Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 63,540	$ 65,472	$ 69,642	$ 59,567	$ 65,117	$ 63,934	$ 62,948	$ 62,431	$ 258,221	$ 254,430	$ 244,979
Net income (loss)	3,209	2,431	4,176	(671)	(1,917)	396	224	(109)	9,145	(1,406)	10,896
Net income (loss) attributable to Reading International, Inc. shareholders	$ 3,181	$ 2,393	$ 4,135	$ (668)	$ (1,277)	$ 363	$ 239	$ (239)	$ 9,041	$ (914)	$ 9,956
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ 0.14	$ 0.10	$ 0.18	$ (0.03)	$ (0.06)	$ 0.02	$ 0.01	$ (0.01)	$ 0.39	$ (0.04)	$ 0.44
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ 0.13	$ 0.10	$ 0.18	$ (0.03)	$ (0.06)	$ 0.02	$ 0.01	$ (0.01)	$ 0.38	$ (0.04)	$ 0.43