan assets:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Beginning balance	$	211,813			$	235,502			$	218,806
	Interest cost	9,686				8,836				9,226
	Actuarial loss (gain)	40,422				(25,368		)		14,616
	Benefits paid	(15,268		)		(7,157		)		(7,146		)
	Benefit obligation at end of period	$	246,653			$	211,813			$	235,502
	Change in fair value of plan assets:
	Beginning balance	$	176,706			$	164,048			$	146,630
	Actual return on assets	20,342				15,068				19,648
	Employer contributions	6,000				6,000				6,075
	Administrative fees	(1,649		)		(1,253		)		(1,159		)
	Benefits paid	(15,268		)		(7,157		)		(7,146		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of period	$	186,131			$	176,706			$	164,048
	Employer contributions and benefits paid in the above table include only those amounts contributed directly to, or paid directly from, plan assets. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the SFTP Benefit Plan's projected benefit obligation exceeded the fair value of SFTP Benefit Plan assets resulting in the SFTP Benefit Plan being underfunded by $60.5 million and $35.1 million, respectively. The underfunded amount is recognized in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
	We use December 31 as our measurement date. The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Discount rate	3.8	%		4.7	%
	Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A
	Net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss)
	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss):
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	1,600			$	1,200			$	1,150
	Interest cost	9,687				8,836				9,226
	Expected return on plan assets	(12,752		)		(12,258		)		(10,982		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	—				761				666
	Total net periodic benefit cost	$	(1,465	)		$	(1,461	)		$	60
	Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Current year actuarial (loss) gain	$	(32,880	)		$	28,885			$	(5,293	)
	Total other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(32,880	)		$	28,885			$	(5,293	)
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we have recorded $48.9 million (net of tax benefit of $3.6 million) and $29.1 million (net of tax expense of $9.4 million) in accumulated other comprehensive loss in our consolidated balance sheets, respectively.
	We anticipate that $0.9 million will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2015.
	The weighted average assumptions used to determine net costs are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate	4.7	%		3.85	%		4.3	%
	Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A
	Expected return on plan assets	7.25	%		7.5	%		7.5	%
	Corridor	10	%		10	%		10	%
	Average future life expectancy (in years)	30.19			30.7			31.63
	The discount rate assumption was developed based on high-quality corporate bond yields as of the measurement date. High quality corporate bond yield indices on over 500 AA high grade bonds are considered when selecting the discount rate.
	The return on plan assets assumption was developed based on consideration of historical market returns, current market conditions, and the SFTP Benefit Plan's past experience. Estimates of future market returns by asset category are reflective of actual long-term historical returns. Overall, it was projected that the SFTP Benefit Plan could achieve a 7.25% net return over time based on a consistent application of the existing asset allocation strategy and a continuation of the SFTP Benefit Plan's policy of monitoring manager performance.
	Description of Investment Committee and Strategy
	The Committee is responsible for managing the investment of SFTP Benefit Plan assets and ensuring that the SFTP Benefit Plan's investment program is in compliance with all provisions of ERISA, other relevant legislation, related SFTP Benefit Plan documents and the Statement of Investment Policy. The Committee has retained several mutual funds, commingled funds and/or investment managers to manage SFTP Benefit Plan assets and implement the investment process. The investment managers, in implementing their investment processes, have the authority and responsibility to select appropriate investments in the asset classes specified by the terms of the applicable prospectus or other investment manager agreements with the SFTP Benefit Plan.
	The primary financial objective of the SFTP Benefit Plan is to secure participant retirement benefits. To achieve this, the key objective in the SFTP Benefit Plan's financial management is to promote stability and, to the extent appropriate, growth in funded status. Other related and supporting financial objectives are also considered in conjunction with a comprehensive review of current and projected SFTP Benefit Plan financial requirements.
	The assets of the fund are invested to achieve the greatest reward for the SFTP Benefit Plan consistent with a prudent level of risk. The asset return objective is to achieve, as a minimum over time, the passively managed return earned by market index funds, weighted in the proportions outlined by the asset class exposures in the SFTP Benefit Plan's long-term target asset allocation.
	The SFTP Benefit Plan's portfolio may be allocated across several hedge fund styles and strategies.
	Plan Assets
	The target allocations for plan assets are 17% domestic equity securities, 50% fixed income securities, 12% international equity securities, and 21% alternative investments. Equity securities primarily include investments in large-cap companies located in the United States and abroad. Fixed income securities include bonds and debentures issued by domestic and foreign private and governmental issuers. Alternative investments are comprised of hedge fund of funds. The following table presents the categories of our plan assets and the related levels of inputs in the fair value hierarchy used to determine the fair value, as defined in Note 2(c):
		Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2014
	(Amounts in thousands)	Total				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant			Significant Unobservable Inputs
										Observable
						(Level 1)				Inputs			(Level 3)
										(Level 2)
	ASSET CATEGORY:
Equity Securities:
Large-Cap Disciplined Equity (a)	$	36,286			$	36,286			$	—		$	—
Small/Mid-Cap Equity (a)	5,320				5,320				—			—
International Equity (b)	22,194				22,194				—			—
Fixed Income:
Long Duration Fixed Income (c)	78,300				78,300				—			—
High Yield (d)	8,353				8,353				—			—
Emerging Markets Debt (e)	6,080				6,080				—			—
Alternatives:
Hedge Fund of Funds (f)	10,174				—				—			10,174
Other Investments (g)	19,424				—				19,424			—
Fair Value of Plan Assets	$	186,131			$	156,533			$	19,424		$	10,174
	Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2013
(Amounts in thousands)	Total				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant			Significant Unobservable Inputs
									Observable
					(Level 1)				Inputs			(Level 3)
									(Level 2)
ASSET CATEGORY:
Equity Securities:
Large-Cap Disciplined Equity (a)	$	35,446			$	35,446			$	—		$	—
Small/Mid-Cap Equity (a)	5,668				5,668				—			—
International Equity (b)	25,753				25,753				—			—
Fixed Income:
Long Duration Fixed Income (c)	67,298				67,298				—			—
High Yield (d)	8,764				8,764				—			—
Emerging Markets Debt (e)	6,583				6,583				—			—
Alternatives:
Hedge Fund of Funds (f)	9,519				—				—			9,519
Other Investments (g)	17,675				—				17,675			—
Fair Value of Plan Assets	$	176,706			$	149,512			$	17,675		$	9,519
________________________________________
(a)	These categories are comprised of mutual funds actively traded on the registered exchanges or over the counter markets. The mutual funds are invested in equity securities of U.S. issuers.
(b)	This category consists of mutual funds invested primarily in equity securities (common stocks, securities that are convertible into common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants and rights to subscribe to common stocks) of non-U.S. issuers purchased in foreign markets. The mutual funds are actively traded on U.S. or foreign registered exchanges, or the over-the-counter markets.
(c)	The assets are comprised of mutual funds which are actively traded on the registered exchanges. The mutual funds are invested primarily in high quality government and corporate fixed income securities, as well as synthetic instruments or derivatives having economic characteristics similar to fixed income securities.
(d)	The high yield portion of the fixed income portfolio consists of mutual funds invested primarily in fixed income securities that are rated below investment grade. The mutual funds are actively traded on the registered exchanges.
(e)	The emerging debt portion of the portfolio consists of mutual funds primarily invested in the debt securities of government, government-related and corporate issuers in emerging market countries and of entities organized to restructure outstanding debt of such issuers. The mutual funds are actively traded on the registered exchanges.
(f)	Hedge Fund of Funds consists primarily of investments in underlying hedge funds. Management of the hedge funds has the ability to choose and combine hedge funds in order to target the fund's return objectives. Individual hedge funds hold their assets primarily in investment funds and engage in investment strategies that include temporary or dedicated directional market exposures.
(g)	This category is comprised of investments in common collective trusts with the underlying assets invested in asset-backed securities, money market funds, corporate bonds and bank notes. The underlying assets are actively traded on the registered exchanges.
The following table represents a rollforward of the December 31, 2014 and 2013 balances of our plan assets that are valued using Level 3 inputs:
(Amounts in thousands)	Hedge Fund
	of Funds
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	22,618
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	446
Relating to assets sold during the period	181
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(13,726		)
Balance as of December 31, 2013	9,519
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	655
Relating to assets sold during the period	—
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	—
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	10,174
Expected Cash Flows
The following table summarizes expected employer contributions and future benefit payments:
(Amounts in thousands)
Expected contributions to plan trusts
2015	$	6,000
Total expected contributions	$	6,000
Expected benefit payments:
2015	$	9,015
2016	9,514
2017	9,936
2018	10,682
2019	11,171
2020 through 2024	62,147
Total expected benefit payments	$	112,465

Earnings_Per_Common_Share

Earnings Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings 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 where there is a net loss, diluted loss per common share is equal to basic loss per common share, since the effect of including any common stock equivalents would be antidilutive. These computations have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split in June 2013 as described in Note 12.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the computation of diluted earnings per share included the effect of 3.7 million, 3.4 million and 3.3 million dilutive stock options and restricted stock units, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the computation of diluted earnings per share excluded the effect of 1.8 million antidilutive stock options and restricted stock units and 1.2 million and 1.9 million antidilutive stock options, respectively. Earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was calculated as follows:
		For the year ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$	76,022	$	118,552	$	365,935
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding—basic	94,477		96,940		107,684
	Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units	3,662		3,431		3,252
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted	98,139		100,371		110,936
	Earnings per share—basic	$	0.8	$	1.22	$	3.4
	Earnings per share—diluted	$	0.77	$	1.18	$	3.3

