Condensed Consolidation Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock	Capital in excess of par value	Accumulated deficit	Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 223,895	$ 2,323	$ 983,317	$ (702,116)	$ (59,629)
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		92,937,619
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock	11,078	$ 57	11,021
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		2,242,377
Stock-based compensation	26,715		26,715
Dividends declared to common stockholders	(97,757)			(97,757)
Repurchase of common stock	(21,236)	$ (11)	(3,513)	(17,712)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(439,322)
Employee stock purchase plan	764		764
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		19,584
Fresh start valuation adjustment for SFOG units purchased	272			272
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	(4,794)			(4,794)
Net other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(3,462)				(3,462)
Balances at Jun. 30, 2015	135,475	$ 2,369	1,018,304	(822,107)	(63,091)
Balances (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2015		94,760,258
Balances at Dec. 31, 2015	24,216	$ 2,289	1,041,710	(953,225)	(66,558)
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		91,550,851
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock	14,128	$ 51	14,077
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		2,084,101
Stock-based compensation	6,250		6,250
Dividends declared to common stockholders	(106,919)			(106,919)
Repurchase of common stock	(44,091)	$ (19)	(5,984)	(38,088)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(777,606)
Employee stock purchase plan	975	$ 1	974
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		19,863
Fresh start valuation adjustment for SFOG units purchased	36			36
Net income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	13,952			13,952
Net other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(692)				(692)
Balances at Jun. 30, 2016	$ (92,145)	$ 2,322	$ 1,057,027	$ (1,084,244)	$ (67,250)
Balances (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2016		92,877,209