Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	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, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 154,188	$ 504,520	$ 363,701	$ 87,521	$ 143,919	$ 485,143	$ 374,912	$ 66,358	$ 1,109,930	$ 1,070,332		$ 1,013,174
Net (loss) income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation common stockholders	$ 13,315	$ 120,403	$ 47,361	$ (62,527)	$ 155,754	$ 253,025	$ 72,265	$ (115,109)	$ 118,552	$ 365,935		$ (22,660)
Net (loss) income per weighted average common share outstanding:
Earnings per share - basic (usd per share)	$ 0.14	$ 1.27	$ 0.49	$ (0.61)	$ 1.46	$ 2.37	$ 0.67	$ (1.05)	$ 1.22	$ 3.40	[1]	$ (0.21)	[1]
Earnings per share - diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.13	$ 1.22	$ 0.47	$ (0.61)	$ 1.40	$ 2.23	$ 0.64	$ (1.05)	$ 1.18	$ 3.30	[1]	$ (0.21)	[1]

[1] All 2011 and 2012 share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect Holdings' two-for-one stock split in June 2013, as described in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.