Restructuring Program and Separation Costs - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Business	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) Business	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Business	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) Business Position	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring costs, description			Involved the elimination of approximately 300 positions across the Company’s eleven theme parks and corporate headquarters.
Number of positions eliminated | Position				300
Number of theme parks owned and operated | Business	11	11	11	11
Restructuring and other related costs incurred to date	$ 11,834		$ 11,834
Restructuring and other related costs			267	$ 11,567
Severance costs	$ 2,001		2,001
Separation activities, period of consulting term				3 years
Separation costs		$ 2,574	$ 0	$ 2,574	$ 0