Net (Loss) Income Per Share - Summary of Basic Net Loss Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
Net (loss) income	$ (6,757)	$ 1,009	$ (6,699)	$ 1,902
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
Weighted average shares	23,596	20,985	23,099	18,723
Effect of dilutive shares:
Restricted stock awards		241		217
Stock options		275		262
Dilutive potential common shares		516		479
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Adjusted weighted average shares	23,596	21,501	23,099	19,202
Basic (loss) income per share attributable to Carmike stockholders	$ (0.29)	$ 0.05	$ (0.29)	$ 0.10
Diluted (loss) income per share attributable to Carmike stockholders	$ (0.29)	$ 0.05	$ (0.29)	$ 0.10