Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Partnership Parks On April 1, 1998, we acquired all of the capital stock of the former Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (a corporation that has been merged out of existence and that has always been a separate corporation from Holdings, "Former SFEC") for $976.0 million, paid in cash. In addition to our obligations under outstanding indebtedness and other securities issued or assumed in the Former SFEC acquisition, we also guaranteed certain contractual obligations relating to the Partnership Parks. Specifically, we guaranteed the obligations of the general partners of those partnerships to (i) make minimum annual distributions (including rent) of approximately $68.3 million in 2016 (subject to cost of living adjustments) to the limited partners in the Partnership Parks (based on our ownership of units as of June 30, 2016, our share of the distribution will be approximately $29.8 million) and (ii) make minimum capital expenditures at each of the Partnership Parks during rolling five-year periods, based generally on 6% of the Partnership Parks' revenues. Cash flow from operations at the Partnership Parks is used to satisfy these requirements first, before any funds are required from us. We also guaranteed the obligation of our subsidiaries to annually purchase all outstanding limited partnership units to the extent tendered by the unit holders (the "Partnership Park Put"). The agreed price for units tendered in the Partnership Park Put is based on a valuation of each of the respective Partnership Parks (the "Specified Price") that is the greater of (a) a valuation for each of the respective Partnership Parks derived by multiplying such park's weighted average four year EBITDA (as defined in the agreements that govern the partnerships) by a specified multiple (8.0 in the case of SFOG and 8.5 in the case of SFOT) and (b) a valuation derived from the highest prices previously paid for the units of the Partnership Parks by certain entities. Pursuant to the valuation methodologies described in the preceding sentence, the Specified Price for the Partnership Parks, if determined as of June 30, 2016 is $343.0 million in the case of SFOG and $392.5 million in the case of SFOT. As of June 30, 2016, we owned approximately 31.0% and 53.1% of the Georgia limited partner interests and Texas limited partner interests, respectively. Our obligations with respect to SFOG and SFOT will continue until 2027 and 2028, respectively. In 2027 and 2028, we will have the option to purchase all remaining units in the Georgia limited partner and the Texas limited partner, respectively, at a price based on the Specified Price, increased by a cost of living adjustment. Pursuant to the 2016 annual offer, we did not purchase any units from the Texas partnership and we purchased 0.065 units from the Georgia partnership for approximately $0.2 million in May 2016. Pursuant to the 2015 annual offer, we did not purchase any units from the Texas partnership and we purchased 0.500 units from the Georgia partnership for approximately $1.6 million in May 2015. As we purchase additional units, we are entitled to a proportionate increase in our share of the minimum annual distributions. The maximum unit purchase obligations for 2017 at both parks will be approximately $420.7 million, representing approximately 69.0% of the outstanding units of SFOG and 46.9% of the outstanding units of SFOT. An additional $350.0 million of the Amended and Restated Term Loan B under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility is available for borrowing for future "put" obligations if necessary. In connection with our acquisition of the Former SFEC, we entered into the Subordinated Indemnity Agreement with certain of the Company's entities, Time Warner and an affiliate of Time Warner, pursuant to which, among other things, we transferred to Time Warner (which has guaranteed all of our obligations under the Partnership Park arrangements) record title to the corporations which own the entities that have purchased and will purchase limited partnership units of the Partnership Parks, and we received an assignment from Time Warner of all cash flow received on such limited partnership units, and we otherwise control such entities. In addition, we issued preferred stock of the managing partner of the partnerships to Time Warner. In the event of a default by us under the Subordinated Indemnity Agreement or of our obligations to our partners in the Partnership Parks, these arrangements would permit Time Warner to take full control of both the entities that own limited partnership units and the managing partner. If we satisfy all such obligations, Time Warner is required to transfer to us the entire equity interests of these entities. We incurred $14.8 million of capital expenditures at these parks during the 2015 season and intend to incur approximately $20.0 million of capital expenditures at these parks for the 2016 season, an amount in excess of the minimum required expenditure. Cash flows from operations at the Partnership Parks will be used to satisfy the annual distribution and capital expenditure requirements, before any funds are required from us. The Partnership Parks generated approximately $79.8 million of cash in 2015 from operating activities after deduction of capital expenditures and excluding the impact of short-term intercompany advances from or payments to Holdings. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had total loans receivable outstanding of $239.3 million from the partnerships that own the Partnership Parks, primarily to fund the acquisition of Six Flags White Water Atlanta and to make capital improvements and distributions to the limited partners in prior years. Insurance We maintain insurance of the types and in amounts that we believe are commercially reasonable and that are available to businesses in our industry. We maintain multi-layered general liability policies that provide for excess liability coverage of up to $100.0 million per occurrence. For incidents arising after November 15, 2003 but prior to December 31, 2008, our self-insured retention is $2.5 million per occurrence ($2.0 million per occurrence for the twelve months ended November 15, 2003 and $1.0 million per occurrence for the twelve months ended November 15, 2002) for our domestic parks and a nominal amount per occurrence for our international parks. For incidents arising after November 1, 2004 but prior to December 31, 2008, we have a one-time additional $0.5 million self-insured retention, in the aggregate, applicable to all claims in the policy year. For incidents arising on or after December 31, 2008, our self-insured retention is $2.0 million, followed by a $0.5 million deductible per occurrence applicable to