Property and Equipment, Net - Components of Property and Equipment, Net (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 2,612,052	$ 2,485,805
Less accumulated depreciation	(867,421)	(714,305)
Total property and equipment, net	1,744,631	1,771,500
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	286,200	286,200
Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	289,892	259,722
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	566,112	537,532
Rides, Attractions and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	1,267,832	1,173,746
Animals [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	158,362	157,160
Construction in Process [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 43,654	$ 71,445