IMAX (IMAX) 10-K 20 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'IMAX Corporation	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000921582	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'Yes	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,407.20
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding	'	67,893,045	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$29,546	$21,336
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $887 (December 31, 2012 - $1,564)	73,074	42,007
Financing receivables (notes 4 and 20(c))	107,110	94,193
Inventories (note 5)	9,825	15,794
Prepaid expenses	3,602	3,833
Film assets (note 6)	7,076	3,737
Property, plant and equipment (note 7)	132,847	113,610
Other assets (notes 8, 20(d) and 20(e))	27,034	23,963
Deferred income taxes (note 9)	24,259	36,461
Goodwill	39,027	39,027
Other intangible assets (note 10)	27,745	27,911
Total assets (note 22(c))	481,145	421,872
Liabilities	'	'
Bank indebtedness (note 11)	0	11,000
Accounts payable	19,396	15,144
Accrued and other liabilities (notes 6, 12(a), 12(c), 13, 14(c), 20(b), 20(d), 21 and 23)	65,232	68,695
Deferred revenue	76,932	73,954
Total liabilities (note 22(c))	161,560	168,793
Commitments and contingencies (notes 12 and 13)	'	'
Shareholders' equity	'	'
Capital stock (note 14) common shares - no par value. Authorized - unlimited number. Issued and outstanding - 67,841,233 (December 31, 2012 - 66,482,425)	327,313	313,744
Other equity	36,452	28,892
Deficit	-43,051	-87,166
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,129	-2,391
Total shareholders' equity	319,585	253,079
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$481,145	$421,872

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$887	$1,564
Shareholders' equity	'	'
Common stock, share issued	67,841,233	66,482,425
Common stock, share outstanding	67,841,233	66,482,425

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues	'	'	'
Equipment and product sales	$78,663	$78,161	$85,016
Services (note 15(c))	139,464	135,071	105,262
Rentals (note 15(c))	61,293	61,268	34,810
Finance income	8,142	7,523	6,162
Other (note 15(a))	375	732	3,848
Revenues	287,937	282,755	235,098
Costs and expenses applicable to revenues (note 2(m))	'	'	'
Equipment and product sales	37,517	37,538	38,742
Services (note 15(c))	68,844	70,570	66,972
Rentals	16,973	21,402	14,301
Other	0	0	1,018
Cost and expenses applicable to revenues, total	123,334	129,510	121,033
Gross margin	164,603	153,245	114,065
Selling, general and administrative expenses (note 15(b)) (including share-based compensation expense of $11.9 million, $13.1 million and $11.7 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively)	82,669	81,560	73,157
Provision for arbitration award	0	0	2,055
Research and development	14,771	11,411	7,829
Amortization of intangibles	1,618	706	465
Receivable provisions, net of recoveries (note 16)	445	524	1,570
Asset impairments (note 17)	0	0	20
Impairment of available-for-sale investment	0	150	0
Income from operations	65,100	58,894	28,969
Interest income	55	85	57
Interest expense (note 9(g))	-1,345	-689	-1,827
Income from operations before income taxes	63,810	58,290	27,199
Provision for income taxes	16,629	15,079	9,293
Loss from equity-accounted investments	-2,757	-1,362	-1,791
Income from continuing operations	44,424	41,849	16,115
Loss from discontinued operations (note 22)	-309	-512	-855
Net income	$44,115	$41,337	$15,260
Net income per share - basic and diluted: (note 14(d))	'	'	'
Net income per share from continuing operations - basic	$0.66	$0.64	$0.25
Net loss per share from discontinued operations - basic	$0	($0.01)	($0.01)
Net income per share - basic	$0.66	$0.63	$0.24
Net income per share from continuing operations - diluted	$0.64	$0.62	$0.23
Net loss per share from discontinued operations - diluted	$0	($0.01)	($0.01)
Net income per share - diluted	$0.64	$0.61	$0.22

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Compensation expense	$11.90	$13.10	$11.70

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income	$44,115	$41,337	$15,260
Unrealized defined benefit plan actuarial gain (loss) (note 21(a))	2,277	-1,104	-603
Amortization of defined benefit plan actuarial loss (note 21(a))	-444	-365	-214
Unrealized postretirement benefit plans actuarial gain (loss) (notes 21(c) and 21(d))	-169	-129	-234
Gain on curtailment of postretirement benefit plan (note 21(d))	398	0	0
Unrealized net (loss) gain from cash flow hedging instruments (note 20(d))	-1,031	716	-162
Realization of cash flow hedging net loss (gain) upon settlement (note 20(d))	312	-236	-684
Foreign currency translation adjustments (note 2)	-115	0	0
Change in market value of available-for-sale investment (note 20(b))	-350	338	-488
Other-than-temporary impairment of available-for-sale investment (note 20(b))	0	150	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	1,766	100	-1,957
Income tax expense (recovery) related to other comprehensive income (loss) (note 9(h))	504	-43	-446
Comprehensive income	$45,377	$41,480	$13,749

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Activities	'	'	'
Net income	$44,115	$41,337	$15,260
Net loss from discontinued operations (note 22)	309	512	855
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operations:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization (notes 18(c) and 19(a))	37,172	32,788	25,163
Write-downs, net of recoveries (notes 18(d) and 19(a))	1,336	1,607	1,946
Change in deferred income taxes	12,899	14,724	7,994
Stock and other non-cash compensation	12,685	14,220	12,814
Provision for arbitration award	0	0	2,055
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss (gain)	1,183	-329	1,255
Gain on curtailment of postretirement benefits (note 21(d))	-2,185	0	0
Loss from equity-accounted investments	2,757	1,362	1,791
Gain on non-cash contribution to equity-accounted investees	0	0	-404
Investment in film assets	-20,935	-16,817	-12,256
Changes in other non-cash operating assets and liabilities (note 18(a))	-33,755	-15,262	-49,379
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations	-548	-512	-847
Net cash provided by operating activities	55,033	73,630	6,247
Investing Activities	'	'	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-13,016	-6,055	-5,528
Investment in joint revenue sharing equipment	-22,775	-23,257	-33,290
Investment in new business ventures	-4,000	-381	-2,483
Acquisition of other intangible assets	-2,486	-5,826	-22,206
Net cash used in investing activities	-42,277	-35,519	-63,507
Financing Activities	'	'	'
Increase in bank indebtedness (note 11)	12,000	9,917	75,083
Repayment of bank indebtedness (note 11)	-23,000	-54,000	-37,500
Common shares issued - stock options exercised (note 14(b))	8,970	8,920	7,864
Proceeds from disgorgement of stock sale profits	0	314	0
Credit facility amendment fees paid	-2,151	0	-306
Share issuance expenses	-202	0	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-4,383	-34,849	45,141
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash	-163	-64	-133
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the year	8,210	3,198	-12,252
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	21,336	18,138	30,390
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$29,546	$21,336	$18,138

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Movement of Shareholders Equity	'	'	'	'
Balance as at	$319,585	$253,079	$189,868	$155,878
Common stock, share outstanding	67,841,233	66,482,425	65,052,740	64,145,573
Net income	44,115	41,337	15,260	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	1,766	100	-1,957	'
Income tax expense (recovery) related to other comprehensive income (loss) (note 9(h))	504	-43	-446	'
Paid-in-capital for non-employee stock options granted (note 14(c))	174	115	2,375	'
Employee stock options exercised	8,589	8,667	4,442	'
Non-employee stock options exercised	381	253	3,422	'
Paid-in-capital for employee stock options granted (note 14(c))	9,150	12,359	9,391	'
Paid-in capital for restricted share units granted (note 14(c))	2,120	'	'	'
Common shares issued pursuant to exercise of stock options	1,316,347	1,429,685	907,167	'
Restricted share units vested (net of shares withheld for tax) (note 14(c))	42,461	0	0	'
Restricted share units vested (net of shares withheld for tax) (note 14(c))	-101	'	'	'
Disgorgement of profit	0	314	0	'
Share issuance expenses	-202	0	0	'
Utilization of windfall tax benefits from employee stock options (note 9(f))	1,018	23	611	'
Common Shares Issued and Outstanding [Member]	'	'	'	'
Movement of Shareholders Equity	'	'	'	'
Common stock, share outstanding	67,841,233	66,482,425	65,052,740	64,145,573
Common shares issued pursuant to exercise of stock options	1,291,347	1,414,685	763,056	'
Common shares issued pursuant to exercise of stock options by non-employees	25,000	15,000	144,111	'
Restricted share units vested (net of shares withheld for tax) (note 14(c))	42,461	'	'	'
Capital Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Movement of Shareholders Equity	'	'	'	'
Balance as at	327,313	313,744	303,395	292,977
Employee stock options exercised	12,044	9,946	5,173	'
Non-employee stock options exercised	613	403	5,245	'
Restricted share units vested (net of shares withheld for tax) (note 14(c))	1,114	'	'	'
Share issuance expenses	-202	'	'	'
Other Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Movement of Shareholders Equity	'	'	'	'
Balance as at	36,452	28,892	17,510	7,687
Paid-in-capital for non-employee stock options granted (note 14(c))	174	115	2,375	'
Employee stock options exercised	-3,455	-1,279	-731	'
Non-employee stock options exercised	-232	-150	-1,823	'
Paid-in-capital for employee stock options granted (note 14(c))	9,150	12,359	9,391	'
Paid-in capital for restricted share units granted (note 14(c))	2,120	'	'	'
Restricted share units vested (net of shares withheld for tax) (note 14(c))	-1,215	'	'	'
Disgorgement of profit	'	314	'	'
Utilization of windfall tax benefits from employee stock options (note 9(f))	1,018	23	611	'
Deficit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Movement of Shareholders Equity	'	'	'	'
Balance as at	-43,051	-87,166	-128,503	-143,763
Net income	44,115	41,337	15,260	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Movement of Shareholders Equity	'	'	'	'
Balance as at	-1,129	-2,391	-2,534	-1,023
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	1,766	100	-1,957	'
Income tax expense (recovery) related to other comprehensive income (loss) (note 9(h))	$504	($43)	($446)	'

Description_of_the_Business

Description of the Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Description of the Business [Text Block]	'
	1.  Description of the Business
	IMAX Corporation together with its consolidated wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) is an entertainment technology company specializing in digital and film-based motion picture technologies, whose principal activities are the:
	•       design, manufacture, sale and lease of proprietary theater systems for IMAX theaters principally owned and operated by commercial and institutional customers located in 57 countries as at December 31, 2013;
	•       production, digital re-mastering, post-production and/or distribution of certain films shown throughout the IMAX theater network;
	•       provision of other services to the IMAX theater network, including ongoing maintenance and extended warranty services for IMAX theater systems;
	•       operation of certain theaters primarily in the United States; and
	•       other activities, which includes short-term rental of cameras and aftermarket sales of projector system components.
	The Company refers to all theaters using the IMAX theater system as “IMAX theaters.”
	The Company's revenues from equipment and product sales include the sale and sales-type leasing of its theater systems and sales of their associated parts and accessories, contingent rentals on sales-type leases and contingent additional payments on sales transactions.
	The Company's revenues from services include the provision of maintenance and extended warranty services, digital re-mastering services, film production and film post-production services, film distribution, and the operation of certain theaters.
	The Company's rentals include revenues from the leasing of its theater systems that are operating leases, contingent rentals on operating leases, joint revenue sharing arrangements and the rental of the Company's cameras and camera equipment.
	The Company's finance income represents interest income arising from the sales-type leases and financed sales of the Company's theater systems.
	The Company's other revenues include the settlement of contractual obligations with customers.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Significant accounting policies are summarized as follows:
	The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
	(a)  Basis of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, except for subsidiaries which the Company has identified as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where the Company is not the primary beneficiary.
	The Company has evaluated its various variable interests to determine whether they are VIEs as required by the Consolidation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”). The Company has 9 film production companies that are VIEs. For 2 of the Company's film production companies, the Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of these entities as the Company has the power to direct the activities of the respective VIE that most significantly impact the respective VIE's economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the respective VIE or the right to receive benefits from the respective VIE that could potentially be significant to the respective VIE. The Company continues to consolidate these entities, with no material impact on the operating results or financial condition of the Company, as these production companies have total assets of $nil (December 31, 2012 — $nil) and total liabilities of $nil as at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 — $nil). For the other 7 film production companies which are VIEs, the Company did not consolidate these film entities since it does not have the power to direct activities and does not absorb the majority of the expected losses or expected residual returns. The Company equity accounts for these entities. As at December 31, 2013, these 7 VIEs have total assets and total liabilities of $5.2 million (December 31, 2012 — $15.9 million). Earnings of the investees included in the Company's consolidated statement of operations amounted to $nil in 2013 (2012 — $nil). The carrying value of these investments in VIEs that are not consolidated is $nil at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 — $nil). A loss in value of an investment other than a temporary decline is recognized as a charge to the consolidated statement of operations. The Company's exposure, which is determined based on the level of funding contributed by the Company and the development stage of the respective film, is $1.5 million at December 31, 2013 (2012 — $0.9 million).
	The Company accounts for investments in new business ventures using the guidance of the FASB ASC 323 “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures” (“ASC 323”) and ASC 320 “Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“ASC 320”), as appropriate. At December 31, 2013, the equity method of accounting is being utilized for an investment with a carrying value of $0.4 million (December 31, 2012 — $3.0 million). In 2013, the Company has contributed $1.4 million, net of its share of costs, to a new business venture. This venture is still in the early-stage of start-up. The Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, and therefore these entities have not been consolidated. In addition, the Company has an investment in preferred stock of another business venture of $1.5 million which meets the criteria for classification as a debt security under ASC 320 and is recorded at its fair value of $1.0 million at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 — $1.4 million). This investment is classified as an available-for-sale investment. In 2013, the Company invested $2.5 million in the preferred shares of an enterprise which meet the criteria for classification as an equity security under ASC 325 − “Investments − Others” (“ASC 325”) and accrued $0.5 million pertaining to warrants related to the respective investment. The total carrying value of investments in new business ventures at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is $5.8 million and $4.4 million, respectively, and is recorded in Other Assets.
	All significant intercompany accounts and transactions, including all unrealized intercompany profits on transactions with equity-accounted investees, have been eliminated.
	In 2013, the Company determined that the functional currency of one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries had changed from the Company's reporting currency to the currency of the nation is which it is domiciled. As a result, in accordance with the FASB ASC 830 “Foreign Currency Matters”, the adjustment attributable to the current-rate translation of non-monetary assets as of the date of the change was reported in other comprehensive income.
	(b)  Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could be materially different from these estimates. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to: selling prices associated with the individual elements in multiple element arrangements; residual values of leased theater systems; economic lives of leased assets; allowances for potential uncollectibility of accounts receivable, financing receivables and net investment in leases; provisions for inventory obsolescence; ultimate revenues for film assets; impairment provisions for film assets, long-lived assets and goodwill; depreciable lives of property, plant and equipment; useful lives of intangible assets; pension plan assumptions; accruals for contingencies including tax contingencies; valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets; and, estimates of the fair value of stock-based payment awards.
	(c)  Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments convertible to a known amount of cash and with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	(d)  Accounts Receivable and Financing Receivables
	Allowances for doubtful accounts receivable are based on the Company's assessment of the collectibility of specific customer balances, which is based upon a review of the customer's credit worthiness, past collection history and the underlying asset value of the equipment, where applicable. Interest on overdue accounts receivable is recognized as income as the amounts are collected.
	For trade accounts receivable that have characteristics of both a contractual maturity of one year or less, and arose from the sale of other goods or services, the Company charges off the balance against the allowance for doubtful accounts when it is known that a provided amount will not be collected.
	The Company monitors the performance of the theaters to which it has leased or sold theater systems which are subject to ongoing payments. When facts and circumstances indicate that there is a potential impairment in the net investment in lease or a financing receivable, the Company will evaluate the potential outcome of either renegotiations involving changes in the terms of the receivable or defaults on the existing lease or financed sale agreements. The Company will record a provision if it is considered probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the arrangement or a renegotiated lease amount will cause a reclassification of the sales-type lease to an operating lease.
	When the net investment in lease or the financing receivable is impaired, the Company will recognize a provision for the difference between the carrying value in the investment and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted using the effective interest rate for the net investment in the lease or the financing receivable. If the Company expects to recover the theater system, the provision is equal to the excess of the carrying value of the investment over the fair value of the equipment.
	When the minimum lease payments are renegotiated and the lease continues to be classified as a sales-type lease, the reduction in payments is applied to reduce unearned finance income.
	These provisions are adjusted when there is a significant change in the amount or timing of the expected future cash flows or when actual cash flows differ from cash flow previously expected.
	Once a net investment in lease or financing receivable is considered impaired, the Company does not recognize interest income until the collectibility issues are resolved. When finance income is not recognized, any payments received are applied against outstanding gross minimum lease amounts receivable or gross receivables from financed sales. Once the collectability issues are resolved, the Company will once again commence the recognition of interest income.
	(e)  Inventories
	Inventories are carried at the lower of cost, determined on an average cost basis, and net realizable value except for raw materials, which are carried at the lower of cost and replacement cost. Finished goods and work-in-process include the cost of raw materials, direct labor, theater design costs, and an applicable share of manufacturing overhead costs.
	The costs related to theater systems under sales and sales-type lease arrangements are relieved from inventory to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales when revenue recognition criteria are met. The costs related to theater systems under operating lease arrangements and joint revenue sharing arrangements are transferred from inventory to assets under construction in property, plant and equipment when allocated to a signed joint revenue sharing arrangement or when the arrangement is first classified as an operating lease.
	The Company records provisions for excess and obsolete inventory based upon current estimates of future events and conditions, including the anticipated installation dates for the current backlog of theater system contracts, technological developments, signings in negotiation, growth prospects within the customers' ultimate marketplace and anticipated market acceptance of the Company's current and pending theater systems.
	Finished goods inventories can contain theater systems for which title has passed to the Company's customer (as the theater system has been delivered to the customer) but the revenue recognition criteria as discussed in note 2(m) have not been met.
	(f)  Film Assets
	Costs of producing films, including labor, allocated overhead, capitalized interest, and costs of acquiring film rights are recorded as film assets and accounted for in accordance with Entertainment-Films Topic of the FASB ASC. Production financing provided by third parties that acquire substantive rights in the film is recorded as a reduction of the cost of the production. Film assets are amortized and participation costs are accrued using the individual-film-forecast method in the same ratio that current gross revenues bear to current and anticipated future ultimate revenues. Estimates of ultimate revenues are prepared on a title-by-title basis and reviewed regularly by management and revised where necessary to reflect the most current information. Ultimate revenues for films include estimates of revenue over a period not to exceed ten years following the date of initial release.
	Film exploitation costs, including advertising costs, are expensed as incurred.
	Costs, including labor and allocated overhead, of digitally re-mastering films where the copyright is owned by a third party and the Company shares in the revenue of the third party are included in film assets. These costs are amortized using the individual-film-forecast method in the same ratio that current gross revenues bear to current and anticipated future ultimate revenues from the re-mastered film.
	The recoverability of film assets is dependent upon commercial acceptance of the films. If events or circumstances indicate that the recoverable amount of a film asset is less than the unamortized film costs, the film asset is written down to its fair value. The Company determines the fair value of its film assets using a discounted cash flow model.
	(g)  Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:
	Theater system components (1)        —       over the equipment's anticipated useful life (7 to 20 years)
	Camera equipment       —       5 to 10 years
	Buildings       —       20 to 25 years
	Office and production equipment       —       3 to 5 years
	Leasehold improvements       —       over the shorter of the initial term of the underlying leases plus any
	reasonably assured renewal terms, and the useful life of the asset
	__________
	(1)       includes equipment under joint revenue sharing arrangements.
	Equipment and components allocated to be used in future operating leases and joint revenue sharing arrangements, as well as direct labor costs and an allocation of direct production costs, are included in assets under construction until such equipment is installed and in working condition, at which time the equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the joint revenue sharing arrangement and the equipment's anticipated useful life.
	The Company reviews the carrying values of its property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group might not be recoverable. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent when testing for, and measuring for, impairment. In performing its review of recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset or asset group over the fair value calculated using discounted expected future cash flows.
	A liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs are recognized in the period in which the liability and costs are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made using a discounted cash flow model. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and subsequently amortized over the asset's useful life. The liability is accreted over the period to expected cash outflows.
	(h)  Other Assets
	Other assets include insurance recoverable, deferred charges on debt financing, deferred selling costs that are direct and incremental to the acquisition of sales contracts, foreign currency derivatives, lease incentives and investments in new business ventures.
	Costs of debt financing are deferred and amortized over the term of the debt using the effective interest method.
	Selling costs related to an arrangement incurred prior to recognition of the related revenue are deferred and expensed to costs and expenses applicable to revenues upon: (i) recognition of the contract's theater system revenue; or (ii) abandonment of the sale arrangement.
	Foreign currency derivatives are accounted for at fair value using quoted prices in closed exchanges (Level 2 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy).
	The Company may provide lease incentives to certain exhibitors which are essential to entering into the respective lease arrangement. Lease incentives include payments made to or on behalf of the exhibitor. These lease incentives are recognized as a reduction in rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
	Investments in new business ventures are accounted for using ASC 323 as described in note 2(a). The Company currently accounts for its 10.1% investment in 3net, a 3D television channel operated by a limited liability corporation owned by the Company and its joint venture investment with TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings Limited, using the equity method of accounting. The Company accounts for in-kind contributions to its equity investment in accordance with ASC 845 “Non-Monetary Transactions” (“ASC 845”) whereby if the fair value of the asset or assets contributed is greater than the carrying value a partial gain shall be recognized.
	The Company's investment in debt securities is classified as an available-for-sale investment in accordance with ASC 320. Unrealized holding gains and losses for this investment is excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income until realized. Realization occurs upon sale of a portion of or the entire investment. The investment is impaired if the fair value is less than cost, which is assessed in each reporting period. When the Company intends to sell a specifically identified beneficial interest, a write-down for other-than-temporary impairment shall be recognized in earnings.
	The Company's investment in preferred shares, which meets the criteria for classification as an equity security in accordance with ASC 325, is accounted for at cost.  The Company records the related warrants at fair value upon recognition date.  Warrants are recognized over the term of the agreement.
	(i)  Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired in a purchase business combination. Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company performs a qualitative assessment of its reporting units and certain select quantitative calculations against its current long range plan to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount (Step 0). The Company first assesses certain qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carry amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. When necessary, impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit's carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is estimated using a discounted cash flow approach. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any, by comparing the fair value of each identifiable asset and liability in the reporting unit to the total fair value of the reporting unit. Any impairment loss is expensed in the consolidated statement of operations and is not reversed if the fair value subsequently increases.
	(j)  Other Intangible Assets
	Patents, trademarks and other intangibles are recorded at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 4 to 10 years except, for intangible assets that have an identifiable pattern of consumption of the economic benefit of the asset, which are amortized over the consumption pattern.
	The Company reviews the carrying values of its other intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group might not be recoverable. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent when testing for, and measuring for, impairment. In performing its review for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset or asset group over the fair value calculated using discounted expected future cash flows.
	(k)  Deferred Revenue
	Deferred revenue represents cash received prior to revenue recognition criteria being met for theater system sales or leases, film contracts, maintenance and extended warranty services, film related services and film distribution.
	(l)  Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method whereby deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the accounting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates or laws is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the period in which the change is enacted. Investment tax credits are recognized as a reduction of income tax expense.
	The Company assesses realization of deferred income tax assets and, based on all available evidence, concludes whether it is more likely than not that the net deferred income tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is provided for the amount of deferred income tax assets not considered to be realizable.
The Company is subject to ongoing tax exposures, examinations and assessments in various jurisdictions. Accordingly, the Company may incur additional tax expense based upon the outcomes of such matters. In addition, when applicable, the Company adjusts tax expense to reflect the Company's ongoing assessments of such matters which require judgment and can materially increase or decrease its effective rate as well as impact operating results. The Company provides for such exposures in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the FASB ASC.
(m)  Revenue Recognition
Multiple Element Arrangements
The Company's revenue arrangements with certain customers may involve multiple elements consisting of a theater system (projector, sound system, screen system and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning machine); services associated with the theater system including theater design support, supervision of installation, and projectionist training; a license to use of the IMAX brand; 3D glasses; maintenance and extended warranty services; and licensing of films. The Company evaluates all elements in an arrangement to determine what are considered deliverables for accounting purposes and which of the deliverables represent separate units of accounting based on the applicable accounting guidance in the Leases Topic of the FASB ASC; the Guarantees Topic of the FASB ASC; the Entertainment – Films Topic of FASB ASC; and the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB. If separate units of accounting are either required under the relevant accounting standards or determined to be applicable under the Revenue Recognition Topic, the total consideration received or receivable in the arrangement is allocated based on the applicable guidance in the above noted standards.
Theater Systems
The Company has identified the projection system, sound system, screen system and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning machine, theater design support, supervision of installation, projectionist training and the use of the IMAX brand to be a single deliverable and a single unit of accounting (the “System Deliverable”). When an arrangement does not include all the elements of a System Deliverable, the elements of the System Deliverable included in the arrangement are considered by the Company to be a single deliverable and a single unit of accounting. The Company is not responsible for the physical installation of the equipment in the customer's facility; however, the Company supervises the installation by the customer. The customer has the right to use the IMAX brand from the date the Company and the customer enter into an arrangement.
The Company's System Deliverable arrangements involve either a lease or a sale of the theater system. Consideration for the System Deliverable, other than for those delivered pursuant to joint revenue sharing arrangements, consist of upfront or initial payments made before and after the final installation of the theater system equipment and ongoing payments throughout the term of the lease or over a period of time, as specified in the arrangement. The ongoing payments are the greater of an annual fixed minimum amount or a certain percentage of the theater box-office. Amounts received in excess of the annual fixed minimum amounts are considered contingent payments. The Company's arrangements are non-cancellable, unless the Company fails to perform its obligations. In the absence of a material default by the Company, there is no right to any remedy for the customer under the Company's arrangements. If a material default by the Company exists, the customer has the right to terminate the arrangement and seek a refund only if the customer provides notice to the Company of a material default and only if the Company does not cure the default within a specified period.
For arrangements entered into or materially modified after January 1, 2011, consideration is allocated to each unit of accounting based on the unit's relative selling prices. The Company uses vender-specific objective evidence of selling price (VSOE) when the Company sells the deliverable separately and is the price actually charged by the Company for that deliverable. VSOE is established for the Company's System Deliverable, maintenance and extended warranty services and film license arrangements. The Company uses a best estimate of selling price (BESP) for units of accounting that do not have VSOE or third party evidence of selling price. The Company determines BESP for a deliverable by considering multiple factors including the Company's historical pricing practices, product class, market competition and geography.
Sales Arrangements
For arrangements qualifying as sales, the revenue allocated to the System Deliverable is recognized in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC, when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and are in full working condition, (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered, (iii) projectionist training has been completed and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater, provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.
The initial revenue recognized consists of the initial payments received and the present value of any future initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments that have been attributed to this unit of accounting. Contingent payments in excess of the fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.
The Company has also agreed, on occasion, to sell equipment under lease or at the end of a lease term. Consideration agreed to for these lease buyouts is included in revenues from equipment and product sales, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fees are fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured and title to the theater system passes from the Company to the customer.
Lease Arrangements
The Company uses the Leases Topic of FASB ASC to evaluate whether an arrangement is a lease within the scope of the accounting standard. Arrangements not within the scope of the accounting standard are accounted for either as a sales or services arrangement, as applicable.
For lease arrangements, the Company determines the classification of the lease in accordance with the Lease Topic of FASB ASC. A lease arrangement that transfers substantially all of the benefits and risks incident to ownership of the equipment is classified as a sales-type lease based on the criteria established by the accounting standard; otherwise the lease is classified as an operating lease. Prior to commencement of the lease term for the equipment, the Company may modify certain payment terms or make concessions. If these circumstances occur, the Company reassesses the classification of the lease based on the modified terms and conditions.
For sales-type leases, the revenue allocated to the System Deliverable is recognized when the lease term commences, which the Company deems to be when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and are in full working condition; (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered; (iii) projectionist training has been completed; and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of the written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.
The initial revenue recognized for sales-type leases consists of the initial payments received and the present value of future initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments computed at the interest rate implicit in the lease. Contingent payments in excess of the fixed minimum payments are recognized when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.
For operating leases, initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For operating leases, the lease term is considered to commence when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and in full working condition; (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered; (iii) projectionist training has been completed; and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater. Contingent payments in excess of fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized as revenue when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.
Revenues from joint revenue sharing arrangements with upfront payments that qualify for classification as sales and sales-type leases are recognized in accordance with the sales and sales-type lease criteria discussed above. Contingent revenues from joint revenue sharing arrangements are recognized as box-office results and concessions revenues are reported by the theater operator, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.
Finance Income
Finance income is recognized over the term of the sales-type lease or financed sales receivable, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. Finance income recognition ceases when the Company determines that the associated receivable is not collectible.
Finance income is suspended when the Company identifies a theater that is delinquent, non-responsive or not negotiating in good faith with the Company. Once the collectability issues are resolved the Company will resume recognition of finance income.
Improvements and Modifications
Improvements and modifications to the theater system after installation are treated as separate revenue transactions, if and when the Company is requested to perform these services. Revenue is recognized for these services when the performance of the services has been completed, provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.
Cost of Equipment and Product Sales
Theater systems and other equipment subject to sales-type leases and sales arrangements includes the cost of the equipment and costs related to project management, design, delivery and installation supervision services as applicable. The costs related to theater systems under sales and sales-type lease arrangements are relieved from inventory to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales when revenue recognition criteria are met. In addition, the Company defers direct selling costs such as sales commissions and other amounts related to these contracts until the related revenue is recognized. These costs included in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales, totaled $2.5 million in 2013 (2012 – $2.7 million, 2011 – $2.4 million). The cost of equipment and product sales prior to direct selling costs was $35.0 million in 2013 (2012 – $34.8 million, 2011 – $36.3 million). The Company may have warranty obligations at or after the time revenue is recognized which require replacement of certain parts that do not affect the functionality of the theater system or services. The costs for warranty obligations for known issues are accrued as charges to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales at the time revenue is recognized based on the Company's past historical experience and cost estimates.
Cost of Rentals
For theater systems and other equipment subject to an operating lease or placed in a theater operators' venue under a joint revenue sharing arrangement, the cost of equipment and those costs that result directly from and are essential to the arrangement, is included within property, plant and equipment. Depreciation and impairment losses, if any, are included in cost of rentals based on the accounting policy set out in note 2(g). Commissions are recognized as costs and expenses applicable to revenues-rentals in the month they are earned, which is typically the month of installation. These costs totaled $1.9 million in 2013 (2012 — $1.5 million, 2011 — $2.3 million). Direct advertising and marketing costs for each theater are charged to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-rentals as incurred. These costs totaled $1.7 million in 2013 (2012 — $1.9 million, 2011 — $3.2 million).
Terminations, Consensual Buyouts and Concessions
The Company enters into theater system arrangements with customers that contain customer payment obligations prior to the scheduled installation of the theater system. During the period of time between signing and the installation of the theater system, which may extend several years, certain customers may be unable to, or may elect not to, proceed with the theater system installation for a number of reasons including business considerations, or the inability to obtain certain consents, approvals or financing. Once the determination is made that the customer will not proceed with installation, the arrangement may be terminated under the default provisions of the arrangement or by mutual agreement between the Company and the customer (a “consensual buyout”). Terminations by default are situations when a customer does not meet the payment obligations under an arrangement and the Company retains the amounts paid by the customer. Under a consensual buyout, the Company and the customer agree, in writing, to a settlement and to release each other of any further obligations under the arrangement or an arbitrated settlement is reached. Any initial payments retained or additional payments received by the Company are recognized as revenue when the settlement arrangements are executed and the cash is received, respectively. These termination and consensual buyout amounts are recognized in Other revenues.
In addition, the Company could agree with customers to convert their obligations for other theater system configurations that have not yet been installed to arrangements to acquire or lease the IMAX digital theater system. The Company considers these situations to be a termination of the previous arrangement and origination of a new arrangement for the IMAX digital theater system. For all arrangements entered into or modified prior to the date of adoption of the amended FASB ASC 605-25, the Company continues to defer an amount of any initial fees received from the customer such that the aggregate of the fees deferred and the net present value of the future fixed initial and ongoing payments to be received from the customer equals the selling price of the IMAX digital theater system to be leased or acquired by the customer. Any residual portion of the initial fees received from the customer for the terminated theater system is recorded in other revenues at the time when the obligation for the original theater system is terminated and the new theater system arrangement is signed. Under the amended FASB ASC 605-25, for all arrangements entered into or materially modified after the date of adoption, the total arrangement consideration to be received is allocated on a relative selling price basis to the digital upgrade and the termination of the previous theater system. The arrangement consideration allocated to the termination of the existing arrangement is recorded in Other revenues at the time when the obligation for the original theater system is terminated and the new theater system arrangement is signed.
The Company may offer certain incentives to customers to complete theater system transactions including payment concessions or free services and products such as film licenses or 3D glasses. Reductions in, and deferral of, payments are taken into account in determining the sales price either by a direct reduction in the sales price or a reduction of payments to be discounted in accordance with the Leases or Interests Topic of the FASB ASC. Free products and services are accounted for as separate units of accounting. Other consideration given by the Company to customers are accounted for in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC.
Maintenance and Extended Warranty Services
Maintenance and extended warranty services may be provided under a multiple element arrangement or as a separately priced contract. Revenues related to these services are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period and are recognized in Services revenues. Maintenance and extended warranty services includes maintenance of the customer's equipment and replacement parts. Under certain maintenance arrangements, maintenance services may include additional training services to the customer's technicians. All costs associated with this maintenance and extended warranty program are expensed as incurred. A loss on maintenance and extended warranty services is recognized if the expected cost of providing the services under the contracts exceeds the related deferred revenue.
Film Production and IMAX DMR Services
In certain film arrangements, the Company produces a film financed by third parties whereby the third party retains the copyright and the Company obtains exclusive distribution rights. Under these arrangements, the Company is entitled to receive a fixed fee or to retain as a fee the excess of funding over cost of production (the “production fee”). The third parties receive a portion of the revenues received by the Company from distributing the film, which is charged to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services. The production fees are deferred, and recognized as a reduction in the cost of the film based on the ratio of the Company's distribution revenues recognized in the current period to the ultimate distribution revenues expected from the film. Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing totaled $4.2 million in 2013 (2012 — $3.3 million, 2011 — $3.8 million) and are recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services as incurred.
Revenue from film production services where the Company does not hold the associated distribution rights are recognized in Services revenues when performance of the contractual service is complete, provided there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.
Revenues from digitally re-mastering (IMAX DMR) films where third parties own or hold the copyrights and the rights to distribute the film are derived in the form of processing fees and recoupments calculated as a percentage of box-office receipts generated from the re-mastered films. Processing fees are recognized as Services revenues when the performance of the related re-mastering service is completed provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Recoupments, calculated as a percentage of box-office receipts, are recognized as Services revenue when box-office receipts are reported by the third party that owns or holds the related film rights, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.
Losses on film production and IMAX DMR services are recognized as costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services in the period when it is determined that the Company's estimate of total revenues to be realized by the Company will not exceed estimated total production costs to be expended on the film production and the cost of IMAX DMR services.
Film Distribution
Revenue from the licensing of films is recognized in Services revenues when persuasive evidence of a licensing arrangement exists, the film has been completed and delivered, the license period has begun, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. When license fees are based on a percentage of box-office receipts, revenue is recognized when box-office receipts are reported by exhibitors, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing, totaled $0.4 million in 2013 (2012 — $1.5 million, 2011 — $1.9 million) and are recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services as incurred.
Film Post-Production Services
Revenues from post-production film services are recognized in Services revenues when performance of the contracted services is complete provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.
Other
The Company recognizes revenue in Services revenues from its owned and operated theaters resulting from box-office ticket and concession sales as tickets are sold, films are shown and upon the sale of various concessions. The sales are cash or credit card transactions with theatergoers based on fixed prices per seat or per concession item.
In addition, the Company enters into commercial arrangements with third party theater owners resulting in the sharing of profits and losses which are recognized in Services revenues when reported by such theaters. The Company also provides management services to certain theaters and recognizes revenue over the term of such services.
Revenues on camera rentals are recognized in Rental revenues over the rental period.
Revenue from the sale of 3D glasses is recognized in Equipment and product sales revenue when the 3D glasses have been delivered to the customer.
Other service revenues are recognized in Service revenues when the performance of contracted services is complete.
(n)  Research and Development
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and primarily include projector and sound parts, labor, consulting fees, allocation of overheads and other related materials which pertain to the Company's development of ongoing product and services. Research and development costs pertaining to fixed and intangible assets that have alternative future uses are capitalized and amortized under their related policies.
(o)  Foreign Currency Translation
Monetary assets and liabilities of the Company's operations which are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Non-monetary items are translated at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expense transactions are translated at exchange rates prevalent at the transaction date. In 2013, the Company determined that the functional currency of one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries had changed from the Company's reporting currency to the currency of the nation in which it is domiciled. As a result, in accordance with the FASB ASC 830 “Foreign Currency Matters”, the adjustment attributable to current-rate translation of non-monetary assets as of the date of the change was reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The functional currency of its other wholly-owned subsidiaries continues to be the United States dollar. Such exchange gains and losses are included in the determination of earnings in the period in which they arise.
Foreign currency derivatives are recognized and measured in the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value (gains or losses) are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations except for derivatives designated and qualifying as foreign currency hedging instruments. For foreign currency hedging instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss in a hedge of a forecasted transaction is reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified to the consolidated statement of operations when the forecasted transaction occurs. Any ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of operations.
(p)  Stock-Based Compensation
The Company's stock-based compensation generally includes stock options, restricted share units (“RSUs”) and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). Stock-based compensation is recognized in accordance with the FASB ASC Topic 505, “Equity” and Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.”
The Company estimates the fair value of stock option and SAR awards on the date of grant using fair value measurement techniques such as an option-pricing model. The fair value of RSU awards is equal to the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The value of the portion of the employee award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Company's consolidated statement of operations.
The Company utilizes a lattice-binomial option-pricing model (“Binomial Model”) to determine the fair value of stock option and SAR awards. The fair value determined by the Binomial Model is affected by the Company's stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company's expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The Binomial Model also considers the expected exercise multiple which is the multiple of exercise price to grant price at which exercises are expected to occur on average. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company's employee stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management's opinion, the Binomial Model best provides a fair measure of the fair value of the Company's employee stock options. See note 14(c) for the assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock-based payment awards.
Stock-based compensation expense includes compensation cost for employee stock-based payment awards granted and all modified, repurchased or cancelled employee awards. In addition, compensation expense includes the compensation cost, based on the grant-date fair value calculated for pro forma disclosures under ASC 718-10-55, for the portion of awards for which required service had not been rendered that were outstanding. Compensation expense for these employee awards is recognized using the straight-line single-option method. As stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Codification requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if subsequent information indicates that the actual forfeitures are likely to be different from previous estimates. The Company utilizes the market yield on U.S. treasury securities (also known as nominal rate) over the contractual term of the instrument being issued.
Stock Options
As the Company stratifies its employees into homogeneous groups in order to calculate fair value under the Binomial Model, ranges of assumptions used are presented for expected option life and annual termination probability. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination within the valuation model; various groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected volatility rate is estimated based on a blended volatility method which takes into consideration the Company's historical share price volatility, the Company's implied volatility which is implied by the observed current market prices of the Company's traded options and the Company's peer group volatility. The Company utilizes an expected term method to determine expected option life based on such data as vesting periods of awards, historical data that includes past exercise and post-vesting cancellations and stock price history.
The Company's policy is to issue new shares from treasury to satisfy stock options which are exercised.
Restricted Share Units
The Company's RSUs have been classified as equity in accordance with Topic 505. The fair value of RSU awards is equal to the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.
Stock Appreciation Rights
The Company's SARs have been classified as liabilities in accordance with Topic 505. The Company utilizes the Binomial Model to determine the value of these instruments settleable in cash.
Awards to Non-Employees
Stock-based awards for services provided by non-employees are accounted for based on the fair value of the services received or the stock-based award, whichever is more reliably determinable. If the fair value of the stock-based award is used, the fair value is measured at the date of the award and remeasured until the earlier of the date that the Company has a performance commitment from the non-employees, the date performance is completed, or the date the awards vest.
(q)  Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefits
The Company has a defined benefit pension plan, the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”). As the Company's SERP is unfunded, as at December 31, 2013, a liability is recognized for the projected benefit obligation.
Assumptions used in computing the defined benefit obligations are reviewed annually by management in consultation with its actuaries and adjusted for current conditions. Actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefits cost are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income including unrecognized actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs are adjusted as they are subsequently recognized in the consolidated statement of operations as components of net periodic benefit cost. Prior service costs resulting from the pension plan inception or amendments are amortized over the expected future service life of the employees, cumulative actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the projected benefit obligation are amortized over the expected average remaining service life of the employees, and current service costs are expensed when earned. The remaining weighted average future service life of the employee used in computing the defined benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2013 was 3.0 years.
For defined contribution pension plans, required contributions by the Company are recorded as an expense.
A liability is recognized for the unfunded accumulated benefit obligation of the postretirement benefits plan. Assumptions used in computing the accumulated benefit obligation are reviewed by management in consultation with its actuaries and adjusted for current conditions. Current service cost is recognized as incurred and actuarial gains and losses are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including unrecognized actuarial gains or losses are adjusted as they are subsequently recognized in the consolidated statement of operations as components of net periodic benefit cost.
(r)  Guarantees
The FASB ASC Guarantees Topic requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of certain guarantees. Disclosures as required under the accounting guidance have been included in note 13(i).