all claims in the policy year for our domestic parks and our park in Canada and a nominal amount per occurrence for our park in Mexico. Defense costs are in addition to these retentions. Our general liability policies cover the cost of punitive damages only in certain jurisdictions. Based upon reported claims and an estimate for incurred, but not reported claims, we accrue a liability for our self-insured contingencies. For workers' compensation claims arising after November 15, 2003, our deductible is $0.75 million ($0.5 million deductible for the period from November 15, 2001 to November 15, 2003). We also maintain fire and extended coverage, business interruption, terrorism and other forms of insurance typical to businesses in this industry. The all peril property coverage policies insure our real and personal properties (other than land) against physical damage resulting from a variety of hazards. Additionally, we maintain information security and privacy liability insurance in the amount of $10.0 million with a $0.25 million self-insured retention per event. The majority of our current insurance policies expire on December 31, 2016. We generally renegotiate our insurance policies on an annual basis. We cannot predict the level of the premiums that we may be required to pay for subsequent insurance coverage, the level of any self-insurance retention applicable thereto, the level of aggregate coverage available or the availability of coverage for specific risks. Litigation We are party to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business, including the cases discussed below. Matters that are probable of unfavorable outcome to us and which can be reasonably estimated are accrued. Such accruals are based on information known about the matters, our estimate of the outcomes of such matters and our experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters. None of the actions are believed by management to involve amounts that would be material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity after consideration of recorded accruals. On January 6, 2009, a civil action against us was commenced in the State Court of Cobb County, Georgia. The plaintiff sought damages for personal injuries, including an alleged brain injury, as a result of an altercation with a group of individuals on property adjacent to SFOG on July 3, 2007. Certain of the individuals were employees of the park, but were off-duty and not acting within the course or scope of their employment with SFOG at the time the altercation occurred. The plaintiff, who had exited the park, claimed that we were negligent in our security of the premises. Four of the individuals who allegedly participated in the altercation were also named as defendants in the litigation. Our motion for summary judgment was denied by the trial court on May 19, 2011. Pursuant to the trial that concluded on November 20, 2013, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff for $35.0 million. The jury allocated 92% of the verdict against Six Flags and the judgment was entered on February 11, 2014. A notice of appeal was filed on September 19, 2014, which our insurers are pursuing on Six Flags' and the insurers' behalf, and on October 2, 2014, the plaintiff filed a notice of cross appeal. On November 20, 2015, the Georgia Court of Appeals reversed the jury verdict and remanded for a new trial on both liability and damages. On December 16, 2015, the Georgia Court of Appeals denied the parties’ various motions for reconsideration. A petition for writ of certiorari in the Georgia Supreme Court was filed on behalf of Six Flags on January 19, 2016. The Six Flags petition asks the Georgia Supreme Court to grant further review and rule that Six Flags is entitled to judgment as a matter of law without the need for a new trial. On January 19, 2016, the plaintiff also filed a petition for writ of certiorari asking the Georgia Supreme Court to review the Court of Appeals’ reversal of the jury verdict. We have paid the full amount of our $2.5 million self-insurance retention to our insurers. On June 27, 2012, Wishtoyo Foundation and its Ventura Coastkeeper program, Los Angeles Coastkeeper d/b/a Santa Monica Baykeeper, and Friends of the Santa Clara River, all non-profit corporations, filed a complaint against Holdings, SFTP and Magic Mountain LLC in the United States District Court for the Central District of California seeking declaratory and injunctive relief and civil penalties under, among others, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (more commonly known as the Clean Water Act). The plaintiffs alleged that Six Flags Magic Mountain discharged water in violation of its water discharge permits into the Santa Clara River. In January 2015, the parties to the lawsuit entered into a consent decree to settle the lawsuit, and on March 26, 2015, the consent decree was approved and entered by the District Court. In connection with settlement of the lawsuit, we intend to install at Six Flags Magic Mountain an on-site infiltration basin to retain, manage and infiltrate stormwater runoff from the park in certain instances. On July 3, 2012, a civil action was commenced against us in the Superior Court of Solano County, California. The plaintiffs sought damages for personal injuries when a guest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom jumped on a swinging gate arm that entered a passing tram carrying the plaintiffs on July 3, 2010. We have previously expensed the full amount of our $2.5 million self-insurance retention plus estimated litigation costs in connection with this incident. On October 24, 2014, the litigation was dismissed without prejudice, with respect to one of the plaintiffs, a minor, who may reinstate the lawsuit at any time prior to two years following the date such plaintiff reaches the age of majority. In January 2015, an agreement was reached to settle the lawsuit with the remaining plaintiffs. On September 12, 2014, a civil action against us was commenced in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. The plaintiff sought damages for personal injuries after riding a water slide at Six Flags Great America. In 2015, the venue for the action was transferred to Lake County. Pursuant to the trial that concluded on April 26, 2016, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff for $1.5 million. We intend to vigorously challenge the verdict and in May 2016 we filed a post-trial motion to vacate the jury verdict. Tax and Other Contingencies As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had a nominal amount of accrued liabilities for tax and other indemnification contingencies related to certain parks sold in previous years that could be recognized as recovery of losses in the future if such liabilities are not requested to be paid.

