Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($) Business	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($) Business Segment	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Business Description And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of theme parks owned and operated | Business	12		12
Number of theme parks opened for a portion of the year | Business			7
Number of reportable segment | Segment			1
Long term deferred revenue	$ 10,347		$ 10,347		$ 10,071
Revenue	$ 405,992	$ 391,921	$ 626,567	$ 609,087
ZHG Stock Purchase Agreement [Member]
Business Description And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Type of Revenue [Extensible List]	seas:FoodMerchandiseAndOtherRevenueMember	seas:FoodMerchandiseAndOtherRevenueMember	seas:FoodMerchandiseAndOtherRevenueMember	seas:FoodMerchandiseAndOtherRevenueMember
Revenue	$ 0	$ 1,300	$ 1,700	$ 2,500
Middle East Project [Member]
Business Description And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Long term deferred revenue	10,000		10,000
Deferred costs incurred under Middle East Project	4,400		4,400		3,800
Other Liabilities [Member]
Business Description And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Long term deferred revenue	$ 10,000		$ 10,000		$ 10,000
Certain Rides and Equipment [Member]
Business Description And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Write-offs of property and equipment		$ 7,300		$ 7,700