New_Accounting_Pronouncements_

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
New Accounting Standards and Accounting Changes [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Standards and Accounting Changes [Text Block]	'
	Adoption of New Accounting Policies
	In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” (“ASU 2013-01”). The purpose of the amendment is to address implementation issues about the scope of FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11 “Balance Sheet (Topic 210) - Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” “(ASU 2011-11”). ASU 2011-11 and ASU 2013-01 were issued in an effort to provide greater comparability within disclosures between entities reporting in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) that have offsetting (netting) assets and liabilities. Entities will be required to disclose both gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. An entity is required to apply the amendments in ASU 2013-01 for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods. It is to be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2013. The adoption of the amended standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”). The amendments in ASU 2013-02 require an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. For public entities, the amendments are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2013. The adoption of the amended standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-10, “Derivative and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)” (“ASU 2013-10”). The amendments in ASU 2013-10 are to permit the use of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (OIS) as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, in addition to U.S. government (UST) and London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The amendment also removes the restriction of using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. For public entities, the amendments are effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The Company adopted the amended standard on July 17, 2013. The adoption of the amended standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	'
	Recently Issued FASB Accounting Standard Codification Updates
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, “Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date” (“ASU 2013-04”). The purpose of ASU 2013-04 is to provide guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in U.S. GAAP. ASU 2013-04 requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors, as well as the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption by public entities is permitted. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2014.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity” (“ASU 2013-05”). The purpose of ASU 2013-05 is to resolve the diversity in practice in relation to the treatment of the release of cumulative translation adjustments (“CTA”) upon sale (in full or part) of a foreign investment. It applies to the release of the CTA into net income when a parent either sells a part of all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption by public entities is permitted. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2014.
	In April 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-07, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205): Liquidation Basis of Accounting” (“ASU 2013-07”). The amendments of ASU 2013-07 require an entity to prepare its financial statements using the liquidation basis of accounting when liquidation is imminent and to present relevant information about an entity's expected resources in liquidation by measuring and presenting assets at the amount of the expected cash proceeds from liquidation. The amendments are effective for entities that determine liquidation is imminent during annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods therein. Standards should be applied prospectively from the day liquidation becomes imminent. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2014.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)” (“ASU 2013-11”). The amendments of ASU 2013-11 provide entities with guidance of how to present a provision for uncertain tax positions in the financial statements when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2014.
	In December 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-12, “Definition of a Public Business Entity” (“ASU 2013-12”). The amendments of ASU 2013-12 provide entities with a single definition of a Public Business Entity for use in future financial accounting and reporting guidance in 2014 and onwards. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2014.

Financing_Receivables

Financing Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Financing Receivables [Abstract]	'
Financing Receivables	'
	4.  Lease Arrangements
	(a)  General Terms of Lease Arrangements
	A number of the Company's leases are classified as sales-type leases. Certain arrangements that are legal sales are also classified as sales-type leases as certain clauses within the arrangements limit transfer of title or provide the Company with conditional rights to the system. The customer's rights under the Company's lease arrangements are described in note 2(m). The Company classifies its lease arrangements at inception of the arrangement and, if required, after a modification of the lease arrangement, to determine whether they are sales-type leases or operating leases. Under the Company's lease arrangements, the customer has the ability and the right to operate the hardware components or direct others to operate them in a manner determined by the customer. The Company's lease portfolio terms are typically non-cancellable for 10 to 20 years with renewal provisions from inception. Except for those sales arrangements that are classified as sales-type leases, the Company's leases generally do not contain an automatic transfer of title at the end of the lease term. The Company's lease arrangements do not contain a guarantee of residual value at the end of the lease term. The customer is required to pay for executory costs such as insurance and taxes and is required to pay the Company for maintenance and extended warranty generally after the first year of the lease until the end of the lease term. The customer is responsible for obtaining insurance coverage for the theater systems commencing on the date specified in the arrangement's shipping terms and ending on the date the theater systems are delivered back to the Company.
	The Company has assessed the nature of its joint revenue sharing arrangements and concluded that, based on the guidance in the Revenue Recognition Topic of the ASC, the arrangements contain a lease. Under joint revenue sharing arrangements, the customer has the ability and the right to operate the hardware components or direct others to operate them in a manner determined by the customer. The Company's joint revenue sharing arrangements are typically non-cancellable for 10 to 13 years with renewal provisions. Title to equipment under joint revenue sharing arrangements does not transfer to the customer. The Company's joint revenue sharing arrangements do not contain a guarantee of residual value at the end of the term. The customer is required to pay for executory costs such as insurance and taxes and is required to pay the Company for maintenance and extended warranty throughout the term. The customer is responsible for obtaining insurance coverage for the theater systems commencing on the date specified in the arrangement's shipping terms and ending on the date the theater systems are delivered back to the Company.
	(b)  Financing Receivables
	Financing receivables, consisting of net investment in sales-type leases and receivables from financed sales of theater systems are as follows:
		As at December 31,
		2013		2012
	Gross minimum lease payments receivable	$	17,475	$	18,880
	Unearned finance income		-3,052		-4,705
	Minimum lease payments receivable		14,423		14,175
	Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts		-806		-1,130
	Net investment in leases		13,617		13,045
	Gross financed sales receivables		129,398		114,492
	Unearned finance income		-35,669		-33,278
	Financed sales receivables		93,729		81,214
	Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts		-236		-66
	Net financed sales receivables		93,493		81,148
	Total financing receivables	$	107,110	$	94,193
	Net financed sales receivables due within one year	$	17,335	$	10,482
	Net financed sales receivables due after one year	$	76,158	$	70,666
	In 2013, the financed sales receivables had a weighted average effective interest rate of 9.8% (2012 — 8.7%).
	(c)  Contingent Fees
	Contingent fees that meet the Company's revenue recognition policy, from customers under various arrangements, have been reported in revenue as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Sales	$	2,493	$	1,797	$	976
	Sales-type leases		184		308		517
	Operating leases		1,009		930		1,232
	Subtotal - sales, sales-type leases and operating leases		3,686		3,035		2,725
	Joint revenue sharing arrangements		64,130		57,526		30,764
		$	67,816	$	60,561	$	33,489
	(d)  Future Minimum Rental Payments
	Future minimum rental payments receivable from operating and sales-type leases at December 31, 2013, for each of the next five years are as follows:
		Operating Leases		Sales-Type Leases
	2014	$	2,075	$	3,000
	2015		1,637		2,215
	2016		1,180		2,011
	2017		1,121		1,700
	2018		1,442		1,600
	Thereafter		4,560		5,448
	Total	$	12,015	$	15,974
	Total future minimum rental payments receivable from sales-type leases at December 31, 2013 exclude $1.5 million which represents amounts billed but not yet received.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	5.  Inventories
		As at December 31,
		2013		2012
	Raw materials	$	4,321	$	5,424
	Work-in-process		500		338
	Finished goods		5,004		10,032
		$	9,825	$	15,794
	At December 31, 2013, finished goods inventory for which title had passed to the customer and revenue was deferred amounted to $1.7 million (December 31, 2012 — $6.8 million). In 2013, the Company recognized revenue for 10 systems under a xenon-based digital upgrade sale arrangement which were previously installed but for which revenue recognition was deferred. Upon recognition of these 10 theater systems, the Company's finished goods inventory decreased by $3.4 million from December 31, 2012.
	Inventories at December 31, 2013 include write-downs for excess and obsolete inventory based upon current estimates of net realizable value considering future events and conditions of $4.0 million (December 31, 2012 — $4.4 million).

Film_Assets

Film Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Film Costs [Abstract]	'
Film Assets	'
	6.  Film Assets
			As at December 31,
			2013		2012
	Completed and released films, net of accumulated amortization of		$	5,583	$	2,959
		$84,363 (2012 — $67,363)
	Films in production			750		380
	Films in development			743		398
			$	7,076	$	3,737
	The Company expects to amortize film costs of $5.0 million for released films within three years from December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 — $3.0 million), including $3.0 million, which reflects the portion of the costs of the Company's completed films that are expected to be amortized within the next year. The amount of participation payments to third parties related to these films that the Company expects to pay during 2014, which is included in accrued liabilities at December 31, 2013, is $3.6 million, (2012 — $5.8 million).

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	7.  Property, Plant and Equipment
			As at December 31, 2013
					Accumulated		Net Book
			Cost		Depreciation		Value
	Equipment leased or held for use
		Theater system components(1)(2)(3)(4)	$	158,192	$	51,537	$	106,655
		Camera equipment(7)		4,591		2,736		1,855
				162,783		54,273		108,510
	Assets under construction(5)			8,055		-		8,055
	Other property, plant and equipment
		Land		1,593		-		1,593
		Buildings		15,832		10,410		5,422
		Office and production equipment(6)		27,190		18,707		8,483
		Leasehold improvements		9,884		9,100		784
				54,499		38,217		16,282
			$	225,337	$	92,490	$	132,847
			As at December 31, 2012
					Accumulated		Net Book
			Cost		Depreciation		Value
	Equipment leased or held for use
		Theater system components(1)(2)(3)	$	131,240	$	39,140	$	92,100
		Camera equipment(7)		4,668		4,306		362
				135,908		43,446		92,462
	Assets under construction(5)			6,910		-		6,910
	Other property, plant and equipment
		Land		1,593		-		1,593
		Buildings		15,242		9,864		5,378
		Office and production equipment(6)		25,777		19,779		5,998
		Leasehold improvements		9,734		8,465		1,269
				52,346		38,108		14,238
			$	195,164	$	81,554	$	113,610
	__________
	(1)       Included in theater system components are assets with costs of $14.3 million (2012 — $8.1 million) and accumulated depreciation of $8.6 million (2012 — $7.3 million) that are leased to customers under operating leases.
	(2)       Included in theater system components are assets with costs of $138.1 million (2012 — $118.5 million) and accumulated depreciation of $38.4 million (2012 — $29.2 million) that are used in joint revenue sharing arrangements.
	(3)       In 2013 and 2012, the Company identified and wrote off less than $0.1 million and $10.6 million, respectively of theater system components that are no longer in use and fully amortized.
	(4)       During 2013, the Company signed an amending agreement governing one of its joint revenue sharing arrangements which increased the length of the term for all IMAX theater systems under that arrangement from 10 to 13 years. As a result, the Company adjusted the estimated useful life of its IMAX digital projection systems in use for those joint revenue sharing theaters, on a prospective basis, to reflect the change in term from 10 years to 13 years. This has resulted in decreased depreciation expense of $0.7 million in 2013 and $1.4 million in each of the next 5 years as the theater systems will now be depreciated over a longer estimated useful life.
	(5)       Included in assets under construction are components with costs of $4.8 million (2012 — $4.1 million) that will be utilized to construct assets to be used in joint revenue sharing arrangements.
	(6)       Fully amortized office and production equipment is still in use by the Company. In 2013, the Company identified and wrote off $0.3 million of office and production equipment that is no longer in use.
	(7)       Fully amortized camera equipment is still in use by the Company. In 2013 and 2012, the Company identified and wrote off $1.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively of camera equipment that is no longer in use and fully amortized.

Other_Assets

Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	8.  Other Assets
		As at December 31,
		2013		2012
	Insurance recoverable (note 13)	$	11,094	$	11,474
	Lease incentives provided to theaters		5,172		4,554
	Investment in new business ventures		5,380		1,350
	Commissions and other deferred selling expenses		2,586		2,645
	Deferred charges on debt financing		2,218		569
	Equity-accounted investments		404		3,074
	Foreign currency derivatives		-		297
	Other		180		-
		$	27,034	$	23,963

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	9.  Income Taxes
	(a)  Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes by tax jurisdiction are comprised of the following:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Canada	$	51,593		$	55,477		$	23,023
	United States		678			3,148			9,510
	China		12,012			-476			-5,722
	Other		-473			141			388
		$	63,810		$	58,290		$	27,199
	(b)  The provision for income taxes related to income from continuing operations is comprised of the following:
				Years Ended December 31,
				2013			2012			2011
	Current:
		Canada		$	-1,068		$	-370		$	-1,174
		United States			-144			15			-125
		China			-2,317			-			-
		Other			-201			-			-
					-3,730			-355			-1,299
	Deferred:(1)
		Canada			-13,198			-14,441			-8,586
		United States			214			-420			-838
		China			-252			137			1,430
		Other			337			-			-
					-12,899			-14,724			-7,994
				$	-16,629		$	-15,079		$	-9,293
	(1) For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company has decreased the valuation allowance by $1.4 million (2012 - $0.1 million increase) relating to the future utilization of deductible temporary differences, tax credits, and certain net operating loss carryforwards, of which $0.3 million was recorded to deferred income tax expense and $1.0 million was recorded to share capital. Also included in the provision for income taxes is the deferred tax related to amounts recorded in and reclassified from other comprehensive income in the year of $0.6 million.
	(c) The provision for income taxes from continuing operations differs from the amount that would have resulted by applying the combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory income tax rates to earnings due to the following:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Income tax provision at combined statutory rates		$	-16,914		$	-15,447		$	-7,684
	Adjustments resulting from:
		Non-deductible stock based compensation		-2,603			-3,166			-2,752
		Other non-deductible/non-includable items		-341			12			-246
		Decrease in valuation allowance relating to current year temporary differences		341			43			1,506
		Withholding and other taxes		-891			-1,095			-895
		Changes to tax reserves		84			833			99
		U.S. federal and state taxes		-144			45			-345
		Income tax at different rates in foreign and other provincial jurisdictions		918			-56			-916
		Impact of changes in future enacted tax rates on current year temporary differences		-			-			-521
		Carryforward of investment and other tax credits (non-refundable)		1,932			2,463			1,526
		Effect of changes in legislation relating to enacted tax rate increases		-			494			-
		Changes to deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from audit and other tax return adjustments		11			483			226
		Tax effect of loss from equity-accounted investments		1,040			463			642
		Other		-62			-151			67
	Provision for income taxes, as reported		$	-16,629		$	-15,079		$	-9,293
	(d) The net deferred income tax asset is comprised of the following:
		As at December 31,
		2013			2012
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	15,377		$	15,475
	Investment tax credit and other tax credit carryforwards		6,615			6,101
	Write-downs of other assets		-			690
	Excess tax over accounting basis in property, plant and equipment and inventories		-852			14,020
	Accrued pension liability		5,287			6,615
	Other accrued reserves		4,138			2,340
	Total deferred income tax assets		30,565			45,241
	Income recognition on net investment in leases		-1,552			-2,667
			29,013			42,574
	Valuation allowance		-4,754			-6,113
	Net deferred income tax asset	$	24,259		$	36,461
	The gross deferred tax assets include a liability of less than $0.1 million relating to the remaining tax effect resulting from the Company's defined benefit pension plan, the related actuarial gains and losses, unrealized net gains on cash flow hedging instruments and the unrealized change in market value of available-for-sale investments recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.
	The Company has not provided Canadian taxes on cumulative earnings of non-Canadian affiliates and associated companies that have been reinvested indefinitely. Taxes are provided for earnings of non-Canadian affiliates and associated companies when the Company determines that such earnings are no longer indefinitely reinvested.
	(e) Estimated net operating loss carryforwards and estimated tax credit carryforwards expire as follows:
		Investment Tax Credits and Other Tax Credit Carryforwards			Net Operating Loss Carryforwards
2014	$	-		$	11
2015		-			20
2016		-			-
2017		-			-
2018		-			-
Thereafter		8,276			49,381
	$	8,276		$	49,412
Estimated net operating loss carryforwards can be carried forward to reduce taxable income through to 2033. Investment tax credits and other tax credits can be carried forward to reduce income taxes payable through to 2033.
As at December 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $14.8 million of U.S. consolidated federal net operating loss carryforwards and certain other state tax net loss carryforwards. Realization of some or all of the benefit from these U.S. net tax operating losses is dependent on the absence of certain “ownership changes” of the Company's common shares. An “ownership change,” as defined in the applicable federal income tax rules, would place possible limitations, on an annual basis, on the use of such net operating losses to offset any future taxable income that the Company may generate. Such limitations, in conjunction with the net operating loss expiration provisions, could significantly reduce or effectively eliminate the Company's ability to use its U.S. net operating losses to offset any future taxable income.
(f) Valuation allowance
The provision for income taxes in the year ended December 31, 2013 includes a net income tax recovery of $0.3 million (2012 - $0.1 million provision) in continuing operations related to a decrease in the valuation allowance for the Company's deferred tax assets and other tax adjustments. In 2013, the Company reversed $1.4 million in valuation allowance relating to current period deductible temporary differences and loss carryforwards, of which $0.3 million was included in the provision for income taxes and $1.0 million was included directly to shareholders' equity. During the year ended December 31, 2013, after considering all available evidence, both positive (including recent and historical profits, projected future profitability, backlog, carryforward periods for utilization of net operating loss carryovers and tax credits, discretionary deductions and other factors) and negative (including cumulative losses in past years and other factors), it was concluded that the valuation allowance against the Company's deferred tax assets should be reversed by approximately $1.4 million (2012 - $0.1 million increase). The remaining $4.8 million (2012 - $6.1 million) balance in the valuation allowance as at December 31, 2013 is primarily attributable to certain U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryovers and federal tax credits that may expire unutilized. If the remaining $14.8 million in U.S. consolidated federal tax net operating loss carryforwards are realized in a future period, the related $4.0 million valuation allowance release will be recorded against Other Equity.
(g) Uncertain tax positions
In connection with the Company's adoption of FIN 48, as of January 1, 2007, the Company recorded a net increase to its deficit of $2.1 million (including approximately $0.9 million related to accrued interest and penalties) related to the measurement of potential international withholding tax requirements and a decrease in reserves for income taxes. As at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had total unrecognized tax benefits (including interest and penalties) of $2.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively, for international withholding taxes. All of the unrecognized tax benefits could impact the Company's effective tax rate if recognized. While the Company believes it has adequately provided for all tax positions, amounts asserted by taxing authorities could differ from the Company's accrued position. Accordingly, additional provisions on federal, provincial, state and foreign tax-related matters could be recorded in the future as revised estimates are made or the underlying matters are settled or otherwise resolved.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) for the years ended December 31, is as follows:
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars)	2013			2012			2011
Balance at beginning of the year	$	2,286		$	3,119		$	3,219
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		210			392			404
Additions for tax positions of prior years		-			-			16
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-			-77			-
Settlements		-			-38			-
Reductions resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations and administrative practices		-294			-1,110			-520
Balance at the end of the year	$	2,202		$	2,286		$	3,119
Consistent with its historical financial reporting, the Company has elected to classify interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities, when applicable, as part of the interest expense in its consolidated statements of operations rather than income tax expense. The Company recovered less than $0.1 million in potential interest and penalties associated with its provision for uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2013 (2012 - $0.8 million recovery, 2011 - $0.1 million expense).
The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The Company's major taxing jurisdictions include Canada, the province of Ontario, the United States (including multiple states) and China.
The Company's 2008 through 2013 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS for U.S. federal tax purposes, and the 2006 through 2013 tax years remain subject to examination by the appropriate governmental agencies for Canadian federal tax purposes. There are other on-going audits in various other jurisdictions that are not material to the financial statements.
(h)       Income Tax Effect on Comprehensive Income
The income tax (expense) benefit related to the following items included in other comprehensive income are:
		2013			2012			2011
Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit plan		$	-114		$	-91		$	-53
Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on defined benefit plan			-588			285			145
Gain on curtailment of postretirement benefit plan			-100			-			-
Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on postretirement benefit plans			43			33			58
Other-than-temporary impairment of available-for-sale investment			-			-19			-
Change in market value of available-for-sale investment			45			-42			61
Unrealized change in cash flow hedging instruments			264			-185			45
Realized change in cash flow hedging instruments upon settlement			-80			62			190
Foreign currency translation adjustments			26			-			-
		$	-504		$	43		$	446

Other_Intangible_Assets

Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Other Intangible Assets	'
	10.  Other Intangible Assets
		As at December 31, 2013
				Accumulated		Net Book
		Cost		Amortization		Value
	Patents and trademarks	$	8,774	$	5,741	$	3,033
	Licenses and intellectual property		19,950		3,260		16,690
	Other		8,843		821		8,022
		$	37,567	$	9,822	$	27,745
		As at December 31, 2012
				Accumulated		Net Book
		Cost		Amortization		Value
	Patents and trademarks	$	8,499	$	5,670	$	2,829
	Licenses and intellectual property		19,790		1,730		18,060
	Other		7,022		-		7,022
		$	35,311	$	7,400	$	27,911
	Other intangible assets of $8.8 million are comprised mainly of the Company's investment in a new enterprise resource planning system, which the Company started amortizing on January 1, 2013. Fully amortized other intangible assets are still in use by the Company. In 2013, the Company identified and wrote off $0.1 million of patents and trademarks that are no longer in use.
	During 2013, the Company acquired $2.5 million in other intangible assets. The net book value of these other intangible assets was $2.1 million as at December 31, 2013. The weighted average amortization period for these additions is 10 years.
	During 2013, the Company incurred costs of $0.1 million to renew or extend the term of acquired patents and trademarks which were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses (2012 ─ $0.1 million).
	The estimated amortization expense for each of the years ended December 31, are as follows:
	2014	$	2,854
	2015		2,814
	2016		2,624
	2017		2,624
	2018		2,624

Credit_Facility

Credit Facility	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Credit Facility [Abstract]	'
Credit Facility	'
	11. Credit Facility
	On February 7, 2013, the Company amended and restated the terms of its existing senior secured credit facility (the “Prior Credit Facility”). The amended and restated facility (the “Credit Facility”), with a scheduled maturity of February 7, 2018, has a maximum borrowing capacity of $200.0 million. The Prior Credit Facility had a maximum borrowing capacity of $110.0 million. Certain of the Company's subsidiaries serve as guarantors (the “Guarantors”) of the Company's obligations under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility is collateralized by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the present and future assets of the Company and the Guarantors.
	The terms of the Credit Facility are set forth in the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), dated February 7, 2013, among the Company, the Guarantors, the lenders named therein, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as agent and issuing lender (Wells Fargo, together with the lenders named therein, the “Lenders”) and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner and in various collateral and security documents entered into by the Company and the Guarantors. Each of the Guarantors has also entered into a guarantee in respect of the Company's obligations under the Credit Facility.
	The Credit Facility permits the Company to undertake up to $150.0 million in stock buybacks and dividends, provided certain covenants in the Credit Agreement are maintained. In the event that the Company undertakes stock buybacks or makes dividend payments, any amounts outstanding under the revolving portion of the Credit Facility up to the first $75.0 million of any such stock buybacks and dividend payments will be converted to a term loan.
	The amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility bear interest, at the Company's option, at (i) LIBOR plus a margin of (a) 1.50%, 1.75% or 2.00% depending on the Company's Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) per annum, or (ii) Wells Fargo's prime rate plus a margin of 0.50% per annum. In addition, the Company is obligated to pay a Commitment Fee (as defined in the Credit Agreement) per annum of between 0.25% and 0.50% of the unused portion of the Credit Facility, depending on the Company's Total Leverage Ratio. Term loans, if any, under the Credit Facility must be repaid under a 5-year straight line amortization, with a balloon payment due at maturity. The Company is required to provide an interest rate hedge for 50% of any term loans outstanding after January 1, 2015. Under the Credit Facility, the effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2013 for the revolving loan portion was 2.41%. Under the Prior Credit Facility, the effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 2.42%.
	The Credit Facility provides that the Company will be required to maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not less than 1.1:1. The Company will also be required to maintain minimum EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of $80.0 million on December 31, 2013, which increases to $90.0 million on December 31, 2014, and $100.0 million on December 31, 2015. The Company must also maintain a Maximum Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of 2.25:1 on December 31, 2013, which requirement decreases to 2.0:1 on December 31, 2014, and 1.75:1 on December 31, 2015. The Company was in compliance with all of these requirements at December 31, 2013.
	The Credit Facility contains typical affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict the ability of the Company and the guarantors to: incur certain additional indebtedness; make certain loans, investments or guarantees; pay dividends; make certain asset sales; incur certain liens or other encumbrances; conduct certain transactions with affiliates and enter into certain corporate transactions.
	The Credit Facility also contains customary events of default, including upon an acquisition or change of control or upon a change in the business and assets of the Company or a Guarantor that in each case is reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company or a Guarantor. If an event of default occurs and is continuing under the Credit Facility, the Lenders may, among other things, terminate their commitments and require immediate repayment of all amounts owed by the Company.
	Bank indebtedness includes the following:
		As at December 31,
		2013		2012
	Revolving Term Loan	$	-	$	11,000
	Total amounts drawn and available under the Credit Facility at December 31, 2013 were $nil and $200.0 million, respectively (December 31, 2012 — $11.0 million and $99.0 million, respectively).
	As at December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding (December 31, 2012 — $nil), under the Credit Facility.
	Wells Fargo Foreign Exchange Facility
	Under the New Credit Facility, the Company is able to purchase foreign currency forward contracts and/or other swap arrangements. The settlement risk on its foreign currency forward contracts was $0.4 million at December 31, 2013 as the notional value exceeded the fair value of the forward contracts. As at December 31, 2013, the Company has $23.6 million of such arrangements outstanding.
	Bank of Montreal Facilities
	As at December 31, 2013, the Company has available a $10.0 million facility (December 31, 2012 — $10.0 million) with the Bank of Montreal for use solely in conjunction with the issuance of performance guarantees and letters of credit fully insured by EDC (the “Bank of Montreal Facility”). As at December 31, 2013, the Company has letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding of $0.3 million (2012 — $0.9 million) under the Bank of Montreal Facility.