Commitments and Contingencies

Partnership Parks

On April 1, 1998, we acquired all of the capital stock of the former Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (a corporation that has been merged out of existence and that has always been a separate corporation from Holdings, "Former SFEC") for $976.0 million, paid in cash. In addition to our obligations under outstanding indebtedness and other securities issued or assumed in the Former SFEC acquisition, we also guaranteed certain contractual obligations relating to the Partnership Parks. Specifically, we guaranteed the obligations of the general partners of those partnerships to (i) make minimum annual distributions (including rent) of approximately $68.3 million in 2016 (subject to cost of living adjustments) to the limited partners in the Partnership Parks (based on our ownership of units as of June 30, 2016, our share of the distribution will be approximately $29.8 million) and (ii) make minimum capital expenditures at each of the Partnership Parks during rolling five-year periods, based generally on 6% of the Partnership Parks' revenues. Cash flow from operations at the Partnership Parks is used to satisfy these requirements first, before any funds are required from us. We also guaranteed the obligation of our subsidiaries to annually purchase all outstanding limited partnership units to the extent tendered by the unit holders (the "Partnership Park Put"). The agreed price for units tendered in the Partnership Park Put is based on a valuation of each of the respective Partnership Parks (the "Specified Price") that is the greater of (a) a valuation for each of the respective Partnership Parks derived by multiplying such park's weighted average four year EBITDA (as defined in the agreements that govern the partnerships) by a specified multiple (8.0 in the case of SFOG and 8.5 in the case of SFOT) and (b) a valuation derived from the highest prices previously paid for the units of the Partnership Parks by certain entities. Pursuant to the valuation methodologies described in the preceding sentence, the Specified Price for the Partnership Parks, if determined as of June 30, 2016 is $343.0 million in the case of SFOG and $392.5 million in the case of SFOT. As of June 30, 2016, we owned approximately 31.0% and 53.1% of the Georgia limited partner interests and Texas limited partner interests, respectively. Our obligations with respect to SFOG and SFOT will continue until 2027 and 2028, respectively.

