Segment Information Balance Sheet Data (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012 segment	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable operating segments (in reportable segments)	4
Total Assets	$ 2,915,372	$ 2,733,995
Entertainment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	1,782,076	1,710,750
Education
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	366,193	286,115
Recreation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	389,561	343,408
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	288,604	317,259
Corporate / Unallocated
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	$ 88,938	$ 76,463