Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 629,208	$ 231,427
Accounts receivable	29,523	18,461
Inventories	22,280	20,973
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	37,490	38,668
Deferred income taxes	44,973
Total current assets	763,474	309,529
Other assets:
Debt issuance costs	26,043	13,026
Restricted-use investment securities	1,218	513
Deposits and other assets	4,214	10,477
Total other assets	31,475	24,016
Property and equipment, at cost	1,635,190	1,544,351
Accumulated depreciation	(380,561)	(252,514)
Total property and equipment	1,254,629	1,291,837
Goodwill	630,248	630,248
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	376,565	392,548
Total assets	3,056,391	2,648,178
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	23,580	23,823
Accrued compensation, payroll taxes and benefits	35,949	59,441
Accrued insurance reserves	35,369	34,128
Accrued interest payable	2,359	1,071
Other accrued liabilities	25,663	29,834
Deferred income	52,703	38,156
Current portion of long-term debt	6,240	35,296
Total current liabilities	181,863	221,749
Long-term debt	1,398,966	921,940
Other long-term liabilities	76,398	76,180
Deferred income taxes	65,070	220,734
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	437,941	440,427
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value
Common stock, $0.025 par value, 140,000,000 shares authorized and 53,818,762 and 54,641,885 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	1,345	1,366
Capital in excess of par value	904,713	832,112
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	15,849	(20,088)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(29,688)	(49,912)
Total Six Flags Entertainment Corporation stockholders' equity	892,219	763,478
Noncontrolling interests	3,934	3,670
Total equity	896,153	767,148
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,056,391	$ 2,648,178