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 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 $67.8 million in 2015 (subject to cost of living adjustments) to the limited partners in the Partnership Parks (based on our ownership of units as of December 31, 2014, our share of the distribution will be approximately $29.5 million) and (ii) make minimum capital expenditures at each of the Partnership Parks during rolling five-year periods, based generally on 6% of the Partnership Parks' revenues. Cash flow from operations at the Partnership Parks is used to satisfy these requirements first, before any funds are required from us. We also guaranteed the obligation of our subsidiaries to annually purchase all outstanding limited partnership units to the extent tendered by the unit holders (the "Partnership Park Put"). The agreed price for units tendered in the Partnership Park Put is based on a valuation of each of the respective Partnership Parks (the "Specified Price") that is the greater of (a) a valuation for each of the respective Partnership Parks derived by multiplying such park's weighted average four year EBITDA (as defined in the agreements that govern the partnerships) by a specified multiple (8.0 in the case of SFOG and 8.5 in the case of SFOT) and (b) a valuation derived from the highest prices previously paid for the units of the Partnership Parks by certain entities.  Pursuant to the valuation methodologies described in the preceding sentence, the Specified Price for the Partnership Parks, if determined as of December 31, 2014, is $310.4 million in the case of SFOG and $378.7 million in the case of SFOT. As of December 31, 2014, we owned approximately 30.5% and 53.1% of the Georgia limited partner interests and Texas limited partner interests, respectively. 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 $393.6 million, representing approximately 69.5% of the outstanding units of SFOG and 46.9% of the outstanding units of SFOT. The $300 million accordion feature on the Term Loan B under the 2011 Credit Facility is available for borrowing for future "put" obligations if necessary.
	In connection with our acquisition of the Former SFEC, we entered into the Subordinated Indemnity Agreement with certain of the Company's entities, Time Warner and an affiliate of Time Warner, pursuant to which, among other things, we transferred to Time Warner (which has guaranteed all of our obligations under the Partnership Park arrangements) record title to the corporations which own the entities that have purchased and will purchase limited partnership units of the Partnership Parks, and we received an assignment from Time Warner of all cash flow received on such limited partnership units, and we otherwise control such entities. In addition, we issued preferred stock of the managing partner of the partnerships to Time Warner. In the event of a default by us under the Subordinated Indemnity Agreement or of our obligations to our partners in the Partnership Parks, these arrangements would permit Time Warner to take full control of both the entities that own limited partnership units and the managing partner. If we satisfy all such obligations, Time Warner is required to transfer to us the entire equity interests of these entities.
	We incurred $22.0 million of capital expenditures at these parks during the 2014 season and intend to incur approximately $20.0 million of capital expenditures at these parks for the 2015 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 $58.4 million of cash in 2014 from operating activities after deduction of capital expenditures and excluding the impact of short-term intercompany advances from or payments to Holdings. As of December 31, 2014 and 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.
	Operating Leases
	We lease under long-term leases the sites of Six Flags Mexico, La Ronde and a small parcel near Six Flags New England. In certain cases, rent is based upon a percentage of the revenues earned by the applicable park. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized approximately $6.3 million, $6.5 million, and $6.0 million, respectively, of rental expense under these rent agreements.
	Total rental expense from continuing operations, including office space and park sites, was approximately $12.8 million, $13.2 million and $12.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Future minimum obligations under non-cancelable operating leases, including site leases, as of December 31, 2014, are summarized as follows:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	For the year ending December 31:
	2015	$	6,002
	2016	6,033
	2017	5,888
	2018	3,514
	2019	3,478
	2020 and thereafter	138,134
		$	163,049
	License Agreements
	We are party to a license agreement pursuant to which we have the exclusive right on a long term basis to theme park use in the United States and Canada (excluding the Las Vegas, Nevada metropolitan area) of all animated, cartoon and comic book characters that Warner Bros. and DC Comics have the right to license for such use. The license fee is subject to periodic scheduled increases and is payable on a per-theme park basis.
	In November 1999, we entered into license agreements (collectively, the "International License Agreements") pursuant to which we have the exclusive right on a long term basis to theme parks use in Europe, Central and South America of all animated, cartoon and comic book characters that Warner Bros., DC Comics and the Cartoon Network have the right to license for such use. Under the International License Agreements, the license fee is based on specified percentages of the gross revenues of the applicable parks.
	Insurance
	We maintain insurance of the 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.
	The majority of our current insurance policies expire on December 31, 2015. We generally renegotiate our insurance policies on an annual basis. We cannot predict the level of the premiums that we may be required to pay for subsequent insurance coverage, the level of any self-insurance retention applicable thereto, the level of aggregate coverage available or the availability of coverage for specific risks.
	Capital Expenditures
	The vast majority of our capital expenditures in 2015 and beyond will be made on a discretionary basis.
	Litigation
	We are party to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business, including the cases discussed below. Matters that are probable of unfavorable outcome to us and which can be reasonably estimated are accrued. Such accruals are based on information known about the matters, our estimate of the outcomes of such matters and our experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters. None of the actions are believed by management to involve amounts that would be material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity after consideration of recorded accruals.
	On March 1, 2007, Safety Braking Corporation, Magnetar Technologies Corp. and G&T Conveyor Co. filed a Complaint for Patent Infringement (the "Patent Complaint") in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware naming 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 sought damages and injunctive relief. On July 8, 2008, the Court entered a Stipulation and Order of Dismissal of Safety Braking Corporation leaving only Magnetar Technologies Corp. and G&T Conveyor Co. as plaintiffs. We required the manufacturers of the amusement rides that we believed may be impacted by this case to honor their indemnification obligations with respect to this case and tendered the defense of this case to certain of the ride manufacturers. The patent expired in October 2012. 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, claimed that we were negligent in our security of the premises. Four of the individuals who allegedly participated in the altercation were 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. In January 2015, the parties agreed to settle the lawsuit.
	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 October 24, 2014, the litigation was dismissed, without prejudice, with respect to one of the plaintiffs, a minor, who may reinstate the lawsuit at any time prior to two years following the date such plaintiff reaches the age of majority. In January 2015, an agreement was reached to settle the lawsuit with the remaining plaintiffs.
	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 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 4, 2013, we filed an answer denying the claims. On October 14, 2013, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint naming Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, GmbH, the ride manufacturer, as a co-defendant in the lawsuit. 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. In December 2014, the parties entered into an agreement to settle the lawsuit, the terms of which are confidential.
	Tax and other contingencies
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had accrued liabilities for tax and other indemnification contingencies of $0.4 million related to certain parks sold in previous years that could be recognized as recovery losses from discontinued operations in the future if such liabilities are not requested to be paid. During 2012, we closed two large claims related to parks that we no longer own and we recognized approximately $7.3 million as a recovery of losses from discontinued operations as those liabilities were not going to be paid.

Business_Segments

Business Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. Based on these factors, 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.
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Theme park revenues	$	1,175,793		$	1,109,930		$	1,070,332
	Theme park cash expenses	(650,268		)	(625,880		)	(610,010		)
	Aggregate park EBITDA	525,525			484,050			460,322
	Corporate expenses	(48,595		)	(40,449		)	(44,838		)
	Stock-based compensation	(140,038		)	(27,034		)	(62,875		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(108,107		)	(128,075		)	(148,045		)
	Loss on disposal of assets	(5,860		)	(8,579		)	(8,105		)
	Gain on sale of investee	10,031			—			67,319
	Interest expense	(73,057		)	(75,044		)	(47,444		)
	Interest income	468			899			820
	Equity in income of investee — EBITDA	—			—			5,520
	Equity in loss of investee — depreciation and other expense	—			—			(7,742		)
	Loss on debt extinguishment	—			(789		)	(587		)
	Other expense, net	(356		)	(1,054		)	(2,733		)
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	$	160,011		$	203,925		$	211,612
	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 from continuing operations by domestic and foreign categories as of or for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(Amounts in thousands)	Domestic			Foreign			Total
	As of or for the year ended December 31, 2014
	Long-lived assets	$	2,114,897		$	92,815		$	2,207,712
	Revenues	1,058,025			117,768			1,175,793
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	145,622			14,389			160,011
	As of or for the year ended December 31, 2013
	Long-lived assets	$	2,119,529		$	104,515		$	2,224,044
	Revenues	989,509			120,421			1,109,930
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	182,736			21,189			203,925
	As of or for the year ended December 31, 2012
	Long-lived assets	$	2,151,771		$	109,671		$	2,261,442
	Revenues	956,732			113,600			1,070,332
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	193,028			18,584			211,612

