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

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

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

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