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Commitments	'
	12.  Commitments
	(a) The Company's lease commitments consist of rent and equipment under operating leases. The Company accounts for any incentives provided over the term of the lease. Total minimum annual rental payments to be made by the Company as at December 31, 2013 for each of the years ended December 31, are as follows:
		Operating Leases		Capital Leases
	2014	$	6,454	$	2
	2015		1,537		-
	2016		695		-
	2017		533		-
	2018		533		-
	Thereafter		314		-
		$	10,066	$	2
	Rent expense was $6.5 million for 2013 (2012 — $6.2 million, 2011 — $4.9 million) net of sublease rental of $nil (2012 —$nil, 2011 — less than $0.1 million).
	Recorded in the accrued liabilities balance as at December 31, 2013 is $1.7 million (December 31, 2012 — $2.4 million) related to accrued rent and lease inducements being recognized as an offset to rent expense over the term of the respective leases.
	Purchase obligations under long-term supplier contracts as at December 31, 2013 were $11.8 million (December 31, 2012 — $12.1 million).
	(b) As at December 31, 2013 the Company did not have any letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding (December 31, 2012 — $nil), under the Credit Facility. As at December 31, 2013 the Company had letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding of $0.3 million as compared to $0.9 million as at December 31, 2012, under the Bank of Montreal Facility.
	(c) The Company compensates its sales force with both fixed and variable compensation. Commissions on the sale or lease of the Company's theater systems are payable in graduated amounts from the time of collection of the customer's first payment to the Company up to the collection of the customer's last initial payment. At December 31, 2013, $1.5 million (December 31, 2012—$1.8 million) of commissions have been accrued and will be payable in future periods.

Contingencies_and_Guarantees

Contingencies and Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Contingencies and Guarantees	'
	13. Contingencies and Guarantees
	The Company is involved in lawsuits, claims, and proceedings, including those identified below, which arise in the ordinary course of business. In accordance with the Contingencies Topic of the FASB ASC, the Company will make a provision for a liability when it is both probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company believes it has adequate provisions for any such matters. The Company reviews these provisions in conjunction with any related provisions on assets related to the claims at least quarterly and adjusts these provisions to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other pertinent information related to the case. Should developments in any of these matters outlined below cause a change in the Company's determination as to an unfavorable outcome and result in the need to recognize a material provision, or, should any of these matters result in a final adverse judgment or be settled for significant amounts, they could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, cash flows, and financial position in the period or periods in which such a change in determination, settlement or judgment occurs.
	The Company expenses legal costs relating to its lawsuits, claims and proceedings as incurred.
	(a) In March 2005, the Company, together with Three-Dimensional Media Group, Ltd. (“3DMG”), filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division, against In-Three, Inc. (“In-Three”) alleging patent infringement. On March 10, 2006, the Company and In-Three entered into a settlement agreement settling the dispute between the Company and In-Three. Despite the settlement reached between the Company and In-Three, co-plaintiff 3DMG refused to dismiss its claims against In-Three. Accordingly, the Company and In-Three moved jointly for a motion to dismiss the Company's and In-Three's claims. On August 24, 2010, the Court dismissed all of the claims pending between the Company and In-Three, thus dismissing the Company from the litigation.
	On May 15, 2006, the Company initiated arbitration against 3DMG before the International Centre for Dispute Resolution in New York (the “ICDR”), alleging breaches of the license and consulting agreements between the Company and 3DMG. On June 15, 2006, 3DMG filed an answer denying any breaches and asserting counterclaims that the Company breached the parties' license agreement. On June 21, 2007, the ICDR unanimously denied 3DMG's Motion for Summary Judgment filed on April 11, 2007 concerning the Company's claims and 3DMG's counterclaims. The proceeding was suspended on May 4, 2009 due to failure of 3DMG to pay fees associated with the proceeding. The proceeding was further suspended on October 11, 2010 pending resolution of reexamination proceedings currently pending involving one of 3DMG's patents. The Company will continue to pursue its claims vigorously and believes that all allegations made by 3DMG are without merit. The Company further believes that the amount of loss, if any, suffered in connection with the counterclaims would not have a material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of the arbitration.
	(b) In January 2004, the Company and IMAX Theatre Services Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, commenced an arbitration seeking damages before the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chambers of Commerce (the “ICC”) with respect to the breach by Electronic Media Limited (“EML”) of its December 2000 agreement with the Company. In June 2004, the Company commenced a related arbitration before the ICC against EML's affiliate, E-City Entertainment (I) PVT Limited (“E-City”), seeking damages as a result of E-City's breach of a September 2000 lease agreement. An arbitration hearing took place in November 2005 against E-City which considered all claims by the Company. On February 1, 2006, the ICC issued an award on liability finding unanimously in the Company's favor on all claims. Further hearings took place in July 2006 and December 2006. On August 24, 2007, the ICC issued an award unanimously in favor of the Company in the amount of $9.4 million, consisting of past and future rents owed to the Company under its lease agreements, plus interest and costs. In the award, the ICC upheld the validity and enforceability of the Company's theater system contract. The Company thereafter submitted its application to the arbitration panel for interest and costs. On March 27, 2008, the arbitration panel issued a final award in favor of the Company in the amount of $11.3 million, plus an additional $2,512 each day in interest from October 1, 2007 until the date the award is paid, which the Company is seeking to enforce and collect in full. In July 2008, E-City commenced a proceeding in Mumbai, India seeking an order that the ICC award may not be recognized in India. The Company has opposed that application on a number of grounds and seeks to have the ICC award recognized in India. On June 24, 2011, the Company commenced an application to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for recognition of the final award. On December 2, 2011, the Ontario court issued an order recognizing the final award and requiring E-City to pay the Company $30,000 to cover the costs of the application. On January 18, 2012, the Company filed an application in New York State Supreme Court seeking recognition of the Ontario order in New York. On April 11, 2012, the New York court issued an order granting the Company's application leading to an entry of $15.5 million judgment in favor of the Company on May 4, 2012. On January 30, 2013, the Company filed an action in the New York Supreme Court seeking to collect the amount due under the New York judgment from certain entities and individuals affiliated with E-City. On June 13, 2013, the Bombay High Court ruled that it has jurisdiction over the proceeding but on November 19, 2013, the Supreme Court of India stayed proceedings in the High Court pending Supreme Court review of the High Court's ruling. The defendants in the New York action have answered and objected to the Company's petition, and they have moved to dismiss for improper service of process. The New York Court heard oral arguments on August 20, 2013 and has taken the matter under advisement.
	(c) The Company and certain of its officers and directors were named as defendants in eight purported class action lawsuits filed between August 11, 2006 and September 18, 2006, alleging violations of U.S. federal securities laws. These eight actions were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Court”). On January 18, 2007, the Court consolidated all eight class action lawsuits and appointed Westchester Capital Management, Inc. as the lead plaintiff and Abbey Spanier Rodd & Abrams, LLP as lead plaintiff's counsel. On October 2, 2007, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint. The amended complaint, brought on behalf of shareholders who purchased the Company's common stock on the NASDAQ between February 27, 2003 and July 20, 2007 (the “U.S. Class”), alleges primarily that the defendants engaged in securities fraud by disseminating materially false and misleading statements during the class period regarding the Company's revenue recognition of theater system installations, and failing to disclose material information concerning the Company's revenue recognition practices. The amended complaint also added PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company's auditors, as a defendant. On April 14, 2011, the Court issued an order appointing The Merger Fund as the lead plaintiff and Abbey Spanier Rodd & Abrams, LLP as lead plaintiff's counsel. On November 2, 2011, the parties entered into a memorandum of understanding containing the terms and conditions of a settlement of this action. On January 26, 2012, the parties executed and filed with the Court a formal stipulation of settlement and proposed form of notice to the class, which the Court preliminarily approved on February 1, 2012. Under the terms of the settlement, members of the U.S. Class who did not opt out of the settlement will release defendants from liability for all claims that were alleged in this action or could have been alleged in this action or any other proceeding (including the action in Canada as described in (d) of this note (the “Canadian Action”) relating to the purchase of IMAX securities on the NASDAQ from February 27, 2003 and July 20, 2007 or the subject matter and facts relating to this action. As part of the settlement and in exchange for the release, defendants will pay $12.0 million to a settlement fund which amount will be funded by the carriers of the Company's directors and officers insurance policy and by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. On March 26, 2012, the parties executed and filed with the Court an amended formal stipulation of settlement and proposed form of notice to the class, which the court preliminarily approved on March 28, 2012. On June 20, 2012, the Court issued an order granting final approval of the settlement. The settlement is conditioned on the Company's receipt of an order from the court in the Canadian Action, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, (the “Canadian Court”) excluding from the class in the Canadian Action every member of the class in both actions who has not opted out of the U.S. settlement. A hearing on the motion for the order occurred on July 30, 2012 before the Canadian Court and on March 19, 2013, the Canadian Court issued a decision granting the Company's motion to exclude from the class in the Canadian Action every member of the classes in both actions who has not opted out of the U.S. settlement. However, no final order will be granted by the Court until the plaintiffs in the Canadian Action have exhausted their appeals.
	(d) A class action lawsuit was filed on September 20, 2006 in the Canadian Court against the Company and certain of its officers and directors, alleging violations of Canadian securities laws. This lawsuit was brought on behalf of shareholders who acquired the Company's securities between February 17, 2006 and August 9, 2006. The lawsuit seeks $210.0 million in compensatory and punitive damages, as well as costs. For reasons released December 14, 2009, the Canadian Court granted leave to the plaintiffs to amend their statement of claim to plead certain claims pursuant to the Securities Act (Ontario) against the Company and certain individuals and granted certification of the action as a class proceeding. These are procedural decisions, and do not contain any conclusions binding on a judge at trial as to the factual or legal merits of the claim. Leave to appeal those decisions was denied. The Company believes the allegations made against it in the statement of claim are meritless and will vigorously defend the matter, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of such proceedings. The Company's directors' and officers' insurance policy provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses incurred in connection with this lawsuit as well as potential damages awarded, if any, subject to certain policy limits, exclusions and deductibles.
	(e) On June 26, 2013, the Company filed suit against GDC Technology (USA) LLC and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “GDC”) in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California alleging trade secret misappropriation, unjust enrichment and unfair competition and seeking injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and punitive damages. This action is based on GDC's commercial exploitation of large format digital theater projection system and film conversion technologies, which the lawsuit alleges were stolen from the Company by its former employee, Gary Tsui, and then provided by Tsui to various technology companies in China. The Company's action against GDC alleges that GDC is now knowingly and actively using these trade secrets and marketing large format film projection systems and conversion technology that the Company is informed and believes were derived from and incorporate the trade secrets stolen by Tsui. On August 12, 2013, in light of the complicating effects of the interwoven corporate relationships among the GDC defendants on federal diversity jurisdiction, the Company voluntarily dismissed the federal court action and filed a complaint in the Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging the same set of operative facts and same causes of action that had been contained in the District Court action. GDC has been served with the lawsuit, but has not yet filed its response. The lawsuit is at a very early stage, and the Company cannot predict the timing or outcome of this matter at this time.
	(f) The Company is also involved in litigation against Gary Tsui (“Tsui”) and related parties in both Canada and China based on Tsui's theft and use of the Company's trade secrets. The Company filed a lawsuit against Tsui and other related individuals and entities in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on December 8, 2009, through which the Company sought injunctive relief to prohibit Tsui from disclosing or using the Company's confidential and proprietary information and from competing with the Company. The Company is also seeking compensatory and punitive damages. The Ontario Court awarded the injunctive relief sought by the Company on December 22, 2009. On April 30, 2013, a warrant was issued for Tsui's arrest based on his refusal to comply with the orders of the Ontario court, including with respect to the continued use of the Company's trade secrets. The Ontario action is to proceed to trial in mid-2014, though all of Tsui's defenses were stricken by the Ontario court in a January 2012 contempt order. The Company also initiated suits against Tsui and related parties in Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court in Beijing, China on February 16, 2013 and December 3, 2013, seeking relief similar to that sought in the Ontario action. The actions in Canada and China remain ongoing.
	(g) In March 2013, IMAX (Shanghai) Multimedia Technology Co., Ltd. (“IMAX China”), the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary in China, received notice from the Shanghai office of the General Administration of Customs that it had been selected for a customs audit. The Company is unable to assess the potential impact, if any, of the audit at this time.
	(h) In addition to the matters described above, the Company is currently involved in other legal proceedings or governmental inquiries which, in the opinion of the Company's management, will not materially affect the Company's financial position or future operating results, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings.
	(i) In the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements that may contain features that meet the definition of a guarantee. The Guarantees Topic of the FASB ASC defines a guarantee to be a contract (including an indemnity) that contingently requires the Company to make payments (either in cash, financial instruments, other assets, shares of its stock or provision of services) to a third party based on (a) changes in an underlying interest rate, foreign exchange rate, equity or commodity instrument, index or other variable, that is related to an asset, a liability or an equity security of the counterparty, (b) failure of another party to perform under an obligating agreement or (c) failure of another third party to pay its indebtedness when due.
	Financial Guarantees
	The Company has provided no significant financial guarantees to third parties.
	Product Warranties
	The following summarizes the accrual for product warranties that was recorded as part of accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets:
		As at December 31,
		2013		2012
	Balance at the beginning of the year	$	32	$	94
	Warranty redemptions		-77		-66
	Warranties issued		52		53
	Revisions		-		-49
	Balance at the end of the year	$	7	$	32
	Director/Officer Indemnifications
	The Company's General By-law contains an indemnification of its directors/officers, former directors/officers and persons who have acted at its request to be a director/officer of an entity in which the Company is a shareholder or creditor, to indemnify them, to the extent permitted by the Canada Business Corporations Act, against expenses (including legal fees), judgments, fines and any amount actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with any action, suit or proceeding in which the directors and/or officers are sued as a result of their service, if they acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company. The nature of the indemnification prevents the Company from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount it could be required to pay to counterparties. The Company has purchased directors' and officers' liability insurance. No amount has been accrued in the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 with respect to this indemnity.
	Other Indemnification Agreements
	In the normal course of the Company's operations, the Company provides indemnifications to counterparties in transactions such as: theater system lease and sale agreements and the supervision of installation or servicing of the theater systems; film production, exhibition and distribution agreements; real property lease agreements; and employment agreements. These indemnification agreements require the Company to compensate the counterparties for costs incurred as a result of litigation claims that may be suffered by the counterparty as a consequence of the transaction or the Company's breach or non-performance under these agreements. While the terms of these indemnification agreements vary based upon the contract, they normally extend for the life of the agreements. A small number of agreements do not provide for any limit on the maximum potential amount of indemnification; however, virtually all of the Company's system lease and sale agreements limit such maximum potential liability to the purchase price of the system. The fact that the maximum potential amount of indemnification required by the Company is not specified in some cases prevents the Company from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount it could be required to pay to counterparties. Historically, the Company has not made any significant payments under such indemnifications and no amounts have been accrued in the consolidated financial statements with respect to the contingent aspect of these indemnities.

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Capital Stock [Abstract]	'
Capital Stock	'
	14. Capital Stock
	(a)  Authorized
	Common Shares
	The authorized capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of common shares. The following is a summary of the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions of the common shares.
	The holders of common shares are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the directors of the Company, subject to the rights of the holders of any other class of shares of the Company entitled to receive dividends in priority to the common shares.
	The holders of the common shares are entitled to one vote for each common share held at all meetings of the shareholders.
	(b)  Changes during the Year
	In 2013, the Company issued 1,316,347 (2012 — 1,429,685, 2011 — 907,167) common shares pursuant to the exercise of stock options for cash proceeds of $9.0 million (2012 — $8.9 million, 2011 — $7.9 million). In addition, the Company issued 42,461 common shares (net of shares withheld for tax) pursuant to the vesting of RSUs (2012 – nil, 2011 – nil).
	(c)  Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company issues stock-based compensation to eligible employees, directors and consultants under the Company's 2013 Long- Term Incentive Plan and the China Long-Term Incentive Plan, as described below. No further awards may be granted under the Company's Stock Option Plan.
	On June 11, 2013, the Company's shareholders approved the IMAX 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“IMAX LTIP”) at the Company's Annual and Special Meeting. Awards to employees, directors and consultants under the IMAX LTIP may consist of stock options, restricted share units (“RSUs”) and other awards.
	The Company's Stock Option Plan (“SOP”) which shareholders approved in June 2008, permitted the grant of stock options to employees, directors and consultants. As a result of the implementation of the IMAX LTIP on June 11, 2013, stock options will no longer be granted under the SOP.
	A separate stock option plan, the China Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “China LTIP”) was adopted by a subsidiary of the Company in October 2012.
	The compensation costs recorded in the consolidated statement of operations for these plans were $11.9 million in 2013 (2012 — $13.1 million, 2011 — $11.9 million).
	As at December 31, 2013, the Company has reserved a total of 10,530,723 (December 31, 2012— 13,296,485) common shares for future issuance under the SOP and IMAX LTIP. Of the common shares reserved for issuance, there are options in respect of 6,263,121 common shares and RSUs in respect of 264,140 common shares outstanding at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2013 options in respect of 3,578,006 common shares were vested and exercisable.
	Stock Option Plan
	The Company's policy is to issue new common shares from treasury to satisfy stock options which are exercised.
	The Company utilizes a lattice-binomial option-pricing model (“Binomial Model”) to determine the fair value of stock-based payment awards. The fair value determined by the Binomial Model is affected by the Company's stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company's expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The Binomial Model also considers the expected exercise multiple which is the multiple of exercise price to grant price at which exercises are expected to occur on average. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company's employee stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management's opinion, the Binomial Model best provides a fair measure of the fair value of the Company's employee stock options.
	All awards of stock options are made at fair market value of the Company's common shares on the date of grant. The fair market value of a common share on a given date means the higher of the closing price of a common share on the grant date (or the most recent trading date if the grant date is not a trading date) on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) and such national exchange, as may be designated by the Company's Board of Directors (the “Fair Market Value”). The stock options vest within 5 years and expire 10 years or less from the date granted. The SOP and IMAX LTIP provide that vesting will be accelerated if there is a change of control, as defined in each plan and upon certain conditions.
	The Company recorded an expense of $8.9 million in 2013 (2012 — $12.4 million, 2011 — $9.4 million) related to stock option grants issued to employees and directors in the IMAX LTIP and SOP plans. No income tax benefit is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations for these costs. Total stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested employee stock options not yet recognized at December 31, 2013 and the weighted average period over which the awards are expected to be recognized is $14.3 million and 3.0 years respectively (2012 — $20.6 million and 3.6 years, 2011 — $19.9 million and 3.1 years).
	The weighted average fair value of all stock options, granted to employees and directors in 2013 at the measurement date was $7.10 per share (2012 — $7.45 per share, 2011 — $9.07 per share). For the years ended December 31, the following assumptions were used to estimate the average fair value of the stock options:
			2013		2012		2011
	Average risk-free interest rate		1.63%		1.36%		2.61%
	Expected option life (in years)		4.51 - 4.63		2.89 - 6.26		1.78 - 6.60
	Expected volatility		40%		50%		50%
	Annual termination probability		0% - 8.52%		0% - 8.76%		0% - 8.76%
	Dividend yield		0%		0%		0%
	Stock options to Non-Employees
	During 2013, an aggregate of 2,500 (2012 — 12,500, 2011 — 103,944) stock options to purchase the Company's common stock with an average exercise price of $26.28 (2012 — $22.82, 2011 — $27.64) were granted to certain advisors and strategic partners of the Company. These stock options granted have a maximum contractual life of 7 years and vest between one and 5 years. The stock options granted in 2013 were granted under the IMAX LTIP.
	As at December 31, 2013 non-employee options outstanding amounted to 76,751 stock options (2012 — 120,001, 2011 — 142,251) with a weighted average exercise price of $15.67 (2012 — $14.14, 2011 — $12.93). 31,509 stock options (2012 — 35,717, 2011 — 50,500) were exercisable with an average weighted exercise price of $12.38 (2012 — $11.57, 2011 — $11.50) and the vested options have an aggregate intrinsic value of $0.5 million (2012 — $0.4 million, 2011 — $0.3 million). The weighted average fair value of stock options granted to non-employees during 2013 at the measurement date was $11.50 per share (2012 — $11.73 per share, 2011 — $13.75 per share), utilizing a Binomial Model with the following underlying assumptions:
			Years Ended December 31
		2013			2012		2011
	Average risk-free interest rate		1.64%		1.28%		2.38%
	Contractual option life		7 years		7 years		6 years
	Average expected volatility		40%		50%		50%
	Dividend yield		0%		0%		0%
	In 2013, the Company recorded a charge of $0.2 million, (2012 — $0.1 million, 2011 — $0.9 million) to costs and expenses related to revenues – services and selling, general and administrative expenses related to the non-employee stock options. Included in accrued liabilities is an accrual of $0.1 million for non-employee stock options (December 31, 2012 — $0.1 million).
	China Long-Term Incentive Plan (“CLTIP”)
	The China LTIP was adopted by a subsidiary of the Company in October 2012. Each stock option issued under the China LTIP represents an opportunity to participate economically in the future growth and value creation of the subsidiary. The China LTIP options issued by the subsidiary (“China Options”) operate in tandem with options granted to certain employees of the subsidiary under the Company's Stock Option Plan (“SOP Options”).
	The China Options vest and become exercisable only upon specified events, including upon the occurrence of a qualified initial public offering or upon a change in control on or prior to the fifth anniversary of the grant date. If such a specified event occurs, the China Options vest over a 5 year period beginning on the date of grant. Upon vesting of the China options, the SOP Options are forfeited. The term of the China Options is 7 years. The total stock option expense associated with the China Options if a specified event and vesting were to occur is $2.7 million.
	The SOP Options vest in full if one of the specified events does not occur on or prior to the fifth anniversary of the grant date. Upon vesting of the SOP Options, the China Options are forfeited.
	In 2012, an aggregate of 146,623 SOP Options were granted to certain employees in conjunction with the China Options with an average price of $22.39 in accordance with the China LTIP. The SOP Options have a contractual life of 7 years. As at December 31, 2013 there were 146,623 (December 31, 2012 – 146,623) outstanding and unvested SOP Options issued under the China LTIP with a weighted average exercise price of $22.39 (December 31, 2012 – $22.39). The weighted average fair value of the SOP Options granted in 2012 was $6.96 per share. The total fair value of the SOP Options granted with respect to the China LTIP was $1.6 million. The Company is recognizing this expense over a 5 year period. If a performance event occurs, the 146,623 SOP Options issued forfeit immediately and the related charge would be reversed. There were no option awards issued under the China LTIP during 2013.
	The Company recorded an expense of $0.3 million (2012 – less than $0.1 million, 2011 – nil) related to SOP Options issued under the China LTIP.
	Stock Option Summary
	The following table summarizes certain information in respect of option activity under the SOP and IMAX LTIP:
									Weighted Average Exercise
			Number of Shares						Price Per Share
			2013		2012		2011	2013		2012		2011
	Options outstanding, beginning of year		7,441,068		7,200,721		6,743,272	$	18.48	$	14.6	$	10.79
	Granted		375,650		1,833,485		1,547,342		25.29		24.59		28.11
	Exercised		-1,316,347		-1,429,685		-907,167		6.81		6.24		8.67
	Forfeited		-228,190		-154,958		-182,726		24.55		23.03		18
	Expired		-		-		-		-		-		-
	Cancelled		-9,060		-8,495		-		30.9		22.07		-
	Options outstanding, end of period		6,263,121		7,441,068		7,200,721		21.11		18.48		14.6
	Options exercisable, end of period		3,578,006		3,480,160		3,467,242		18.56		14.5		9.51
	In 2013, the Company cancelled 9,060 stock options from its SOP (2012 — 8,495, 2011 — nil) surrendered by Company employees.
	As at December 31, 2013, 5,853,070 options were fully vested or are expected to vest with a weighted average exercise price of $20.79, aggregate intrinsic value of $52.9 million and weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.7 years. As at December 31, 2013, options that are exercisable have an intrinsic value of $40.2 million and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.5 years. The intrinsic value of options exercised in 2013 was $26.7 million (2012 — $23.4 million, 2011 — $16.4 million).
	Restricted Share Units
	RSUs have been granted to employees, consultants and directors under the IMAX LTIP. Each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one common share and is the economic equivalent of one common share. The grant date fair value of each RSU is equal to the share price of the Company's stock at the grant date. The Company recorded an expense of $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, related to RSU grants issued to employees and directors in the plan. The annual termination probability assumed for the year ended December 31, 2013, ranged from 0% to 8.52%. In addition, the Company recorded an expense of less than $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, related to RSU grants issued to certain advisors and strategic partners of the Company.
	Total stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested RSU's not yet recognized at December 31, 2013 and the weighted average period over which the awards are expected to be recognized is $4.7 million and 2.9 years. The Company's actual tax benefits realized for the tax deductions related to the vesting of RSUs was $nil for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	RSUs granted under the IMAX LTIP vest between one and four years and expire 10 years or less from the date granted. Vesting of the RSUs is subject to continued employment or service with the Company.
	The following table summarizes certain information in respect of RSU activity under the IMAX LTIP:
					Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
		Number of Awards			Per Share
RSUs outstanding, beginning of year		-			$	-
Granted		322,561				26.16
Vested		-46,360				26.23
Forfeited		-12,061				26.28
RSUs outstanding, end of period		264,140				26.14
Stock Appreciation Rights
There have been no stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) granted since 2007. For the year ended December 31, 2013, 118,000 SARs were cash settled for $2.4 million (2012 — 15,000 SARs were cash settled for $0.3 million). The average exercise price for the settled SARs for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $6.86 (2012 — $6.86) per SAR. As at December 31, 2013, no SARS were outstanding (December 31, 2012 — 118,000 SARS outstanding with a weighted average fair value of — $16.23). None of the SARs were forfeited, cancelled, or expired for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The Company accounts for the obligation of these SARs as a liability (December 31, 2013 — nil, December 31, 2012 — $1.9 million), which is classified within accrued liabilities. The Company has recorded an expense of $0.4 million for 2013 (2012 — $0.6 million, 2011 — $1.6 million) to selling, general and administrative expenses related to these SARs. The following assumptions were used for measuring the fair value of the SARs:
		As at December 31,
		2013		2012
Average risk-free interest rate		n/a		0.72%
Expected option life (in years)		n/a		2.17
Expected volatility		n/a		50%
Annual termination probability		n/a		8.52%
Dividend yield		n/a		0%
(d) Income per share
Reconciliations of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted per-share computations are comprised of the following:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012		2011
Net income from continuing operations applicable to common shareholders		$	44,424		$	41,849	$	16,115
Weighted average number of common shares (000's):
Issued and outstanding, beginning of period			66,482			65,053		64,146
Weighted average number of shares issued during the period			669			801		358
Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic earnings per
	Share		67,151			65,854		64,504
Assumed exercise of stock options and RSUs, net of shares assumed			1,810			2,079		3,355
Weighted average number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per
	Share		68,961			67,933		67,859

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope2

Consolidated Statements of Operations Supplemental Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Supplemental Information	'
	15. Consolidated Statements of Operations Supplemental Information
	(a)  Other Revenues
	The Company enters into theater system arrangements with customers that typically contain customer payment obligations prior to the scheduled installation of the theater systems. During the period of time between signing and theater system installation, certain customers each year are unable to, or elect not to, proceed with the theater system installation for a number of reasons, including business considerations, or the inability to obtain certain consents, approvals or financing. Once the determination is made that the customer will not proceed with installation, the customer and/or the Company may terminate the arrangement by default or by entering into a consensual buyout. In these situations the parties are released from their future obligations under the arrangement, and the initial payments that the customer previously made to the Company are typically not refunded and are recognized as Other Revenues. In addition, the Company enters into agreements with customers to terminate their obligations for additional theater system configurations, which were in the Company's backlog. Other revenues from settlement arrangements were $0.4 million, $0.7 million and $3.8 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	(b)  Foreign Exchange
	Included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the December 31, 2013 is $0.7 million for net foreign exchange losses related to the translation of foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities and unhedged foreign exchange contracts as compared to a net gain of $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 and a net gain of $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, respectively. See note 20(d) for additional information.
	(c)  Collaborative Arrangements
	Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements
	In a joint revenue sharing arrangement, the Company receives a portion of a theater's box-office and concession revenues, and in some cases a small upfront or initial payment, in exchange for placing a theater system at the theater operator's venue. Under joint revenue sharing arrangements, the customer has the ability and the right to operate the hardware components or direct others to operate them in a manner determined by the customer. The Company's joint revenue sharing arrangements are typically non-cancellable for 10 to 13 years with renewal provisions. Title to equipment under joint revenue sharing arrangements does not transfer to the customer. The Company's joint revenue sharing arrangements do not contain a guarantee of residual value at the end of the term. The customer is required to pay for executory costs such as insurance and taxes and is required to pay the Company for maintenance and extended warranty throughout the term. The customer is responsible for obtaining insurance coverage for the theater systems commencing on the date specified in the arrangement's shipping terms and ending on the date the theater systems are delivered back to the Company.
	The Company has signed joint revenue sharing agreements with 38 exhibitors for a total of 645 theater systems, of which 382 theaters were operating as at December 31, 2013, the terms of which are similar in nature, rights and obligations. The accounting policy for the Company's joint revenue sharing arrangements is disclosed in note 2(m).
	Amounts attributable to transactions arising between the Company and its customers under joint revenue sharing arrangements are included in Rentals revenue and at December 31, 2013 amounted to $64.1 million (2012 — $57.5 million, 2011 - $30.8 million).
	IMAX DMR
	In an IMAX DMR arrangement, the Company transforms conventional motion pictures into the Company's large screen format, allowing the release of Hollywood content to the IMAX theater network. In a typical IMAX DMR film arrangement, the Company will absorb its costs for the digital re-mastering and then recoup this cost from a percentage of the gross box-office receipts of the film, which generally range from 10-15%. The Company does not typically hold distribution rights or the copyright to these films.
	In 2013, the majority of IMAX DMR revenue was earned from the exhibition of 38 IMAX DMR films through the IMAX theater network. The accounting policy for the Company's IMAX DMR arrangements is disclosed in note 2(m).
	Amounts attributable to transactions arising between the Company and its customers under IMAX DMR arrangements are included in Services revenues and for December 31, 2013 amounted to $83.5 million (2012 — $78.1 million, 2011 - $50.6 million).
	Co-Produced Film Arrangements
	In certain film arrangements, the Company co-produces a film with a third party whereby the third party retains the copyright and rights to the film, except that the Company obtains exclusive theatrical distribution rights to the film. Under these arrangements, both parties contribute funding to the Company's wholly-owned production company for the production of the film and for associated exploitation costs. Clauses in the film arrangements generally provide for the third party to take over the production of the film if the cost of the production exceeds its approved budget or if it appears as though the film will not be delivered on a timely basis.
	As at December 31, 2013, the Company has 4 significant co-produced film arrangements which make up greater than 50% of the VIE total assets and liabilities balance of $5.2 million and 3 other co-produced film arrangements, the terms of which are similar. The accounting policies relating to co-produced film arrangements are disclosed in notes 2(a) and 2(m).
	In 2013, amounts totaling $2.9 million (2012 —$6.1 million, 2011 - $7.5 million) attributable to transactions between the Company and other parties involved in the production of the films have been included in cost and expenses applicable to revenues-services.

