Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets
Rental properties, net of accumulated depreciation of $335,116 and $296,784 at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively	$ 1,819,176	$ 2,020,191
Rental properties held for sale, net	4,696	6,432
Land held for development	184,457	184,457
Property under development	22,761	5,967
Mortgage notes and related accrued interest receivable, net	325,097	305,404
Investment in a direct financing lease, net	233,619	226,433
Investment in joint ventures	25,053	22,010
Cash and cash equivalents	14,625	11,776
Restricted cash	19,312	16,279
Intangible assets, net	4,485	35,644
Deferred financing costs, net	18,527	20,371
Accounts receivable, net	35,005	39,814
Notes and related accrued interest receivable, net	5,015	5,127
Other assets	22,167	23,515
Total assets	2,733,995	2,923,420
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	36,036	56,488
Common dividends payable	32,709	30,253
Preferred dividends payable	6,002	7,551
Unearned rents and interest	6,850	6,691
Long-term debt	1,154,295	1,191,179
Total liabilities	1,235,892	1,292,162
Equity:
Common shares, $.01 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; and 48,062,593 and 47,769,422 shares issued at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively	480	477
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Additional paid-in-capital	1,719,066	1,785,371
Treasury shares at cost: 1,335,879 and 1,226,472 common shares at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively	(44,834)	(39,762)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	23,463	38,842
Distributions in excess of net income	(228,261)	(181,856)
Entertainment Properties Trust shareholders' equity	1,470,049	1,603,239
Noncontrolling interests	28,054	28,019
Equity	1,498,103	1,631,258
Total liabilities and equity	2,733,995	2,923,420
Series B Preferred Shares [Member]
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Preferred shares	0	32
Series C Preferred Shares [Member]
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Preferred shares	54	54
Series D Preferred Shares [Member]
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Preferred shares	46	46
Series E Preferred Shares [Member]
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Preferred shares	$ 35	$ 35