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
	Following is a summary of the unaudited interim results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(Amounts in thousands)	First			Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Total revenue	$	73,718		$	376,551	$	541,843	$	183,681
	Net (loss) income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	(61,201		)	66,306		105,034		(34,117		)
	Net (loss) income per weighted average common share outstanding:
	Basic	$	(0.64	)	$	0.7	$	1.11	$	(0.37	)
	Diluted	(0.64		)	0.67		1.08		(0.37		)
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(Amounts in thousands)	First			Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Total revenue	$	87,521		$	363,701	$	504,520	$	154,188
	Net (loss) income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	(62,527		)	47,361		120,403		13,315
	Net (loss) income per weighted average common share outstanding:
	Basic	$	(0.61	)	$	0.49	$	1.27	$	0.14
	Diluted	(0.61		)	0.47		1.22		0.13
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)	First			Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Total revenue	$	66,358		$	374,912	$	485,143	$	143,919
	Net (loss) income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	(115,109		)	72,265		253,025		155,754
	Net (loss) income per weighted average common share outstanding:
	Basic	$	(1.05	)	$	0.67	$	2.37	$	1.46
	Diluted	(1.05		)	0.64		2.23		1.4
	All per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect two-for-one stock split in June 2013 as described in Note 12.
	We operate a seasonal business. In particular, our theme park operations contribute most of their annual revenue during the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year.
	During the third quarter of 2014, it was determined that achievement of the Modified EBITDA performance target related to the 2015 Performance Award is probable by 2015. Additionally, the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 exceeded the threshold for a 2014 partial achievement award, resulting in the issuance of a partial achievement award in February 2015. As a result, we began accruing stock-based compensation expense related to this award resulting in a cumulative catch-up of non-cash compensation costs which materially impacted net income for the third and fourth quarters of 2014 by $72.6 million and $46.2 million, respectively.
	In the fourth quarter of 2012, we reduced our income tax valuation allowance which materially impacted the net income for that quarter. See Note 11.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. We also consolidate the partnerships that own 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 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 consolidated balance sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interests. On September 30, 2013, we acquired the noncontrolling equity interests held by non-affiliated parties in HWP Development, LLC ("HWP"), with the exception of a nominal amount retained by a non-affiliated party that we subsequently acquired on December 31, 2013. Prior to the acquisition, we consolidated HWP as a subsidiary as we had the power to direct the activities that most significantly impacted HWP's economic performance and we had the obligation to absorb losses and receive benefits from HWP that could have been significant to HWP. The 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 consolidated statements of operations. See Note 5 for further discussion.
	Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement
	Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair value as the exchange prices that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The guidance also specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, these two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:
	•	Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;
	•	Level 2: inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the instrument; and
	•	Level 3: inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable for the asset or liability.
	This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. See Note 10 for disclosure of methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments by classification.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consists of short-term highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity as of the date of purchase of three months or less, which are readily convertible into cash. For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid debt instruments with remaining maturities as of their date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents were not significant as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at weighted average cost or market value and primarily consist of products purchased for resale, including merchandise, food and miscellaneous supplies. Products are removed from inventory at weighted average cost. We have recorded a valuation allowance for slow moving inventory of $0.4 million and $1.2 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets include $21.6 million and $21.5 million of spare parts inventory for existing rides and attractions as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These items are expensed as the repair or maintenance of rides and attractions occur.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs
	Production costs of commercials and programming are charged to operations in the year first aired. The costs of other advertising, promotion, and marketing programs are charged to operations when incurred with the exception of direct-response advertising which is charged to the period it will benefit. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $1.3 million and $1.6 million in prepaid advertising, respectively. The amounts capitalized are included in prepaid expenses.
	Advertising and promotions expense was $63.2 million, $61.2 million and $61.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Debt Issuance Costs.	Debt Issuance Costs
	We capitalize costs related to the issuance of debt. In connection with the amendment of our 2011 Credit Facility in December 2013, we capitalized $2.4 million of debt issuance costs directly associated with the issuance of the amendment. The amortization of such costs is recognized as interest expense using the interest method over the term of the respective debt issue. Amortization related to deferred debt issuance costs was $4.7 million, $4.3 million and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment additions are recorded at cost and the carrying value is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Maintenance and repair costs that do not improve service potential or extend economic life are charged directly to expense as incurred, while betterments and renewals are generally capitalized as property and equipment. When an item is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and applicable accumulated depreciation are removed and the resulting gain or loss is recognized. See Note 3 for further detail of the components of our property and equipment.
	The estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:
	Rides and attractions	5 - 25 years
	Land improvements	10 - 15 years
	Buildings and improvements	Approximately 30 years
	Furniture and equipment	5 - 10 years
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. We identify our reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets, to those reporting units. We then determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. We are a single reporting unit. For each year, the fair value of the single reporting unit exceeded our carrying amount (based on a comparison of the market price of our common stock to the carrying amount of our stockholders' equity (deficit)). In September 2012, the FASB amended FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, which permits entities to perform a qualitative analysis on indefinite-lived intangible assets to determine if it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. We adopted this amendment in September 2012 and have performed a qualitative analysis on our indefinite-lived trade name intangible asset during the fourth quarter of each year. If as a result of this qualitative analysis we determine that it is more likely than not that an asset is impaired, quantitative impairment testing is required.
	The fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is generally determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis. An impairment loss occurs to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Further testing of goodwill occurs in a two-step process in which the fair value of each reporting unit, determined using an analysis of future cash flows, is compared to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit were to be less than the carrying amount, the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill would then be compared with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets (recognized and unrecognized) and liabilities of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets	Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
	We review long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization, for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying value of the asset or group of assets 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 the 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 asset or group of assets exceeds its respective fair value. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue upon admission into our parks, provision of our services, or when products are delivered to our guests. Revenues are presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations net of sales taxes collected from our guests and remitted to government taxing authorities. During 2013, we launched a membership program. In contrast to our season pass and other multi-use offerings that expire at the end of each operating season, the membership program does not expire. It automatically renews on a month-to-month basis after the initial twelve-month membership term, and can be canceled any time after the initial term 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 December 31, 2014, deferred income was primarily comprised of (i) advance sales of season pass and other admissions for the 2015 operating season, (ii) unredeemed portions of the membership program that will be recognized in 2015, (iii) sponsorship revenue that will be recognized in 2015 and (iv) a nominal amount for the remaining unredeemed season pass revenue and pre-sold single-day admissions revenue for the 2014 operating season that was redeemed throughout the completion of the 2014 operating season during the first week of 2015.
	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 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, we have recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts of $6.3 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts is primarily comprised of estimated defaults under our membership plans.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	We account for derivatives and hedging activities in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. This accounting guidance establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. It requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as a hedge for accounting purposes. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (e.g., gains and losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.
	We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and our strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to forecasted transactions. We also assess, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.
	Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash-flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until operations are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item, at which point they are reclassified to interest expense. Changes in fair value of a derivative that is not designated as a hedge are recorded in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations on a current basis. See Note 6 for further discussion.
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	We are involved in various lawsuits and claims that arise in the normal course of business. Amounts associated with lawsuits or claims are reserved for matters in which it is believed that losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In addition to matters in which it is believed that losses are probable, disclosure is also provided for matters in which the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is at least reasonably possible but for which a reasonable estimate of loss or range of loss is not possible. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. See Note 15 for further discussion.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases including net operating loss and other tax carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date. We recorded a valuation allowance of $97.3 million and $186.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 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. During the fourth quarter of 2012, we determined that the valuation allowance against our federal net operating losses was no longer required because of the significant amount of net income that we generated in 2012. Our 2012 and subsequent results, coupled with our projected taxable income over the foreseeable future, gave us comfort that we would be able to utilize all of our federal net operating loss carryforwards before they expire.
	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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had no accrued interest and penalties liability.
	Because we do not permanently reinvest foreign earnings, United States deferred income taxes have been provided on unremitted foreign earnings to the extent that such foreign earnings are expected to be taxable upon repatriation.
Earnings 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 using the treasury stock method. 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. Computations for basic and diluted earnings per share were retroactively adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split in June 2013 described in Note 12. See Note 14 for further discussion of earnings per common share.
Stock Benefit Plans	Stock-Based Compensation
	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 to select employees, officers, directors and consultants of Holdings and its affiliates. We recognize the fair value of each grant as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period using the graded vesting terms of the respective grant. The fair value of stock option grants is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model. The fair value of stock, restricted stock units and restricted stock awards is the quoted market price of Holdings' stock on the grant date. See Note 9 for further discussion of stock-based compensation and related disclosures.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income consists of net income, changes in the foreign currency translation adjustment, changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as hedges and changes in the net actuarial gains (losses) and amortization of prior service costs on our defined benefit retirement plan.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
	We record the carrying amount of our redeemable noncontrolling interests at their fair value at the date of issuance. We recognize the changes in their redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying value of these redeemable noncontrolling interests to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period, if greater than the redeemable noncontrolling interest carrying value.
	This method would view the end of the reporting period as if it were also the redemption date for the redeemable noncontrolling interests. We conduct an annual review to determine if the fair value of the redeemable units is less than the redemption amount. If the fair value of the redeemable units is less than the redemption amount, there would be a charge to earnings per share allocable to common stockholders. The redemption amount at the end of each reporting period did not exceed the fair value of the redeemable units.
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations
	The consolidated financial statements as of and for all periods presented reflect the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the parks we no longer operate as discontinued operations. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized income from discontinued operations of $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $7.3 million, respectively, primarily as a result of a reduction in contingent liabilities associated with sale indemnities related to the sale of certain of our parks prior to 2010. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no assets or liabilities held for sale related to any of our parks that had been sold, excluding contingent liabilities discussed in Note 15. Because our long-term debt is not directly associated with discontinued operations, we do not allocate a portion of our interest expense to the discontinued operations.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	Reclassifications have been made to certain amounts reported in 2013 and 2012 to conform to the 2014 presentation.
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.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of estimated useful lives of property and equipment	The estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:
	Rides and attractions	5 - 25 years
	Land improvements	10 - 15 years
	Buildings and improvements	Approximately 30 years
	Furniture and equipment	5 - 10 years

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of property and equipment	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, property and equipment was classified as follows:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013
	Land	$	227,983		$	227,335
	Land improvements	191,307			177,654
	Buildings and improvements	268,425			264,853
	Rides and attractions	903,304			857,426
	Equipment	206,598			189,707
	Property and equipment, at cost	1,797,617			1,716,975
	Accumulated depreciation	(579,511		)	(485,292		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	1,218,106		$	1,231,683

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, intangible assets, net consisted of the following:
		As of December 31, 2014
	(Amounts in thousands, except years)	Weighted-Average Remaining Amortization Period		Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Net
		(Years)		Carrying Value					Carrying Value
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trade names, trademarks and other			$	344,075	$	—		$	344,075
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Third party licensing rights	5.5		24,461		(11,237		)	13,224
	Other	31.1		3,036		(977		)	2,059
	Total intangible assets, net			$	371,572	$	(12,214	)	$	359,358
		As of December 31, 2013
	(Amounts in thousands, except years)	Weighted-Average Remaining Amortization Period		Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Net
		(Years)		Carrying Value					Carrying Value
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trade names, trademarks and other			$	344,075	$	—		$	344,075
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Third party licensing rights	6.5		24,361		(8,809		)	15,552
	Other	31.7		3,346		(860		)	2,486
	Total intangible assets, net			$	371,782	$	(9,669	)	$	362,113
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	We expect that amortization expense on our existing intangible assets subject to amortization for the succeeding five years and thereafter will approximate the following:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	For the year ending December 31:
	2015	$	2,637
	2016	2,637
	2017	2,495
	2018	2,441
	2019	2,435
	2020 and thereafter	2,638
		$	15,283

Noncontrolling_Interests_Partn1

Noncontrolling Interests, Partnership and Joint Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interests, Partnership and Joint Ventures
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, 2012	$	437,941
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased units	(84		)
	Purchases of redeemable units of SFOT	(288		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	37,452
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(37,452		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	437,569
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased units	(5		)
	Purchases of redeemable units of SFOT	(19		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	38,012
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(38,012		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	437,545
Schedule of changes in noncontrolling interests	The following table presents a rollforward of noncontrolling interests in HWP:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	3,934
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	869
	Purchase of ownership interests	(4,693		)
	Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased ownership interests	(110		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	—

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	Derivative instruments recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
		Derivative Assets						Derivative Liabilities
	(Amounts in thousands)	December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements - Current	$	—		$	—		$	1,325		$	—
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements - Noncurrent	599			—			—			—
		$	599		$	—		$	1,325		$	—
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Gains and losses, net of tax, on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges included in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
		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			2012			2014			2013			2012			2014		2013			2012
	Interest Rate Cap Agreement	$	—		$	(31	)	$	(865	)	$	(301	)	$	(558	)	$	(37	)	$	—	$	(1	)	$	—
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements	(1,604		)	—			—			(878		)	—			—			—		—			—
	Total	$	(1,604	)	$	(31	)	$	(865	)	$	(1,179	)	$	(558	)	$	(37	)	$	—	$	(1	)	$	—

LongTerm_Indebtedness_Tables

Long-Term Indebtedness (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, long-term debt consisted of the following:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013
	Term Loan B	$	570,544		$	576,366
	2021 Notes	800,000			800,000
	HWP Refinance Loan	30,187			30,673
	Net discount	(5,215		)	(6,436		)
	Long-term debt	1,395,516			1,400,603
	Less current portion	(6,301		)	(6,269		)
	Total long-term debt	$	1,389,215		$	1,394,334
Schedule of annual maturities of long-term debt, assuming no acceleration of maturities	As of December 31, 2014, annual maturities of long-term debt, assuming no acceleration of maturities, were as follows:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	For the year ending December 31:
	2015	$	6,301
	2016	6,369
	2017	34,983
	2018	553,078
	2019	—
	2020 and thereafter	800,000
		$	1,400,731

Selling_General_and_Administra1

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Summary of selling, general and administrative expenses	Selling, general and administrative expenses comprised the following for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Park	$	122,322	$	121,735	$	118,162
	Corporate	188,633		67,483		107,713
	Total selling, general and administrative expenses	$	310,955	$	189,218	$	225,875

