Earnings Per Share (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Basic EPS:
Income from continuing operations	$ 21,937	$ 24,134
Less: preferred dividend requirements	(6,001)	(7,552)
Noncontrolling interest adjustments	(18)	(2)
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	15,918	16,580
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic	46,677	46,503
Income from continuing operations, per basic share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.34	$ 0.36
Income from discontinued operations available to common shareholders	(547)	17,599
Income from discontinued operations, per basic share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ 0.37
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders of Entertainment Properties Trust	15,371	34,179
Earnings per share, basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.33	$ 0.73
Diluted EPS:
Share options (in shares)	268	302
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders, diluted	15,918	16,580
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted	46,945	46,805
Income from continuing operations, per diluted share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.34	$ 0.36
Income (loss) from discontinuing operation available to common stockholders, diluted	(547)	17,599
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, per diluted share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ 0.37
Net income available to common shareholders, diluted	$ 15,371	$ 34,179
Earnings per share, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.33	$ 0.73