Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 item park	Mar. 31, 2012
Business Segments
Number of reportable segments	1
Business segment information
Theme park revenues	$ 87,521	$ 66,358
Theme park cash expenses	(113,558)	(102,965)
Aggregate park EBITDA	(26,037)	(36,607)
Equity in operations of investee-EBITDA		1,913
Corporate expenses	(11,187)	(10,554)
Stock-based compensation	(7,097)	(17,009)
Other income, net	242	781
Loss on disposal of assets	(1,070)	(1,643)
Reorganization items, net	180	(554)
Equity in operations of investee - depreciation and other expense		(2,233)
Depreciation and amortization	(35,146)	(41,495)
Interest expense	(18,722)	(11,594)
Interest income	325	231
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and discontinued operations	$ (98,512)	$ (118,764)
Number of parks owned or operated	18
Mexico
Business segment information
Number of parks owned or operated	1
Canada
Business segment information
Number of parks owned or operated	1