Segment Information Balance Sheet Data (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 segment	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable operating segments (in reportable segments)	4
Total Assets	$ 2,790,845	$ 2,733,995
Entertainment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	1,726,063	1,710,750
Education
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	308,822	286,115
Recreation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	379,285	343,408
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	303,580	317,259
Corporate / Unallocated
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	$ 73,095	$ 76,463