Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, 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
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 65,117	$ 63,934	$ 62,948	$ 62,431	$ 57,421	$ 66,554	$ 66,960	$ 54,044	$ 254,430	$ 244,979	$ 229,322
Total operating revenue	65,117	63,934	62,948	62,431	57,421	66,554	66,960	54,044	254,430	244,979	229,322
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 Reading International, Inc. common shareholders	(1,277)	363	239	(239)	(5,034)	38	17,432	(2,480)	(914)	9,956	(12,650)
Net income (loss) attributable to Reading International, Inc. shareholders	$ (1,277)	$ 363	$ 239	$ (239)	$ (5,034)	$ 38	$ 17,432	$ (2,480)	$ (914)	$ 9,956	$ (12,650)
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Reading International, Inc. shareholders	$ (0.06)	$ 0.02	$ 0.01	$ (0.01)	$ (0.21)		$ 0.76	$ (0.11)	$ (0.04)	$ 0.44	$ (0.56)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ (0.06)	$ 0.02	$ 0.01	$ (0.01)	$ (0.21)		$ 0.76	$ (0.11)	$ (0.04)	$ 0.44	$ (0.56)
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Reading International Inc. shareholders	$ (0.06)	$ 0.02	$ 0.01	$ (0.01)	$ (0.22)		$ 0.76	$ (0.11)	$ (0.04)	$ 0.43	$ (0.56)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ (0.06)	$ 0.02	$ 0.01	$ (0.01)	$ (0.22)		$ 0.76	$ (0.11)	$ (0.04)	$ 0.43	$ (0.56)