Receivable_Provisions_Net_of_R

Receivable Provisions Net of Recoveries	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries [Abstract]	'
Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries	'
	16.  Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries
	The following table reflects the Company's receivable provisions net of recoveries recorded in the consolidated statements of operations:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Accounts receivable provisions, net of recoveries	$	-35	$	606	$	333
	Financing receivable provisions, net of recoveries		480		-82		1,237
	Receivable provisions, net of recoveries	$	445	$	524	$	1,570

Asset_Impairments

Asset Impairments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]	'
Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]	'
	17.  Asset Impairments
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011(1)
	Property, plant and equipment	$	-	$	-	$	20
	Total	$	-	$	-	$	20

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information	'
	18. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information
	(a) Changes in other non-cash operating assets and liabilities are comprised of the following:
			Years Ended December 31,
				2013		2012		2011
	Decrease (increase) in:
		Accounts receivable	$	-31,032	$	4,110	$	-7,486
		Financing receivables		-13,397		-7,349		-14,623
		Inventories		1,884		-422		-1,264
		Prepaid expenses		231		-706		-294
		Commissions and other deferred selling expenses		59		322		382
		Insurance recoveries		380		444		978
		Other assets		-341		-752		-2,357
	Increase (decrease) in:
		Accounts payable		7,238		-8,139		5,592
		Accrued and other liabilities(1)		-1,289		-2,266		-31,013
		Deferred revenue		2,512		-504		706
			$	-33,755	$	-15,262	$	-49,379
	Decrease in accruals and other liabilities for 2013 includes payments of $2.4 million for stock-based compensation (2012 - $0.3 million, 2011 - $23.7 million).
		(b) Cash payments made on account of:
			Years Ended December 31,
				2013		2012		2011
	Income taxes		$	1,056	$	1,283	$	3,349
	Interest		$	315	$	1,374	$	1,260
		(c) Depreciation and amortization are comprised of the following:
			Years Ended December 31,
				2013		2012		2011
	Film assets (1)		$	17,000	$	15,515	$	12,934
	Property, plant and equipment
		Joint revenue sharing arrangements		11,519		10,125		7,098
		Other property, plant and equipment		4,720		4,440		3,992
	Other intangible assets			2,854		2,006		465
	Other assets			592		532		286
	Deferred financing costs			487		170		388
			$	37,172	$	32,788	$	25,163
	__________
	(1)       Included in film asset amortization is a charge of $0.2 million (2012 —$0.1 million, 2011 —$0.5 million) relating to changes in estimates based on the ultimate recoverability of future films.
		(d) Write-downs, net of recoveries, are comprised of the following:
			Years Ended December 31,
				2013		2012		2011
	Asset impairments
		Property, plant and equipment(1)	$	-	$	-	$	20
	Other charges (recoveries)
		Accounts receivables		-35		606		333
		Financing receivables		480		-82		1,237
		Inventories(2)		444		898		-
		Impairment of available-for-sale investment		-		150		-
		Property, plant and equipment(3)		384		18		356
		Other intangible assets		63		11		-
		Other assets		-		6		-
			$	1,336	$	1,607	$	1,946
	Inventory charges
		Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - product & equipment sales	$	274	$	795	$	-
		Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - services		170		103		-
			$	444	$	898	$	-
	__________
	(1)       In January 2014, the Company discontinued the operations of its owned and operated Nyack IMAX theater. The Company has reclassified the Nyack owned and operated theater operations from continuing operations to discontinued operations. As a result, asset impairments of less than $0.1 million incurred in 2011 has been reclassified to discontinued operations.
	(2)       In 2013, the Company recorded a charge of $0.5 million (2012 — $0.9 million, 2011 — $nil, respectively) in costs and expenses applicable to revenues, primarily for its film-based projector inventories. Specifically, IMAX systems includes an inventory charge of $0.3 million (2012 — $0.8 million, 2011 — $nil). Theater system maintenance includes inventory write-downs of $0.2 million (2012 — $0.1 million, 2011 — $nil).
	(3)       The Company disposed of assets that no longer meet capitalization requirements as the assets were no longer in use. No cash was received for these assets.

Segmented_Information

Segmented Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segmented Information [Abstract]	'
Segmented Information	'
	19. Segmented Information
	The Company has seven reportable segments identified by category of product sold or service provided: IMAX systems; theater system maintenance; joint revenue sharing arrangements; film production and IMAX DMR; film distribution; film post-production; and other. The IMAX systems segment designs, manufactures, sells or leases IMAX theater projection system equipment. The theater system maintenance segment maintains IMAX theater projection system equipment in the IMAX theater network. The joint revenue sharing arrangements segment provides IMAX theater projection system equipment to an exhibitor in exchange for a share of the box-office and concession revenues. The film production and IMAX DMR segment produces films and performs film re-mastering services. The film distribution segment distributes films for which the Company has distribution rights. The film post-production segment provides film post-production and film print services. The Company refers to all theaters using the IMAX theater system as “IMAX theaters”. The other segment includes certain IMAX theaters that the Company owns and operates, camera rentals and other miscellaneous items. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in note 2.
	Management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) who is the Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker (as defined in the Segment Reporting Topic of the FASB ASC), assesses segment performance based on segment revenues, gross margins and film performance. Selling, general and administrative expenses, research and development costs, amortization of intangibles, receivables provisions (recoveries), write-downs net of recoveries, interest income, interest expense and tax (provision) recovery are not allocated to the segments.
	Transactions between the film production and IMAX DMR segment and the film post-production segment are valued at exchange value. Inter-segment profits are eliminated upon consolidation, as well as for the disclosures below.
	In January 2014, the Company discontinued the operations of its owned and operated Nyack IMAX theater. The Company has reclassified the Nyack owned and operated theater operations from continuing operations to discontinued operations. As a result, the respective prior periods' figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.
	Transactions between the other segments are not significant.
		(a) Operating Segments
			Years Ended December 31,
				2013			2012			2011
	Revenue(1)
	IMAX theater systems
		IMAX systems	$	80,189		$	83,405		$	93,200
		Theater system maintenance		31,978			28,629			24,840
		Joint revenue sharing arrangements		64,130			57,526			30,764
				176,297			169,560			148,804
	Films
		Production and IMAX DMR		83,496			78,050			50,592
		Distribution		7,770			14,222			16,074
		Post-production		9,192			7,904			8,235
				100,458			100,176			74,901
	Other			11,182			13,019			11,393
	Total		$	287,937		$	282,755		$	235,098
	Gross margins
	IMAX theater systems
		IMAX systems(2)(4)	$	49,040		$	50,245		$	56,929
		Theater system maintenance(2)		12,096			10,970			9,437
		Joint revenue sharing arrangements(3)(4)		44,565			37,308			17,605
				105,701			98,523			83,971
	Films
		Production and IMAX DMR(4)		56,088			49,355			23,574
		Distribution(4)		1,371			2,356			3,025
		Post-production		1,341			1,954			2,985
				58,800			53,665			29,584
	Other			102			1,057			510
	Total		$	164,603		$	153,245		$	114,065
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Depreciation and amortization
	IMAX systems		$	3,287		$	2,946		$	1,770
	Theater systems maintenance			141			212			184
	Joint revenue sharing arrangements			13,535			11,836			7,939
	Films
		Production and IMAX DMR		16,298			14,471			12,843
		Distribution		1,048			1,631			980
		Post-production		424			608			590
	Other			347			172			156
	Corporate and other non-segment specific assets			2,092			912			701
	Total		$	37,172		$	32,788		$	25,163
				Years Ended December 31,
				2013			2012			2011
	Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries
	IMAX systems		$	1,109		$	1,480		$	1,915
	Theater systems maintenance			188			103			-
	Joint revenue sharing arrangements			39			24			12
	Films
		Production and IMAX DMR		-			-			-
	Other			-			-			19
	Total		$	1,336		$	1,607		$	1,946
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Purchase of property, plant and equipment
	IMAX systems		$	6,181		$	2,958		$	1,076
	Theater system maintenance			130			36			10
Joint revenue sharing arrangements			22,775			23,257			33,290
Films
	Production and IMAX DMR		408			1,175			1,150
	Distribution		-			178			49
	Post-production		2,185			-			638
Other			2,036			-			719
Corporate and other non-segment specific assets			2,076			1,708			1,886
Total		$	35,791		$	29,312		$	38,818
		As at December 31,
			2013			2012
Assets
IMAX systems(5)		$	170,719		$	153,201
Theater systems maintenance(5)			16,619			14,632
Joint revenue sharing arrangements(5)			153,399			125,602
Films
	Production and IMAX DMR		22,315			17,653
	Distribution		8,675			6,790
	Post-production		5,351			3,694
Other			7,645			3,142
Corporate and other non-segment specific assets			96,422			97,158
Total		$	481,145		$	421,872
__________
(1)       The Company's two largest customers as at December 31, 2013 collectively represent 19.9% of total revenues (2012 – 15.9%, 2011 – 17.4%).
(2)       In 2013, the Company recorded a charge of $0.5 million (2012 – $0.9 million, 2011 – $nil, respectively) in costs and expenses applicable to revenues, primarily for its film-based projector inventories. Specifically, IMAX systems includes an inventory charge of $0.3 million (2012 – $0.8 million, 2011 – $nil). Theater system maintenance includes inventory write-downs of $0.2 million (2012 – $0.1 million, 2011 – $nil).
(3)       During 2013, the Company signed an amending agreement governing one of its joint revenue sharing arrangements which increased the length of the term for all IMAX theater systems under that arrangement from 10 to 13 years. As a result, the Company adjusted the estimated useful life of its IMAX digital projection systems in use for those joint revenue sharing theaters, on a prospective basis, to reflect the change in term from 10 years to 13 years. This has resulted in decreased depreciation expense of $0.7 million in 2013 as the theater systems will now be depreciated over a longer estimated useful life.
(4)       IMAX systems include marketing and commission costs of $2.5 million, $2.7 million and $2.4 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Joint revenue sharing arrangements segment margins include advertising, marketing, and commission costs of $3.6 million, $3.4 million and $5.4 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Production and DMR segment margins include marketing costs of $4.2 million, $3.3 million and $3.8 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Distribution segment margins include marketing costs of $0.4 million, $1.5 million and $1.9 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(5)       Goodwill is allocated on a relative fair market value basis to the IMAX systems segment, theater system maintenance segment and joint revenue sharing segment.
b)  Geographic Information
Revenue by geographic area is based on the location of the customer. Revenue related to IMAX DMR is presented based upon the geographic location of the theaters that exhibit the re-mastered films. IMAX DMR revenue is generated through contractual relationships with studios and other third parties and these may not be in the same geographical location as the theater.
	Years Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Revenue
United States	$	125,166		$	126,547		$	108,666
Canada		11,049			19,109			21,232
Greater China		56,480			44,922			33,265
Western Europe		26,000			26,309			18,895
Asia (excluding Greater China)		30,451			28,899			22,186
Russia & the CIS		19,600			20,130			16,157
Latin America		13,017			9,419			6,051
Rest of the World		6,174			7,420			8,646
Total	$	287,937		$	282,755		$	235,098
No single country in the Rest of the World, Western Europe or Asia (excluding Greater China) classifications comprise more than 5% of total revenue.
	As at December 31,
	2013			2012
Property, plant and equipment
United States	$	60,285		$	55,658
Canada		23,687			21,779
Greater China		32,958			24,764
Asia (excluding Greater China)		9,200			7,134
Western Europe		6,012			3,556
Rest of the World		705			719
Total	$	132,847		$	113,610

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments	'
	20. Financial Instruments
	Financial Instruments
	The Company maintains cash with various major financial institutions. The Company's cash is invested with highly rated financial institutions.
	The Company's accounts receivables and financing receivables are subject to credit risk. The Company's accounts receivable and financing receivables are concentrated with the theater exhibition industry and film entertainment industry. To minimize the Company's credit risk, the Company retains title to underlying theater systems leased, performs initial and ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and makes ongoing provisions for its estimate of potentially uncollectible amounts. The Company believes it has adequately provided for related exposures surrounding receivables and contractual commitments.
	Fair Value Measurements
	The carrying values of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities due within one year approximate fair values due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company's other financial instruments at December 31, are comprised of the following:
			As at December 31, 2013						As at December 31, 2012
			Carrying			Estimated			Carrying			Estimated
			Amount			Fair Value			Amount			Fair Value
	Net financed sales receivable	$	93,493		$	92,043		$	81,148		$	78,933
	Net investment in sales-type leases	$	13,617		$	13,214		$	13,045		$	13,513
	Available-for-sale investment	$	1,000		$	1,000		$	1,350		$	1,350
	Foreign exchange contracts — designated forwards	$	-421		$	-421		$	297		$	297
	Foreign exchange contracts — non-designated forwards	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-
	Borrowings under the Prior Credit Facility	$	-		$	-		$	-11,000		$	-11,000
	The carrying value of borrowings under the Credit Facility approximates fair value as the interest rates offered under the Credit Facility are close to December 31, 2013 and 2012 market rates for the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities (Level 2 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The estimated fair values of the net financed sales receivable and net investment in sales-type leases are estimated based on discounting future cash flows at currently available interest rates with comparable terms (Level 2 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The fair value of the Company's available-for-sale investment is determined using the present value of expected cash flows based on projected earnings and other information readily available from the business venture (Level 3 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The discounted cash flow valuation technique is based on significant unobservable inputs of revenue and expense projections, appropriately risk weighted, as the investment is in a start-up entity. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's available-for-sale investment are long-term revenue growth and pretax operating margin. A significant increase (decrease) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a lower or higher fair value measurement.
	The fair value of foreign currency derivatives are determined using quoted prices in active markets (Level 2 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These identical instruments are traded on a closed exchange.
	There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2013 or 2012. When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Company's available-for-sale investment measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the period:
				Available For Sale Investments
				2013			2012
	Beginning balance, January 1,			$	1,350		$	1,012
		Transfers into/out of Level 3			-			-
		Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)
			Included in earnings		-			-
			Included in other comprehensive income		-350			338
		Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements			-			-
	Ending balance, December 31,			$	1,000		$	1,350
	The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the
		change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date		$	-		$	-150
	There were no transfers in or out of the Company's level 3 assets during the year ended December 31, 2013.
	In the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized a $0.2 million other-than-temporary impairment of its available-for-sale investment, in “Impairment of available-for-sale investment” in the consolidated statement of operations, as the value is not expected to recover based on the length of time and extent to which the market value has been less than cost.
	Financing Receivables
	The Company's net investment in leases and its net financed sale receivables are subject to the disclosure requirements of ASC 310 “Receivables”. Due to differing risk profiles of its net investment in leases and its net financed sales receivables, the Company views its net investment in leases and its net financed sale receivables as separate classes of financing receivables. The Company does not aggregate financing receivables to assess impairment.
	The Company monitors the credit quality of each customer on a frequent basis through collections and aging analyses. The Company also holds meetings monthly in order to identify credit concerns and whether a change in credit quality classification is required for the customer. A customer may improve in their credit quality classification once a substantial payment is made on overdue balances or the customer has agreed to a payment plan with the Company and payments have commenced in accordance to the payment plan. The change in credit quality indicator is dependent upon management approval.
	The Company classifies its customers into four categories to indicate the credit quality worthiness of its financing receivables for internal purposes only:
	Good standing — Theater continues to be in good standing with the Company as the client's payments and reporting are up-to-date.
	Credit Watch — Theater operator has begun to demonstrate a delay in payments, has been placed on the Company's credit watch list for continued monitoring, but active communication continues with the Company. Depending on the size of outstanding balance, length of time in arrears and other factors, transactions may need to be approved by management. These financing receivables are considered to be in better condition than those receivables related to theaters in the "Pre-approved transactions" category, but not in as good of condition as those receivables in "Good standing."
	Pre-approved transactions only — Theater operator is demonstrating a delay in payments with little or no communication with the Company. All service or shipments to the theater must be reviewed and approved by management. These financing receivables are considered to be in better condition than those receivables related to theaters in the "All transactions suspended" category, but not in as good of condition as those receivables in "Credit Watch." Depending on the individual facts and circumstances of each customer, finance income recognition may be suspended if management believes the receivable to be impaired.
	All transactions suspended — Theater is severely delinquent, non-responsive or not negotiating in good faith with the Company. Once a theater is classified as “All transactions suspended” the theater is placed on nonaccrual status and all revenue recognitions related to the theater are stopped.
	The following table discloses the recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator:
		As at December 31, 2013									As at December 31, 2012
		Minimum			Financed						Minimum			Financed
		Lease			Sales						Lease			Sales
		Payments			Receivables			Total			Payments			Receivables			Total
	In good standing	$	12,318		$	89,017		$	101,335		$	11,508		$	69,310		$	80,818
	Credit Watch		420			3,895			4,315			-			10,930			10,930
	Pre-approved transactions		288			-			288			467			293			760
	Transactions suspended		1,397			817			2,214			2,200			681			2,881
		$	14,423		$	93,729		$	108,152		$	14,175		$	81,214		$	95,389
	While recognition of finance income is suspended, payments received by a customer are applied against the outstanding balance owed. If payments are sufficient to cover any unreserved receivables, a recovery of provision taken on the billed amount, if applicable, is recorded to the extent of the residual cash received. Once the collectibility issues are resolved and the customer has returned to being in good standing, the Company will resume recognition of finance income.
	The Company's investment in financing receivables on nonaccrual status is as follows:
				As at December 31, 2013						As at December 31, 2012
				Recorded			Related			Recorded			Related
				Investment			Allowance			Investment			Allowance
	Net investment in leases			$	1,684		$	-606		$	2,666		$	-1,130
	Net financed sales receivables				817			-236			1,322			-66
		Total		$	2,501		$	-842		$	3,988		$	-1,196
	The Company considers financing receivables with aging between 60-89 days as indications of theaters with potential collection concerns. The Company will begin to focus its review on these financing receivables and increase its discussions internally and with the theater regarding payment status. Once a theater's aging exceeds 90 days, the Company's policy is to review and assess collectibility on theater's past due accounts. Over 90 days past due is used by the Company as an indicator of potential impairment as invoices up to 90 days outstanding could be considered reasonable due to the time required for dispute resolution or for the provision of further information or supporting documentation to the customer.
	The Company's aged financing receivables are as follows:
			As at December 31, 2013
															Related							Recorded
		Accrued									Billed			Unbilled			Total				Investment
		and									Financing			Recorded			Recorded		Related		Net of
		Current			30-89 Days			90+ Days			Receivables			Investment			Investment		Allowances		Allowances
Net investment in leases		$	444		$	218		$	841		$	1,503		$	12,920		$	14,423	$	-806	$	13,617
Net financed sales receivables			2,502			1,211			3,018			6,731			86,998			93,729		-236		93,493
Total		$	2,946		$	1,429		$	3,859		$	8,234		$	99,918		$	108,152	$	-1,042	$	107,110
		As at December 31, 2012
														Related							Recorded
		Accrued									Billed			Unbilled			Total				Investment
		and									Financing			Recorded			Recorded		Related		Net of
		Current			30-89 Days			90+ Days			Receivables			Investment			Investment		Allowances		Allowances
Net investment in leases		$	144		$	202		$	1,240		$	1,586		$	12,589		$	14,175	$	-1,130	$	13,045
Net financed sales receivables			1,063			670			1,267			3,000			78,214			81,214		-66		81,148
Total		$	1,207		$	872		$	2,507		$	4,586		$	90,803		$	95,389	$	-1,196	$	94,193
The Company's recorded investment in past due financing receivables for which the Company continues to accrue finance income is as follows:
		As at December 31, 2013
														Related					Recorded
		Accrued									Billed			Unbilled					Investment
		and									Financing			Recorded			Related		Past Due
		Current			30-89 Days			90+ Days			Receivables			Investment			Allowance		and Accruing
Net investment in leases		$	168		$	108		$	205		$	481		$	4,865		$	-200	$	5,146
Net financed sales receivables			450			469			2,056			2,975			19,282			-		22,257
Total		$	618		$	577		$	2,261		$	3,456		$	24,147		$	-200	$	27,403
		As at December 31, 2012
														Related					Recorded
		Accrued									Billed			Unbilled					Investment
		and									Financing			Recorded			Related		Past Due
		Current			30-89 Days			90+ Days			Receivables			Investment			Allowance		and Accruing
Net investment in leases		$	11		$	59		$	23		$	93		$	1,449		$	-	$	1,542
Net financed sales receivables			223			382			864			1,469			16,173			-		17,642
Total		$	234		$	441		$	887		$	1,562		$	17,622		$	-	$	19,184
The Company considers financing receivables to be impaired when it believes it to be probable that it will not recover the full amount of principal or interest owing under the arrangement. The Company uses its knowledge of the industry and economic trends, as well as its prior experiences to determine the amount recoverable for impaired financing receivables. The following table discloses information regarding the Company's impaired financing receivables:
			Impaired Financing Receivables
			For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
												Average			Interest
			Recorded			Unpaid			Related			Recorded			Income
			Investment			Principal			Allowance			Investment			Recognized
Recorded investment for which there is a related allowance:
		Net financed sales receivables	$	535		$	283		$	-236		$	545		$	34
Recorded investment for which there is no related allowance:
		Net financed sales receivables		-			-			-			-			-
Total recorded investment in impaired loans:
		Net financed sales receivables	$	535		$	283		$	-236		$	545		$	34
			Impaired Financing Receivables
			For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
												Average			Interest
			Recorded			Unpaid			Related			Recorded			Income
			Investment			Principal			Allowance			Investment			Recognized
Recorded investment for which there is a related
	allowance:
		Net financed sales receivables	$	187		$	220		$	-66		$	201		$	-
Recorded investment for which there is no related allowance:
		Net financed sales receivables		377			13			-			479			22
Total recorded investment in impaired loans:
		Net financed sales receivables	$	564		$	233		$	-66		$	680		$	22
The Company's activity in the allowance for credit losses for the period and the Company's recorded investment in financing receivables is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Net Investment			Net Financed
		in Leases			Sales Receivables
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance		$	1,130		$	66
	Charge-offs		-624			-
	Provision		300			170
Ending balance		$	806		$	236
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		$	806		$	236
Financing receivables:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		$	14,423		$	93,729
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Net Investment			Net Financed
		in Leases			Sales Receivables
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance		$	1,833		$	316
	Charge-offs		-1,019			-109	(1)
	Provision		316			-141
Ending balance		$	1,130		$	66
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		$	1,130		$	66
Financing receivables:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		$	14,174		$	81,215
_________
As a result of a troubled debt restructuring in the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a $0.1 million write-down on a $0.5 million recorded investment.
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency rates. A majority portion of the Company's revenues is denominated in U.S. dollars while a substantial portion of its costs and expenses is denominated in Canadian dollars. A portion of the net U.S. dollar cash flows of the Company is periodically converted to Canadian dollars to fund Canadian dollar expenses through the spot market. In China and Japan the Company has ongoing operating expenses related to its operations in Chinese Renminbi and Japanese yen, respectively. Net cash flows are converted to and from U.S. dollars through the spot market. The Company also has cash receipts under leases denominated in Chinese Renminbi, Japanese yen, Canadian dollar and Euros which are converted to U.S. dollars through the spot market. The Company's policy is to not use any financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.
The Company entered into a series of foreign currency forward contracts to manage the Company's risks associated with the volatility of foreign currencies. Certain of these foreign currency forward contracts met the criteria required for hedge accounting under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASB ASC at inception, and continue to meet hedge effectiveness tests at December 31, 2013 (the “Foreign Currency Hedges”), with settlement dates throughout 2014. Foreign currency derivatives are recognized and measured in the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value (gains or losses) are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations except for derivatives designated and qualifying as foreign currency hedging instruments. For foreign currency hedging instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss in a hedge of a forecasted transaction is reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified to the consolidated statement of operations when the forecasted transaction occurs. Any ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of operations.
The following tabular disclosures reflect the impact that derivative instruments and hedging activities have on the Company's consolidated financial statements:
Notional value of foreign exchange contracts:
			As at December 31,
			2013			2012
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards	$	23,555		$	8,069
Fair value of derivatives in foreign exchange contracts:
				As at December 31,
		Balance Sheet Location	2013			2012
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards	Other assets	$	-		$	297
	Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards	Accrued and other liabilities		-421			-
			$	-421		$	297
Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging relationships are as follows:
				Years Ended December 31,
				2013			2012			2011
Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards	Derivative (Loss) Gain Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)		$	-1,031		$	716		$	-162
			$	-1,031		$	716		$	-162
	Location of Derivative (Loss) Gain
	Reclassified from AOCI			Years Ended December 31,
	into Income (Effective Portion)			2013			2012			2011
Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards	Selling, general and administrative expenses		$	-312		$	236		$	684
			$	-312		$	236		$	684
									Year Ended December 31,
										2013
Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards	Derivative Loss Recognized In and Out of OCI (Effective Portion)								$	-486
									$	-486
Non Designated Derivatives in Foreign Currency relationships are as follows:
				Years Ended December 31,
	Location of Derivative Gain (Loss)			2013			2012			2011
Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards	Selling, general and administrative expenses		$	-		$	1,184		$	-1,014
			$	-		$	1,184		$	-1,014
Investments in New Business Ventures
The Company accounts for investments in new business ventures using the guidance of the FASB ASC 323 and the FASB ASC 320, as appropriate. As at December 31, 2013, the equity method of accounting is being utilized for an investment with a carrying value of $0.4 million (December 31, 2012 ─ $3.0 million). For the year ended December 31, 2013, gross revenues, cost of revenue and net loss for the investment were $6.6 million, $26.0 million and $26.3 million, respectively (2012 ─ $9.0 million, $12.7 million, and $13.4 million, respectively). The difference between the Company's investment balance and the amount of underlying equity in net assets owned by the Company amounts to $0.4 million and relates to goodwill. In 2013, the Company has contributed $1.4 million, net of its share of costs, to a new business venture. This venture is still in the early-stage of start-up. The Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, and therefore it has not been consolidated. In addition, the Company has an investment in preferred stock of another business venture of $1.5 million which meets the criteria for classification as a debt security under the FASB ASC 320 and is recorded at a total fair value of $1.0 million at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 — $1.4 million). In the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized an other-than-temporary impairment for its investment of $0.2 million. This investment is classified as an available-for-sale investment. In 2013, the Company invested $2.5 million in the preferred shares of an enterprise which meet the criteria for classification as an equity security under ASC 325 and accrued $0.5 million pertaining to warrants related to the respective investment. The total carrying value of investments in new business ventures at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is $5.8 million and $4.4 million, respectively, and is recorded in Other Assets.

