Net Loss Per Share - Summary of Basic Net Loss Per Common Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
Net loss	$ (6,257)	$ (6,757)	$ (7,311)	$ (6,699)
Basic earnings per share:
Weighted average shares	24,577	23,740	24,499	23,243
Less: restricted stock issued	(67)	(144)	(105)	(144)
Denominator for basic earnings per share:	24,510	23,596	24,394	23,099
Effect of dilutive shares:
Stock options	0	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards	0	0	0	0
Dilutive potential common shares	0	0	0	0
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Adjusted weighted average shares	24,510	23,596	24,394	23,099
Basic and Diluted (loss) income per share attributable to Carmike stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.29)	$ (0.30)	$ (0.29)