In 2027 and 2028, we will have the option to purchase all remaining units in the Georgia limited partner and the Texas limited partner, respectively, at a price based on the Specified Price, increased by a cost of living adjustment. Pursuant to the 2016 annual offer, we did not purchase any units from the Texas partnership and we purchased 0.065 units from the Georgia partnership for approximately $0.2 million in May 2016. Pursuant to the 2015 annual offer, we did not purchase any units from the Texas partnership and we purchased 0.500 units from the Georgia partnership for approximately $1.6 million in May 2015. As we purchase additional units, we are entitled to a proportionate increase in our share of the minimum annual distributions. The maximum unit purchase obligations for 2017 at both parks will be approximately $420.7 million, representing approximately 69.0% of the outstanding units of SFOG and 46.9% of the outstanding units of SFOT. An additional $350.0 million of the Amended and Restated Term Loan B under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility is available for borrowing for future "put" obligations if necessary.

In connection with our acquisition of the Former SFEC, we entered into the Subordinated Indemnity Agreement with certain of the Company's entities, Time Warner and an affiliate of Time Warner, pursuant to which, among other things, we transferred to Time Warner (which has guaranteed all of our obligations under the Partnership Park arrangements) record title to the corporations which own the entities that have purchased and will purchase limited partnership units of the Partnership Parks, and we received an assignment from Time Warner of all cash flow received on such limited partnership units, and we otherwise control such entities. In addition, we issued preferred stock of the managing partner of the partnerships to Time Warner. In the event of a default by us under the Subordinated Indemnity Agreement or of our obligations to our partners in the Partnership Parks, these arrangements would permit Time Warner to take full control of both the entities that own limited partnership units and the managing partner. If we satisfy all such obligations, Time Warner is required to transfer to us the entire equity interests of these entities.

We incurred $14.8 million of capital expenditures at these parks during the 2015 season and intend to incur approximately $20.0 million of capital expenditures at these parks for the 2016 season, an amount in excess of the minimum required expenditure. Cash flows from operations at the Partnership Parks will be used to satisfy the annual distribution and capital expenditure requirements, before any funds are required from us. The Partnership Parks generated approximately $79.8 million of cash in 2015 from operating activities after deduction of capital expenditures and excluding the impact of short-term intercompany advances from or payments to Holdings. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had total loans receivable outstanding of $239.3 million from the partnerships that own the Partnership Parks, primarily to fund the acquisition of Six Flags White Water Atlanta and to make capital improvements and distributions to the limited partners in prior years.

Insurance

We maintain insurance of the types and in amounts that we believe are commercially reasonable and that are available to businesses in our industry. We maintain multi-layered general liability policies that provide for excess liability coverage of up to $100.0 million per occurrence. For incidents arising after November 15, 2003 but prior to December 31, 2008, our self-insured retention is $2.5 million per occurrence ($2.0 million per occurrence for the twelve months ended November 15, 2003 and $1.0 million per occurrence for the twelve months ended November 15, 2002) for our domestic parks and a nominal amount per occurrence for our international parks. For incidents arising after November 1, 2004 but prior to December 31, 2008, we have a one-time additional $0.5 million self-insured retention, in the aggregate, applicable to all claims in the policy year. For incidents arising on or after December 31, 2008, our self-insured retention is $2.0 million, followed by a $0.5 million deductible per occurrence applicable to all claims in the policy year for our domestic parks and our park in Canada and a nominal amount per occurrence for our park in Mexico. Defense costs are in addition to these retentions. Our general liability policies cover the cost of punitive damages only in certain jurisdictions. Based upon reported claims and an estimate for incurred, but not reported claims, we accrue a liability for our self-insured contingencies. For workers' compensation claims arising after November 15, 2003, our deductible is $0.75 million ($0.5 million deductible for the period from November 15, 2001 to November 15, 2003). We also maintain fire and extended coverage, business interruption, terrorism and other forms of insurance typical to businesses in this industry. The all peril property coverage policies insure our real and personal properties (other than land) against physical damage resulting from a variety of hazards. Additionally, we maintain information security and privacy liability insurance in the amount of $10.0 million with a $0.25 million self-insured retention per event.

The majority of our current insurance policies expire on December 31, 2016. We generally renegotiate our insurance policies on an annual basis. We cannot predict the level of the premiums that we may be required to pay for subsequent insurance coverage, the level of any self-insurance retention applicable thereto, the level of aggregate coverage available or the availability of coverage for specific risks.