Employees_Pension_and_Postreti

Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]	'
Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits	'
	21. Employees' Pension and Postretirement Benefits
	(a)  Defined Benefit Plan
	The Company has an unfunded U.S. defined benefit pension plan, the SERP, covering Richard L. Gelfond, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company and Bradley J. Wechsler, Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors. The SERP provides for a lifetime retirement benefit from age 55 determined as 75% of the member's best average 60 consecutive months of earnings over the member's employment history. The benefits were 50% vested as at July 2000, the SERP initiation date. The vesting percentage increases on a straight-line basis from inception until age 55. As at December 31, 2013, the benefits of Mr. Gelfond were 100% vested. Upon a termination for cause, prior to a change of control, the executive shall forfeit any and all benefits to which such executive may have been entitled, whether or not vested.
	Under the terms of the SERP, if Mr. Gelfond's employment terminated other than for cause (as defined in his employment agreement), he is entitled to receive SERP benefits in the form of a lump sum payment. SERP benefit payments to Mr. Gelfond are subject to a deferral for six months after the termination of his employment, at which time Mr. Gelfond will be entitled to receive interest on the deferred amount credited at the applicable federal rate for short-term obligations. Effective January 1, 2013 the term of Mr. Gelfond's current employment agreement was extended through December 31, 2016, although Mr. Gelfond has not informed the Company that he intends to retire at that time. Under the terms of the arrangement, no compensation earned beginning in 2011 is included in calculating his entitlement under the SERP.
	The following assumptions were used to determine the obligation and cost status of the Company's SERP at the plan measurement dates:
			As at December 31,
			2013		2012
	Discount rate		1.45%		0.96%
	Lump sum interest rate:
		First 20 years	3.35%		2.67%
		Thereafter	3.50%		3.01%
	Cost of living adjustment on benefits		1.20%		1.20%
	The amounts accrued for the SERP are determined as follows:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012
	Projected benefit obligation:
		Obligation, beginning of year	$	20,366		$	18,990
		Interest cost		195			272
		Actuarial (gain) loss		-2,277			1,104
		Obligation, end of year and unfunded status	$	18,284		$	20,366
	The following table provides disclosure of the pension benefit obligation recorded in the consolidated balance sheets:
		As at December 31,
		2013			2012
	Accrued benefits cost	$	-18,284		$	-20,366
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		646			3,367
	Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets	$	-17,638		$	-16,999
	The following table provides disclosure of pension expense for the SERP for the year ended December 31:
		Years ended December 31
		2013			2012			2011
	Interest cost		195			272			279
	Amortization of actuarial loss		444			365			214
	Pension expense	$	639		$	637		$	493
	The accumulated benefit obligation for the SERP was $18.3 million at December 31, 2013 (2012 — $20.4 million).
	The following amounts were included in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods:
			As at December 31,
		2013			2012				2011
	Unrealized actuarial loss	$	646		$	3,367		$	2,628
	No contributions were made for the SERP during 2013. The Company expects interest costs of $0.3 million to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2014.
	The following benefit payments are expected to be made as per the current SERP assumptions and the terms of the SERP in each of the next five years, and in the aggregate:
	2014	$	-
	2015		-
	2016		-
	2017		19,228
	2018		-
	Thereafter		-
		$	19,228
	(b)  Defined Contribution Pension Plan
	The Company also maintains defined contribution pension plans for its employees, including its executive officers. The Company makes contributions to these plans on behalf of employees in an amount up to 5% of their base salary subject to certain prescribed maximums. During 2013, the Company contributed and expensed an aggregate of $1.3 million (2012 — $1.1 million, 2011 — $1.0 million) to its Canadian plan and an aggregate of $0.3 million (2012 — $0.3 million, 2011 — $0.2 million) to its defined contribution employee pension plan under Section 401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
	(c)  Postretirement Benefits - Executives
	The Company has an unfunded postretirement plan for Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler. The plan provides that the Company will maintain health benefits for Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler until they become eligible for Medicare and, thereafter, the Company will provide Medicare supplemental coverage as selected by Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler.
	The amounts accrued for the plan are determined as follows:
		As at December 31,
		2013			2012
	Obligation, beginning of year	$	524		$	502
	Interest cost		19			13
	Benefits paid		-17			-
	Actuarial (gain) loss		-134			9
	Obligation, end of year	$	392		$	524
	The following details the net cost components, all related to continuing operations, and underlying assumptions of postretirement benefits other than pensions:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Interest cost	$	19		$	13		$	26
	Actuarial loss		-			9			-
	$	19		$	22		$	26
The following amounts were included in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods:
		As at December 31,
	2013			2012				2011
Unrealized actuarial gain	$	-134		$	-		$	-
Weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation are:
	As at December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Discount rate	4.5	%		3.75	%		4.2	%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine the net postretirement benefit expense are:
	Years Ended December 31
	2013			2012			2011
Discount rate	3.75	%		4.2	%		5.3	%
The following benefit payments are expected to be made as per the current plan assumptions in each of the next five years:
2014	$	20
2015		22
2016		24
2017		30
2018		32
Thereafter		264
Total	$	392
(d)  Postretirement Benefits – Canadian Employees
The Company has an unfunded postretirement plan for its Canadian employees upon meeting specific eligibility requirements. The Company will provide eligible participants, upon retirement, with health and welfare benefits.
In February 2013, the Company amended the Canadian post-retirement plan to reduce future benefits provided under the plan. As a result of this change, the Company recognized a pre-tax curtailment gain in the first quarter of 2013 of $2.2 million (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) and a reduction in the postretirement liability of $2.6 million.
The amounts accrued for the plan are determined as follows:
	As at December 31,
	2013			2012
Obligation, beginning of year	$	4,606		$	4,052
Curtailment gain		-2,185			-
Interest cost		72			194
Service cost		27			231
Benefits paid		-81			-
Actuarial (gain) loss		-95			129
Obligation, end of year	$	2,344		$	4,606
The following details the net cost components, all related to continuing operations, and underlying assumptions of postretirement benefits other than pensions:
	Years Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Curtailment gain	$	-2,185		$	-		$	-
Interest cost		72			194			183
Service cost		27			231			195
	$	-2,086		$	425		$	378
The following amounts were included in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods:
		As at December 31,
	2013			2012				2011
Unrealized actuarial loss	$	303		$	129		$	234
Weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation are:
	As at December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Discount rate	4.5	%		4	%		4.5	%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine the net postretirement benefit expense are:
	Years Ended December 31
	2013			2012			2011
Discount rate	4	%		4.5	%		5	%
The Company expects interest costs of $0.1 million and service costs of less than $0.1 million to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2014.
The following benefit payments are expected to be made as per the current plan assumptions in each of the next five years:
2014	$	79
2015	$	92
2016	$	103
2017	$	114
2018	$	121
Thereafter	$	1,835
Total	$	2,344

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	22. Discontinued Operations
	Nyack Theater
	On January 30, 2014, the Company's lease with respect to its owned and operated Nyack IMAX Theater ended and the Company
	has decided not to renew the respective lease. The remaining assets and liabilities of the Nyack owned and operated theater that are included in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2013 are disclosed in note 22(c).
	As a result, the prior years' amounts in the consolidated statements of operations and the consolidated statements of cash flows have been adjusted to reflect the reclassification of the owned and operated Nyack IMAX theater as a discontinued operation.
	Operating Results for Discontinued Operations
	The net earnings from discontinued operations summarized in the consolidated statements of operations, were comprised of the following:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Services revenue	$	1,291	$	1,535	$	1,458
	Services cost of sales applicable to revenues		-1,758		-2,047		-2,305
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		-2		-		-
	Asset impairments		-		-		-8
	Interest recovery		1		-		-
	Tax recovery		159		-		-
	Net loss from discontinued operations	$	-309	$	-512	$	-855
	(c)  Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations
	The assets and liabilities related to the Nyack theater are included in the consolidated balance sheet of IMAX Corporation and are comprised of the following:
		As at December 31,
		2013		2012
	Cash	$	134	$	197
	Accounts receivable		9		16
	Inventories		20		21
	Prepaid expenses		54		17
	Property, plant and equipment		-		2
	Total assets	$	217	$	253
	Accounts payable	$	147	$	133
	Accrued liabilities		701		1,157
	Deferred revenue		32		32
	Total liabilities	$	880	$	1,322

Asset_Retirement_Obligations

Asset Retirement Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	23.  Asset Retirement Obligations
	The Company has accrued costs related to obligations in respect of required reversion costs for its owned and operated theaters under long-term real estate leases which will become due in the future. The Company does not have any legal restrictions with respect to settling any of these long-term leases. A reconciliation of the Company's liability in respect of required reversion costs is shown below:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Beginning balance, January 1	$	249	$	230	$	286
	Accretion expense		6		19		17
	Reduction in asset retirement obligation		-112		-		-73
	Ending balance, December 31	$	143	$	249	$	230

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Variable interest entities	'
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, except for subsidiaries which the Company has identified as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where the Company is not the primary beneficiary.
	The Company has evaluated its various variable interests to determine whether they are VIEs as required by the Consolidation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”). The Company has 9 film production companies that are VIEs. For 2 of the Company's film production companies, the Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of these entities as the Company has the power to direct the activities of the respective VIE that most significantly impact the respective VIE's economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the respective VIE or the right to receive benefits from the respective VIE that could potentially be significant to the respective VIE. The Company continues to consolidate these entities, with no material impact on the operating results or financial condition of the Company, as these production companies have total assets of $nil (December 31, 2012 — $nil) and total liabilities of $nil as at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 — $nil). For the other 7 film production companies which are VIEs, the Company did not consolidate these film entities since it does not have the power to direct activities and does not absorb the majority of the expected losses or expected residual returns. The Company equity accounts for these entities. As at December 31, 2013, these 7 VIEs have total assets and total liabilities of $5.2 million (December 31, 2012 — $15.9 million). Earnings of the investees included in the Company's consolidated statement of operations amounted to $nil in 2013 (2012 — $nil). The carrying value of these investments in VIEs that are not consolidated is $nil at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 — $nil). A loss in value of an investment other than a temporary decline is recognized as a charge to the consolidated statement of operations. The Company's exposure, which is determined based on the level of funding contributed by the Company and the development stage of the respective film, is $1.5 million at December 31, 2013 (2012 — $0.9 million).
Equity and Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	The Company accounts for investments in new business ventures using the guidance of the FASB ASC 323 “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures” (“ASC 323”) and ASC 320 “Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“ASC 320”), as appropriate. At December 31, 2013, the equity method of accounting is being utilized for an investment with a carrying value of $0.4 million (December 31, 2012 — $3.0 million). In 2013, the Company has contributed $1.4 million, net of its share of costs, to a new business venture. This venture is still in the early-stage of start-up. The Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, and therefore these entities have not been consolidated. In addition, the Company has an investment in preferred stock of another business venture of $1.5 million which meets the criteria for classification as a debt security under ASC 320 and is recorded at its fair value of $1.0 million at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 — $1.4 million). This investment is classified as an available-for-sale investment. In 2013, the Company invested $2.5 million in the preferred shares of an enterprise which meet the criteria for classification as an equity security under ASC 325 − “Investments − Others” (“ASC 325”) and accrued $0.5 million pertaining to warrants related to the respective investment. The total carrying value of investments in new business ventures at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is $5.8 million and $4.4 million, respectively, and is recorded in Other Assets.
Cost Method Investments Policy	'
	the preferred shares of an enterprise which meet the criteria for classification as an equity security under ASC 325 − “Investments − Others” (“ASC 325”)
Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	The Company accounts for investments in new business ventures using the guidance of the FASB ASC 323 “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures” (“ASC 323”) and ASC 320 “Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“ASC 320”), as appropriate. At December 31, 2013, the equity method of accounting is being utilized for an investment with a carrying value of $0.4 million (December 31, 2012 — $3.0 million). In 2013, the Company has contributed $1.4 million, net of its share of costs, to a new business venture. This venture is still in the early-stage of start-up. The Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, and therefore these entities have not been consolidated. In addition, the Company has an investment in preferred stock of another business venture of $1.5 million which meets the criteria for classification as a debt security under ASC 320 and is recorded at its fair value of $1.0 million at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 — $1.4 million). This investment is classified as an available-for-sale investment. In 2013, the Company invested $2.5 million in the preferred shares of an enterprise which meet the criteria for classification as an equity security under ASC 325 − “Investments − Others” (“ASC 325”) and accrued $0.5 million pertaining to warrants related to the respective investment. The total carrying value of investments in new business ventures at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is $5.8 million and $4.4 million, respectively, and is recorded in Other Assets.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	(b)  Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could be materially different from these estimates. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to: selling prices associated with the individual elements in multiple element arrangements; residual values of leased theater systems; economic lives of leased assets; allowances for potential uncollectibility of accounts receivable, financing receivables and net investment in leases; provisions for inventory obsolescence; ultimate revenues for film assets; impairment provisions for film assets, long-lived assets and goodwill; depreciable lives of property, plant and equipment; useful lives of intangible assets; pension plan assumptions; accruals for contingencies including tax contingencies; valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets; and, estimates of the fair value of stock-based payment awards.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	(c)  Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments convertible to a known amount of cash and with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivables Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy	'
	Allowances for doubtful accounts receivable are based on the Company's assessment of the collectibility of specific customer balances, which is based upon a review of the customer's credit worthiness, past collection history and the underlying asset value of the equipment, where applicable. Interest on overdue accounts receivable is recognized as income as the amounts are collected.
	For trade accounts receivable that have characteristics of both a contractual maturity of one year or less, and arose from the sale of other goods or services, the Company charges off the balance against the allowance for doubtful accounts when it is known that a provided amount will not be collected.
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Policy for Uncollectible Amounts	'
	The Company monitors the performance of the theaters to which it has leased or sold theater systems which are subject to ongoing payments. When facts and circumstances indicate that there is a potential impairment in the net investment in lease or a financing receivable, the Company will evaluate the potential outcome of either renegotiations involving changes in the terms of the receivable or defaults on the existing lease or financed sale agreements. The Company will record a provision if it is considered probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the arrangement or a renegotiated lease amount will cause a reclassification of the sales-type lease to an operating lease.
Condition for Company's policy to review and assess collectability on theater's past due accounts	'
	When the net investment in lease or the financing receivable is impaired, the Company will recognize a provision for the difference between the carrying value in the investment and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted using the effective interest rate for the net investment in the lease or the financing receivable. If the Company expects to recover the theater system, the provision is equal to the excess of the carrying value of the investment over the fair value of the equipment.
	When the minimum lease payments are renegotiated and the lease continues to be classified as a sales-type lease, the reduction in payments is applied to reduce unearned finance income.
	These provisions are adjusted when there is a significant change in the amount or timing of the expected future cash flows or when actual cash flows differ from cash flow previously expected.
	Once a net investment in lease or financing receivable is considered impaired, the Company does not recognize interest income until the collectibility issues are resolved. When finance income is not recognized, any payments received are applied against outstanding gross minimum lease amounts receivable or gross receivables from financed sales. Once the collectability issues are resolved, the Company will once again commence the recognition of interest income.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	(e)  Inventories
	Inventories are carried at the lower of cost, determined on an average cost basis, and net realizable value except for raw materials, which are carried at the lower of cost and replacement cost. Finished goods and work-in-process include the cost of raw materials, direct labor, theater design costs, and an applicable share of manufacturing overhead costs.
	The costs related to theater systems under sales and sales-type lease arrangements are relieved from inventory to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales when revenue recognition criteria are met. The costs related to theater systems under operating lease arrangements and joint revenue sharing arrangements are transferred from inventory to assets under construction in property, plant and equipment when allocated to a signed joint revenue sharing arrangement or when the arrangement is first classified as an operating lease.
	The Company records provisions for excess and obsolete inventory based upon current estimates of future events and conditions, including the anticipated installation dates for the current backlog of theater system contracts, technological developments, signings in negotiation, growth prospects within the customers' ultimate marketplace and anticipated market acceptance of the Company's current and pending theater systems.
	Finished goods inventories can contain theater systems for which title has passed to the Company's customer (as the theater system has been delivered to the customer) but the revenue recognition criteria as discussed in note 2(m) have not been met.
Film Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	(f)  Film Assets
	Costs of producing films, including labor, allocated overhead, capitalized interest, and costs of acquiring film rights are recorded as film assets and accounted for in accordance with Entertainment-Films Topic of the FASB ASC. Production financing provided by third parties that acquire substantive rights in the film is recorded as a reduction of the cost of the production. Film assets are amortized and participation costs are accrued using the individual-film-forecast method in the same ratio that current gross revenues bear to current and anticipated future ultimate revenues. Estimates of ultimate revenues are prepared on a title-by-title basis and reviewed regularly by management and revised where necessary to reflect the most current information. Ultimate revenues for films include estimates of revenue over a period not to exceed ten years following the date of initial release.
	Film exploitation costs, including advertising costs, are expensed as incurred.
	Costs, including labor and allocated overhead, of digitally re-mastering films where the copyright is owned by a third party and the Company shares in the revenue of the third party are included in film assets. These costs are amortized using the individual-film-forecast method in the same ratio that current gross revenues bear to current and anticipated future ultimate revenues from the re-mastered film.
	The recoverability of film assets is dependent upon commercial acceptance of the films. If events or circumstances indicate that the recoverable amount of a film asset is less than the unamortized film costs, the film asset is written down to its fair value. The Company determines the fair value of its film assets using a discounted cash flow model.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	(g)  Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:
	Theater system components (1)        —       over the equipment's anticipated useful life (7 to 20 years)
	Camera equipment       —       5 to 10 years
	Buildings       —       20 to 25 years
	Office and production equipment       —       3 to 5 years
	Leasehold improvements       —       over the shorter of the initial term of the underlying leases plus any
	reasonably assured renewal terms, and the useful life of the asset
	__________
	(1)       includes equipment under joint revenue sharing arrangements.
	Equipment and components allocated to be used in future operating leases and joint revenue sharing arrangements, as well as direct labor costs and an allocation of direct production costs, are included in assets under construction until such equipment is installed and in working condition, at which time the equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the joint revenue sharing arrangement and the equipment's anticipated useful life.
	The Company reviews the carrying values of its property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group might not be recoverable. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent when testing for, and measuring for, impairment. In performing its review of recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset or asset group over the fair value calculated using discounted expected future cash flows.
Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	A liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs are recognized in the period in which the liability and costs are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made using a discounted cash flow model. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and subsequently amortized over the asset's useful life. The liability is accreted over the period to expected cash outflows.
Other Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	(h)  Other Assets
	Other assets include insurance recoverable, deferred charges on debt financing, deferred selling costs that are direct and incremental to the acquisition of sales contracts, foreign currency derivatives, lease incentives and investments in new business ventures.
	Costs of debt financing are deferred and amortized over the term of the debt using the effective interest method.
	Selling costs related to an arrangement incurred prior to recognition of the related revenue are deferred and expensed to costs and expenses applicable to revenues upon: (i) recognition of the contract's theater system revenue; or (ii) abandonment of the sale arrangement.
	Foreign currency derivatives are accounted for at fair value using quoted prices in closed exchanges (Level 2 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy).
	The Company may provide lease incentives to certain exhibitors which are essential to entering into the respective lease arrangement. Lease incentives include payments made to or on behalf of the exhibitor. These lease incentives are recognized as a reduction in rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
	Investments in new business ventures are accounted for using ASC 323 as described in note 2(a). The Company currently accounts for its 10.1% investment in 3net, a 3D television channel operated by a limited liability corporation owned by the Company and its joint venture investment with TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings Limited, using the equity method of accounting. The Company accounts for in-kind contributions to its equity investment in accordance with ASC 845 “Non-Monetary Transactions” (“ASC 845”) whereby if the fair value of the asset or assets contributed is greater than the carrying value a partial gain shall be recognized.
	The Company's investment in debt securities is classified as an available-for-sale investment in accordance with ASC 320. Unrealized holding gains and losses for this investment is excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income until realized. Realization occurs upon sale of a portion of or the entire investment. The investment is impaired if the fair value is less than cost, which is assessed in each reporting period. When the Company intends to sell a specifically identified beneficial interest, a write-down for other-than-temporary impairment shall be recognized in earnings.
	The Company's investment in preferred shares, which meets the criteria for classification as an equity security in accordance with ASC 325, is accounted for at cost.  The Company records the related warrants at fair value upon recognition date.  Warrants are recognized over the term of the agreement.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	(i)  Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired in a purchase business combination. Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company performs a qualitative assessment of its reporting units and certain select quantitative calculations against its current long range plan to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount (Step 0). The Company first assesses certain qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carry amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. When necessary, impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit's carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is estimated using a discounted cash flow approach. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any, by comparing the fair value of each identifiable asset and liability in the reporting unit to the total fair value of the reporting unit. Any impairment loss is expensed in the consolidated statement of operations and is not reversed if the fair value subsequently increases.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	(j)  Other Intangible Assets
	Patents, trademarks and other intangibles are recorded at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 4 to 10 years except, for intangible assets that have an identifiable pattern of consumption of the economic benefit of the asset, which are amortized over the consumption pattern.
	The Company reviews the carrying values of its other intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group might not be recoverable. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent when testing for, and measuring for, impairment. In performing its review for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset or asset group over the fair value calculated using discounted expected future cash flows.
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block]	'
	(k)  Deferred Revenue
	Deferred revenue represents cash received prior to revenue recognition criteria being met for theater system sales or leases, film contracts, maintenance and extended warranty services, film related services and film distribution.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	(l)  Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method whereby deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the accounting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates or laws is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the period in which the change is enacted. Investment tax credits are recognized as a reduction of income tax expense.
	The Company assesses realization of deferred income tax assets and, based on all available evidence, concludes whether it is more likely than not that the net deferred income tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is provided for the amount of deferred income tax assets not considered to be realizable.
	The Company is subject to ongoing tax exposures, examinations and assessments in various jurisdictions. Accordingly, the Company may incur additional tax expense based upon the outcomes of such matters. In addition, when applicable, the Company adjusts tax expense to reflect the Company's ongoing assessments of such matters which require judgment and can materially increase or decrease its effective rate as well as impact operating results. The Company provides for such exposures in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the FASB ASC.
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements, Description [Policy Text Block]	'
	Multiple Element Arrangements
	The Company's revenue arrangements with certain customers may involve multiple elements consisting of a theater system (projector, sound system, screen system and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning machine); services associated with the theater system including theater design support, supervision of installation, and projectionist training; a license to use of the IMAX brand; 3D glasses; maintenance and extended warranty services; and licensing of films. The Company evaluates all elements in an arrangement to determine what are considered deliverables for accounting purposes and which of the deliverables represent separate units of accounting based on the applicable accounting guidance in the Leases Topic of the FASB ASC; the Guarantees Topic of the FASB ASC; the Entertainment – Films Topic of FASB ASC; and the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB. If separate units of accounting are either required under the relevant accounting standards or determined to be applicable under the Revenue Recognition Topic, the total consideration received or receivable in the arrangement is allocated based on the applicable guidance in the above noted standards.
	Theater Systems
	The Company has identified the projection system, sound system, screen system and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning machine, theater design support, supervision of installation, projectionist training and the use of the IMAX brand to be a single deliverable and a single unit of accounting (the “System Deliverable”). When an arrangement does not include all the elements of a System Deliverable, the elements of the System Deliverable included in the arrangement are considered by the Company to be a single deliverable and a single unit of accounting. The Company is not responsible for the physical installation of the equipment in the customer's facility; however, the Company supervises the installation by the customer. The customer has the right to use the IMAX brand from the date the Company and the customer enter into an arrangement.
	The Company's System Deliverable arrangements involve either a lease or a sale of the theater system. Consideration for the System Deliverable, other than for those delivered pursuant to joint revenue sharing arrangements, consist of upfront or initial payments made before and after the final installation of the theater system equipment and ongoing payments throughout the term of the lease or over a period of time, as specified in the arrangement. The ongoing payments are the greater of an annual fixed minimum amount or a certain percentage of the theater box-office. Amounts received in excess of the annual fixed minimum amounts are considered contingent payments. The Company's arrangements are non-cancellable, unless the Company fails to perform its obligations. In the absence of a material default by the Company, there is no right to any remedy for the customer under the Company's arrangements. If a material default by the Company exists, the customer has the right to terminate the arrangement and seek a refund only if the customer provides notice to the Company of a material default and only if the Company does not cure the default within a specified period.
	For arrangements entered into or materially modified after January 1, 2011, consideration is allocated to each unit of accounting based on the unit's relative selling prices. The Company uses vender-specific objective evidence of selling price (VSOE) when the Company sells the deliverable separately and is the price actually charged by the Company for that deliverable. VSOE is established for the Company's System Deliverable, maintenance and extended warranty services and film license arrangements. The Company uses a best estimate of selling price (BESP) for units of accounting that do not have VSOE or third party evidence of selling price. The Company determines BESP for a deliverable by considering multiple factors including the Company's historical pricing practices, product class, market competition and geography.
	Sales Arrangements
	For arrangements qualifying as sales, the revenue allocated to the System Deliverable is recognized in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC, when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and are in full working condition, (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered, (iii) projectionist training has been completed and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater, provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.
	The initial revenue recognized consists of the initial payments received and the present value of any future initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments that have been attributed to this unit of accounting. Contingent payments in excess of the fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.
	The Company has also agreed, on occasion, to sell equipment under lease or at the end of a lease term. Consideration agreed to for these lease buyouts is included in revenues from equipment and product sales, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fees are fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured and title to the theater system passes from the Company to the customer.
Revenue Recognition Leases [Policy Text Block]	'
	Lease Arrangements
	The Company uses the Leases Topic of FASB ASC to evaluate whether an arrangement is a lease within the scope of the accounting standard. Arrangements not within the scope of the accounting standard are accounted for either as a sales or services arrangement, as applicable.
	For lease arrangements, the Company determines the classification of the lease in accordance with the Lease Topic of FASB ASC. A lease arrangement that transfers substantially all of the benefits and risks incident to ownership of the equipment is classified as a sales-type lease based on the criteria established by the accounting standard; otherwise the lease is classified as an operating lease. Prior to commencement of the lease term for the equipment, the Company may modify certain payment terms or make concessions. If these circumstances occur, the Company reassesses the classification of the lease based on the modified terms and conditions.
	For sales-type leases, the revenue allocated to the System Deliverable is recognized when the lease term commences, which the Company deems to be when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and are in full working condition; (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered; (iii) projectionist training has been completed; and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of the written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.
	The initial revenue recognized for sales-type leases consists of the initial payments received and the present value of future initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments computed at the interest rate implicit in the lease. Contingent payments in excess of the fixed minimum payments are recognized when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.
	For operating leases, initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For operating leases, the lease term is considered to commence when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and in full working condition; (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered; (iii) projectionist training has been completed; and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater. Contingent payments in excess of fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized as revenue when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.
Revenue Recognition Finance Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Finance Income
	Finance income is recognized over the term of the sales-type lease or financed sales receivable, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. Finance income recognition ceases when the Company determines that the associated receivable is not collectible.
	Finance income is suspended when the Company identifies a theater that is delinquent, non-responsive or not negotiating in good faith with the Company. Once the collectability issues are resolved the Company will resume recognition of finance income.
Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Cost of Equipment and Product Sales
	Theater systems and other equipment subject to sales-type leases and sales arrangements includes the cost of the equipment and costs related to project management, design, delivery and installation supervision services as applicable. The costs related to theater systems under sales and sales-type lease arrangements are relieved from inventory to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales when revenue recognition criteria are met. In addition, the Company defers direct selling costs such as sales commissions and other amounts related to these contracts until the related revenue is recognized. These costs included in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales, totaled $2.5 million in 2013 (2012 – $2.7 million, 2011 – $2.4 million). The cost of equipment and product sales prior to direct selling costs was $35.0 million in 2013 (2012 – $34.8 million, 2011 – $36.3 million). The Company may have warranty obligations at or after the time revenue is recognized which require replacement of certain parts that do not affect the functionality of the theater system or services. The costs for warranty obligations for known issues are accrued as charges to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales at the time revenue is recognized based on the Company's past historical experience and cost estimates.
Cost of Rentals, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Cost of Rentals
	For theater systems and other equipment subject to an operating lease or placed in a theater operators' venue under a joint revenue sharing arrangement, the cost of equipment and those costs that result directly from and are essential to the arrangement, is included within property, plant and equipment. Depreciation and impairment losses, if any, are included in cost of rentals based on the accounting policy set out in note 2(g). Commissions are recognized as costs and expenses applicable to revenues-rentals in the month they are earned, which is typically the month of installation. These costs totaled $1.9 million in 2013 (2012 — $1.5 million, 2011 — $2.3 million). Direct advertising and marketing costs for each theater are charged to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-rentals as incurred. These costs totaled $1.7 million in 2013 (2012 — $1.9 million, 2011 — $3.2 million).
Revenue Recognition, Incentives [Policy Text Block]	'
	The Company may offer certain incentives to customers to complete theater system transactions including payment concessions or free services and products such as film licenses or 3D glasses. Reductions in, and deferral of, payments are taken into account in determining the sales price either by a direct reduction in the sales price or a reduction of payments to be discounted in accordance with the Leases or Interests Topic of the FASB ASC. Free products and services are accounted for as separate units of accounting. Other consideration given by the Company to customers are accounted for in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC.
Maintenance And Extended Warranty Services, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Maintenance and Extended Warranty Services
	Maintenance and extended warranty services may be provided under a multiple element arrangement or as a separately priced contract. Revenues related to these services are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period and are recognized in Services revenues. Maintenance and extended warranty services includes maintenance of the customer's equipment and replacement parts. Under certain maintenance arrangements, maintenance services may include additional training services to the customer's technicians. All costs associated with this maintenance and extended warranty program are expensed as incurred. A loss on maintenance and extended warranty services is recognized if the expected cost of providing the services under the contracts exceeds the related deferred revenue.
Films Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Film Production and IMAX DMR Services
	In certain film arrangements, the Company produces a film financed by third parties whereby the third party retains the copyright and the Company obtains exclusive distribution rights. Under these arrangements, the Company is entitled to receive a fixed fee or to retain as a fee the excess of funding over cost of production (the “production fee”). The third parties receive a portion of the revenues received by the Company from distributing the film, which is charged to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services. The production fees are deferred, and recognized as a reduction in the cost of the film based on the ratio of the Company's distribution revenues recognized in the current period to the ultimate distribution revenues expected from the film. Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing totaled $4.2 million in 2013 (2012 — $3.3 million, 2011 — $3.8 million) and are recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services as incurred.
	Revenue from film production services where the Company does not hold the associated distribution rights are recognized in Services revenues when performance of the contractual service is complete, provided there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.
	Revenues from digitally re-mastering (IMAX DMR) films where third parties own or hold the copyrights and the rights to distribute the film are derived in the form of processing fees and recoupments calculated as a percentage of box-office receipts generated from the re-mastered films. Processing fees are recognized as Services revenues when the performance of the related re-mastering service is completed provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Recoupments, calculated as a percentage of box-office receipts, are recognized as Services revenue when box-office receipts are reported by the third party that owns or holds the related film rights, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.
	Losses on film production and IMAX DMR services are recognized as costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services in the period when it is determined that the Company's estimate of total revenues to be realized by the Company will not exceed estimated total production costs to be expended on the film production and the cost of IMAX DMR services.
	Film Distribution
	Revenue from the licensing of films is recognized in Services revenues when persuasive evidence of a licensing arrangement exists, the film has been completed and delivered, the license period has begun, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. When license fees are based on a percentage of box-office receipts, revenue is recognized when box-office receipts are reported by exhibitors, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing, totaled $0.4 million in 2013 (2012 — $1.5 million, 2011 — $1.9 million) and are recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services as incurred.
	Film Post-Production Services
	Revenues from post-production film services are recognized in Services revenues when performance of the contracted services is complete provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.
Other Revenue, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Other
	The Company recognizes revenue in Services revenues from its owned and operated theaters resulting from box-office ticket and concession sales as tickets are sold, films are shown and upon the sale of various concessions. The sales are cash or credit card transactions with theatergoers based on fixed prices per seat or per concession item.
	In addition, the Company enters into commercial arrangements with third party theater owners resulting in the sharing of profits and losses which are recognized in Services revenues when reported by such theaters. The Company also provides management services to certain theaters and recognizes revenue over the term of such services.
	Revenues on camera rentals are recognized in Rental revenues over the rental period.
	Revenue from the sale of 3D glasses is recognized in Equipment and product sales revenue when the 3D glasses have been delivered to the customer.
	Other service revenues are recognized in Service revenues when the performance of contracted services is complete.
	Improvements and modifications to the theater system after installation are treated as separate revenue transactions, if and when the Company is requested to perform these services. Revenue is recognized for these services when the performance of the services has been completed, provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	(n)  Research and Development
	Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and primarily include projector and sound parts, labor, consulting fees, allocation of overheads and other related materials which pertain to the Company's development of ongoing product and services. Research and development costs pertaining to fixed and intangible assets that have alternative future uses are capitalized and amortized under their related policies.
Foreign Currency Translations [Policy Text Block]	'
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Monetary assets and liabilities of the Company's operations which are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Non-monetary items are translated at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expense transactions are translated at exchange rates prevalent at the transaction date. In 2013, the Company determined that the functional currency of one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries had changed from the Company's reporting currency to the currency of the nation in which it is domiciled. As a result, in accordance with the FASB ASC 830 “Foreign Currency Matters”, the adjustment attributable to current-rate translation of non-monetary assets as of the date of the change was reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The functional currency of its other wholly-owned subsidiaries continues to be the United States dollar. Such exchange gains and losses are included in the determination of earnings in the period in which they arise.
Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Hedging Derivatives [Policy Text Block]	'
	Foreign currency derivatives are recognized and measured in the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value (gains or losses) are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations except for derivatives designated and qualifying as foreign currency hedging instruments. For foreign currency hedging instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss in a hedge of a forecasted transaction is reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified to the consolidated statement of operations when the forecasted transaction occurs. Any ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of operations.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	(p)  Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company's stock-based compensation generally includes stock options, restricted share units (“RSUs”) and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). Stock-based compensation is recognized in accordance with the FASB ASC Topic 505, “Equity” and Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.”
	The Company estimates the fair value of stock option and SAR awards on the date of grant using fair value measurement techniques such as an option-pricing model. The fair value of RSU awards is equal to the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The value of the portion of the employee award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Company's consolidated statement of operations.
	The Company utilizes a lattice-binomial option-pricing model (“Binomial Model”) to determine the fair value of stock option and SAR awards. The fair value determined by the Binomial Model is affected by the Company's stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company's expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The Binomial Model also considers the expected exercise multiple which is the multiple of exercise price to grant price at which exercises are expected to occur on average. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company's employee stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management's opinion, the Binomial Model best provides a fair measure of the fair value of the Company's employee stock options. See note 14(c) for the assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock-based payment awards.
	Stock-based compensation expense includes compensation cost for employee stock-based payment awards granted and all modified, repurchased or cancelled employee awards. In addition, compensation expense includes the compensation cost, based on the grant-date fair value calculated for pro forma disclosures under ASC 718-10-55, for the portion of awards for which required service had not been rendered that were outstanding. Compensation expense for these employee awards is recognized using the straight-line single-option method. As stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Codification requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if subsequent information indicates that the actual forfeitures are likely to be different from previous estimates. The Company utilizes the market yield on U.S. treasury securities (also known as nominal rate) over the contractual term of the instrument being issued.
	Stock Options
	As the Company stratifies its employees into homogeneous groups in order to calculate fair value under the Binomial Model, ranges of assumptions used are presented for expected option life and annual termination probability. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination within the valuation model; various groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected volatility rate is estimated based on a blended volatility method which takes into consideration the Company's historical share price volatility, the Company's implied volatility which is implied by the observed current market prices of the Company's traded options and the Company's peer group volatility. The Company utilizes an expected term method to determine expected option life based on such data as vesting periods of awards, historical data that includes past exercise and post-vesting cancellations and stock price history.
	The Company's policy is to issue new shares from treasury to satisfy stock options which are exercised.
	Restricted Share Units
	The Company's RSUs have been classified as equity in accordance with Topic 505. The fair value of RSU awards is equal to the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.
	Stock Appreciation Rights
	The Company's SARs have been classified as liabilities in accordance with Topic 505. The Company utilizes the Binomial Model to determine the value of these instruments settleable in cash.
	Awards to Non-Employees
	Stock-based awards for services provided by non-employees are accounted for based on the fair value of the services received or the stock-based award, whichever is more reliably determinable. If the fair value of the stock-based award is used, the fair value is measured at the date of the award and remeasured until the earlier of the date that the Company has a performance commitment from the non-employees, the date performance is completed, or the date the awards vest.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	(q)  Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefits
	The Company has a defined benefit pension plan, the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”). As the Company's SERP is unfunded, as at December 31, 2013, a liability is recognized for the projected benefit obligation.
	Assumptions used in computing the defined benefit obligations are reviewed annually by management in consultation with its actuaries and adjusted for current conditions. Actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefits cost are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income including unrecognized actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs are adjusted as they are subsequently recognized in the consolidated statement of operations as components of net periodic benefit cost. Prior service costs resulting from the pension plan inception or amendments are amortized over the expected future service life of the employees, cumulative actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the projected benefit obligation are amortized over the expected average remaining service life of the employees, and current service costs are expensed when earned. The remaining weighted average future service life of the employee used in computing the defined benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2013 was 3.0 years.
	For defined contribution pension plans, required contributions by the Company are recorded as an expense.
	A liability is recognized for the unfunded accumulated benefit obligation of the postretirement benefits plan. Assumptions used in computing the accumulated benefit obligation are reviewed by management in consultation with its actuaries and adjusted for current conditions. Current service cost is recognized as incurred and actuarial gains and losses are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including unrecognized actuarial gains or losses are adjusted as they are subsequently recognized in the consolidated statement of operations as components of net periodic benefit cost.
Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties Policies [Policy Text Block]	'
	(r)  Guarantees
	The FASB ASC Guarantees Topic requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of certain guarantees. Disclosures as required under the accounting guidance have been included in note 13(i).
New Accounting Pronouncements Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Adoption of New Accounting Policies
	In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” (“ASU 2013-01”). The purpose of the amendment is to address implementation issues about the scope of FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11 “Balance Sheet (Topic 210) - Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” “(ASU 2011-11”). ASU 2011-11 and ASU 2013-01 were issued in an effort to provide greater comparability within disclosures between entities reporting in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) that have offsetting (netting) assets and liabilities. Entities will be required to disclose both gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. An entity is required to apply the amendments in ASU 2013-01 for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods. It is to be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2013. The adoption of the amended standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”). The amendments in ASU 2013-02 require an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. For public entities, the amendments are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2013. The adoption of the amended standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-10, “Derivative and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)” (“ASU 2013-10”). The amendments in ASU 2013-10 are to permit the use of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (OIS) as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, in addition to U.S. government (UST) and London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The amendment also removes the restriction of using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. For public entities, the amendments are effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The Company adopted the amended standard on July 17, 2013. The adoption of the amended standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	'
	Recently Issued FASB Accounting Standard Codification Updates
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, “Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date” (“ASU 2013-04”). The purpose of ASU 2013-04 is to provide guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in U.S. GAAP. ASU 2013-04 requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors, as well as the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information about those obligations. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption by public entities is permitted. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2014.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity” (“ASU 2013-05”). The purpose of ASU 2013-05 is to resolve the diversity in practice in relation to the treatment of the release of cumulative translation adjustments (“CTA”) upon sale (in full or part) of a foreign investment. It applies to the release of the CTA into net income when a parent either sells a part of all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption by public entities is permitted. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2014.
	In April 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-07, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205): Liquidation Basis of Accounting” (“ASU 2013-07”). The amendments of ASU 2013-07 require an entity to prepare its financial statements using the liquidation basis of accounting when liquidation is imminent and to present relevant information about an entity's expected resources in liquidation by measuring and presenting assets at the amount of the expected cash proceeds from liquidation. The amendments are effective for entities that determine liquidation is imminent during annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods therein. Standards should be applied prospectively from the day liquidation becomes imminent. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2014.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)” (“ASU 2013-11”). The amendments of ASU 2013-11 provide entities with guidance of how to present a provision for uncertain tax positions in the financial statements when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2014.
	In December 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-12, “Definition of a Public Business Entity” (“ASU 2013-12”). The amendments of ASU 2013-12 provide entities with a single definition of a Public Business Entity for use in future financial accounting and reporting guidance in 2014 and onwards. The Company adopted the amended standard on January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending March 31, 2014.

