Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation - Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount at December 31, 2016		$ 335,610
Net carrying amount, Goodwill beginning balance	$ 335,610
Goodwill impairment charge	(269,332)
Net carrying amount, Goodwill ending balance	66,278
SeaWorld Orlando [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount at December 31, 2016		269,332
Net carrying amount, Goodwill beginning balance	269,332
Goodwill impairment charge	(269,332)
Net carrying amount, Goodwill ending balance	0
Discovery Cove [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount at December 31, 2016		$ 66,278
Net carrying amount, Goodwill beginning balance	66,278
Net carrying amount, Goodwill ending balance	$ 66,278