Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Nov. 03, 2023
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2023
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	SEAS
Entity Registrant Name	SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001564902
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		63,944,033
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity File Number	001-35883
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	27-1220297
Entity Address, Address Line One	6240 Sea Harbor Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Orlando
Entity Address, State or Province	FL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	32821
City Area Code	407
Local Phone Number	226-5011
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false