Financing_Receivables_Tables

Financing Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Financing Receivables [Abstract]	'
Financing receivables, consisting of net investment in sales-type leases and receivables from financed sales	'
		As at December 31,
		2013		2012
	Gross minimum lease payments receivable	$	17,475	$	18,880
	Unearned finance income		-3,052		-4,705
	Minimum lease payments receivable		14,423		14,175
	Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts		-806		-1,130
	Net investment in leases		13,617		13,045
	Gross financed sales receivables		129,398		114,492
	Unearned finance income		-35,669		-33,278
	Financed sales receivables		93,729		81,214
	Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts		-236		-66
	Net financed sales receivables		93,493		81,148
	Total financing receivables	$	107,110	$	94,193
	Net financed sales receivables due within one year	$	17,335	$	10,482
	Net financed sales receivables due after one year	$	76,158	$	70,666
Contingent fees, reported in revenue from customers under various arrangements	'
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Sales	$	2,493	$	1,797	$	976
	Sales-type leases		184		308		517
	Operating leases		1,009		930		1,232
	Subtotal - sales, sales-type leases and operating leases		3,686		3,035		2,725
	Joint revenue sharing arrangements		64,130		57,526		30,764
		$	67,816	$	60,561	$	33,489
Schedule of Operating Leases and Sales Type Leases Minimum Payments [Table Text Block]	'
		Operating Leases		Sales-Type Leases
	2014	$	2,075	$	3,000
	2015		1,637		2,215
	2016		1,180		2,011
	2017		1,121		1,700
	2018		1,442		1,600
	Thereafter		4,560		5,448
	Total	$	12,015	$	15,974

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
		As at December 31,
		2013		2012
	Raw materials	$	4,321	$	5,424
	Work-in-process		500		338
	Finished goods		5,004		10,032
		$	9,825	$	15,794

Film_Assets_Table

Film Assets (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Film Costs [Abstract]	'
Film Assets	'
			As at December 31,
			2013		2012
	Completed and released films, net of accumulated amortization of		$	5,583	$	2,959
		$84,363 (2012 — $67,363)
	Films in production			750		380
	Films in development			743		398
			$	7,076	$	3,737

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
			As at December 31, 2013
					Accumulated		Net Book
			Cost		Depreciation		Value
	Equipment leased or held for use
		Theater system components(1)(2)(3)(4)	$	158,192	$	51,537	$	106,655
		Camera equipment(7)		4,591		2,736		1,855
				162,783		54,273		108,510
	Assets under construction(5)			8,055		-		8,055
	Other property, plant and equipment
		Land		1,593		-		1,593
		Buildings		15,832		10,410		5,422
		Office and production equipment(6)		27,190		18,707		8,483
		Leasehold improvements		9,884		9,100		784
				54,499		38,217		16,282
			$	225,337	$	92,490	$	132,847
			As at December 31, 2012
					Accumulated		Net Book
			Cost		Depreciation		Value
	Equipment leased or held for use
		Theater system components(1)(2)(3)	$	131,240	$	39,140	$	92,100
		Camera equipment(7)		4,668		4,306		362
				135,908		43,446		92,462
	Assets under construction(5)			6,910		-		6,910
	Other property, plant and equipment
		Land		1,593		-		1,593
		Buildings		15,242		9,864		5,378
		Office and production equipment(6)		25,777		19,779		5,998
		Leasehold improvements		9,734		8,465		1,269
				52,346		38,108		14,238
			$	195,164	$	81,554	$	113,610

Other_Assets_Table

Other Assets (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Table Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block]	'
		As at December 31,
		2013		2012
	Insurance recoverable (note 13)	$	11,094	$	11,474
	Lease incentives provided to theaters		5,172		4,554
	Investment in new business ventures		5,380		1,350
	Commissions and other deferred selling expenses		2,586		2,645
	Deferred charges on debt financing		2,218		569
	Equity-accounted investments		404		3,074
	Foreign currency derivatives		-		297
	Other		180		-
		$	27,034	$	23,963

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Table Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Schedule of income (Loss) from continuing operations before income taxes by tax jurisdiction [Table Text Block]	'
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Canada	$	51,593		$	55,477		$	23,023
	United States		678			3,148			9,510
	China		12,012			-476			-5,722
	Other		-473			141			388
		$	63,810		$	58,290		$	27,199
Schedule of Components of (Provision) Recovery for Income Taxes Related to Income from Continuing Operations [Table Text Block]	'
				Years Ended December 31,
				2013			2012			2011
	Current:
		Canada		$	-1,068		$	-370		$	-1,174
		United States			-144			15			-125
		China			-2,317			-			-
		Other			-201			-			-
					-3,730			-355			-1,299
	Deferred:(1)
		Canada			-13,198			-14,441			-8,586
		United States			214			-420			-838
		China			-252			137			1,430
		Other			337			-			-
					-12,899			-14,724			-7,994
				$	-16,629		$	-15,079		$	-9,293
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Income tax provision at combined statutory rates		$	-16,914		$	-15,447		$	-7,684
	Adjustments resulting from:
		Non-deductible stock based compensation		-2,603			-3,166			-2,752
		Other non-deductible/non-includable items		-341			12			-246
		Decrease in valuation allowance relating to current year temporary differences		341			43			1,506
		Withholding and other taxes		-891			-1,095			-895
		Changes to tax reserves		84			833			99
		U.S. federal and state taxes		-144			45			-345
		Income tax at different rates in foreign and other provincial jurisdictions		918			-56			-916
		Impact of changes in future enacted tax rates on current year temporary differences		-			-			-521
		Carryforward of investment and other tax credits (non-refundable)		1,932			2,463			1,526
		Effect of changes in legislation relating to enacted tax rate increases		-			494			-
		Changes to deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from audit and other tax return adjustments		11			483			226
		Tax effect of loss from equity-accounted investments		1,040			463			642
		Other		-62			-151			67
	Provision for income taxes, as reported		$	-16,629		$	-15,079		$	-9,293
Schedule of Components of Net Deferred Income Tax Assets [Table Text Block]	'
		As at December 31,
		2013			2012
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	15,377		$	15,475
	Investment tax credit and other tax credit carryforwards		6,615			6,101
	Write-downs of other assets		-			690
	Excess tax over accounting basis in property, plant and equipment and inventories		-852			14,020
	Accrued pension liability		5,287			6,615
	Other accrued reserves		4,138			2,340
	Total deferred income tax assets		30,565			45,241
	Income recognition on net investment in leases		-1,552			-2,667
			29,013			42,574
	Valuation allowance		-4,754			-6,113
	Net deferred income tax asset	$	24,259		$	36,461
Schedule of Tax Credit and Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block]	'
		Investment Tax Credits and Other Tax Credit Carryforwards			Net Operating Loss Carryforwards
	2014	$	-		$	11
	2015		-			20
	2016		-			-
	2017		-			-
	2018		-			-
	Thereafter		8,276			49,381
		$	8,276		$	49,412
Schedule of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	'
	(In thousands of U.S. Dollars)	2013			2012			2011
	Balance at beginning of the year	$	2,286		$	3,119		$	3,219
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		210			392			404
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		-			-			16
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		-			-77			-
	Settlements		-			-38			-
	Reductions resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations and administrative practices		-294			-1,110			-520
	Balance at the end of the year	$	2,202		$	2,286		$	3,119
Income Tax Effect on Comprehensive Income	'
			2013			2012			2011
	Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit plan		$	-114		$	-91		$	-53
	Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on defined benefit plan			-588			285			145
	Gain on curtailment of postretirement benefit plan			-100			-			-
	Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on postretirement benefit plans			43			33			58
	Other-than-temporary impairment of available-for-sale investment			-			-19			-
	Change in market value of available-for-sale investment			45			-42			61
	Unrealized change in cash flow hedging instruments			264			-185			45
	Realized change in cash flow hedging instruments upon settlement			-80			62			190
	Foreign currency translation adjustments			26			-			-
			$	-504		$	43		$	446

Other_Intangibles_Tables

Other Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Other Intangible Assets	'
		As at December 31, 2013
				Accumulated		Net Book
		Cost		Amortization		Value
	Patents and trademarks	$	8,774	$	5,741	$	3,033
	Licenses and intellectual property		19,950		3,260		16,690
	Other		8,843		821		8,022
		$	37,567	$	9,822	$	27,745
		As at December 31, 2012
				Accumulated		Net Book
		Cost		Amortization		Value
	Patents and trademarks	$	8,499	$	5,670	$	2,829
	Licenses and intellectual property		19,790		1,730		18,060
	Other		7,022		-		7,022
		$	35,311	$	7,400	$	27,911
	2014	$	2,854
	2015		2,814
	2016		2,624
	2017		2,624
	2018		2,624

Credit_Facility_Tables

Credit Facility (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Credit Facility [Abstract]	'
Bank indebtedness	'
		As at December 31,
		2013		2012
	Revolving Term Loan	$	-	$	11,000

Commitments_Tables

Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Total minimum annual rental payments under lease	'
		Operating Leases		Capital Leases
	2014	$	6,454	$	2
	2015		1,537		-
	2016		695		-
	2017		533		-
	2018		533		-
	Thereafter		314		-
		$	10,066	$	2

Contingencies_and_Guarantees_T

Contingencies and Guarantees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Accrual for product warranties	'
		As at December 31,
		2013		2012
	Balance at the beginning of the year	$	32	$	94
	Warranty redemptions		-77		-66
	Warranties issued		52		53
	Revisions		-		-49
	Balance at the end of the year	$	7	$	32

Capital_Stock_Tables

Capital Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Capital Stock [Abstract]	'
Weighted average fair value of common share granted to employees	'
			2013		2012		2011
	Average risk-free interest rate		1.63%		1.36%		2.61%
	Expected option life (in years)		4.51 - 4.63		2.89 - 6.26		1.78 - 6.60
	Expected volatility		40%		50%		50%
	Annual termination probability		0% - 8.52%		0% - 8.76%		0% - 8.76%
	Dividend yield		0%		0%		0%
Options to Non-Employees	'
			Years Ended December 31
		2013			2012		2011
	Average risk-free interest rate		1.64%		1.28%		2.38%
	Contractual option life		7 years		7 years		6 years
	Average expected volatility		40%		50%		50%
	Dividend yield		0%		0%		0%
Option activity under the Stock Option Plan	'
									Weighted Average Exercise
			Number of Shares						Price Per Share
			2013		2012		2011	2013		2012		2011
	Options outstanding, beginning of year		7,441,068		7,200,721		6,743,272	$	18.48	$	14.6	$	10.79
	Granted		375,650		1,833,485		1,547,342		25.29		24.59		28.11
	Exercised		-1,316,347		-1,429,685		-907,167		6.81		6.24		8.67
	Forfeited		-228,190		-154,958		-182,726		24.55		23.03		18
	Expired		-		-		-		-		-		-
	Cancelled		-9,060		-8,495		-		30.9		22.07		-
	Options outstanding, end of period		6,263,121		7,441,068		7,200,721		21.11		18.48		14.6
	Options exercisable, end of period		3,578,006		3,480,160		3,467,242		18.56		14.5		9.51
Movement in Restricted Stock Units	'
						Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
			Number of Awards			Per Share
	RSUs outstanding, beginning of year		-			$	-
	Granted		322,561				26.16
	Vested		-46,360				26.23
	Forfeited		-12,061				26.28
	RSUs outstanding, end of period		264,140				26.14
Fair value measurement of stock appreciation rights	'
			As at December 31,
			2013		2012
	Average risk-free interest rate		n/a		0.72%
	Expected option life (in years)		n/a		2.17
	Expected volatility		n/a		50%
	Annual termination probability		n/a		8.52%
	Dividend yield		n/a		0%
Basic and diluted per-share computations	'
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012		2011
	Net income from continuing operations applicable to common shareholders		$	44,424		$	41,849	$	16,115
	Weighted average number of common shares (000's):
	Issued and outstanding, beginning of period			66,482			65,053		64,146
	Weighted average number of shares issued during the period			669			801		358
	Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic earnings per
		Share		67,151			65,854		64,504
	Assumed exercise of stock options and RSUs, net of shares assumed			1,810			2,079		3,355
	Weighted average number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per
		Share		68,961			67,933		67,859

Receivable_Provisions_Net_of_R1

Receivable Provisions Net of Recoveries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries [Abstract]	'
Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries	'
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Accounts receivable provisions, net of recoveries	$	-35	$	606	$	333
	Financing receivable provisions, net of recoveries		480		-82		1,237
	Receivable provisions, net of recoveries	$	445	$	524	$	1,570

Asset_Impairment_Tables

Asset Impairment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]	'
Asset Impairment Charges [Table Text Block]	'
	17.  Asset Impairments
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011(1)
	Property, plant and equipment	$	-	$	-	$	20
	Total	$	-	$	-	$	20

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas2

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information [Abstract]	'
Changes in other non-cash operating assets and liabilities	'
			Years Ended December 31,
				2013		2012		2011
	Decrease (increase) in:
		Accounts receivable	$	-31,032	$	4,110	$	-7,486
		Financing receivables		-13,397		-7,349		-14,623
		Inventories		1,884		-422		-1,264
		Prepaid expenses		231		-706		-294
		Commissions and other deferred selling expenses		59		322		382
		Insurance recoveries		380		444		978
		Other assets		-341		-752		-2,357
	Increase (decrease) in:
		Accounts payable		7,238		-8,139		5,592
		Accrued and other liabilities(1)		-1,289		-2,266		-31,013
		Deferred revenue		2,512		-504		706
			$	-33,755	$	-15,262	$	-49,379
Cash payments	'
		(b) Cash payments made on account of:
			Years Ended December 31,
				2013		2012		2011
	Income taxes		$	1,056	$	1,283	$	3,349
	Interest		$	315	$	1,374	$	1,260
Summary of depreciation and amortization	'
		(c) Depreciation and amortization are comprised of the following:
			Years Ended December 31,
				2013		2012		2011
	Film assets (1)		$	17,000	$	15,515	$	12,934
	Property, plant and equipment
		Joint revenue sharing arrangements		11,519		10,125		7,098
		Other property, plant and equipment		4,720		4,440		3,992
	Other intangible assets			2,854		2,006		465
	Other assets			592		532		286
	Deferred financing costs			487		170		388
			$	37,172	$	32,788	$	25,163
Write downs, net of recoveries	'
		(d) Write-downs, net of recoveries, are comprised of the following:
			Years Ended December 31,
				2013		2012		2011
	Asset impairments
		Property, plant and equipment(1)	$	-	$	-	$	20
	Other charges (recoveries)
		Accounts receivables		-35		606		333
		Financing receivables		480		-82		1,237
		Inventories(2)		444		898		-
		Impairment of available-for-sale investment		-		150		-
		Property, plant and equipment(3)		384		18		356
		Other intangible assets		63		11		-
		Other assets		-		6		-
			$	1,336	$	1,607	$	1,946
	Inventory charges
		Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - product & equipment sales	$	274	$	795	$	-
		Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - services		170		103		-
			$	444	$	898	$	-

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segmented Information [Abstract]	'
Revenue and Total Assets by Segment	'
		(a) Operating Segments
			Years Ended December 31,
				2013			2012			2011
	Revenue(1)
	IMAX theater systems
		IMAX systems	$	80,189		$	83,405		$	93,200
		Theater system maintenance		31,978			28,629			24,840
		Joint revenue sharing arrangements		64,130			57,526			30,764
				176,297			169,560			148,804
	Films
		Production and IMAX DMR		83,496			78,050			50,592
		Distribution		7,770			14,222			16,074
		Post-production		9,192			7,904			8,235
				100,458			100,176			74,901
	Other			11,182			13,019			11,393
	Total		$	287,937		$	282,755		$	235,098
	Gross margins
	IMAX theater systems
		IMAX systems(2)(4)	$	49,040		$	50,245		$	56,929
		Theater system maintenance(2)		12,096			10,970			9,437
		Joint revenue sharing arrangements(3)(4)		44,565			37,308			17,605
				105,701			98,523			83,971
	Films
		Production and IMAX DMR(4)		56,088			49,355			23,574
		Distribution(4)		1,371			2,356			3,025
		Post-production		1,341			1,954			2,985
				58,800			53,665			29,584
	Other			102			1,057			510
	Total		$	164,603		$	153,245		$	114,065
			As at December 31,
				2013			2012
	Assets
	IMAX systems(5)		$	170,719		$	153,201
	Theater systems maintenance(5)			16,619			14,632
	Joint revenue sharing arrangements(5)			153,399			125,602
	Films
		Production and IMAX DMR		22,315			17,653
		Distribution		8,675			6,790
		Post-production		5,351			3,694
	Other			7,645			3,142
	Corporate and other non-segment specific assets			96,422			97,158
	Total		$	481,145		$	421,872
Depreciation and Amortization by Segment [Text Block]	'
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Depreciation and amortization
	IMAX systems		$	3,287		$	2,946		$	1,770
	Theater systems maintenance			141			212			184
	Joint revenue sharing arrangements			13,535			11,836			7,939
	Films
		Production and IMAX DMR		16,298			14,471			12,843
		Distribution		1,048			1,631			980
		Post-production		424			608			590
	Other			347			172			156
	Corporate and other non-segment specific assets			2,092			912			701
	Total		$	37,172		$	32,788		$	25,163
Asset Impairments and Write-downs, Net of Recoveries, by Segment [Text Block]	'
				Years Ended December 31,
				2013			2012			2011
	Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries
	IMAX systems		$	1,109		$	1,480		$	1,915
	Theater systems maintenance			188			103			-
	Joint revenue sharing arrangements			39			24			12
	Films
		Production and IMAX DMR		-			-			-
	Other			-			-			19
	Total		$	1,336		$	1,607		$	1,946
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, by Segment [Text Block]	'
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Purchase of property, plant and equipment
	IMAX systems		$	6,181		$	2,958		$	1,076
	Theater system maintenance			130			36			10
	Joint revenue sharing arrangements			22,775			23,257			33,290
	Films
		Production and IMAX DMR		408			1,175			1,150
		Distribution		-			178			49
		Post-production		2,185			-			638
	Other			2,036			-			719
	Corporate and other non-segment specific assets			2,076			1,708			1,886
	Total		$	35,791		$	29,312		$	38,818
Geographical Information, Revenues and Property, plant and equipment	'
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Revenue
	United States	$	125,166		$	126,547		$	108,666
	Canada		11,049			19,109			21,232
	Greater China		56,480			44,922			33,265
	Western Europe		26,000			26,309			18,895
	Asia (excluding Greater China)		30,451			28,899			22,186
	Russia & the CIS		19,600			20,130			16,157
	Latin America		13,017			9,419			6,051
	Rest of the World		6,174			7,420			8,646
	Total	$	287,937		$	282,755		$	235,098
		As at December 31,
		2013			2012
	Property, plant and equipment
	United States	$	60,285		$	55,658
	Canada		23,687			21,779
	Greater China		32,958			24,764
	Asia (excluding Greater China)		9,200			7,134
	Western Europe		6,012			3,556
	Rest of the World		705			719
	Total	$	132,847		$	113,610

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
			As at December 31, 2013						As at December 31, 2012
			Carrying			Estimated			Carrying			Estimated
			Amount			Fair Value			Amount			Fair Value
	Net financed sales receivable	$	93,493		$	92,043		$	81,148		$	78,933
	Net investment in sales-type leases	$	13,617		$	13,214		$	13,045		$	13,513
	Available-for-sale investment	$	1,000		$	1,000		$	1,350		$	1,350
	Foreign exchange contracts — designated forwards	$	-421		$	-421		$	297		$	297
	Foreign exchange contracts — non-designated forwards	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-
	Borrowings under the Prior Credit Facility	$	-		$	-		$	-11,000		$	-11,000
Summary of changes in the fair value	'
				Available For Sale Investments
				2013			2012
	Beginning balance, January 1,			$	1,350		$	1,012
		Transfers into/out of Level 3			-			-
		Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)
			Included in earnings		-			-
			Included in other comprehensive income		-350			338
		Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements			-			-
	Ending balance, December 31,			$	1,000		$	1,350
	The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the
		change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date		$	-		$	-150
Recorded Investment in Financing Receivables	'
		As at December 31, 2013									As at December 31, 2012
		Minimum			Financed						Minimum			Financed
		Lease			Sales						Lease			Sales
		Payments			Receivables			Total			Payments			Receivables			Total
	In good standing	$	12,318		$	89,017		$	101,335		$	11,508		$	69,310		$	80,818
	Credit Watch		420			3,895			4,315			-			10,930			10,930
	Pre-approved transactions		288			-			288			467			293			760
	Transactions suspended		1,397			817			2,214			2,200			681			2,881
		$	14,423		$	93,729		$	108,152		$	14,175		$	81,214		$	95,389
Investment In Financing Receivables On Nonaccrual Status	'
				As at December 31, 2013						As at December 31, 2012
				Recorded			Related			Recorded			Related
				Investment			Allowance			Investment			Allowance
	Net investment in leases			$	1,684		$	-606		$	2,666		$	-1,130
	Net financed sales receivables				817			-236			1,322			-66
		Total		$	2,501		$	-842		$	3,988		$	-1,196
Aging of Financing Receivables	'
			As at December 31, 2013
															Related							Recorded
			Accrued									Billed			Unbilled			Total				Investment
			and									Financing			Recorded			Recorded		Related		Net of
			Current			30-89 Days			90+ Days			Receivables			Investment			Investment		Allowances		Allowances
	Net investment in leases		$	444		$	218		$	841		$	1,503		$	12,920		$	14,423	$	-806	$	13,617
	Net financed sales receivables			2,502			1,211			3,018			6,731			86,998			93,729		-236		93,493
	Total		$	2,946		$	1,429		$	3,859		$	8,234		$	99,918		$	108,152	$	-1,042	$	107,110
			As at December 31, 2012
															Related							Recorded
			Accrued									Billed			Unbilled			Total				Investment
			and									Financing			Recorded			Recorded		Related		Net of
			Current			30-89 Days			90+ Days			Receivables			Investment			Investment		Allowances		Allowances
	Net investment in leases		$	144		$	202		$	1,240		$	1,586		$	12,589		$	14,175	$	-1,130	$	13,045
	Net financed sales receivables			1,063			670			1,267			3,000			78,214			81,214		-66		81,148
	Total		$	1,207		$	872		$	2,507		$	4,586		$	90,803		$	95,389	$	-1,196	$	94,193
Financing receivables continues to accrue finance income	'
			As at December 31, 2013
															Related					Recorded
			Accrued									Billed			Unbilled					Investment
			and									Financing			Recorded			Related		Past Due
			Current			30-89 Days			90+ Days			Receivables			Investment			Allowance		and Accruing
	Net investment in leases		$	168		$	108		$	205		$	481		$	4,865		$	-200	$	5,146
	Net financed sales receivables			450			469			2,056			2,975			19,282			-		22,257
	Total		$	618		$	577		$	2,261		$	3,456		$	24,147		$	-200	$	27,403
			As at December 31, 2012
															Related					Recorded
			Accrued									Billed			Unbilled					Investment
			and									Financing			Recorded			Related		Past Due
			Current			30-89 Days			90+ Days			Receivables			Investment			Allowance		and Accruing
	Net investment in leases		$	11		$	59		$	23		$	93		$	1,449		$	-	$	1,542
	Net financed sales receivables			223			382			864			1,469			16,173			-		17,642
	Total		$	234		$	441		$	887		$	1,562		$	17,622		$	-	$	19,184
Impaired financing receivables	'
				Impaired Financing Receivables
				For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
													Average			Interest
				Recorded			Unpaid			Related			Recorded			Income
				Investment			Principal			Allowance			Investment			Recognized
	Recorded investment for which there is a related allowance:
			Net financed sales receivables	$	535		$	283		$	-236		$	545		$	34
	Recorded investment for which there is no related allowance:
			Net financed sales receivables		-			-			-			-			-
	Total recorded investment in impaired loans:
			Net financed sales receivables	$	535		$	283		$	-236		$	545		$	34
				Impaired Financing Receivables
				For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
													Average			Interest
				Recorded			Unpaid			Related			Recorded			Income
				Investment			Principal			Allowance			Investment			Recognized
	Recorded investment for which there is a related
		allowance:
			Net financed sales receivables	$	187		$	220		$	-66		$	201		$	-
	Recorded investment for which there is no related allowance:
			Net financed sales receivables		377			13			-			479			22
	Total recorded investment in impaired loans:
			Net financed sales receivables	$	564		$	233		$	-66		$	680		$	22
Allowance for credit losses and investment in financing receivables	'
			Year Ended December 31, 2013
			Net Investment			Net Financed
			in Leases			Sales Receivables
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Beginning balance		$	1,130		$	66
		Charge-offs		-624			-
		Provision		300			170
	Ending balance		$	806		$	236
	Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		$	806		$	236
	Financing receivables:
	Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		$	14,423		$	93,729
			Year Ended December 31, 2012
			Net Investment			Net Financed
			in Leases			Sales Receivables
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Beginning balance		$	1,833		$	316
		Charge-offs		-1,019			-109	(1)
		Provision		316			-141
	Ending balance		$	1,130		$	66
	Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		$	1,130		$	66
	Financing receivables:
	Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		$	14,174		$	81,215
Notional amount of derivative	'
				As at December 31,
				2013			2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
		Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards	$	23,555		$	8,069
Fair value of foreign exchange contracts	'
	Fair value of derivatives in foreign exchange contracts:
					As at December 31,
			Balance Sheet Location	2013			2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
		Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards	Other assets	$	-		$	297
		Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards	Accrued and other liabilities		-421			-
				$	-421		$	297
Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging relationships	'
					Years Ended December 31,
					2013			2012			2011
	Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards	Derivative (Loss) Gain Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)		$	-1,031		$	716		$	-162
				$	-1,031		$	716		$	-162
		Location of Derivative (Loss) Gain
		Reclassified from AOCI			Years Ended December 31,
		into Income (Effective Portion)			2013			2012			2011
	Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards	Selling, general and administrative expenses		$	-312		$	236		$	684
				$	-312		$	236		$	684
										Year Ended December 31,
											2013
	Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards	Derivative Loss Recognized In and Out of OCI (Effective Portion)								$	-486
										$	-486
Non Designated Derivatives in Foreign Currency relationships	'
					Years Ended December 31,
		Location of Derivative Gain (Loss)			2013			2012			2011
	Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards	Selling, general and administrative expenses		$	-		$	1,184		$	-1,014
				$	-		$	1,184		$	-1,014

