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, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Basic EPS:
Income from continuing operations	$ 40,644	$ 29,598
Less: preferred dividend requirements	(5,952)	(6,001)
Noncontrolling interest adjustments		(18)
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	34,692	23,579
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic	46,854	46,677
Income from continuing operations, per basic share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.74	$ 0.51
Income from discontinued operations available to common shareholders	562	(8,208)
Income from discontinued operations, per basic share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ (0.18)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders of Entertainment Properties Trust	35,254	15,371
Earnings per share, basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.75	$ 0.33
Diluted EPS:
Share options (in shares)	193	268
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders, diluted	34,692	23,579
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted	47,047	46,945
Income from continuing operations, per diluted share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.74	$ 0.50
Net Income Loss From Discontinuing Operation Available To Common Stockholders Diluted	562	(8,208)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, per diluted share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ (0.17)
Net income available to common shareholders, diluted	$ 35,254	$ 15,371
Earnings per share, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.75	$ 0.33