Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Rental properties, net of accumulated depreciation of $369,854 and $335,116 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	$ 1,892,190	$ 1,819,176
Rental properties held for sale, net	3,895	4,696
Land held for development	191,442	184,457
Property under development	30,486	22,761
Mortgage notes and related accrued interest receivable, net	411,755	325,097
Investment in a direct financing lease, net	232,855	233,619
Investment in joint ventures	11,399	25,053
Cash and cash equivalents	25,007	14,625
Restricted cash	26,138	19,312
Intangible assets, net	3,667	4,485
Deferred financing costs, net	20,674	18,527
Accounts receivable, net	35,704	35,005
Notes and related accrued interest receivable, net	4,947	5,015
Other assets	25,213	22,167
Total assets	2,915,372	2,733,995
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	54,086	36,036
Common dividends payable	35,131	32,709
Preferred dividends payable	6,002	6,002
Unearned rents and interest	14,181	6,850
Long-term debt	1,339,118	1,154,295
Total liabilities	1,448,518	1,235,892
Equity:
Common shares, $.01 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; and 48,286,473 and 48,062,593 shares issued at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	482	480
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Additional paid-in-capital	1,754,285	1,719,066
Treasury shares at cost: 1,445,434 and 1,335,879 common shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	(49,689)	(44,834)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	20,629	23,463
Distributions in excess of net income	(259,318)	(228,261)
Entertainment Properties Trust shareholders' equity	1,466,524	1,470,049
Noncontrolling interests	330	28,054
Equity	1,466,854	1,498,103
Total liabilities and equity	2,915,372	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