Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income		$ 192,855	$ 114,034	$ 156,873
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	[1]	(8,195)	(6,803)	(1,341)
Defined benefit retirement plan	[2]	1,769	(19,872)	17,427
Change in cash flow hedging	[3]	(503)	(257)	318
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax		(6,929)	(26,932)	16,404
Comprehensive income		185,926	87,102	173,277
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(38,165)	(38,012)	(38,321)
Comprehensive income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation		$ 147,761	$ 49,090	$ 134,956

[1] Foreign currency translation adjustment presented net of tax benefit of $4.4 million, $3.7 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

[2] Defined benefit retirement plan is presented net of tax expense of $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, net of tax benefit of $13.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, and net of tax expense of $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

[3] Change in cash flow hedging is reported net of tax benefit of $0.4 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and net of tax expense of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.