Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 219,818	$ 316,003	$ 313,026
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	4,081	1,161	1,376
Defined benefit retirement plan	(6,167)	661	1,402
Change in cash flow hedging	(1,126)		525
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(3,212)	1,822	3,303
Comprehensive income	216,606	317,825	316,329
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(40,753)	(40,007)	(39,210)
Comprehensive income attributable to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation	$ 175,853	$ 277,818	$ 277,119