CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Total Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	Common stock	Capital in excess of par value	Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit)	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Non-controlling interests
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 767,148	$ 763,478	$ 1,366	$ 832,112	$ (20,088)	$ (49,912)	$ 3,670
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011			54,641,885
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock	8,373	8,373	11	8,362
Issuance of common stock (in shares)			448,883
Issuance of restricted stock units	31,346	31,346		31,346
Stock-based compensation	17,009	17,009		17,009
Dividends declared to common shareholders	(33,781)	(33,781)			(33,781)
Repurchase of common stock	(44,457)	(44,457)	(24)	(14,252)	(30,181)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			(969,663)
Net loss attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	(115,109)	(115,109)			(115,109)
Net other comprehensive income	6,097	6,097				6,097
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	66						66
Balances at Mar. 31, 2012	636,692	632,956	1,353	874,577	(199,159)	(43,815)	3,736
Balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2012			54,121,105
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	896,153	892,219	1,345	904,713	15,849	(29,688)	3,934
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012			53,818,762
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of common stock	2,487	2,487	2	2,485
Issuance of common stock (in shares)			83,376
Forfeiture of restricted stock units (in shares)			(1,430)
Stock-based compensation	7,097	7,097		7,097
Dividends declared to common shareholders	(45,386)	(45,386)			(45,386)
Repurchase of common stock	(375,290)	(375,290)	(142)	(83,901)	(291,247)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			(5,708,425)
Net loss attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	(62,527)	(62,527)			(62,527)
Net other comprehensive income	1,387	1,387				1,387
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	414						414
Balances at Mar. 31, 2013	$ 424,335	$ 419,987	$ 1,205	$ 830,394	$ (383,311)	$ (28,301)	$ 4,348
Balances (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2013			48,192,283