Stock_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Stock Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The following weighted-average assumptions were utilized in the Black-Scholes model to value the stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		31-Dec-14					31-Dec-13					31-Dec-12
		CEO		Employees			CEO			Employees		CEO		Employees
	Risk-free interest rate	1.96	%	1.96	%		1.2	%		2.03	%	1.08	%	1.08	%
	Expected life (in years)	6.25		6.25			6.25			6.25		6.25		6.25
	Expected volatility	38.69	%	38.81	%		39.21	%		38.98	%	44.23	%	44.14	%
	Expected dividend yield	4.78	%	4.87	%		5.24	%		5.08	%	4.51	%	3.48	%
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	(Amounts in thousands, expect per share data)	Shares		Weighted Avg. Exercise Price				Weighted Avg. Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
				($)						($)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	7,910		$	18.9
	Granted	1,723		$	37.86
	Exercised	(2,811	)	$	13.4
	Canceled or exchanged	—		$	—
	Forfeited	(136	)	$	27.99
	Expired	—		$	—
	Balance at December 31, 2014	6,686		$	25.91			7.65		$	115,268
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014	6,520		$	25.71			7.63		$	113,672
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	2,541		$	16.72			6.35		$	67,148
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes stock, restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
				($)
	Non-vested balance at December 31, 2013	351		$	10.84
	Granted	18		$	41.14
	Vested	(352	)	$	11.06
	Forfeited	—		$	—
	Canceled	—		$	—
	Non-vested balance at December 31, 2014	17		$	38.83
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]	Stock-based compensation expense consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013				2012
	Long-Term Incentive Plan	$	139,788		$	26,829			$	62,556
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan	250			205				319
	Total stock-based compensation	$	140,038		$	27,034			$	62,875

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		As of
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	(Amounts in thousands)	Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Value			Value			Value			Value
	Financial assets (liabilities):
	Restricted-use investment securities	$	2,471		$	2,471		$	1,823		$	1,823
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements assets	599			599			—			—
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements liabilities	(1,325		)	(1,325		)	—			—
	Long-term debt (including current portion)	(1,395,516		)	(1,396,690		)	(1,400,603		)	(1,384,603		)

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Table Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the domestic and foreign components of income from continuing operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	145,622		$	182,736		$	193,028
	Foreign	14,389			21,189			18,584
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	160,011		$	203,925		$	211,612
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the components of income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(Amounts in thousands)	Current			Deferred			Total
	2014:00:00
	U.S. federal	$	(57	)	$	31,757		$	31,700
	Foreign	6,260			46			6,306
	State and local	7,028			1,488			8,516
	Income tax expense	$	13,231		$	33,291		$	46,522
	2013:00:00
	U.S. federal	$	—		$	39,077		$	39,077
	Foreign	9,868			(1,123		)	8,745
	State and local	2,818			(3,039		)	(221		)
	Income tax expense	$	12,686		$	34,915		$	47,601
	2012:00:00
	U.S. federal	$	—		$	(193,457	)	$	(193,457	)
	Foreign	6,281			1,181			7,462
	State and local	3,732			(1,891		)	1,841
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	10,013		$	(194,167	)	$	(184,154	)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Recorded income tax expense (benefit) allocated to income from continuing operations differed from amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes as a result of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Computed "expected" federal income tax expense	$	56,004		$	71,374		$	74,064
	Effect of noncontrolling interest income distribution	(13,114		)	(13,412		)	(12,986		)
	Change in valuation allowance	1,413			13,144			(246,469		)
	Effect of state and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	5,535			(144		)	1,196
	Nondeductible compensation	2,271			2,265			805
	Effect of foreign income taxes	635			(1,495		)	958
	Effect of foreign earnings earned and remitted in the same year	11,126			195			1,446
	Effect of foreign tax credits	(15,571		)	(17,387		)	—
	Effect of additional basis due to amended returns, net of NOL reduction	(3,532		)	—			—
	Reorganization items and fresh start accounting adjustments, net	—			—			759
	Other, net	1,755			(6,939		)	(3,927		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	46,522		$	47,601		$	(184,154	)
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the components of deferred income tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets	$	427,141		$	540,581
	Less: Valuation allowance	97,284			186,403
	Net deferred tax assets	329,857			354,178
	Deferred tax liabilities	414,641			428,247
	Net deferred tax liability	$	84,784		$	74,069
		December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$	158,638		$	241,712
	State net operating loss carryforwards	104,752			196,814
	Deferred compensation	57,030			16,579
	Foreign tax credits	32,958			17,387
	Alternative minimum tax credits	6,591			6,591
	Accrued insurance, pension liability and other	67,172			61,498
	Total deferred tax assets	$	427,141		$	540,581
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	$	290,432		$	299,633
	Intangible assets and other	124,209			128,614
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	414,641		$	428,247
Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block]	The change in valuation allowance attributable to income from continuing operations, discontinued operations and other comprehensive loss and equity is presented below:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Continuing operations	$	1,413		$	13,144		$	(246,469	)
	Discontinued operations	(207		)	(209		)	(2,763		)
	Changes in other comprehensive loss and equity	—			—			—
	Total change in valuation allowance	$	1,206		$	12,935		$	(249,232	)

Preferred_Stock_Common_Stock_a1

Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of quarterly cash dividends per share of common stock declared and paid	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, Holdings' Board of Directors declared and paid quarterly cash dividends per share of common stock as follows:
		Dividends
		Paid
		Per Share
	2014:00:00
	Fourth Quarter	$	0.52
	Third Quarter	$	0.47
	Second Quarter	$	0.47
	First Quarter	$	0.47
	2013:00:00
	Fourth Quarter	$	0.47
	Third Quarter	$	0.45
	Second Quarter	$	0.45
	First Quarter	$	0.45
	2012:00:00
	Fourth Quarter	$	0.45
	Third Quarter	$	0.3
	Second Quarter	$	0.3
	First Quarter	$	0.3
Schedule of balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	The balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows:
		Currency Translation Adjustment				Cash Flow				Defined Benefit Plans				Income			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
						Hedges								Taxes
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	(6,615	)		$	—			$	(43,297	)		$	—		$	(49,912	)
	Net current period change	6,953				(865		)		(4,627		)		(269		)	1,192
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				37				(666		)		248			(381		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	338			$	(828	)		$	(48,590	)		$	(21	)	$	(49,101	)
	Net current period change	(2,048		)		(31		)		29,646				(11,039		)	16,528
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				558				(761		)		79			(124		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(1,710	)		$	(301	)		$	(19,705	)		$	(10,981	)	$	(32,697	)
	Net current period change	(10,488		)		(1,604		)		(32,880		)		17,327			(27,645		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				1,179				—				(466		)	713
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(12,198	)		$	(726	)		$	(52,585	)		$	5,880		$	(59,629	)
Schedule of Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The Company had the following reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			Location of		Amount of Reclassification from AOCI
			Reclassification		Year Ended December 31,
	Component of AOCI		into Income		2014				2013				2012
					(Amounts in thousands)
	Amortization of loss on interest rate hedge		Interest expense		$	(1,179	)		$	(558	)		$	(37	)
			Income tax benefit		466				219				15
			Net of tax		$	(713	)		$	(339	)		$	(22	)
	Amortization of deferred actuarial loss and prior service cost		Operating expenses		$	—			$	761			$	666
			Income tax benefit		—				(298		)		(263		)
			Net of tax		$	—			$	463			$	403
	Total reclassifications				$	(713	)		$	124			$	381

Pension_Benefits_Tables

Pension Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in benefit plan obligation and fair value of plan assets	The following table sets forth the change in our benefit plan obligation and fair value of plan assets:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Beginning balance	$	211,813			$	235,502			$	218,806
	Interest cost	9,686				8,836				9,226
	Actuarial loss (gain)	40,422				(25,368		)		14,616
	Benefits paid	(15,268		)		(7,157		)		(7,146		)
	Benefit obligation at end of period	$	246,653			$	211,813			$	235,502
	Change in fair value of plan assets:
	Beginning balance	$	176,706			$	164,048			$	146,630
	Actual return on assets	20,342				15,068				19,648
	Employer contributions	6,000				6,000				6,075
	Administrative fees	(1,649		)		(1,253		)		(1,159		)
	Benefits paid	(15,268		)		(7,157		)		(7,146		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of period	$	186,131			$	176,706			$	164,048
Schedule of weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Discount rate	3.8	%		4.7	%
	Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A
Schedule of components of net periodic benefit cost and amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss):
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014				2013				2012
	Net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	1,600			$	1,200			$	1,150
	Interest cost	9,687				8,836				9,226
	Expected return on plan assets	(12,752		)		(12,258		)		(10,982		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	—				761				666
	Total net periodic benefit cost	$	(1,465	)		$	(1,461	)		$	60
	Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Current year actuarial (loss) gain	$	(32,880	)		$	28,885			$	(5,293	)
	Total other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(32,880	)		$	28,885			$	(5,293	)
Schedule of weighted average assumptions used to determine net costs	The weighted average assumptions used to determine net costs are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate	4.7	%		3.85	%		4.3	%
	Rate of compensation increase	N/A			N/A			N/A
	Expected return on plan assets	7.25	%		7.5	%		7.5	%
	Corridor	10	%		10	%		10	%
	Average future life expectancy (in years)	30.19			30.7			31.63
Schedule of fair value of plan assets	The following table presents the categories of our plan assets and the related levels of inputs in the fair value hierarchy used to determine the fair value, as defined in Note 2(c):
		Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2014
	(Amounts in thousands)	Total				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant			Significant Unobservable Inputs
										Observable
						(Level 1)				Inputs			(Level 3)
										(Level 2)
	ASSET CATEGORY:
	Equity Securities:
	Large-Cap Disciplined Equity (a)	$	36,286			$	36,286			$	—		$	—
	Small/Mid-Cap Equity (a)	5,320				5,320				—			—
	International Equity (b)	22,194				22,194				—			—
	Fixed Income:
	Long Duration Fixed Income (c)	78,300				78,300				—			—
	High Yield (d)	8,353				8,353				—			—
	Emerging Markets Debt (e)	6,080				6,080				—			—
	Alternatives:
	Hedge Fund of Funds (f)	10,174				—				—			10,174
	Other Investments (g)	19,424				—				19,424			—
	Fair Value of Plan Assets	$	186,131			$	156,533			$	19,424		$	10,174
		Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2013
	(Amounts in thousands)	Total				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant			Significant Unobservable Inputs
										Observable
						(Level 1)				Inputs			(Level 3)
										(Level 2)
	ASSET CATEGORY:
	Equity Securities:
	Large-Cap Disciplined Equity (a)	$	35,446			$	35,446			$	—		$	—
	Small/Mid-Cap Equity (a)	5,668				5,668				—			—
	International Equity (b)	25,753				25,753				—			—
	Fixed Income:
	Long Duration Fixed Income (c)	67,298				67,298				—			—
	High Yield (d)	8,764				8,764				—			—
	Emerging Markets Debt (e)	6,583				6,583				—			—
	Alternatives:
	Hedge Fund of Funds (f)	9,519				—				—			9,519
	Other Investments (g)	17,675				—				17,675			—
	Fair Value of Plan Assets	$	176,706			$	149,512			$	17,675		$	9,519
	________________________________________
	(a)	These categories are comprised of mutual funds actively traded on the registered exchanges or over the counter markets. The mutual funds are invested in equity securities of U.S. issuers.
	(b)	This category consists of mutual funds invested primarily in equity securities (common stocks, securities that are convertible into common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants and rights to subscribe to common stocks) of non-U.S. issuers purchased in foreign markets. The mutual funds are actively traded on U.S. or foreign registered exchanges, or the over-the-counter markets.
	(c)	The assets are comprised of mutual funds which are actively traded on the registered exchanges. The mutual funds are invested primarily in high quality government and corporate fixed income securities, as well as synthetic instruments or derivatives having economic characteristics similar to fixed income securities.
	(d)	The high yield portion of the fixed income portfolio consists of mutual funds invested primarily in fixed income securities that are rated below investment grade. The mutual funds are actively traded on the registered exchanges.
	(e)	The emerging debt portion of the portfolio consists of mutual funds primarily invested in the debt securities of government, government-related and corporate issuers in emerging market countries and of entities organized to restructure outstanding debt of such issuers. The mutual funds are actively traded on the registered exchanges.
	(f)	Hedge Fund of Funds consists primarily of investments in underlying hedge funds. Management of the hedge funds has the ability to choose and combine hedge funds in order to target the fund's return objectives. Individual hedge funds hold their assets primarily in investment funds and engage in investment strategies that include temporary or dedicated directional market exposures.
	(g)	This category is comprised of investments in common collective trusts with the underlying assets invested in asset-backed securities, money market funds, corporate bonds and bank notes. The underlying assets are actively traded on the registered exchanges.
Schedule of rollforward of the balances of plan assets that are valued using Level 3 inputs	The following table represents a rollforward of the December 31, 2014 and 2013 balances of our plan assets that are valued using Level 3 inputs:
	(Amounts in thousands)	Hedge Fund
		of Funds
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	22,618
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	446
	Relating to assets sold during the period	181
	Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(13,726		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	9,519
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	655
	Relating to assets sold during the period	—
	Purchases, sales and settlements, net	—
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	10,174
Summary of expected employer contributions and future benefit payments	The following table summarizes expected employer contributions and future benefit payments:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	Expected contributions to plan trusts
	2015	$	6,000
	Total expected contributions	$	6,000
	Expected benefit payments:
	2015	$	9,015
	2016	9,514
	2017	9,936
	2018	10,682
	2019	11,171
	2020 through 2024	62,147
	Total expected benefit payments	$	112,465

