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