Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012 park	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 segment park	Sep. 30, 2011
Business Segments
Number of reportable segments			1
Business segment information
Theme park revenues	$ 485,143	$ 475,605	$ 926,413	$ 875,613
Theme park cash expenses	(200,582)	(197,359)	(509,846)	(497,870)
Aggregate park EBITDA	284,561	278,246	416,567	377,743
Equity in income of investee - EBITDA	288	737	5,520	4,591
Corporate expenses	(8,002)	(9,431)	(30,908)	(29,605)
Stock-based compensation	(12,751)	(6,652)	(44,884)	(34,316)
Other (expense) income, net	(832)	340	(295)	193
Equity in loss of investee - depreciation and other expense	(1,940)	(1,503)	(7,742)	(7,604)
Depreciation and amortization	(35,312)	(41,832)	(112,722)	(127,361)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets	(5,192)	(2,190)	(7,647)	(6,105)
Gain on the sale of investee	67,041		67,041
Reorganization items, net	(659)	(609)	(1,708)	(1,443)
Restructure recovery (costs)		202	47	(25,146)
Interest expense	(11,627)	(16,682)	(34,756)	(49,960)
Interest income	208	186	522	682
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	$ 275,783	$ 200,812	$ 249,035	$ 101,669
Number of parks owned or operated	19		19
Mexico
Business segment information
Number of parks owned or operated	1		1
Canada
Business segment information
Number of parks owned or operated	1		1