Business Segments (Reconciliation To Net Income Attributable To Common Shareholders) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Business Segments [Abstract]
Total segment operating income	$ 9,196	$ 11,184	$ 17,780	$ 16,596
Depreciation and amortization expense	97	7	236	10
General and administrative expense	3,398	3,880	6,937	7,316
Operating income	5,701	7,297	10,607	9,270
Interest expense, net	(5,683)	(5,406)	(9,443)	(9,337)
Other income	68	91	23	74
Loss on sale of assets	(2)	(68)	(2)	(68)
Income tax benefit (expense)	(259)	13,774	(1,884)	13,138
Equity earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures and entities	399	269	812	633
Income from discontinued operations		1,656		1,656
Net income (loss)	224	17,613	113	15,366
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	15	(181)	(116)	(414)
Net income (loss) attributable to Reading International, Inc. common shareholders	$ 239	$ 17,432	$ (3)	$ 14,952