Pension_and_Postretirement_ben

Pension and Post-retirement benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SERP Benefits [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Assumptions used to determine obligation and cost status	'
			As at December 31,
			2013		2012
	Discount rate		1.45%		0.96%
	Lump sum interest rate:
		First 20 years	3.35%		2.67%
		Thereafter	3.50%		3.01%
	Cost of living adjustment on benefits		1.20%		1.20%
Amounts accrued	'
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012
	Projected benefit obligation:
		Obligation, beginning of year	$	20,366		$	18,990
		Interest cost		195			272
		Actuarial (gain) loss		-2,277			1,104
		Obligation, end of year and unfunded status	$	18,284		$	20,366
		As at December 31,
		2013			2012
	Accrued benefits cost	$	-18,284		$	-20,366
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		646			3,367
	Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets	$	-17,638		$	-16,999
Pension Expense	'
		Years ended December 31
		2013			2012			2011
	Interest cost		195			272			279
	Amortization of actuarial loss		444			365			214
	Pension expense	$	639		$	637		$	493
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'
			As at December 31,
		2013			2012				2011
	Unrealized actuarial loss	$	646		$	3,367		$	2,628
Schedule of expected benefit payments	'
	2014	$	-
	2015		-
	2016		-
	2017		19,228
	2018		-
	Thereafter		-
		$	19,228
Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Assumptions used to determine obligation and cost status	'
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation are:
		As at December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate	4.5	%		3.75	%		4.2	%
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine the net postretirement benefit expense are:
		Years Ended December 31
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate	3.75	%		4.2	%		5.3	%
Amounts accrued	'
		As at December 31,
		2013			2012
	Obligation, beginning of year	$	524		$	502
	Interest cost		19			13
	Benefits paid		-17			-
	Actuarial (gain) loss		-134			9
	Obligation, end of year	$	392		$	524
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Interest cost	$	19		$	13		$	26
	Actuarial loss		-			9			-
		$	19		$	22		$	26
			As at December 31,
		2013			2012				2011
	Unrealized actuarial gain	$	-134		$	-		$	-
Schedule of expected benefit payments	'
	2014	$	20
	2015		22
	2016		24
	2017		30
	2018		32
	Thereafter		264
	Total	$	392
Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Assumptions used to determine obligation and cost status	'
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation are:
		As at December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate	4.5	%		4	%		4.5	%
	Weighted average assumptions used to determine the net postretirement benefit expense are:
		Years Ended December 31
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate	4	%		4.5	%		5	%
Amounts accrued	'
		As at December 31,
		2013			2012
	Obligation, beginning of year	$	4,606		$	4,052
	Curtailment gain		-2,185			-
	Interest cost		72			194
	Service cost		27			231
	Benefits paid		-81			-
	Actuarial (gain) loss		-95			129
	Obligation, end of year	$	2,344		$	4,606
Pension Expense	'
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Curtailment gain	$	-2,185		$	-		$	-
	Interest cost		72			194			183
	Service cost		27			231			195
		$	-2,086		$	425		$	378
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'
			As at December 31,
		2013			2012				2011
	Unrealized actuarial loss	$	303		$	129		$	234
Schedule of expected benefit payments	'
	2014	$	79
	2015	$	92
	2016	$	103
	2017	$	114
	2018	$	121
	Thereafter	$	1,835
	Total	$	2,344

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Discontinued Operations	'
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Services revenue	$	1,291	$	1,535	$	1,458
	Services cost of sales applicable to revenues		-1,758		-2,047		-2,305
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		-2		-		-
	Asset impairments		-		-		-8
	Interest recovery		1		-		-
	Tax recovery		159		-		-
	Net loss from discontinued operations	$	-309	$	-512	$	-855
		As at December 31,
		2013		2012
	Cash	$	134	$	197
	Accounts receivable		9		16
	Inventories		20		21
	Prepaid expenses		54		17
	Property, plant and equipment		-		2
	Total assets	$	217	$	253
	Accounts payable	$	147	$	133
	Accrued liabilities		701		1,157
	Deferred revenue		32		32
	Total liabilities	$	880	$	1,322

Asset_Retirement_Obligations_T

Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]	'
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Beginning balance, January 1	$	249	$	230	$	286
	Accretion expense		6		19		17
	Reduction in asset retirement obligation		-112		-		-73
	Ending balance, December 31	$	143	$	249	$	230

Description_of_the_Business_De

Description of the Business (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013
Description of Business (Textuals) [Abstract]	'
Number of Countries in which Entity Operates	57

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Basis of Presentation (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Number Of Variable Interest Entities Primary Beneficiary	'2	'
Number of Variable Interest Entities	'9	'
Number Of Variable Interest Entities Not Primary Beneficiary	'7	'
Total assets	$5,200,000	'
Carrying value of equity investments	404,000	3,074,000
Investment in preferred stock of other business venture	1,500,000	'
Fair Value, Available for Sale Investment	1,000,000	1,400,000
Equity security under ASC 325	2,500,000	'
Warrants	500,000	'
Total carrying value of investments in new business ventures	5,800,000	4,400,000
Percentage investment in 3net	10.10%	'
Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Remaining Weighted Average Service Life of Employee	'3 years	'
Pension policy details	10.00%	'
Equity Accounted Investment [Member]	'	'
Basis of Presentation (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Carrying value of equity investments	404,000	3,074,000
New Equity Accounted Investment [Member]	'	'
Basis of Presentation (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Carrying value of equity investments	1,400,000	'
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'	'
Basis of Presentation (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Total assets	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'	'
Basis of Presentation (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Total assets	5,200,000	15,900,000
Total liabilities	5,200,000	15,900,000
Earnings of the investees	0	0
Loss exposure	1,500,000	900,000
Carrying value of investments	0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Equity Accounted Investment [Member]	'	'
Basis of Presentation (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Carrying value of equity investments	404,000	3,074,000
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | New Equity Accounted Investment [Member]	'	'
Basis of Presentation (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Carrying value of equity investments	$1,400,000	'

Financing_Receivables_Details

Financing Receivables (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Contingent Fees [Abstract]	'	'	'
Sales	$2,493,000	$1,797,000	$976,000
Sales-type leases	184,000	308,000	517,000
Operating leases	1,009,000	930,000	1,232,000
Subtotal - Sales, Sales-type Leases and Operating Leases	3,686,000	3,035,000	2,725,000
Joint revenue sharing arrangements	64,130,000	57,526,000	30,764,000
Total	67,816,000	60,561,000	33,489,000
Financing receivables, consisting of net investment in sales-type leases and receivables from financed sales	'	'	'
Gross minimum lease payments receivable	17,475,000	18,880,000	'
Unearned finance income	-3,052,000	-4,705,000	'
Minimum lease payments receivable	14,423,000	14,175,000	'
Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts	-806,000	-1,130,000	'
Net investment in leases	13,617,000	13,045,000	'
Gross financed sales receivables	129,398,000	114,492,000	'
Unearned finance income	-35,669,000	-33,278,000	'
Financed sales receivables	93,729,000	81,214,000	'
Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts	-236,000	-66,000	'
Net financed sales receivables	93,493,000	81,148,000	'
Total financing receivables	107,110,000	94,193,000	'
Net financed sales receivables due within one year	17,335,000	10,482,000	'
Net financed sales receivables due after one year	76,158,000	70,666,000	'
Financing Receivables (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Financed sale receivables, Weighted average effective interest rate	9.80%	8.70%	'
Non-cancellable joint revenue sharing arrangements	'10 to 13 years	'	'
Non-cancellable lease arrangements	'10 to 20 years	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]	'	'	'
2014	2,075,000	'	'
2015	1,637,000	'	'
2016	1,180,000	'	'
2017	1,121,000	'	'
2018	1,442,000	'	'
Thereafter	4,560,000	'	'
Total	12,015,000	'	'
Sales-type Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]	'	'	'
2014	3,000,000	'	'
2015	2,215,000	'	'
2016	2,011,000	'	'
2017	1,700,000	'	'
2018	1,600,000	'	'
Thereafter	5,448,000	'	'
Total	15,974,000	'	'
Future Minimum Rental Payments (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total future minimum rental payments receivable from sales-type leases: Amount excluded for amounts billed but not yet received.	$1,500,000	'	'

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Theaters
Inventories	'	'
Raw materials	$4,321,000	$5,424,000
Work-in-process	500,000	338,000
Finished goods	5,004,000	10,032,000
Total	9,825,000	15,794,000
Inventories (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods inventory with title passed to customer	1,700,000	6,800,000
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory	4,000,000	4,400,000
Number of theater systems which were previously installed but for which revenue recognition was deferred	'10	'
Decrease In Finished Goods Inventories	$3,400,000	'

Films_Assets_Details

Films Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Film Costs (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Film costs expected to be amortized within three years from balance sheet date	$5,000	$3,000
Film Costs, Amortized in Next Operating Cycle	3,031	'
Amount of participation payments expected to be made to third parties in 2013	3,600	5,800
Accumulated amortization, completed and released films	84,363	67,363
Film Costs [Abstract]	'	'
Completed and released films, net of accumulated amortization of $84,363 (2012 - $67,363)	5,583	2,959
Films in production	750	380
Films in development	743	398
Film Costs, Total	$7,076	$3,737

Property_Plant_Equipment_Detai

Property, Plant & Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Cost	$225,337	$195,164
Accumulated Depreciation	92,490	81,554
Net Book Value	132,847	113,610
Other property, plant and equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Cost	54,499	52,346
Accumulated Depreciation	38,217	38,108
Net Book Value	16,282	14,238
Land [Member]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Cost	1,593	1,593
Accumulated Depreciation	0	0
Net Book Value	1,593	1,593
Building [Member]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Cost	15,832	15,242
Accumulated Depreciation	10,410	9,864
Net Book Value	5,422	5,378
Office and Production Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Cost	27,190	25,777
Accumulated Depreciation	18,707	19,779
Net Book Value	8,483	5,998
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Cost	9,884	9,734
Accumulated Depreciation	9,100	8,465
Net Book Value	784	1,269
Asset under Construction [Member]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Cost	8,055	6,910
Accumulated Depreciation	0	0
Net Book Value	8,055	6,910
Equipment leased or held for use [Member]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Cost	162,783	135,908
Accumulated Depreciation	54,273	43,446
Net Book Value	108,510	92,462
Theater System Components [Member]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Cost	158,192	131,240
Accumulated Depreciation	51,537	39,140
Net Book Value	106,655	92,100
Camera Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'
Cost	4,591	4,668
Accumulated Depreciation	2,736	4,306
Net Book Value	$1,855	$362

Other_Assets_Details

Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Insurance recoverable (note 13)	$11,094	$11,474
Lease incentives provided to theaters	5,172	4,554
Investment in new business ventures	5,380	1,350
Commissions and other deferred selling expenses	2,586	2,645
Deferred charges on debt financing	2,218	569
Equity-accounted investments	404	3,074
Foreign currency derivatives	0	297
Other	180	0
Other Assets, Total	$27,034	$23,963

Income_Tax_Details

Income Tax (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Canada	$51,593	$55,477	$23,023
United States	678	3,148	9,510
China	12,012	-476	-5,722
Other	-473	141	388
Income from Continuing Operations before income taxes, Total	$63,810	$58,290	$27,199

Other_Intangible_Assets_Detail

Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Intangible Assets	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, Cost	$37,567,000	$35,311,000
Other Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	9,822,000	7,400,000
Other Intangible Assets, Net Book Value	27,745,000	27,911,000
Other Intangible Assets (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Other Intanglible Asset, ERP System	8,800,000	'
Net book value of intellectual rights disposed of in the year	100,000	'
Acquisition of patents and Trademarks, cost	2,500,000	'
Acquisition of patents and Trademarks, net book value	2,100,000	'
Weighted average amortization period for additions to other intangible assets	'10 years	'
Costs incurred to renew or extend the term of acquired other intangible assets	100,000	100,000
Other Intangible Assets (Additional Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
2014	2,854,000	'
2015	2,814,000	'
2016	2,624,000	'
2017	2,624,000	'
2018	2,624,000	'
Patents and Trademarks [Member]	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, Cost	8,774,000	8,499,000
Other Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	5,741,000	5,670,000
Other Intangible Assets, Net Book Value	3,033,000	2,829,000
Licenses And Intellectual Property [Member]	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, Cost	19,950,000	19,790,000
Other Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	3,260,000	1,730,000
Other Intangible Assets, Net Book Value	16,690,000	18,060,000
Other	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'
Other Intangible Assets, Cost	8,843,000	7,022,000
Other Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	821,000	0
Other Intangible Assets, Net Book Value	$8,022,000	$7,022,000

Credit_Facility_Details

Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 02, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 07, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Revolving Term Loan [Member]

Revolving Term Loan [Member]

Wells Fargo Foreign Exchange Facility [Member]

Bank of Montreal Facilities [Member]

Bank of Montreal Facilities [Member]

Prior Credit Facility [Member]

Prior Credit Facility [Member]

Prior Credit Facility [Member]

Prior Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Facility [Member]

Letter Of Credit And Apg [Member]

Letter Of Credit And Apg [Member]

Letter Of Credit And Apg [Member]

Revolving Term Loan [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Letter Of Credit And Apg [Member]

Revolving Term Loan [Member]

Bank indebtedness

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Bank indebtedness (note 11)

$0

$11,000,000

$0

$11,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$11,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

Credit Facility (Textuals) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

110,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

Credit Facility stock buyback and dividend restrictions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'The Credit Facility permits the Company to undertake up to $150.0 million in stock buybacks and dividends, provided certain covenants in the Credit Agreement are maintained. In the event that the Company undertakes stock buybacks or makes dividend payments, any amounts outstanding under the revolving portion of the Credit Facility up to the first $75.0 million of any such stock buybacks and dividend payments will be converted to a term loan.

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Facility interest rate terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'The amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, at (i) LIBOR plus a margin of (a) 1.50%, 1.75% or 2.00% depending on the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) per annum, or (ii) Wells Fargo’s prime rate plus a margin of 0.50% per annum.

'

'

'

'

'

LIBOR plus Margin, option 1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.50%

'

'

'

'

'

LIBOR plus Margin, option 2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.75%

'

'

'

'

'

LIBOR plus Margin, option 3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Wells Fargo prime plus margin

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Facility commitment fee description

'the Company is obligated to pay a Commitment Fee (as defined in the Credit Agreement) per annum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Facility commitment fee percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

0.25%

'

'

Term Loan Repayment Terms

'Term loans, if any, under the Credit Facility must be repaid under a 5-year straight line amortization, with a balloon payment due at maturity. The Company is required to provide an interest rate hedge for 50% of any term loans outstanding after January 1, 2015.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.42%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.41%

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.1

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum EBITDA

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

90,000,000

80,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum Total Leverage Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.75

2

2.25

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts drawn

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

900,000

11,000,000

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

10,000,000

99,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Settlement risk on its foreign currency forward contracts

'

'

'

'

-400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional Amount of arrangements entered into

'

'

'

'

23,555,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional Credit Facility (Textuals) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts drawn under credit facility

$0

$11,000,000

$0

$11,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$11,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

Commitments_Details

Commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Total minimum annual rental payments under operating lease	'	'	'
2014, Operating Leases	$6,454,000	'	'
2014, Capital Leases	2,000	'	'
2015, Operating Leases	1,537,000	'	'
2015, Capital Leases	0	'	'
2016, Operating Leases	695,000	'	'
2016, Capital Leases	0	'	'
2017, Operating Leases	533,000	'	'
2017, Capital Leases	0	'	'
2018, Operating Leases	533,000	'	'
2018, Capital Leases	0	'	'
Thereafter, Operating Leases	314,000	'	'
Thereafter, Capital Leases	0	'	'
Operating Leases, Total	10,066,000	'	'
Capital Leases, Total	2,000	'	'
Commitments (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rent expense, Total	6,500,000	6,200,000	4,900,000
Rent expense, sublease rental	'	'	'less than
Rent expense, sublease rental	0	0	100,000
Accrued rent and lease inducements recognized as an offset to rent expense included in Accrued liabilities	1,700,000	2,400,000	'
Purchase obligation under long term supplier contracts	11,800,000	12,100,000	'
Accrued commission on sale or lease of the theater systems payable in future periods	1,500,000	1,800,000	'
Bank of Montreal Facilities [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments (Additional Textuals)	'	'	'
Outstanding letter of credit and advance payment guarantees secured	300,000	900,000	'
Credit Facililty [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments (Additional Textuals)	'	'	'
Outstanding letter of credit and advance payment guarantees secured	$0	$0	'

Contingencies_and_Guarantees_D

Contingencies and Guarantees (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 20, 2006	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	4-May-12	Jan. 26, 2012	Dec. 02, 2011	Mar. 27, 2008	Aug. 24, 2007
Accrual for product warranties	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of period	'	$32,000	$94,000	'	'	'	'	'
Warranty redemptions	'	-77,000	-66,000	'	'	'	'	'
Warranties issued	'	52,000	53,000	'	'	'	'	'
Warranty revisions	'	0	-49,000	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at the end of period	'	7,000	32,000	'	'	'	'	'
Contingencies and Guarantees Disclosure (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interim awards issued in favor of Company	'	'	'	15,500,000	'	'	'	9,400,000
Final Award in favor of company	'	'	'	'	'	'$30,000 to cover the costs of the application	'Amount of $11.3 million plus an additional $2,512 each day in interest from October 1, 2007 until the date the award is paid	'
Damages sought	'$210.0 million	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
The arbitrator issued a final award in damages	'	'	'	'	12,000,000	'	'	'
Indemnification of its directors/officers	'	$0	$0	'	'	'	'	'
Other Indemnification	'	'no amount has been accrued	'	'	'	'	'	'

Capital_Stock_Details

Capital Stock (Details) (Employee Stock Option [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Weighted average fair value of common share granted to employees	'	'	'
Average risk-free interest rate	1.63%	1.36%	2.61%
Expected volatility	40.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted average fair value of common share granted to employees	'	'	'
Expected option life (in years)	'4 years 7 months 17 days	'6 years 3 months 4 days	'6 years 7 months 6 days
Annual termination probability	8.52%	8.76%	8.76%
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted average fair value of common share granted to employees	'	'	'
Expected option life (in years)	'4 years 6 months 4 days	'2 years 10 months 20 days	'1 year 9 months 11 days
Annual termination probability	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Consolidated_Statement_of_Oper

Consolidated Statement of Operations Supplemental Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Income	'	'	'
Other revenue	($375,000)	($732,000)	($3,848,000)
Foreign Exchange	'	'	'
Foreign exchange translation gains (losses) related to monetary assets and liabilities and un hedged foreign exchange contracts	-700,000	1,200,000	1,500,000
Collaborative Arrangements	'	'	'
Non-cancellable joint revenue sharing arrangements	'10 to 13 years	'	'
Total number of exhibitors under joint revenue sharing agreements	38	'	'
Total number of theater systems under joint revenue sharing agreements	645	'	'
Total number of operating theaters under joint revenue sharing agreement	382	'	'
Amounts attributable to transactions arising between the company and its customers under joint revenue sharing arrangements	64,100,000	57,500,000	30,800,000
Percentage of the gross box-office receipts of the film, minimum for recovering digital re-mastering cost	10.00%	'	'
Percentage of the gross box-office receipts of the film, maximum for recovering digital re-mastering cost	15.00%	'	'
IMAX DMR films released in the current period	38	'	'
Amounts attributable to transactions arising between the company and its customers under IMAX DMR arrangements	83,500,000	78,100,000	50,600,000
Number of significant co-produced film arrangement	4	'	'
Share in total assets and liabilities balance in co-produced film arrangement	'greater than 50%	'	'
Total assets and liabilities of VIE	5,200,000	'	'
Number of other co-produced film arrangements	3	'	'
Amounts attributable to transactions between the company and other parties included in cost and expense	2,900,000	6,100,000	7,500,000
Selling Expenses	'	'	'
Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing	5,000	'	'
Commissions recognized as cost and expenses	1,900,000	1,500,000	2,300,000
Direct advertising and marketing costs related to theater	$1,700,000	$1,900,000	$3,200,000

Receivable_Provisions_Net_of_R2

Receivable Provisions Net of Recoveries (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries [Abstract]	'	'	'
Accounts receivable provisions, net of recoveries	($35)	$606	$333
Financing receivables, net of recoveries	480	-82	1,237
Receivable provisions, net of recoveries	$445	$524	$1,570

Asset_Impairments_Details

Asset Impairments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	$0	$0	$20
Total	0	0	20
Asset Impairments (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Change in asset impairments due to discontinued operations	'	'	'less than
Change in asset impairments due to discontinued operations	0	0	8
Property, Plant and Equipment Impairment or Disposal [Abstract]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Impairment or Disposal Disclosure	'0.0	'0.0	'less than $0.1 million
Other Asset Impairment Charges	$0	$6	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas3

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Decrease (increase) in:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	($31,032)	$4,110	($7,486)
Financing receivables	-13,397	-7,349	-14,623
Inventories	1,884	-422	-1,264
Prepaid expenses	231	-706	-294
Commissions and other deferred selling expenses	59	322	382
Insurance recoveries	380	444	978
Other assets	-341	-752	-2,357
Increase (decrease) in:	'	'	'
Accounts payable	7,238	-8,139	5,592
Accrued and other Liabilities	-1,289	-2,266	-31,013
Deferred revenue	2,512	-504	706
Changes in other non-cash operating assets and liabilities	-33,755	-15,262	-49,379
Cash payments	'	'	'
Income taxes	1,056	1,283	3,349
Interest	$315	$1,374	$1,260

Segmented_Information_Details

Segmented Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues	'	'	'
Revenue	$287,937	$282,755	$235,098
Gross margins	'	'	'
Gross margins	164,603	153,245	114,065
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	37,172	32,788	25,163
Asset Impairments and Write-downs, Net of Recoveries	'	'	'
Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries	1,336	1,607	1,946
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	35,791	29,312	38,818
Assets	'	'	'
Assets	481,145	421,872	'
IMAX Theater Systems Total [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'
Revenue	176,297	169,560	148,804
Gross margins	'	'	'
Gross margins	105,701	98,523	83,971
Imax Systems [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'
Revenue	80,189	83,405	93,200
Gross margins	'	'	'
Gross margins	49,040	50,245	56,929
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	3,287	2,946	1,770
Asset Impairments and Write-downs, Net of Recoveries	'	'	'
Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries	1,109	1,480	1,915
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	6,181	2,958	1,076
Assets	'	'	'
Assets	170,719	153,201	'
Theater System Maintenance [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'
Revenue	31,978	28,629	24,840
Gross margins	'	'	'
Gross margins	12,096	10,970	9,437
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	141	212	184
Asset Impairments and Write-downs, Net of Recoveries	'	'	'
Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries	188	103	0
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	130	36	10
Assets	'	'	'
Assets	16,619	14,632	'
Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'
Revenue	64,130	57,526	30,764
Gross margins	'	'	'
Gross margins	44,565	37,308	17,605
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	13,535	11,836	7,939
Asset Impairments and Write-downs, Net of Recoveries	'	'	'
Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries	39	24	12
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	22,775	23,257	33,290
Assets	'	'	'
Assets	153,399	125,602	'
Films Total [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'
Revenue	100,458	100,176	74,901
Gross margins	'	'	'
Gross margins	58,800	53,665	29,584
Production and Imax Dmr [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'
Revenue	83,496	78,050	50,592
Gross margins	'	'	'
Gross margins	56,088	49,355	23,574
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	16,298	14,471	12,843
Asset Impairments and Write-downs, Net of Recoveries	'	'	'
Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries	0	0	0
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	408	1,175	1,150
Assets	'	'	'
Assets	22,315	17,653	'
Distribution [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'
Revenue	7,770	14,222	16,074
Gross margins	'	'	'
Gross margins	1,371	2,356	3,025
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,048	1,631	980
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	0	178	49
Assets	'	'	'
Assets	8,675	6,790	'
Post Production [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'
Revenue	9,192	7,904	8,235
Gross margins	'	'	'
Gross margins	1,341	1,954	2,985
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	424	608	590
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	2,185	0	638
Assets	'	'	'
Assets	5,351	3,694	'
Others [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'
Revenue	11,182	13,019	11,393
Gross margins	'	'	'
Gross margins	102	1,057	510
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	347	172	156
Asset Impairments and Write-downs, Net of Recoveries	'	'	'
Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries	0	0	19
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	2,036	0	719
Assets	'	'	'
Assets	7,645	3,142	'
Corporate And Other Non Segment Specific Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,092	912	701
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	2,076	1,708	1,886
Assets	'	'	'
Assets	$96,422	$97,158	'

Financial_Instruments_Details

Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Financial Instrument	'	'
Net financed sales receivable	$93,493	$81,148
Net investment in sales-type leases	13,617	13,045
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Other Financial Instrument	'	'
Net financed sales receivable	93,493	81,148
Net investment in sales-type leases	13,617	13,045
Available-for-sale investment	1,000	1,350
Borrowings under Prior Credit Facility	0	-11,000
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Other Financial Instrument	'	'
Foreign exchange contracts	-421	297
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Other Financial Instrument	'	'
Foreign exchange contracts	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
Other Financial Instrument	'	'
Net financed sales receivable	92,043	78,933
Net investment in sales-type leases	13,214	13,513
Available-for-sale investment	1,000	1,350
Borrowings under Prior Credit Facility	0	-11,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Other Financial Instrument	'	'
Foreign exchange contracts	-421	297
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Other Financial Instrument	'	'
Foreign exchange contracts	$0	$0

Employees_Pension_and_Postreti1

Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Feb. 21, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

SERP Benefits [Member]

SERP Benefits [Member]

SERP Benefits [Member]

SERP Benefits [Member]

Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]

Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]

Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]

Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]

Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]

Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]

Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]

Assumptions used to determine obligation and cost status

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discount rate used in calculating benefit obligation

'

'

'

'

'

1.45%

0.96%

'

4.50%

3.75%

4.20%

'

4.50%

4.00%

4.50%

Discount rate used in calculating net periodic benefit cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.75%

4.20%

5.30%

'

4.00%

4.50%

5.00%

Lump sum interest rate - First 20 years

'

'

'

'

'

3.35%

2.67%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lump sum interest rate - thereafter

'

'

'

'

'

3.50%

3.01%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of living adjustment on benefits

'

'

'

'

'

1.20%

1.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts Accrued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Obligation, beginning of period

'

'

'

'

$18,284

$20,366

$18,990

'

$524

$502

'

$2,344

$4,606

$4,052

'

Curtailment gain

2,185

2,185

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,185

0

0

Interest cost

'

'

'

'

300

195

272

279

19

13

26

100

72

194

183

Service cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27

231

195

Benefits paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17

0

'

'

-81

0

'

Actuarial (gain) loss

'

'

'

'

'

-2,277

1,104

'

-134

9

'

'

-95

129

'

Obligation, end of period and unfunded status

'

'

'

'

'

18,284

20,366

18,990

392

524

502

'

2,344

4,606

4,052

Amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheet

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued benefits cost

'

'

'

'

'

18,284

20,366

18,990

392

524

502

'

2,344

4,606

4,052

Accumulated other comprehensive income

'

'

'

'

'

646

3,367

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets

'

'

'

'

'

-17,638

-16,999

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net periodic benefit cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Curtailment gain

2,185

2,185

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,185

0

0

Interest cost

'

'

'

'

300

195

272

279

19

13

26

100

72

194

183

Service cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27

231

195

Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)

'

'

'

'

'

444

365

214

0

9

0

'

'

'

'

Net periodic benefit cost

'

'

'

'

'

639

637

493

19

22

26

'

-2,086

425

378

Components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized actuarial loss

'

'

'

'

'

$646

$3,367

$2,628

($134)

$0

$0

'

($303)

($129)

($234)

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Services revenue	$1,291	$1,535	$1,458
Services cost of sales applicable to revenues	1,758	2,047	2,305
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2	0	0
Asset impairments	0	0	8
Interest recovery	-1	0	0
Tax recovery	-159	0	0
Net loss from discontinued operations	($309)	($512)	($855)

Asset_Retirement_Obligations_D

Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance, January 1	$249	$230	$286
Accretion expense	6	19	17
Reduction in asset retirement obligation	-112	0	-73
Ending balance, December 31	$143	$249	$230

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]	'
Effect of change in estimated useful life resulting from amending agreements signed	'During 2013, the Company signed an amending agreement governing one of its joint revenue sharing arrangements which increased the length of the term for all IMAX theater systems under that arrangement from 10 to 13 years. As a result, the Company adjusted the estimated useful life of its IMAX digital projection systems in use for those joint revenue sharing theaters, on a prospective basis, to reflect the change in term from 10 years to 13 years. This has resulted in decreased depreciation expense of $0.7 million in 2013 as the theater systems will now be depreciated over a longer estimated useful life.
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant And Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum	'over the shorter of the initial term of the underlying leases plus any reasonably assured renewal, and the useful life of the asset
Minimum [Member] | Theater System Components [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'7 years 0 months 0 days
Minimum [Member] | Camera Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'5 years 0 months 0 days
Minimum [Member] | Building [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'20 years 0 months 0 days
Minimum [Member] | Office and Production Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'3 years 0 months 0 days
Maximum [Member] | Theater System Components [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'20 years 0 months 0 days
Maximum [Member] | Camera Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'10 years 0 months 0 days
Maximum [Member] | Building [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'25 years 0 months 0 days
Maximum [Member] | Office and Production Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'5 years 0 months 0 days

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	'4 years 0 months 0 days
Maximum [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	'10 years 0 months 0 days

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cost of Sales Policy [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cost of Equipment and Product Sales prior to direct selling costs	$35	$34.80	$36.30
Deferred direct selling costs	$2.50	$2.70	$2.40

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cost Of Rentals Policy [Line Items]	'	'	'
Commissions recognized as cost and expenses	$1.90	$1.50	$2.30
Direct advertising and marketing costs related to theater	$1.70	$1.90	$3.20

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Production and Imax Dmr [Member]	'	'	'
Film Exploitation Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing	$4.20	$3.30	$3.80
Distribution [Member]	'	'	'
Film Exploitation Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing	$0.40	$1.50	$1.90

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property Plant and Equipment (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Equipment leased or held for use, Gross	$14,300	$8,100
Accumulated Depreciation, equipment leased or held for use	8,600	7,300
Assets under joint revenue sharing arrangements included in Theater system components	138,100	118,500
Accumulated Depreciation , Assets under joint revenue sharing arrangements included in Theater system components	38,400	29,200
Theater system components written off in the period	100	10,600
Joint Revenue Sharing Arragement Previous Estimated Useful Life	'10 years	'
Joint Revenue Sharing Arragement Amended Estimated Useful Life	'13 years	'
Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangement Change In Depreciation Expense Due To Change In Estimated Useful Life Current Year	700	'
Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangement Change In Depreciation Expense Due To Change In Estimated Useful Life Year One	1,400	'
Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangement Change In Depreciation Expense Due To Change In Estimated Useful Life Year Two	1,400	'
Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangement Change In Depreciation Expense Due To Change In Estimated Useful Life Year Three	1,400	'
Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangement Change In Depreciation Expense Due To Change In Estimated Useful Life Year Four	1,400	'
Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangement Change In Depreciation Expense Due To Change In Estimated Useful Life Year Five	1,400	'
Assets under joint revenue sharing arrangements included in Assets under construction	4,800	4,100
Office and production equipment written off in the period	300	'
Camera equipment written off in the period	$1,800	$1,900

