Quarterly Financial Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Total revenue	$ 77,608	$ 75,995	$ 74,438	$ 73,618	$ 74,679	$ 74,478	$ 70,387	$ 70,299	$ 301,659	$ 289,843	$ 256,286
Net income	37,968	35,563	2	41,733	34,175	35,043	14,748	29,091	115,266	113,055	(11,906)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders of Entertainment Properties Trust	$ 31,940	$ 25,749	$ (7,549)	$ 34,179	$ 26,652	$ 27,457	$ 8,036	$ 22,523	$ 115,228	$ 114,874	$ 8,007
Basic net income (loss) per common share	$ 0.68	$ 0.55	$ (0.16)	$ 0.73	$ 0.57	$ 0.59	$ 0.18	$ 0.53	$ 1.81	$ 1.87	$ (0.61)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$ 0.68	$ 0.55	$ (0.16)	$ 0.73	$ 0.57	$ 0.58	$ 0.18	$ 0.52	$ 1.80	$ 1.86	$ (0.61)