Litigation

We are party to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business, including the cases discussed below. Matters that are probable of unfavorable outcome to us and which can be reasonably estimated are accrued. Such accruals are based on information known about the matters, our estimate of the outcomes of such matters and our experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters. None of the actions are believed by management to involve amounts that would be material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity after consideration of recorded accruals.

On January 6, 2009, a civil action against us was commenced in the State Court of Cobb County, Georgia. The plaintiff sought damages for personal injuries, including an alleged brain injury, as a result of an altercation with a group of individuals on property adjacent to SFOG on July 3, 2007. Certain of the individuals were employees of the park, but were off-duty and not acting within the course or scope of their employment with SFOG at the time the altercation occurred. The plaintiff, who had exited the park, claimed that we were negligent in our security of the premises. Four of the individuals who allegedly participated in the altercation were also named as defendants in the litigation. Our motion for summary judgment was denied by the trial court on May 19, 2011. Pursuant to the trial that concluded on November 20, 2013, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff for $35.0 million. The jury allocated 92% of the verdict against Six Flags and the judgment was entered on February 11, 2014. A notice of appeal was filed on September 19, 2014, which our insurers are pursuing on Six Flags' and the insurers' behalf, and on October 2, 2014, the plaintiff filed a notice of cross appeal. On November 20, 2015, the Georgia Court of Appeals reversed the jury verdict and remanded for a new trial on both liability and damages. On December 16, 2015, the Georgia Court of Appeals denied the parties’ various motions for reconsideration. A petition for writ of certiorari in the Georgia Supreme Court was filed on behalf of Six Flags on January 19, 2016. The Six Flags petition asks the Georgia Supreme Court to grant further review and rule that Six Flags is entitled to judgment as a matter of law without the need for a new trial. On January 19, 2016, the plaintiff also filed a petition for writ of certiorari asking the Georgia Supreme Court to review the Court of Appeals’ reversal of the jury verdict. We have paid the full amount of our $2.5 million self-insurance retention to our insurers.

On June 27, 2012, Wishtoyo Foundation and its Ventura Coastkeeper program, Los Angeles Coastkeeper d/b/a Santa Monica Baykeeper, and Friends of the Santa Clara River, all non-profit corporations, filed a complaint against Holdings, SFTP and Magic Mountain LLC in the United States District Court for the Central District of California seeking declaratory and injunctive relief and civil penalties under, among others, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (more commonly known as the Clean Water Act). The plaintiffs alleged that Six Flags Magic Mountain discharged water in violation of its water discharge permits into the Santa Clara River. In January 2015, the parties to the lawsuit entered into a consent decree to settle the lawsuit, and on March 26, 2015, the consent decree was approved and entered by the District Court. In connection with settlement of the lawsuit, we intend to install at Six Flags Magic Mountain an on-site infiltration basin to retain, manage and infiltrate stormwater runoff from the park in certain instances.

On July 3, 2012, a civil action was commenced against us in the Superior Court of Solano County, California. The plaintiffs sought damages for personal injuries when a guest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom jumped on a swinging gate arm that entered a passing tram carrying the plaintiffs on July 3, 2010. We have previously expensed the full amount of our $2.5 million self-insurance retention plus estimated litigation costs in connection with this incident. On October 24, 2014, the litigation was dismissed without prejudice, with respect to one of the plaintiffs, a minor, who may reinstate the lawsuit at any time prior to two years following the date such plaintiff reaches the age of majority. In January 2015, an agreement was reached to settle the lawsuit with the remaining plaintiffs.

On September 12, 2014, a civil action against us was commenced in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. The plaintiff sought damages for personal injuries after riding a water slide at Six Flags Great America. In 2015, the venue for the action was transferred to Lake County. Pursuant to the trial that concluded on April 26, 2016, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff for $1.5 million. We intend to vigorously challenge the verdict and in May 2016 we filed a post-trial motion to vacate the jury verdict.

Tax and Other Contingencies

As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had a nominal amount of accrued liabilities for tax and other indemnification contingencies related to certain parks sold in previous years that could be recognized as recovery of losses in the future if such liabilities are not requested to be paid.