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of calculation of earnings per common share	Earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was calculated as follows:
		For the year ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
	Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$	76,022	$	118,552	$	365,935
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding—basic	94,477		96,940		107,684
	Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units	3,662		3,431		3,252
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted	98,139		100,371		110,936
	Earnings per share—basic	$	0.8	$	1.22	$	3.4
	Earnings per share—diluted	$	0.77	$	1.18	$	3.3

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of future minimum obligations under non-cancellable operating leases	Future minimum obligations under non-cancelable operating leases, including site leases, as of December 31, 2014, are summarized as follows:
	(Amounts in thousands)
	For the year ending December 31:
	2015	$	6,002
	2016	6,033
	2017	5,888
	2018	3,514
	2019	3,478
	2020 and thereafter	138,134
		$	163,049

Business_Segments_Tables

Business Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment financial information and a reconciliation of the primary segment performance measure to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	The following table presents segment financial information and a reconciliation of 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.
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Theme park revenues	$	1,175,793		$	1,109,930		$	1,070,332
	Theme park cash expenses	(650,268		)	(625,880		)	(610,010		)
	Aggregate park EBITDA	525,525			484,050			460,322
	Corporate expenses	(48,595		)	(40,449		)	(44,838		)
	Stock-based compensation	(140,038		)	(27,034		)	(62,875		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(108,107		)	(128,075		)	(148,045		)
	Loss on disposal of assets	(5,860		)	(8,579		)	(8,105		)
	Gain on sale of investee	10,031			—			67,319
	Interest expense	(73,057		)	(75,044		)	(47,444		)
	Interest income	468			899			820
	Equity in income of investee — EBITDA	—			—			5,520
	Equity in loss of investee — depreciation and other expense	—			—			(7,742		)
	Loss on debt extinguishment	—			(789		)	(587		)
	Other expense, net	(356		)	(1,054		)	(2,733		)
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	$	160,011		$	203,925		$	211,612
Schedule of information reflecting long-lived assets, revenues and income (loss) from continuing operations by domestic and foreign categories	The following information reflects our long-lived assets (which consists of property and equipment and intangible assets), revenues and income from continuing operations by domestic and foreign categories as of or for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(Amounts in thousands)	Domestic			Foreign			Total
	As of or for the year ended December 31, 2014
	Long-lived assets	$	2,114,897		$	92,815		$	2,207,712
	Revenues	1,058,025			117,768			1,175,793
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	145,622			14,389			160,011
	As of or for the year ended December 31, 2013
	Long-lived assets	$	2,119,529		$	104,515		$	2,224,044
	Revenues	989,509			120,421			1,109,930
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	182,736			21,189			203,925
	As of or for the year ended December 31, 2012
	Long-lived assets	$	2,151,771		$	109,671		$	2,261,442
	Revenues	956,732			113,600			1,070,332
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	193,028			18,584			211,612

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of the unaudited interim results of operations	Following is a summary of the unaudited interim results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(Amounts in thousands)	First			Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Total revenue	$	73,718		$	376,551	$	541,843	$	183,681
	Net (loss) income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	(61,201		)	66,306		105,034		(34,117		)
	Net (loss) income per weighted average common share outstanding:
	Basic	$	(0.64	)	$	0.7	$	1.11	$	(0.37	)
	Diluted	(0.64		)	0.67		1.08		(0.37		)
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(Amounts in thousands)	First			Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Total revenue	$	87,521		$	363,701	$	504,520	$	154,188
	Net (loss) income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	(62,527		)	47,361		120,403		13,315
	Net (loss) income per weighted average common share outstanding:
	Basic	$	(0.61	)	$	0.49	$	1.27	$	0.14
	Diluted	(0.61		)	0.47		1.22		0.13
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)	First			Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Total revenue	$	66,358		$	374,912	$	485,143	$	143,919
	Net (loss) income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	(115,109		)	72,265		253,025		155,754
	Net (loss) income per weighted average common share outstanding:
	Basic	$	(1.05	)	$	0.67	$	2.37	$	1.46
	Diluted	(1.05		)	0.64		2.23		1.4

Description_of_Business_Detail

Description of Business (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	park
Entity Location [Line Items]
Number of parks owned or operated	18
Period of operation of theme parks by the former SFEC under Six Flags name (in years)	40 years
Number of parks branded as "Six Flags" parks	16
United States
Entity Location [Line Items]
Number of parks owned or operated	16
Mexico
Entity Location [Line Items]
Number of parks owned or operated	1
Canada
Entity Location [Line Items]
Number of parks owned or operated	1

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Equivalents
Maximum remaining maturity period of highly liquid investments as of purchase date to be considered cash equivalents	3 months
Inventories
Valuation allowance for slow moving inventory	$400,000	$1,200,000
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Spare parts inventory for existing rides and attractions included in prepaid expenses and other current assets	21,600,000	21,500,000
Advertising Costs
Prepaid advertising	1,300,000	1,600,000
Advertising and promotions expense	63,200,000	61,200,000	61,500,000
Debt Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs	0	2,660,000	16,878,000
Interest Expense, Other Long-term Debt	4,700,000	4,300,000	2,400,000
Accounts Receivable, Net
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	6,300,000	2,600,000
Income Taxes
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	97,284,000	186,403,000
Liability of accrued interest and penalties attributable to income taxes	0
Discontinued Operations
Income from discontinued operations	$545,000	$549,000	$7,273,000
Minimum
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Maximum
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	25 years
Rides and attractions | Minimum
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Rides and attractions | Maximum
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	25 years
Land improvements | Minimum
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Land improvements | Maximum
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	15 years
Buildings and improvements
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	30 years
Furniture and Equipment | Minimum
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Furniture and Equipment | Maximum
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$1,797,617	$1,716,975
Accumulated depreciation	-579,511	-485,292
Total property and equipment, net	1,218,106	1,231,683
Land
Summary of property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	227,983	227,335
Land improvements
Summary of property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	191,307	177,654
Buildings and improvements
Summary of property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	268,425	264,853
Rides and attractions
Summary of property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	903,304	857,426
Equipment
Summary of property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$206,598	$189,707

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	$630,248	$630,248
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	344,075	344,075
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-12,214	-9,669
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	15,283
Intangible assets, gross	371,572	371,782
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	359,358	362,113
Amortization of Intangible Assets	2,658	14,393	15,648
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	2,637
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	2,637
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	2,495
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	2,441
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	2,435
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	2,638
Licensing Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	5 years 6 months	6 years 6 months
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	24,461	24,361
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-11,237	-8,809
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	13,224	15,552
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period	31 years 1 month	31 years 8 months
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	3,036	3,346
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-977	-860
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$2,059	$2,486

Noncontrolling_Interests_Partn2

Noncontrolling Interests, Partnership and Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests
Redeemable noncontrolling interests, beginning	$437,941,000		$437,569,000	$437,941,000
Fresh start valuation adjustment for SFOG, SFOT and HWP units purchased			-5,000	-84,000
Purchases of redeemable units			-19,000	-288,000
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			38,012,000	37,452,000
Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders			-38,012,000	-37,452,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interests, ending			437,545,000	437,569,000	437,941,000
Redemption value of partnership units				372,500,000
Changes in noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling interests, beginning	3,934,000		0	3,934,000
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests				869,000
Purchase of ownership interests				-4,693,000
Fresh start accounting fair market value adjustment for purchased ownership interests				-110,000
Noncontrolling interests, ending				0	3,934,000
Other
Proceeds from sale of DCP	300,000		10,031,000	0	69,987,000
Gain on sale of investee		67,319,000	10,031,000	0	67,319,000
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest			$38,012,000	$37,452,000	$36,840,000

