Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Operating Revenue
Cinema	$ 62,236	$ 52,433	$ 111,710	$ 106,279
Real estate	4,866	4,547	9,515	8,742
Total operating revenue	67,102	56,980	121,225	115,021
Operating expense
Cinema	48,234	41,867	89,709	85,162
Real estate	2,521	2,173	4,875	4,376
Depreciation and amortization	4,292	3,857	8,421	7,752
Impairment expense		2,239		2,239
General and administrative	4,756	4,617	8,990	8,822
Total operating expense	59,803	54,753	111,995	108,351
Operating income	7,299	2,227	9,230	6,670
Interest income	409	364	841	646
Interest expense	(5,815)	(4,431)	(10,178)	(7,810)
Net gain (loss) on sale of assets	(68)	351	(68)	351
Other income (expense)	91	(129)	75	(713)
Income (loss) before income tax benefit (expense), equity earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures and entities, and discontinued operations	1,916	(1,618)	(100)	(856)
Income tax benefit (expense)	13,774	(12,201)	13,138	(12,783)
Income (loss) before equity earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures and entities, and discontinued operations	15,690	(13,819)	13,038	(13,639)
Equity earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures and entities	269	266	633	617
Income (loss) before discontinued operations	15,959	(13,553)	13,671	(13,022)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(2)	(8)	39	29
Gain on sale of discontinued operation	1,656		1,656
Net income (loss)	17,613	(13,561)	15,366	(12,993)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(181)	(153)	(414)	(368)
Net income (loss) attributable to Reading International, Inc. common shareholders	$ 17,432	$ (13,714)	$ 14,952	$ (13,361)
Earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Reading International, Inc. common shareholders - basic and diluted:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.69	$ (0.60)	$ 0.58	$ (0.59)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net	$ 0.07		$ 0.07
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Reading International, Inc. common shareholders	$ 0.76	$ (0.60)	$ 0.65	$ (0.59)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic	22,789,718	22,797,534	22,749,202	22,754,599
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted	22,960,713	22,797,534	22,920,198	22,754,599

Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]

Name:	rdi_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	rdi
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Earnings Per Share Basic & Diluted

+ Details

Name:	rdi_EarningsPerShareBasicDiluted
Namespace Prefix:	rdi
Data Type:	us-types:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Income (loss) before discontinued operations

+ Details

Name:	rdi_IncomeLossBeforeDiscontinuedOperations
Namespace Prefix:	rdi
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Income (loss) before equity earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures and entities

+ Details

Name:	rdi_IncomeLossBeforeEquityEarningsOfUnconsolidatedJointVenturesAndEntities
Namespace Prefix:	rdi
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) from continuing operations per each basic and diluted share of common stock or unit when the per share amount is the same for both basic and diluted shares.

+ Details

Name:	rdi_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicAndDilutedShare
Namespace Prefix:	rdi
Data Type:	us-types:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of income (loss) derived from discontinued operations during the period, net of related tax effect, per each basic and diluted share of common stock or unit when the per share amount is the same for both basic and diluted shares.

+ Details

Name:	rdi_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicAndDilutedShare
Namespace Prefix:	rdi
Data Type:	us-types:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Costs incurred that are directly related to cinema exhibition including rent, salaries and wages, film rental, advertising, and costs incurred that are directly related to generating concessions revenue.

+ Details

Name:	rdi_OperatingExpensesCinema
Namespace Prefix:	rdi
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Costs incurred and are directly related to generating revenues from leased and rented property and costs associated with live theaters rental operations.

+ Details

Name:	rdi_OperatingExpensesRealEstate
Namespace Prefix:	rdi
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Revenue from cinema admissions, the sale of concessions in the form of food and beverages, the total amount of other operating revenues, not previously categorized, from items that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operation.

+ Details

Name:	rdi_RevenueFromCinema
Namespace Prefix:	rdi
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The total amount of revenue recognized for the period from operating leases, including minimum lease revenue, contingent revenue, percentage revenue, sublease revenue and leasing activities associated with live theater operations.

+ Details

Name:	rdi_RevenueFromRealEstate
Namespace Prefix:	rdi
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Gain (loss) after tax expense (benefit), not previously recognized and resulting from the sale of a business component, which is recognized at the date of sale. A gain (loss) reflects the amount by which the consideration received exceeds (is exceeded by) the net carrying amount (reflecting previous provisions for loss on disposal, if any) of the disposal group.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph b

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The gains and losses included in earnings resulting from the sale or disposal of tangible assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 47

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate total of expenses of managing and administering the affairs of an entity, including affiliates of the reporting entity, which are not directly or indirectly associated with the manufacture, sale or creation of a product or product line.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for long lived assets held for use (including those held for disposal by means other than sale).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 26
-Subparagraph b

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 7, 25

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income (loss) from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Subparagraph 1(i)
-Article 4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items and the cumulative effect of accounting changes before deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 13
-Article 7

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 15
-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph c

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. Such amount typically reflects adjustments similar to those made in preparing consolidated statements, including adjustments to eliminate intercompany gains and losses, and to amortize, if appropriate, any difference between cost and underlying equity in net assets of the investee at the date of investment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 19
-Subparagraph c

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 11
-Article 7

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 9
-Article 5

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph b

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The sum of the current income tax expense (benefit) and the deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph a, b

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 34
-Paragraph 21

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Chapter V
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 9
-Subsection II

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 9
-Article 9

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InterestExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Income derived from investments in debt securities and on cash and cash equivalents the earnings of which reflect the time value of money or transactions in which the payments are for the use or forbearance of money.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 14

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 7
-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The portion of consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. If the entity does not present consolidated financial statements, the amount of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 19
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph d

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 20
-Article 9

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 10, 15

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28, 29, 30

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The portion of net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest (if any) deducted in order to derive the portion attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(1)

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A1, A4, A5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Includes selling, general and administrative expense.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingExpenses
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The net amount of other nonoperating income and expense, which does not qualify for separate disclosure on the income statement under materiality guidelines.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 9
-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A1, A4, A5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(1)

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Aggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 1
-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The average number of shares issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS, determined based on the timing of issuance of shares in the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph a

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 8

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares and other shares not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph a

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 8

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration