Business Segments And Geographic Area Information (Reconciliation To Net Income Attributable To Common Shareholders) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segments Reporting And Geographic Area Information [Abstract]
Total segment operating income									$ 32,382	$ 32,533	$ 27,468
Depreciation and amortization expense									454	309	715
General and administrative expense									12,801	14,046	13,684
Operating income									19,127	18,178	13,069
Interest expense, net									(16,426)	(21,038)	(12,286)
Other income (loss)									(563)	1,157	(347)
Gain (loss) on sale of assets									144	(67)	352
Income tax benefit (expense)									(4,904)	12,330	(14,264)
Equity earnings (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures and entities									1,621	(1,552)	1,345
Income (loss) from discontinued operations									(85)	232	97
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operation									(320)	1,656
Net income (loss)	(1,917)	396	224	(109)	(4,761)	291	17,613	(2,247)	(1,406)	10,896	(12,034)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									492	(940)	(616)
Net income (loss) attributable to Reading International, Inc. common shareholders	$ (1,277)	$ 363	$ 239	$ (239)	$ (5,034)	$ 38	$ 17,432	$ (2,480)	$ (914)	$ 9,956	$ (12,650)