Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Calculation Of Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except 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
Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations									$ (509)	$ 8,068	$ (12,747)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations									(405)	1,888	97
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)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations									$ (0.02)	$ 0.36	$ (0.56)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net									$ (0.02)	$ 0.08
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)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations									$ (0.02)	$ 0.35	$ (0.56)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net									$ (0.02)	$ 0.08
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)
Weighted average shares of common stock - basic									23,028,596	22,764,666	22,781,392
Weighted average shares of common stock - dilutive									23,028,596	22,993,135	22,781,392