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2012
Derivatives
Interest Rate, Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR
Derivative Liabilities
Derivative Liability, Current	$1,325,000
Derivative Liability	1,325,000
Derivative Assets
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent	599,000
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	0	0
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion	-1,604,000	-31,000	-865,000
Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion	-1,179,000	-558,000	-37,000
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing		-1,000
Interest Rate Swap
Derivatives
Derivative, Notional Amount				200,000,000
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion	-1,604,000
Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion	-878,000
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing	0
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified to Operations During the Next Twelve Months	-1,700,000
Interest Rate Cap
Derivatives
Derivative, Notional Amount					470,000,000
Derivative Cap (as a percent)					1.00%
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion		-31,000	-865,000
Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion	-301,000	-558,000	-37,000
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing		($1,000)

LongTerm_Indebtedness_Details

Long-Term Indebtedness (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 20, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 21, 2012	Dec. 23, 2013	Jul. 15, 2013	Jan. 15, 2021	Nov. 05, 2007	Mar. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2014
Summary of Long-term debt
Cash used to retire debt	$15,000,000
Interest Rate, Variable Rate Basis		LIBOR
Debt issuance costs		0	2,660,000	16,878,000
Loss on debt extinguishment		0	789,000	587,000
Long-term Debt, Gross		1,400,731,000
Interest Rate Cap
Summary of Long-term debt
Derivative, Notional Amount										470,000,000
Derivative Cap (as a percent)										1.00%
Interest Rate Swap
Summary of Long-term debt
Derivative, Notional Amount											200,000,000
Credit Facility Amendment 2012
Summary of Long-term debt
Reduction in interest rate (as a percent)					0.25%
Loss on debt extinguishment				600,000
Credit Facility Amendment 2013
Summary of Long-term debt
Excess Cash Available for General Corporate Purposes						200,000,000
Debt issuance costs						2,400,000
Loss on debt extinguishment			800,000
Credit Facility 2011
Summary of Long-term debt
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	1,135,000,000
Credit Facility 2011 - Revolving Loan
Summary of Long-term debt
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	200,000,000
Interest Rate, Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR
Long-term Line of Credit		0	0
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount		20,800,000	18,800,000
Frequency of periodic payment of interest	annual
Commitment fee (as a percent)		0.38%	0.38%
Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loans
Summary of Long-term debt
Proceeds utilized for repayment of existing debt	935,000,000
Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan A
Summary of Long-term debt
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	75,000,000
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years
Repayment of debt					72,200,000
Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B
Summary of Long-term debt
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	860,000,000
Debt Instrument, Term	7 years
Line of Credit Facility, Additional Contingent Borrowing Capacity	300,000,000
Repayment of debt					277,800,000
Spread over variable rate (as a percent)	3.00%
Interest Rate, Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR
Interest Rate, Variable Rate Basis Floor	1.00%
Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B | Credit Facility Amendment 2013
Summary of Long-term debt
Reduction in interest rate (as a percent)						0.50%
Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B | Credit Facility Amendment 2013 | Variable Rate Basis Spread [Member]
Summary of Long-term debt
Reduction in interest rate (as a percent)						0.25%
Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B | Credit Facility Amendment 2013 | LIBOR Floor [Member]
Summary of Long-term debt
Reduction in interest rate (as a percent)						0.25%
Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B, As Amended 2013
Summary of Long-term debt
Spread over variable rate (as a percent)						2.75%
Interest Rate, Variable Rate Basis						LIBOR
Interest Rate, Variable Rate Basis Floor						0.75%
Frequency of periodic payment of interest						annual
Long-term Debt, Gross		570,544,000	576,366,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage		3.50%	3.50%
Debt Instrument, Quarterly Amortization		1,500,000
Senior Unsecured 2021 Notes
Summary of Long-term debt
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					800,000,000
Proceeds utilized for repayment of existing debt					350,000,000
Remaining proceeds utilized for share repurchases and other corporate matters					450,000,000
Frequency of periodic payment of interest					semi-annually
Long-term Debt, Gross		800,000,000	800,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					5.25%
Periodic payment of interest					21,000,000		22,300,000
Senior Unsecured 2021 Notes | Scenario, Forecast
Summary of Long-term debt
Periodic payment of interest								21,000,000
HWP Refinance Loan
Summary of Long-term debt
Debt Instrument, Face Amount									33,000,000
Long-term Debt, Gross		30,187,000	30,673,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage									6.72%
Monthly payments of principal and interest		200,000
Escrow Deposit		2,500,000	1,800,000
Old Debt - First Lien Amendment
Summary of Long-term debt
Repayment of debt	950,000,000
Old Debt - HWP Construction Loan
Summary of Long-term debt
Repayment of debt									$31,000,000

LongTerm_Indebtedness_Details_

Long-Term Indebtedness (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Long-term debt
Long-term Debt, Gross	$1,400,731
Net discount	-5,215	-6,436
Long-term debt	1,395,516	1,400,603
Less current portion	-6,301	-6,269
Long-term debt	1,389,215	1,394,334
Annual maturities of long-term debt, assuming no acceleration of maturities
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	6,301
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	6,369
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	34,983
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	553,078
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	800,000
Long-term Debt, Gross	1,400,731
Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B, As Amended 2013
Summary of Long-term debt
Long-term Debt, Gross	570,544	576,366
Annual maturities of long-term debt, assuming no acceleration of maturities
Long-term Debt, Gross	570,544	576,366
Senior Unsecured 2021 Notes
Summary of Long-term debt
Long-term Debt, Gross	800,000	800,000
Annual maturities of long-term debt, assuming no acceleration of maturities
Long-term Debt, Gross	800,000	800,000
HWP Refinance Loan
Summary of Long-term debt
Long-term Debt, Gross	30,187	30,673
Annual maturities of long-term debt, assuming no acceleration of maturities
Long-term Debt, Gross	$30,187	$30,673

Selling_General_and_Administra2

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$310,955	$189,218	$225,875
Stock-based compensation	140,038	27,034	62,875
Park
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses	122,322	121,735	118,162
Corporate
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$188,633	$67,483	$107,713

Stock_Benefit_Plans_Details

Stock Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	2-May-12	Apr. 30, 2010
Details of stock benefit plans
Stock-based compensation	$140,038,000	$27,034,000	$62,875,000
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Details of stock benefit plans
Number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Plan				28,133,332	19,333,332
Stock-based compensation	139,788,000	26,829,000	62,556,000
Shares available for future grant (in shares)	2,928,000
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Details of stock benefit plans
Options to purchase common stock outstanding (in shares)	6,686,000	7,910,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	4 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Discount for Postvesting Restrictions				0.00%
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
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	1,723,000	1,200,000	2,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	-2,811,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period	136,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period	0
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	6,686,000	7,910,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	6,520,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	2,541,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$25.91	$18.90
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$37.86
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$13.40
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$27.99
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$25.71
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$16.72
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years 7 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years 7 months 17 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 4 months 6 days
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	115,268,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	113,672,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	67,148,000
Stock-based compensation additional disclosures
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$8.86	$7.78	$8.07
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	70,100,000	57,100,000	68,000,000
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Aggregate Fair Value	19,800,000	18,000,000	15,700,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized	18,300,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	3 years 18 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options	37,700,000	29,800,000	40,000,000
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.96%	1.20%	1.08%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	6 years 3 months	6 years 3 months	6 years 3 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate	38.69%	39.21%	44.23%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	4.78%	5.24%	4.51%
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member] | Key Employees [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.96%	2.03%	1.08%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	6 years 3 months	6 years 3 months	6 years 3 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate	38.81%	38.98%	44.14%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	4.87%	5.08%	3.48%
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Details of stock benefit plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	17,000	351,000
Stock-based compensation additional disclosures
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized	$200,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	4 months 6 days

Stock_Benefit_Plans_Details_2

Stock Benefit Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	2-May-12	Apr. 30, 2010	Feb. 08, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation	$140,038,000	$27,034,000	$62,875,000
Dividend Equivalent Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation	6,000,000	7,600,000	6,100,000
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Plan						28,133,332	19,333,332
Shares available for future grant (in shares)	2,928,000
Stock-based compensation	139,788,000	26,829,000	62,556,000
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Performance Award 2012 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Potential award grant based on achievement of performance criteria (in shares)				2,912,000
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Performance Award 2015 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Modified EBITDA for an additional performance award					500,000,000
Potential award grant based on achievement of performance criteria (in shares)					2,628,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized	17,400,000
Stock-based compensation	104,500,000
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Dividend Equivalent Rights, Performance Award 2015 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized	4,200,000
Stock-based compensation	14,300,000
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Performance Award 2017 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Modified EBITDA for an additional performance award	600,000,000
Potential award grant based on achievement of performance criteria (in shares)	2,400,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized	103,600,000
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Non-vested balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)	351,000
Non-Option Awards Granted (in shares)	18,000
Non-Option Awards Vested (in shares)	-352,000
Non-Option Awards Forfeited (in shares)	0
Non-vested balance at the end of the period (in shares)	17,000	351,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Non-vested shares (in dollars per share)	$38.83	$10.84
Granted (in dollars per share)	$41.14	$38.26	$22.92
Vested (in dollars per share)	$11.06
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$0
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, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value	700,000	700,000	67,300,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value	3,900,000	3,600,000	68,500,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized	200,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	4 months 6 days
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Deferred Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Non-Option Awards Granted (in shares)	3,000	3,000	5,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted (in dollars per share)	$41.14	$38.26	$24.20
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, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value	100,000	100,000	100,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized	0
Number of shares to be issued for each award	1
Period following cessation of the non-employee director's service after which shares are to be delivered (in days)	30 days
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized	18,300,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	3 years 18 days
Unvested stock options outstanding (in shares)								10,000,000
Dividend Equivalent Rights Threshold for Accumulated Accrued Dividend Distribution To Receive Cash Dividends	1,000
Dividend Equivalent Rights Threshold for Accumulated Accrued Dividend Distribution To Receive Stock Dividends	1,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	1,723,000	1,200,000	2,000,000
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Percentage of the market value of common stock at beginning or end of the offering period for shares eligible to be purchased	90.00%
Number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Plan	2,000,000
Shares available for future grant (in shares)	1,850,000
Stock-based compensation	$250,000	$205,000	$319,000

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair value measurements and disclosures
Restricted-use investment securities	$2,471	$1,823
Derivative Liability	-1,325
Reported Value Measurement
Fair value measurements and disclosures
Restricted-use investment securities	2,471	1,823
Derivative Asset	599
Derivative Liability	-1,325
Long-term debt (including current portion)	-1,395,516	-1,400,603
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair value measurements and disclosures
Restricted-use investment securities	2,471	1,823
Derivative Asset	599
Derivative Liability	-1,325
Long-term debt (including current portion)	($1,396,690)	($1,384,603)

