Condensed Consolidation Statements of Equity (Deficit) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock	Capital in excess of par value	Accumulated deficit	Accumulated other comprehensive loss
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)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		19,863
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	975	$ 1	974
Fresh Start Valuation Adjustment for Units Purchased	36			36
Net loss attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	13,952			13,952
Net other comprehensive income, 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
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 1)	101,057	$ 0	0	101,057	0
Balances (Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]) at Dec. 31, 2016	(186,490)	2,271	1,116,227	(1,237,804)	(67,184)
Balances at Dec. 31, 2016	(85,433)	$ 2,271	1,116,227	(1,136,747)	(67,184)
Balances (in shares) (Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]) at Dec. 31, 2016		90,849,428
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		90,849,428
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock	25,775	$ 22	25,753
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		902,670
Stock-based compensation	(3,315)		(3,315)
Dividends declared to common stockholders	(113,271)			(113,271)
Repurchase of common stock	(379,386)	$ (155)	(45,046)	(334,185)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(6,208,091)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		19,370
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	1,040	$ 1	1,039
Fresh Start Valuation Adjustment for Units Purchased	32			32
Net loss attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	(5,522)			(5,522)
Net other comprehensive income, net of tax	5,346				5,346
Balances at Jun. 30, 2017	$ (554,734)	$ 2,139	$ 1,094,658	$ (1,589,693)	$ (61,838)
Balances (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2017		85,563,377.000