Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Rental properties, net of accumulated depreciation of $347,586 and $335,116 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	$ 1,833,893	$ 1,819,176
Rental properties held for sale, net	3,895	4,696
Land held for development	188,874	184,457
Property under development	40,141	22,761
Mortgage notes and related accrued interest receivable, net	403,619	325,097
Investment in a direct financing lease, net	236,157	233,619
Investment in joint ventures	10,577	25,053
Cash and cash equivalents	12,739	14,625
Restricted cash	19,165	19,312
Intangible assets, net	3,871	4,485
Deferred financing costs, net	18,452	18,527
Accounts receivable, net	33,138	35,005
Notes and related accrued interest receivable, net	5,007	5,015
Other assets	24,139	22,167
Total assets	2,833,667	2,733,995
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	37,485	36,036
Common dividends payable	35,128	32,709
Preferred dividends payable	6,002	6,002
Unearned rents and interest	11,982	6,850
Long-term debt	1,270,560	1,154,295
Total liabilities	1,361,157	1,235,892
Equity:
Common shares, $.01 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; and 48,262,233 and 48,062,593 shares issued at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	482	480
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Additional paid-in-capital	1,752,784	1,719,066
Treasury shares at cost: 1,440,233 and 1,335,879 common shares at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	(49,539)	(44,834)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	20,680	23,463
Distributions in excess of net income	(252,338)	(228,261)
Entertainment Properties Trust shareholders' equity	1,472,204	1,470,049
Noncontrolling interests	306	28,054
Equity	1,472,510	1,498,103
Total liabilities and equity	2,833,667	2,733,995
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