| Document and Entity Information | Mar. 02, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001735184 |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 2, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Retail Value Inc. |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | true |
| Entity File Number | 1-38517 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | OH |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 34-1723097 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3300 Enterprise Parkway |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Beachwood |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OH |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 44122 |
| City Area Code | 216 |
| Local Phone Number | 755-5500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of each class | Common Shares, Par Value $0.10 Per Share |
| Trading Symbol | RVI |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | NYSE |
