Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Rental properties, net of accumulated depreciation of $347,586 and $335,116 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	$ 1,830,930	$ 1,819,176
Rental properties held for sale, net	3,895	4,696
Land held for development	184,457	184,457
Property under development	35,419	22,761
Mortgage notes and related accrued interest receivable, net	364,412	325,097
Investment in a direct financing lease, net	234,875	233,619
Investment in joint ventures	10,112	25,053
Cash and cash equivalents	11,474	14,625
Restricted cash	24,938	19,312
Intangible assets, net	4,247	4,485
Deferred financing costs, net	19,303	18,527
Accounts receivable, net	35,602	35,005
Notes and related accrued interest receivable, net	4,989	5,015
Other assets	26,192	22,167
Total assets	2,790,845	2,733,995
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	30,603	36,036
Common dividends payable	35,117	32,709
Preferred dividends payable	6,002	6,002
Unearned rents and interest	16,388	6,850
Long-term debt	1,224,840	1,154,295
Total liabilities	1,312,950	1,235,892
Equity:
Common shares, $.01 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; and 48,262,233 and 48,062,593 shares issued at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	482	480
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Additional paid-in-capital	1,722,906	1,719,066
Treasury shares at cost: 1,440,233 and 1,335,879 common shares at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	(49,454)	(44,834)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	23,761	23,463
Distributions in excess of net income	(248,007)	(228,261)
Entertainment Properties Trust shareholders' equity	1,449,823	1,470,049
Noncontrolling interests	28,072	28,054
Equity	1,477,895	1,498,103
Total liabilities and equity	2,790,845	2,733,995
Series C Preferred Shares [Member]
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Preferred shares	54	54
Series D Preferred Shares [Member]
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Preferred shares	46	46
Series E Preferred Shares [Member]
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Preferred shares	$ 35	$ 35