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	1-May-10	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic		$145,622,000	$182,736,000	$193,028,000
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign		14,389,000	21,189,000	18,584,000
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations		160,011,000	203,925,000	211,612,000
Current Income Tax Expense
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)		-57,000	0	0
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)		6,260,000	9,868,000	6,281,000
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)		7,028,000	2,818,000	3,732,000
Total Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		13,231,000	12,686,000	10,013,000
Deferred Income Tax Expense
U.S. federal		31,757,000	39,077,000	-193,457,000
Foreign		46,000	-1,123,000	1,181,000
State and local		1,488,000	-3,039,000	-1,891,000
Total deferred income tax		33,291,000	34,915,000	-194,167,000
Total Income Tax Expense
U.S. federal income tax		31,700,000	39,077,000	-193,457,000
Foreign income tax		6,306,000	8,745,000	7,462,000
State and local income tax		8,516,000	-221,000	1,841,000
Income tax expense (benefit)		46,522,000	47,601,000	-184,154,000
Recorded income tax expense (benefit) allocated to income (loss) from continuing operations differing from amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate
U.S. federal income tax rate (as a percent)		35.00%
Computed "expected" federal income tax expense (benefit)		56,004,000	71,374,000	74,064,000
Effect of noncontrolling interest income distribution		-13,114,000	-13,412,000	-12,986,000
Change in valuation allowance		1,413,000	13,144,000	-246,469,000
Effect of state and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit		5,535,000	-144,000	1,196,000
Nondeductible compensation		2,271,000	2,265,000	805,000
Effect of foreign income taxes		635,000	-1,495,000	958,000
Effect of foreign earnings earned and remitted in the same year		11,126,000	195,000	1,446,000
Effect of foreign tax credits		-15,571,000	-17,387,000	0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Amount		-3,532,000	0	0
Reorganization items and fresh start accounting adjustments, net		0	0	759,000
Other, net		1,755,000	-6,939,000	-3,927,000
Income tax expense (benefit)		46,522,000	47,601,000	-184,154,000
Net operating loss carryforwards disclosure
Reduction in net operating loss as a result of emergence from chapter 11	804,800,000
Estimated annual limitation		32,500,000
Estimated built in gains		$696,000,000
Minimum
Summary of property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life		20 years
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Tax		7 years
Maximum
Summary of property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life		25 years
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Tax		12 years

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred tax assets:
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$158,638,000	$241,712,000
State net operating loss carryforwards	104,752,000	196,814,000
Deferred Compensation	57,030,000	16,579,000
Foreign tax credits	32,958,000	17,387,000
Alternative minimum tax credits	6,591,000	6,591,000
Accrued insurance, pension liability and other	67,172,000	61,498,000
Total deferred tax asset	427,141,000	540,581,000
Less: Valuation allowance	97,284,000	186,403,000
Net deferred tax assets	329,857,000	354,178,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	290,432,000	299,633,000
Intangible assets and other	124,209,000	128,614,000
Total deferred tax liabilities	414,641,000	428,247,000
Net deferred tax liability	84,784,000	74,069,000
Unrealized Excess Tax Benefits, Gross	202,300,000
Estimated excess income tax benefits pertaining to share-based payments recognized as an increase in additional paid in capital at current income tax rates	79,300,000
U.S. federal
Details of net operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	600,000,000	800,000,000
State
Details of net operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	$3,400,000,000	$5,000,000,000

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation allowance
Change in valuation allowance	$1,206,000	$12,935,000	($249,232,000)
Unrecognized tax benefit	43,900,000	43,900,000
Continuing operations
Valuation allowance
Change in valuation allowance	1,413,000	13,144,000	-246,469,000
Discontinued operations
Valuation allowance
Change in valuation allowance	-207,000	-209,000	-2,763,000
Other Comprehensive Loss and Equity
Valuation allowance
Change in valuation allowance	$0	$0	$0

Preferred_Stock_Common_Stock_a2

Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	13 Months Ended
	8-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 24, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 04, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 11, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 20, 2013
Common Stock
Number of authorized shares of common stock		140,000,000				140,000,000								140,000,000	140,000,000							140,000,000	140,000,000
Number of shares outstanding		92,937,619				94,857,347								92,937,619	94,857,347							94,857,347	92,937,619
Stock split ratio	2
Dividends Per Share, Number of Shares Issued	$1
Stock repurchase program
Value of shares repurchased														$195,353,000	$523,589,000	$231,984,000
Cash dividends per share of common stock paid		$0.52	$0.47	$0.47	$0.47	$0.47	$0.45	$0.45	$0.45	$0.45	$0.30	$0.30	$0.30
Preferred Stock
Number of authorized shares of preferred stock		5,000,000												5,000,000									5,000,000
February 2011 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]
Stock repurchase program
Amount of shares authorized to be repurchased under Stock Repurchase Program																	60,000,000
Period over which shares are authorized to be repurchased (in years)																	3 years
Aggregate shares repurchased																		3,235,000
Value of shares repurchased																		60,000,000
January 2012 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]
Stock repurchase program
Amount of shares authorized to be repurchased under Stock Repurchase Program																				250,000,000
Period over which shares are authorized to be repurchased (in years)																				4 years
Aggregate shares repurchased																8,499,000			578,000
Value of shares repurchased																232,000,000			18,000,000
Average price (in dollars per share)																			$31.16
December 2012 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]
Stock repurchase program
Amount of shares authorized to be repurchased under Stock Repurchase Program																					500,000,000
Period over which shares are authorized to be repurchased (in years)																					3 years
Aggregate shares repurchased																						14,775,000
Value of shares repurchased																						500,000,000
Average price (in dollars per share)																						$33.84
November 2013 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member]
Stock repurchase program
Amount of shares authorized to be repurchased under Stock Repurchase Program																								500,000,000
Aggregate shares repurchased																							5,314,000
Value of shares repurchased																							200,900,000
Average price (in dollars per share)																							$37.81
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		$299,100,000												$299,100,000									$299,100,000
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Common Stock
Shares available for future grant (in shares)		2,928,000												2,928,000									2,928,000
Employee Stock [Member]
Common Stock
Shares available for future grant (in shares)		1,850,000												1,850,000									1,850,000

Preferred_Stock_Common_Stock_a3

Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at the beginning of the period	($32,697)	($49,101)	($49,912)
Net current period change	-27,645	16,528	1,192
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	713	-124	-381
Balance at the end of the period	-59,629	-32,697	-49,101
Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at the beginning of the period	-1,710	338	-6,615
Net current period change	-10,488	-2,048	6,953
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	-12,198	-1,710	338
Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at the beginning of the period	-301	-828	0
Net current period change	-1,604	-31	-865
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	1,179	558	37
Balance at the end of the period	-726	-301	-828
Defined Benefit Plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at the beginning of the period	-19,705	-48,590	-43,297
Net current period change	-32,880	29,646	-4,627
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	-761	-666
Balance at the end of the period	-52,585	-19,705	-48,590
Income Taxes
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance at the beginning of the period	-10,981	-21	0
Net current period change	17,327	-11,039	-269
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	-466	79	248
Balance at the end of the period	$5,880	($10,981)	($21)

Preferred_Stock_Common_Stock_a4

Preferred Stock, Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	$73,057	$75,044	$47,444
Income tax expense (benefit)	46,522	47,601	-184,154
Total reclassifications, net of tax	114,034	156,873	403,039
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, net of tax	-713	124	381
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of loss on interest rate hedge
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	-1,179	-558	-37
Income tax expense (benefit)	466	219	15
Total reclassifications, net of tax	-713	-339	-22
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Amortization of deferred actuarial loss and prior service cost
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Operating expenses		761	666
Income tax expense (benefit)		-298	-263
Total reclassifications, net of tax		$463	$403

Pension_Benefits_Details

Pension Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
	bond
Change in benefit obligation:
Beginning balance	$211,813,000	$235,502,000		$218,806,000
Interest cost	9,686,000	8,836,000	9,226,000
Actuarial (gain) loss	40,422,000	-25,368,000	14,616,000
Benefits paid	-15,268,000	-7,157,000	-7,146,000
Benefit obligation at end of period	246,653,000	211,813,000	235,502,000	218,806,000
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	176,706,000	164,048,000		146,630,000
Actual return on assets	20,342,000	15,068,000	19,648,000
Employer contributions	6,000,000	6,000,000	6,075,000
Administrative fees	-1,649,000	-1,253,000	-1,159,000
Benefits paid	-15,268,000	-7,157,000	-7,146,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	186,131,000	176,706,000	164,048,000	146,630,000
Reconciliation of benefit plan funded status to the amounts recognized in the entity's consolidated balance sheets
Fair value of plan assets	186,131,000	176,706,000	164,048,000	146,630,000
Benefit obligation	-246,653,000	-211,813,000	-235,502,000	-218,806,000
Funded status (deficit)	-60,522,000	-35,107,000
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.80%	4.70%
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	1,600,000	1,200,000	1,150,000
Interest cost	9,687,000	8,836,000	9,226,000
Expected return on plan assets	-12,752,000	-12,258,000	-10,982,000
Amortization of net actuarial loss	0	761,000	666,000
Total net periodic benefit cost	-1,465,000	-1,461,000	60,000
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Current year actuarial (loss) gain	-32,880,000	28,885,000	-5,293,000
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	-32,880,000	28,885,000	-5,293,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax	48,900,000	29,100,000
DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTax	-3,600,000	9,400,000
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost
Estimated amount to be amortized from AOCI	$900,000
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net costs
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.70%	3.85%	4.30%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	7.25%	7.50%	7.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Corridor	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Average Life Expectancy	30 years 2 months 9 days	30 years 8 months 12 days	31 years 7 months 17 days
Number of a high grade bonds considered when selecting discount rate	500
SFTP Benefit Plan
Pension Benefits
Normal retirement age (in years)	65 years
Early retirement age, low end of range (in years)	55 years
Early retirement age, high end of range (in years)	64 years
Attainment of credited service (in years)	10 years
Threshold age for reduction in early retirement benefit (in years)	62 years
Number of highest consecutive period of average compensation, used in plan benefit calculation (in years)	5 years
Period of average compensation, used in plan benefit calculation (in years)	10 years

