Business Segments (Reconciliation To Net Income Attributable To Common Shareholders) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Business Segments [Abstract]
Total segment operating income	$ 7,365	$ 10,614	$ 25,025	$ 27,095
Depreciation and amortization expense	101	205	336	216
General and administrative expense	3,107	3,393	10,042	10,709
Operating income	4,157	7,016	14,647	16,170
Interest expense, net	(4,165)	(7,280)	(13,608)	(16,616)
Other income	182	6	202	79
Gain (loss) on sale of assets	86	1	84	(66)
Income tax benefit (expense)	100	38	(1,784)	13,177
Equity earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	277	454	1,090	1,087
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(241)	55	(121)	170
Gain on sale of discontinued operation				1,656
Net income (loss)	396	290	510	15,657
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(33)	(253)	(149)	(667)
Net income (loss) attributable to Reading International, Inc. common shareholders	$ 363	$ 37	$ 361	$ 14,990