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'
Film assets (1)	$17,000	$15,515	$12,934
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Joint revenue sharing arrangements	11,519	10,125	7,098
Other property, plant and equipment	4,720	4,440	3,992
Other intangible assets	2,854	2,006	465
Other assets	592	532	286
Deferred financing costs	487	170	388
Depreciation and amortization	$37,172	$32,788	$25,163

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Asset impairments	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	$0	$0	$20
Other charges	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-35	606	333
Financing receivables	480	-82	1,237
Inventories (1)	444	898	0
Impairment of available-for-sale investment	0	150	0
Property, plant and equipment (2)	384	18	356
Other intangible assets	63	11	0
Other Asset Impairment Charges	0	6	0
Write-downs, net of recoveries	$1,336	$1,607	$1,946

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Payments for variable stock based compensation	$2,400,000	$300,000	$23,700,000
Charge recorded in film asset amortization relating to changes in estimates based on ultimate recoverability of future films	200,000	100,000	500,000
Change in asset impairments due to discontinued operations	'	'	'less than
Change in asset impairments due to discontinued operations	0	0	8,000
Inventory (Recoveries) Charges	'	'	'
Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - product and equipment sales	274,000	795,000	0
Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - services	170,000	103,000	0
Total	444,000	898,000	0
Film Based Projector [Member]	'	'	'
Inventory (Recoveries) Charges	'	'	'
Total	$444,000	$898,000	$0

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current income tax (provision) recovery [Abstract]	'	'	'
Canada	$1,068	$370	$1,174
United States	144	-15	125
China	2,317	0	0
Other	201	0	0
Current income tax (provision) recovery, Total	3,730	355	1,299
Deferred income tax (provision) recovery [Abstract]	'	'	'
Canada	13,198	14,441	8,586
United States	-214	420	838
China	252	-137	-1,430
Other	-337	0	0
Deferred income tax (provision) recovery, Total	12,899	14,724	7,994
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	$16,629	$15,079	$9,293

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income tax provision at combined statutory rates	($16,914)	($15,447)	($7,684)
Non-deductible stock based compensation	-2,603	-3,166	-2,752
Other non-deductible/non-includable items	-341	12	-246
Decrease in valuation allowance relating to current year temporary differences	341	43	1,506
Withholding and other taxes	-891	-1,095	-895
Changes to tax reserves	84	833	99
U.S. federal and state taxes	-144	45	-345
Income tax at different rates in foreign and other provincial jurisdictions	918	-56	-916
Impact of changes in future enacted tax rates on current year temporary differences	0	0	-521
Carryforward of investment and other tax credits (non-refundable)	1,932	2,463	1,526
Effect of changes in legislation relating to enacted tax rate increases	0	494	0
Changes to deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from audit and other tax return adjustments	11	483	226
Tax effect of loss from equity-accounted investments	1,040	463	642
Other	-62	-151	67
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	$16,629	$15,079	$9,293

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Net operating loss carryforwards	$15,377	$15,475
Investment tax credit and other tax credit carryforwards	6,615	6,101
Write-downs of other assets	0	690
Excess tax over accounting basis in property, plant and equipment and inventories	-852	14,020
Accrued pension liability	5,287	6,615
Other accrued reserves	4,138	2,340
Total deferred income tax assets	30,565	45,241
Income recognition on net investment in leases	1,552	2,667
Total deferred income tax assets, before valuation allowance	29,013	42,574
Valuation allowance	4,754	6,113
Net deferred income tax asset	$24,259	$36,461

Income_Taxes_Details_4

Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Investment Tax Credits and Other Tax Credit Carryforwards	$8,276
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	49,412
In One Year [Member]	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Investment Tax Credits and Other Tax Credit Carryforward By Expiration Dates	0
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards By Expiration Dates	11
In Two Years [Member]	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Investment Tax Credits and Other Tax Credit Carryforward By Expiration Dates	0
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards By Expiration Dates	20
In Three Years [Member]	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Investment Tax Credits and Other Tax Credit Carryforward By Expiration Dates	0
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards By Expiration Dates	0
In Four Years [Member]	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Investment Tax Credits and Other Tax Credit Carryforward By Expiration Dates	0
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards By Expiration Dates	0
In Five Years [Member]	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Investment Tax Credits and Other Tax Credit Carryforward By Expiration Dates	0
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards By Expiration Dates	0
Thereafter [Member]	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Investment Tax Credits and Other Tax Credit Carryforward By Expiration Dates	8,276
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards By Expiration Dates	$49,381

Income_Taxes_Details_5

Income Taxes (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties)	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of the year	$2,286	$3,119	$3,219
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	210	392	404
Additions for tax positions of prior years	0	0	16
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	0	-77	0
Settlements	0	-38	0
Reductions resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations and administrative practices	-294	-1,110	-520
Balance at December 31, 2013	$2,202	$2,286	$3,119

Income_Taxes_Details_6

Income Taxes (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit plan	($114)	($91)	($53)
Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on defined benefit plan	-588	285	145
Gain on curtailment of postretirement benefit plan	100	0	0
Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on postretirement benefit plans	43	33	58
Other-than-temporary impairment of available-for-sale investment	0	-19	0
Change in market value of available-for-sale investment	45	-42	61
Unrealized change in cash flow hedging instruments	264	-185	45
Realized change in cash flow hedging instruments upon settlement	80	-62	-190
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-26	0	0
Income tax effect on comprehensive loss	$504	($43)	($446)

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Footnote disclosure - Deferred income tax (provision) recovery [Abstract]	'	'	'
Change in valuation allowance relating to the future utilization of deductible temporary differences, tax credits, and certain net operating loss carryforwards	$1,359,000	($59,000)	'
Change in valuation allowance recorded to deferred income tax expense	341,000	43,000	1,506,000
Change of valuation allowance recorded to share capital	1,018,000	23,000	611,000
Deferred tax provision for amounts recorded in and reclassified from other comprehensive income	504,000	-43,000	-446,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	100,000	'	'
Tax Credits and Net Operating Loss Carryfowards [Abstract]	'	'	'
Investment Tax Credits and Other Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Dates	31-Dec-33	'	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	31-Dec-33	'	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	49,412,000	'	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards, Limitations on Use	'Realization of some or all of the benefit from these U.S. net tax operating losses is dependent on the absence of certain “ownership changes” of the Company’s common shares. An “ownership change,” as defined in the applicable federal income tax rules, would place possible limitations, on an annual basis, on the use of such net operating losses to offset any future taxable income that the Company may generate.	'	'
Valuation Allowance [Abstract]	'	'	'
Increase (release) of valuation allowance	1,359,000	-59,000	'
Change in valuation allowance recorded to deferred income tax expense	341,000	43,000	1,506,000
Change of valuation allowance recorded to share capital	1,018,000	23,000	611,000
Valuation allowance	4,754,000	6,113,000	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	49,412,000	'	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards, Limitations on Use	'Realization of some or all of the benefit from these U.S. net tax operating losses is dependent on the absence of certain “ownership changes” of the Company’s common shares. An “ownership change,” as defined in the applicable federal income tax rules, would place possible limitations, on an annual basis, on the use of such net operating losses to offset any future taxable income that the Company may generate.	'	'
Future release of the Valuatlion Allowance to be recorded to other equity	4,000,000	'	'
Disclosure relating to adoption of FIN 48 [Abstract]	'	'	'
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	2,100,000	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	900,000	'	'
Total unrecognized tax benefits (including interest and penalties)	2,700,000	2,800,000	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	2,700,000	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest and penalty associated with unrecognized tax benefits	'less than	'	'
Interest and penalty associated with unrecognized tax benefits	-100,000	-800,000	100,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]	'	'	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	14,800,000	'	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	$14,800,000	'	'

Capital_Stock_Details_1

Capital Stock (Details 1) (Options Non Employees [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Options Non Employees [Member]	'	'	'
Options to Non-Employees	'	'	'
Average risk-free interest rate	1.64%	1.28%	2.38%
Contractual option life (in years)	'7 years 0 months 0 days	'7 years 0 months 0 days	'6 years 0 months 0 days
Expected volatility	40.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Capital_Stock_Details_2

Capital Stock (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Option activity under the Stock Option Plan	'	'	'
Exercised	-1,316,347	-1,429,685	-907,167
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Option activity under the Stock Option Plan	'	'	'
Options outstanding, beginning of year	7,441,068	7,200,721	6,743,272
Options outstanding, per share beginning of year	18.48	14.6	10.79
Options granted	375,650	1,833,485	1,547,342
Weighted average fair value of options granted	25.29	24.59	28.11
Exercised	1,316,347	1,429,685	907,167
Weighted average fair value of options exercised	6.81	6.24	8.67
Forfeited	228,190	154,958	182,726
Weighted average fair value of options forfeited	24.55	23.03	18
Expired	0	0	0
Weighted average fair value of options expired	0	0	0
Cancelled	9,060	8,495	0
Weighted average fair value of options cancelled	30.9	22.07	0
Options outstanding, end of period	6,263,121	7,441,068	7,200,721
Options outstanding, per share end of period	21.11	18.48	14.6
Options exercisable, end of period	3,578,006	3,480,160	3,467,242
Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price	18.56	14.5	9.51
Employee Stock Option China Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Option activity under the Stock Option Plan	'	'	'
Options granted	'	146,623	'
Options outstanding, end of period	146,623	146,623	'
Options outstanding, per share end of period	22.39	22.39	'

Capital_Stock_Details_3

Capital Stock (Details 3) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Resticted Share Units activity under the LTIP	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Beginning Balance	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning of Period	$0
RSUs granted	322,561
Weighted average grant date fair value of RSUs granted	$26.16
RSUs vested	-46,360
Weighted average grant date fair value RSUs vested	$26.23
RSUs forfeited	-12,061
Weighted average grant date fair value RSUs forfeited	$26.28
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Ending Balance	264,140
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, End of Period	$26.14

Capital_Stock_Details_4

Capital Stock (Details 4) (Stock Appreciation Rights [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]	'	'
Fair value measurement of stock appreciation rights	'	'
Average risk-free interest rate	0.00%	0.72%
Expected option life (in years)	'0 years 0 months 0 days	'2 years 2 months 1 day
Expected volatility	0.00%	50.00%
Annual termination probability	0.00%	8.52%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%

Capital_Stock_Details_5

Capital Stock (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net income from continuing operations applicable to common shareholders	$44,424	$41,849	$16,115	'
Weighted average number of common shares (000's):	'	'	'	'
Issued and outstanding, beginning of period	67,841,233	66,482,425	65,052,740	64,145,573
Weighted average number of shares issued during the period	668,600	801,366	358,291	'
Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic income per share	67,151,025	65,854,106	64,503,864	'
Assumed exercise of stock options, net of shares assumed	1,809,903	2,078,893	3,354,992	'
Weighted average number of shares used in computing diluted income (loss) per share	68,960,928	67,932,999	67,858,856	'

Capital_Stock_Details_Textual

Capital Stock (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Common shares issued pursuant to exercise of stock options	1,316,347	1,429,685	907,167	'
Cash proceeds from the issuance of common shares pursuant to exercise of stock options	$9,000,000	$8,900,000	$7,900,000	'
Common shares issued pursuant to vesting of RSUs, net of tax	42,461	0	0	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation costs (recovery) recorded	11,900,000	13,100,000	11,900,000	'
Warrants issued or outstanding	0	0	'	'
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Common shares issued pursuant to exercise of stock options	-1,316,347	-1,429,685	-907,167	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation costs (recovery) recorded	8,900,000	12,400,000	9,400,000	'
Reserved common shares for future issuance	10,530,723	13,296,485	'	'
Options outstanding	6,263,121	7,441,068	7,200,721	6,743,272
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price	$21.11	$18.48	$14.60	$10.79
Employee Stock-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	14,300,000	20,600,000	19,900,000	'
Employee Stock-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'3 years 0 months 0 days	'3 years 7 months 6 days	'3 years 1 month 6 days	'
Options granted	375,650	1,833,485	1,547,342	'
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$7.10	$7.45	$9.07	'
Options exercisable	3,578,006	3,480,160	3,467,242	'
Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price	$18.56	$14.50	$9.51	'
Options cancelled	-9,060	-8,495	0	'
Options fully vested, expected	5,853,070	'	'	'
Options fully vested or expected to vest, weighted average exercise price	$20.79	'	'	'
Options fully vested or expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value	52,900,000	'	'	'
Options fully vested or expected to vest, weighted average remaining contractual life	'4 years 8 months 12 days	'	'	'
Options exercisable intrinsic value	40,200,000	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life of exercisable option	'4 years 6 months 0 days	'	'	'
Intrinsic value of options exercised	26,700,000	23,400,000	16,400,000	'
Forfeited, cancelled or expired	-228,190	-154,958	-182,726	'
Options common shares were vested and exercisable	3,578,006	'	'	'
Options Non Employees [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation costs (recovery) recorded	200,000	100,000	900,000	'
Options outstanding	76,751	120,001	142,251	'
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price	$15.67	$14.14	$12.93	'
Options granted	2,500	12,500	103,944	'
Options granted to purchase the company's common stock, average exercise price	$26.28	$22.82	$27.64	'
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$11.50	$11.73	$13.75	'
Options exercisable	31,509	35,717	50,500	'
Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price	$12.38	$11.57	$11.50	'
Amount of stock options or rights included in accrued liabilities	100,000	100,000	'	'
Options fully vested or expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value	500,000	400,000	300,000	'
Number of options modified in the period	'	15,000	'	'
Employee Stock Option China Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation costs charged for the period Text	'	'less than	'	'
Share-based compensation costs (recovery) recorded	300,000	100,000	0	'
Options outstanding	146,623	146,623	'	'
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price	$22.39	$22.39	'	'
Stock based awards expiration period or remaining contractual life	29-Oct-19	'	'	'
Employee Stock-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'5 years 0 months 0 days	'	'	'
Options granted	'	146,623	'	'
Options granted to purchase the company's common stock, average exercise price	'	$22.39	'	'
Weighted average fair value of options granted	'	$6.96	'	'
Common share options subject to vesting based on performance commitment	146,623	'	'	'
Common share options subject to vesting based on performance commitment value	2,700,000	'	'	'
Fair Value of Options Outstanding	1,600,000	'	'	'
Options fully vested or expected to vest, weighted average remaining contractual life	'7 years 0 months 0 days	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number RSUs outstanding	264,140	'	'	'
Employee Stock-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'2 years 10 months 24 days	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Unit Contingent Right	1	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Unit Economic Equivalent	1	'	'	'
Share-based compensation costs, not yet recognized	4,700,000	'	'	'
Tax benefits realized	0	'	'	'
Number SARs outstanding	264,140	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Non Employee [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation costs charged for the period Text	'less than	'	'	'
Share-based compensation costs (recovery) recorded	100,000	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Employee [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation costs (recovery) recorded	2,100,000	'	'	'
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation costs (recovery) recorded	400,000	600,000	1,600,000	'
Number RSUs outstanding	0	118,000	'	'
Amount of stock options or rights included in accrued liabilities	0	1,900,000	'	'
Annual termination probability	0.00%	8.52%	'	'
Stock appreciation rights granted	0	0	'	'
Number of rights settled in cash	118,000	15,000	'	'
Cash paid in settlement	2,400,000	300,000	'	'
Average exercise price of cash settled rights	$6.86	$6.86	'	'
Number SARs outstanding	0	118,000	'	'
Fair value of SARs outstanding	'	$16.23	'	'
Forfeited, cancelled or expired	0	0	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock based awards vesting period	'5 years 0 months 0 days	'	'	'
Stock based awards expiration period or remaining contractual life	31-Dec-21	'	'	'
Annual termination probability	8.52%	8.76%	8.76%	'
Maximum [Member] | Options Non Employees [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock based awards vesting period	'5 years 0 months 0 days	'	'	'
Stock based awards expiration period or remaining contractual life	12-Jun-20	'	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Employee Stock Option China Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock based awards vesting period	'5 years 0 months 0 days	'	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock based awards vesting period	'4 years 0 months 0 days	'	'	'
Stock based awards expiration period or remaining contractual life	1-Dec-16	'	'	'
Annual termination probability	8.52%	'	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock based awards vesting period	'0 years 0 months 0 days	'	'	'
Stock based awards expiration period or remaining contractual life	1-Jan-14	'	'	'
Annual termination probability	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	'
Minimum [Member] | Options Non Employees [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock based awards vesting period	'1 year 0 months 0 days	'	'	'
Stock based awards expiration period or remaining contractual life	1-Jan-14	'	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Employee Stock Option China Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock based awards vesting period	'0 years 0 months 0 days	'	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock based awards vesting period	'1 year 0 months 0 days	'	'	'
Stock based awards expiration period or remaining contractual life	1-Jan-14	'	'	'
Annual termination probability	0.00%	'	'	'

Segmented_Information_Details_

Segmented Information (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Geographical Information - Revenue	'	'	'
Revenue	$287,937	$282,755	$235,098
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	132,847	113,610	'
United States [Member]	'	'	'
Geographical Information - Revenue	'	'	'
Revenue	125,166	126,547	108,666
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	60,285	55,658	'
Canada [Member]	'	'	'
Geographical Information - Revenue	'	'	'
Revenue	11,049	19,109	21,232
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	23,687	21,779	'
Greater China [Member]	'	'	'
Geographical Information - Revenue	'	'	'
Revenue	56,480	44,922	33,265
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	32,958	24,764	'
Western Europe [Member]	'	'	'
Geographical Information - Revenue	'	'	'
Revenue	26,000	26,309	18,895
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	6,012	3,556	'
Asia excluding Greater China [Member]	'	'	'
Geographical Information - Revenue	'	'	'
Revenue	30,451	28,899	22,186
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	9,200	7,134	'
Russia and the CIS [Member]	'	'	'
Geographical Information - Revenue	'	'	'
Revenue	19,600	20,130	16,157
Latin America [Member]	'	'	'
Geographical Information - Revenue	'	'	'
Revenue	13,017	9,419	6,051
Rest of world [Member]	'	'	'
Geographical Information - Revenue	'	'	'
Revenue	6,174	7,420	8,646
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	$705	$719	'

Segmented_Information_Details_1

Segmented Information (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segmented Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Description of products and services from which each reportable segment derives its revenues	'The Company has seven reportable segments identified by category of product sold or service provided: IMAX systems; theater system maintenance; joint revenue sharing arrangements; film production and IMAX DMR; film distribution; film post-production; and other. The IMAX systems segment designs, manufactures, sells or leases IMAX theater projection system equipment. The theater system maintenance segment maintains IMAX theater projection system equipment in the IMAX theater network. The joint revenue sharing arrangements segment provides IMAX theater projection system equipment to an exhibitor in exchange for a share of the box-office and concession revenues. The film production and IMAX DMR segment produces films and performs film re-mastering services. The film distribution segment distributes films for which the Company has distribution rights. The film post-production segment provides film post-production and film print services. The Company refers to all theaters using the IMAX theater system as “IMAX theaters”. The other segment includes certain IMAX theaters that the Company owns and operates, camera rentals and other miscellaneous items.	'	'
Description of the sources of revenue included in the Other segment	'The other segment includes certain IMAX theaters that the Company owns and operates, camera rentals and other miscellaneous items.	'	'
Description of the basis of accounting for transactions between reportable segments	'The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in note 2. Transactions between the film production and IMAX DMR segment and the film post-production segment are valued at exchange value. Inter-segment profits are eliminated upon consolidation, as well as for the disclosures below.	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Advertising, marketing and commission costs	$2,500,000	$2,700,000	$2,400,000
Inventory (Recovery) Write-downs	444,000	898,000	0
Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangement Change In Depreciation Expense Due To Change In Estimated Useful Life Current Year	700,000	'	'
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Description of Revenue from External Customers	'No single country in the Rest of the World, Western Europe or Asia (excluding Greater China) classifications comprise more than 5% of total revenue.	'	'
Percentage of total revenues represented by two largest customers	'19.9%	'15.9%	'17.4%
Joint Revenue Sharing Arragement Previous Estimated Useful Life	'10 years	'	'
Joint Revenue Sharing Arragement Amended Estimated Useful Life	'13 years	'	'
Imax Systems [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Advertising, marketing and commission costs	2,500,000	2,700,000	2,400,000
Inventory (Recovery) Write-downs	274,000	795,000	0
Theater System Maintenance [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Inventory (Recovery) Write-downs	170,000	103,000	0
Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Advertising, marketing and commission costs	3,600,000	3,400,000	5,400,000
Production and Imax Dmr [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Marketing Expense	4,200,000	3,300,000	3,800,000
Distribution [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Marketing Expense	$400,000	$1,500,000	$1,900,000

Employees_Pension_and_Postreti2

Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
SERP Benefits [Member]	'
Schedule of expected benefit payments	'
2014	$0
2015	0
2016	0
2017	-19,228
2018	0
Thereafter	0
Total expected future benefit payment	19,228
Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]	'
Schedule of expected benefit payments	'
2014	-20
2015	-22
2016	-24
2017	-30
2018	-32
Thereafter	-264
Total expected future benefit payment	392
Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]	'
Schedule of expected benefit payments	'
2014	-79
2015	-92
2016	-103
2017	-114
2018	-121
Thereafter	-1,835
Total expected future benefit payment	$2,344

Employees_Pension_and_Postreti3

Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Details Textual) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Feb. 21, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jul. 31, 2000

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

SERP Benefits [Member]

SERP Benefits [Member]

SERP Benefits [Member]

SERP Benefits [Member]

Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]

Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]

Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]

Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]

Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]

Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]

Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]

Canadian Plan [Member]

Canadian Plan [Member]

Canadian Plan [Member]

Us Internal Revenue Code [Member]

Us Internal Revenue Code [Member]

Us Internal Revenue Code [Member]

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense (Textuals) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated benefit obligation for the SERP

'

'

'

'

'

'

$18,300

$20,400

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of prior year service costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'less than

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of prior year service costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

100

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest cost

'

'

'

'

'

300

195

272

279

19

13

26

100

72

194

183

'

'

'

'

'

'

Postretirement benefits obligation

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,284

20,366

18,990

392

524

502

'

2,344

4,606

4,052

'

'

'

'

'

'

Companies contribution and expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,307

1,137

1,000

273

300

200

Reduction in postretirement liability

2,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Curtailment gain

$2,185

$2,185

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,185

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Additional Textuals) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Defined benefit pension plan

'

'The Company has an unfunded U.S. defined benefit pension plan, the SERP, covering Richard L. Gelfond, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company and Bradley J. Wechsler, Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. The SERP provides for a lifetime retirement benefit from age 55 determined as 75% of the member’s best average 60 consecutive months of earnings over the member’s employment history. The benefits were 50% vested as at July 2000, the SERP initiation date. The vesting percentage increases on a straight-line basis from inception until age 55. As at December 31, 2013, the benefits of Mr. Gelfond were 100% vested. Upon a termination for cause, prior to a change of control, the executive shall forfeit any and all benefits to which such executive may have been entitled, whether or not vested.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Defined contribution pension plans for employees

'

'The Company also maintains defined contribution pension plans for its employees, including its executive officers. The Company makes contributions to these plans on behalf of employees in an amount up to 5% of their base salary subject to certain prescribed maximums.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of benefits vested since plan inception date

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum percentage of base salary contributed to Pension Plan by Company

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Termination Benefit Vested

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discontinued_Operations_Detail1

Discontinued Operations (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash	$134	$197
Accounts receivable	9	16
Inventories	20	21
Prepaid expenses	54	17
Property, plant and equipment	0	2
Total Assets	217	253
Liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	147	133
Accrued liabilities	701	1,157
Deferred revenue	32	32
Total liabilities	$880	$1,322

Financial_Instruments_Details_

Financial Instruments (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of changes in the fair value	'	'
Beginning balance, January 1, 2013	$1,350	$1,012
Transfers into/out of Level 3	0	0
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) included in earnings	0	0
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) Included in other comprehensive income	-350	338
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements	0	0
Ending balance, December 31, 2013	1,000	1,350
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in nrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date	$0	$150

Financial_Instruments_Details_1

Financial Instruments (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator	'	'
Minimum Lease Payments	$14,423	$14,175
Financed Sales Receivables	93,729	81,214
Total	108,152	95,389
In Good Standing [Member]	'	'
Recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator	'	'
Minimum Lease Payments	12,318	11,508
Financed Sales Receivables	89,017	69,310
Total	101,335	80,818
Credit Watch [Member]	'	'
Recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator	'	'
Minimum Lease Payments	420	0
Financed Sales Receivables	3,895	10,930
Total	4,315	10,930
Pre-Approved Transactions [Member]	'	'
Recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator	'	'
Minimum Lease Payments	288	467
Financed Sales Receivables	0	293
Total	288	760
Transactions Suspended [Member]	'	'
Recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator	'	'
Minimum Lease Payments	1,397	2,200
Financed Sales Receivables	817	681
Total	$2,214	$2,881

Financial_Instruments_Details_2

Financial Instruments (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment In Financing Receivables On Nonaccrual Status	'	'
Net investment in leases recorded investment	$1,684	$2,666
Net investment in leases related allowance	-606	-1,130
Net financed sales receivables recorded investment	817	1,322
Net financed sales receivables related allowance	-236	-66
Total recorded investment	2,501	3,988
Total related allowance	($842)	($1,196)

Financial_Instruments_Details_3

Financial Instruments (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'	'
Current	$2,946	$1,207	'
30-89 Days	1,429	872	'
90+ Days	3,859	2,507	'
Billed Financing Receivables	8,234	4,586	'
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	99,918	90,803	'
Total Recorded Investment	108,152	95,389	'
Related Allowances	-1,042	-1,196	'
Recorded Investment Net of Allowances	107,110	94,193	'
Net Investment in Leases [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'	'
Current	444	144	'
30-89 Days	218	202	'
90+ Days	841	1,240	'
Billed Financing Receivables	1,503	1,586	'
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	12,920	12,589	'
Total Recorded Investment	14,423	14,175	'
Related Allowances	-806	-1,130	-1,833
Recorded Investment Net of Allowances	13,617	13,045	'
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'	'
Current	2,502	1,063	'
30-89 Days	1,211	670	'
90+ Days	3,018	1,267	'
Billed Financing Receivables	6,731	3,000	'
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	86,998	78,214	'
Total Recorded Investment	93,729	81,214	'
Related Allowances	-236	-66	-316
Recorded Investment Net of Allowances	93,493	81,148	'
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'	'
Current	618	234	'
30-89 Days	577	441	'
90+ Days	2,261	887	'
Billed Financing Receivables	3,456	1,562	'
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	24,147	17,622	'
Related Allowances	-200	0	'
Recorded Investment Net of Allowances	27,403	19,184	'
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] | Net Investment in Leases [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'	'
Current	168	11	'
30-89 Days	108	59	'
90+ Days	205	23	'
Billed Financing Receivables	481	93	'
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	4,865	1,449	'
Related Allowances	-200	0	'
Recorded Investment Net of Allowances	5,146	1,542	'
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] | Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]	'	'	'
Current	450	223	'
30-89 Days	469	382	'
90+ Days	2,056	864	'
Billed Financing Receivables	2,975	1,469	'
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	19,282	16,173	'
Related Allowances	0	0	'
Recorded Investment Net of Allowances	$22,257	$17,642	'

Financial_Instruments_Details_4

Financial Instruments (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Related Allowance	$236	$66
Recorded Investment	535	564
Unpaid Principal	283	233
Average Recorded Investment	545	680
Interest Income Recognized	34	22
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Recorded Investment (Allowance)	535	187
Unpaid Principal (Allowance)	283	220
Related Allowance	236	66
Average Recorded Investment (Allowance)	545	201
Interest Income Recognized (Allowance)	-34	0
Recorded Investment (No Related Allowance)	0	377
Unpaid Principal (No Related Allowance)	0	13
Average Recorded Investment (No Related Allowance)	0	479
Interest Income Recognized (No Related Allowance)	$0	$22

Financial_Instruments_Detail_6

Financial Instruments (Detail 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for credit losses:	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$1,196	'	'
Receivable provisions, net of recoveries (note 16)	445	524	1,570
Ending balance	1,042	1,196	'
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member]	'	'	'
Allowance for credit losses:	'	'	'
Beginning balance	66	316	'
Charge-offs	0	-109	'
Receivable provisions, net of recoveries (note 16)	170	-141	'
Ending balance	236	66	'
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	236	66	'
Financing receivables:	'	'	'
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	93,729	81,215	'
Net Investment in Leases [Member]	'	'	'
Allowance for credit losses:	'	'	'
Beginning balance	1,130	1,833	'
Charge-offs	-624	-1,019	'
Receivable provisions, net of recoveries (note 16)	300	316	'
Ending balance	806	1,130	'
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	806	1,130	'
Financing receivables:	'	'	'
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$14,423	$14,174	'

Financial_Instruments_Details_5

Financial Instruments (Details 7) (Foreign Exchange Contract [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset, Notional amount	$23,555	$8,069
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset, Notional amount	23,555	8,069
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset, Notional amount	$0	$0

Financial_Instruments_Details_6

Financial Instruments (Details 8) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair value of foreign exchange contracts	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	($421)	$297
Other Assets [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair value of foreign exchange contracts	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	0	297
Accrued and other liabilities [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair value of foreign exchange contracts	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	($421)	$0

Financial_Instruments_Details_7

Financial Instruments (Details 9) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging relationships	'	'	'
Adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income to record unrealized cash flow hedging (loss) gain	($1,031)	$716	($162)
Realization of cash flow hedging gains upon settlement (note 21(d))	-312	236	684
Non Designated Derivatives in Foreign Currency relationships	'	'	'
Derivative (loss) gain	0	1,184	-1,014
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging relationships	'	'	'
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income	-486	'	'
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'	'
Non Designated Derivatives in Foreign Currency relationships	'	'	'
Derivative (loss) gain	0	1,184	-1,014
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging relationships	'	'	'
Adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income to record unrealized cash flow hedging (loss) gain	-1,031	716	-162
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging relationships	'	'	'
Realization of cash flow hedging gains upon settlement (note 21(d))	$312	($236)	($684)

Financial_Instruments_Details_8

Financial Instruments (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financial Instruments Additional (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Carrying value of equity investments	$404,000	$3,074,000	'
Investment in preferred stock of other business venture	1,500,000	'	'
Financial Instruments (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Impairment of available-for-sale investment	0	150,000	0
Troubled Debt Restructuring write-down	'	100,000	'
Troubled Debt Restructuring recorded investment	'	500,000	'
Total carrying value of investments in new business ventures	5,800,000	4,400,000	'
Gross revenues of investment new business ventures	-6,600,000	-9,000,000	'
Cost of revenue of investment new business ventures	26,000,000	12,700,000	'
Loss on equity-accounted investments	-26,300,000	-13,400,000	'
Equity method investment, difference between carrying amount and underlying equity	400,000	'	'
Equity security under ASC 325	2,500,000	'	'
Investment in preferred stock of other business venture	1,500,000	'	'
Fair Value, Available for Sale Investment	1,000,000	1,400,000	'
Warrants	500,000	'	'
Equity Accounted Investment [Member]	'	'	'
Financial Instruments Additional (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Carrying value of equity investments	404,000	3,074,000	'
New Equity Accounted Investment [Member]	'	'	'
Financial Instruments Additional (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Carrying value of equity investments	1,400,000	'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Equity Accounted Investment [Member]	'	'	'
Financial Instruments Additional (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Carrying value of equity investments	404,000	3,074,000	'
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | New Equity Accounted Investment [Member]	'	'	'
Financial Instruments Additional (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Carrying value of equity investments	$1,400,000	'	'