Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Assets	$ 6,625,000	$ 0	$ 0
Unrealized / realized foreign currency gain (loss)	(8,998,000)	9,909,000	(20,563,000)
Unrealized foreign currency gain on U.S.-dollar denominated notes	9,200,000	(8,800,000)
Depreciation and amortization	126,300,000	125,800,000	128,900,000
Gain Loss on Retirement and Impairment of Property Plant and Equipment	(30,336,000)	(11,355,000)	(62,752,000)
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Sale or Disposal of Property, Plant and Equipment		8,800,000
Self-insurance reserves	23,906,000	21,243,000
Advertising expense	55,400,000	53,000,000	51,800,000
Wildwater Kingdom [Member]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	$ 25,000,000