Pension_Benefits_Details_2

Pension Benefits (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		186,131	$176,706	$164,048	$146,630
Rollforward of the balances of plan assets that are valued using level 3 inputs (in thousands)
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period				164,048	146,630
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		186,131	176,706	164,048	146,630
Expected benefit payments:
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months		9,015
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two		9,514
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three		9,936
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four		10,682
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five		11,171
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter		62,147
Total benefit payments		112,465
Scenario, Forecast
Estimated Future Employer Contributions
2014	6,000
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		156,533	149,512
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		156,533	149,512
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		19,424	17,675
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		19,424	17,675
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		10,174	9,519
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		10,174	9,519
Domestic equity securities
Pension plan
Target allocation (as a percent)		17.00%
Fixed income securities
Pension plan
Target allocation (as a percent)		50.00%
International equity
Pension plan
Target allocation (as a percent)		12.00%
Assets measured at fair value		22,194
Rollforward of the balances of plan assets that are valued using level 3 inputs (in thousands)
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		25,753
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		22,194
International equity | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		22,194	25,753
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		22,194	25,753
International equity | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	0
International equity | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	0
Alternatives
Pension plan
Target allocation (as a percent)		21.00%
Large-Cap Disciplined Equity
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		36,286	35,446
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		36,286	35,446
Large-Cap Disciplined Equity | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		36,286	35,446
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		36,286	35,446
Large-Cap Disciplined Equity | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	0
Large-Cap Disciplined Equity | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	0
Small/Mid-Cap Equity
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		5,320	5,668
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		5,320	5,668
Small/Mid-Cap Equity | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		5,320	5,668
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		5,320	5,668
Small/Mid-Cap Equity | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	0
Small/Mid-Cap Equity | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	0
Long Duration Fixed Income
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		78,300	67,298
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		78,300	67,298
Long Duration Fixed Income | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		78,300	67,298
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		78,300	67,298
Long Duration Fixed Income | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	0
Long Duration Fixed Income | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	0
High Yield
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		8,353	8,764
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		8,353	8,764
High Yield | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		8,353	8,764
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		8,353	8,764
High Yield | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	0
High Yield | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	0
Emerging Markets Debt
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		6,080	6,583
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		6,080	6,583
Emerging Markets Debt | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		6,080	6,583
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		6,080	6,583
Emerging Markets Debt | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	0
Emerging Markets Debt | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	0
Hedge Fund of Funds
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		10,174	9,519
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		10,174	9,519
Hedge Fund of Funds | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	0
Hedge Fund of Funds | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	0
Hedge Fund of Funds | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		10,174	9,519
Rollforward of the balances of plan assets that are valued using level 3 inputs (in thousands)
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		9,519	22,618
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date		655	446
Relating to assets sold during the period		0	181
Purchases, sales and settlements, net		0	-13,726
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		10,174	9,519
Other Investments
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		19,424	17,675
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		19,424	17,675
Other Investments | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	0
Other Investments | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		19,424	17,675
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		19,424	17,675
Other Investments | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pension plan
Assets measured at fair value		0	0
Actual return on plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		0	$0

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Deta

Earnings Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Calculation of earnings per common share
Net (loss) income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	($34,117)	$105,034	$66,306	($61,201)	$13,315	$120,403	$47,361	($62,527)	$155,754	$253,025	$72,265	($115,109)	$76,022	$118,552	$365,935
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares outstandingbbasic:													94,477,000	96,940,000	107,684,000	[1]
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units (in shares)													3,662,000	3,431,000	3,252,000	[1]
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)													98,139,000	100,371,000	110,936,000	[1]
Earnings per share - basic (usd per share)	($0.37)	$1.11	$0.70	($0.64)	$0.14	$1.27	$0.49	($0.61)	$1.46	$2.37	$0.67	($1.05)	$0.80	$1.22	$3.40	[1]
Earnings per share - diluted (usd per share)	($0.37)	$1.08	$0.67	($0.64)	$0.13	$1.22	$0.47	($0.61)	$1.40	$2.23	$0.64	($1.05)	$0.77	$1.18	$3.30	[1]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)													1,800,000	1,200,000	1,900,000
[1]	All 2012 share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect Holdings' two-for-one stock split in June 2013, as described in NoteB 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 1998	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015	31-May-14	31-May-13	Dec. 20, 2011
Details of commitments and contingencies
Acquisition of capital stock of the former Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, paid in cash	$976,000,000
Percentage of capital expenditures to Partnership Parks' revenues		6.00%
Weighted average period of the park's EBITDA for calculation of value of purchase price (in years)		4 years
Redemption value of partnership units			372,500,000
Capital expenditures incurred on parks		22,000,000
Cash generated from operating activities by partnerships, after deduction of capital expenditures and excluding the impact of short-term intercompany advances		58,400,000
Total loans receivable from the partnerships that own partnership parks		239,300,000	239,300,000
Operating Leases
Rental expense under the rent agreements		6,300,000	6,500,000	6,000,000
Total rental expense from continuing operations		12,800,000	13,200,000	12,100,000
Future minimum obligations under non-cancellable operating leases
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months		6,002,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years		6,033,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years		5,888,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years		3,514,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years		3,478,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter		138,134,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due		163,049,000
Scenario, Forecast
Details of commitments and contingencies
Annual distributions by general partners to limited partners in partnership parks					67,800,000
Share of Partnership Parks' annual distributions paid to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation					29,500,000
Estimated capital expenditures on partnership parks in the next fiscal year					20,000,000
Credit Facility 2011 - Term Loan B
Details of commitments and contingencies
Line of Credit Facility, Additional Contingent Borrowing Capacity								300,000,000
Six Flags over Georgia [Member]
Details of commitments and contingencies
Specified multiple for purchase price valuation (in multipliers)		8
Specified price for purchase of partnership parks		310,400,000
Limited partner interests owned (as a percent)		30.50%
Remaining redeemable units (as a percent)		69.50%
Six Flags over Texas [Member]
Details of commitments and contingencies
Specified multiple for purchase price valuation (in multipliers)		8.5
Specified price for purchase of partnership parks		378,700,000
Limited partner interests owned (as a percent)		53.10%
Units purchased in partnership parks (in shares)						0.0125	0.18
Units purchased pursuant to annual offer						19,000	300,000
Remaining redeemable units (as a percent)		46.90%
Six Flags over Texas and Georgia [Member]
Details of commitments and contingencies
Redemption value of partnership units		$393,600,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 20, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	claim		individual
Tax and Other Contingencies [Member]
Tax and other contingencies
Accrued tax liabilities and indemnification contingencies			$400,000	$400,000
Number of large claims related to parks closed	2
Losses from discontinued operations recovered	7,300,000
Multi-layered general liability policies
Insurance
Excess liability coverage per occurrence			100,000,000
Self-insured retention per occurrence			2,000,000
Deductible per occurrence applicable to all claims in the policy year			500,000
Workers' compensation claims
Insurance
Deductible per occurrence applicable to all claims in the policy year			750,000
Information security and privacy liability insurance policy
Insurance
Self-insured retention per occurrence			250,000
Insurance value maintained			10,000,000
Personal Injury Due to SFOG Altercation [Member]
Litigation
Numbers of individuals who allegedly participated in the altercation			4
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value		35,000,000
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Percentage Allocated		92.00%
Self Insurance Reserve			2,500,000
Personal Injury Due to SFDK Accident [Member]
Litigation
Self Insurance Reserve			2,500,000
November 16, 2001 - November 15, 2002 [Member] | Multi-layered general liability policies
Insurance
Self-insured retention per occurrence			1,000,000
November 16, 2001 - November 15, 2003 [Member] | Workers' compensation claims
Insurance
Deductible per occurrence applicable to all claims in the policy year			500,000
November 16, 2002 - November 15, 2003 [Member] | Multi-layered general liability policies
Insurance
Self-insured retention per occurrence			2,000,000
November 16, 2003 - December 30, 2008 [Member] | Multi-layered general liability policies
Insurance
Self-insured retention per occurrence			2,500,000
November 2, 2004 - December 30, 2008 [Member] | Multi-layered general liability policies
Insurance
Additional one time self-insured retention			$500,000

Business_Segments_Details

Business Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
													segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments													1
Segment Reporting Information, Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Abstract]
Theme park revenues	$183,681	$541,843	$376,551	$73,718	$154,188	$504,520	$363,701	$87,521	$143,919	$485,143	$374,912	$66,358	$1,175,793	$1,109,930	$1,070,332
Theme park cash expenses													-650,268	-625,880	-610,010
Aggregate park EBITDA													525,525	484,050	460,322
Corporate expenses													-48,595	-40,449	-44,838
Stock-based compensation													-140,038	-27,034	-62,875
Depreciation and amortization													-108,107	-128,075	-148,045
Loss on disposal of assets													-5,860	-8,579	-8,105
Gain on sale of investee										67,319			10,031	0	67,319
Interest expense													-73,057	-75,044	-47,444
Interest income													468	899	820
Equity in income of investee - EBITDA													0	0	5,520
Equity in loss of investee - depreciation and other expense													0	0	-7,742
Loss on debt extinguishment													0	-789	-587
Other (expense) income, net													-356	-1,054	-2,733
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations													$160,011	$203,925	$211,612

Business_Segments_Details_2

Business Segments (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	park												park
Business segment information by geographical areas
Number of parks owned or operated	18												18
Long-lived assets	$2,207,712				$2,224,044				$2,261,442				$2,207,712	$2,224,044	$2,261,442
Revenues	183,681	541,843	376,551	73,718	154,188	504,520	363,701	87,521	143,919	485,143	374,912	66,358	1,175,793	1,109,930	1,070,332
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations													160,011	203,925	211,612
Domestic
Business segment information by geographical areas
Long-lived assets	2,114,897				2,119,529				2,151,771				2,114,897	2,119,529	2,151,771
Revenues													1,058,025	989,509	956,732
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations													145,622	182,736	193,028
Foreign
Business segment information by geographical areas
Long-lived assets	92,815				104,515				109,671				92,815	104,515	109,671
Revenues													117,768	120,421	113,600
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations													$14,389	$21,189	$18,584
Mexico
Business segment information by geographical areas
Number of parks owned or operated	1												1
Canada
Business segment information by geographical areas
Number of parks owned or operated	1												1

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Total revenue	$183,681	$541,843	$376,551	$73,718	$154,188	$504,520	$363,701	$87,521	$143,919	$485,143	$374,912	$66,358	$1,175,793	$1,109,930	$1,070,332
Net (loss) income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	-34,117	105,034	66,306	-61,201	13,315	120,403	47,361	-62,527	155,754	253,025	72,265	-115,109	76,022	118,552	365,935
Net (loss) income per weighted average common share outstanding:
Earnings per share - basic (usd per share)	($0.37)	$1.11	$0.70	($0.64)	$0.14	$1.27	$0.49	($0.61)	$1.46	$2.37	$0.67	($1.05)	$0.80	$1.22	$3.40	[1]
Earnings per share - diluted (usd per share)	($0.37)	$1.08	$0.67	($0.64)	$0.13	$1.22	$0.47	($0.61)	$1.40	$2.23	$0.64	($1.05)	$0.77	$1.18	$3.30	[1]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation													140,038	27,034	62,875
Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation													139,788	26,829	62,556
Performance Award 2015 and Related DERs [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$46,200	$72,600
[1]	All 2012 share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect Holdings' two-for-one stock split in June 2013, as described in NoteB 12 to the consolidated financial statements.