IMAX (IMAX) 10-K 24 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	IMAX Corporation
Entity Central Index Key	921,582
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 2,433.6
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		69,686,502
Trading Symbol	IMAX

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 317,449	$ 106,503
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,146 (December 31, 2014 - $947)	97,981	76,051
Financing receivables (notes 4 and 20(c))	117,231	105,700
Inventories (note 5)	38,753	17,063
Prepaid expenses	6,498	4,946
Film assets (note 6)	14,571	15,163
Property, plant and equipment (note 7)	218,267	183,424
Other assets (notes 8 and 20(e))	26,527	23,047
Deferred income taxes (note 9)	25,766	23,058
Other intangible assets (note 10)	28,950	27,551
Goodwill	39,027	39,027
Total assets	931,020	621,533
Liabilities
Bank indebtedness (note 11)	29,667	4,710
Accounts payable	23,455	26,145
Accrued and other liabilities (notes 6, 12(a), 12(c), 13, 14(c), 20(b), 20(d), 21 and 24)	95,748	75,425
Deferred revenue	104,993	88,566
Total liabilities	$ 253,863	$ 194,846
Commitments and contingencies (notes 12 and 13)
Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests (note 22)	$ 3,307	$ 43,912
Shareholders' equity
Capital stock (note 14) common shares - no par value. Authorized - unlimited number. Issued and outstanding - 69,673,244 (December 31, 2014 - 68,988,050)	448,310	344,862
Other equity	163,094	47,319
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	19,930	(6,259)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(7,443)	(3,147)
Total shareholders' equity attributable to common shareholders	623,891	382,775
Non-controlling interests (note 22)	49,959	0
Total shareholder's equity	673,850	382,775
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 931,020	$ 621,533

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1,146	$ 947
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, share issued	69,673,244	68,988,050
Common stock, share outstanding	69,673,244	68,988,050

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues
Equipment and product sales (note 15(c))	$ 118,937	$ 78,705	$ 78,663
Services (note 15(c))	161,964	142,607	139,464
Rentals (note 15(c))	83,651	60,705	61,293
Finance income	9,112	8,524	8,142
Other (note 15(a))	141	0	375
Revenues	373,805	290,541	287,937
Costs and expenses applicable to revenues (note 2(m))
Equipment and product sales	63,635	36,997	37,517
Services (note 15(c))	70,855	62,228	68,844
Rentals	20,027	17,928	16,973
Cost and expenses applicable to revenues, total	154,517	117,153	123,334
Gross margin	219,288	173,388	164,603
Selling, general and administrative expenses (note 15(b)) (including share-based compensation expense of $21.9 million, $15.1 million and $11.9 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	115,345	93,260	84,854
Gain on curtailment of postretirement benefit plan (note 21(d))	0	0	(2,185)
Research and development	12,730	16,096	14,771
Amortization of intangibles	1,860	1,724	1,618
Receivable provisions, net of recoveries (note 16)	752	918	445
Asset impairments (note 17)	405	314	0
Impairment of investments (notes 20(b) and 20(e))	425	3,206	0
Income from operations	87,771	57,870	65,100
Interest income	968	405	55
Interest expense (note 9(g))	(1,661)	(924)	(1,345)
Income from operations before income taxes	87,078	57,351	63,810
Provision for income taxes	(20,052)	(14,466)	(16,629)
Loss from equity-accounted investments, net of tax	(2,402)	(1,071)	(2,757)
Income from continuing operations	64,624	41,814	44,424
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (note 23)	0	355	(309)
Net income	64,624	42,169	44,115
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests (note 22)	(8,780)	(2,433)	0
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 55,844	$ 39,736	$ 44,115
Net income per share attributable to common shareholders - basic and diluted: (note 14(d))
Net income per share from continuing operations - basic	$ 0.79	$ 0.57	$ 0.66
Net income per share from discontinued operations - basic	0	0.01	0
Net income per share - basic	0.79	0.58	0.66
Net income per share from continuing operations - diluted	0.78	0.56	0.64
Net income per share from discontinued operations - diluted	0	0	0
Net income per share - diluted	$ 0.78	$ 0.56	$ 0.64

Consolidated Statements of Ope5

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Compensation expense	$ 21.9	$ 15.1	$ 11.9

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income	$ 64,624	$ 42,169	$ 44,115
Unrealized defined benefit plan actuarial gain (loss) (note 21(a))	180	(857)	2,277
Amortization of defined benefit plan actuarial loss (note 21(a))	0	0	444
Unrealized postretirement benefit plans actuarial gain (loss) (notes 21(c) and 21(d))	79	(574)	(169)
Amortization of postretirement benefit plan actuarial loss (gain) (note 21(c))	135	(32)	0
Gain on curtailment of postretirement benefit plan (note 21(d))	0	0	398
Unrealized net loss from cash flow hedging instruments (note 20(d))	(5,881)	(2,524)	(1,031)
Realization of cash flow hedging net loss upon settlement (note 20(d))	3,217	1,186	312
Foreign currency translation adjustments (note 2)	(2,121)	(259)	(115)
Change in market value of available-for-sale investment (note 20(b))	0	0	(350)
Other-than-temporary impairment of available-for-sale investment (note 20(b))	0	350	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	(4,391)	(2,710)	1,766
Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive (loss) income (note 9(h))	511	750	(504)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(3,880)	(1,960)	1,262
Comprehensive income	60,744	40,209	45,377
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	(9,196)	(2,491)	0
Comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	$ 51,548	$ 37,718	$ 45,377

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 64,624	$ 42,169	$ 44,115
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (note 23)	0	(355)	309
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operations:
Depreciation and amortization (notes 18(c) and 19(a))	42,803	33,756	37,172
Write-downs, net of recoveries (notes 18(d) and 19(a))	3,725	5,294	1,336
Change in deferred income taxes	(1,336)	627	12,899
Stock and other non-cash compensation	22,379	15,467	12,685
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss	785	1,180	1,183
Gain on curtailment of postretirement benefit plan (note 21(d))	0	0	(2,185)
Loss from equity-accounted investments	3,838	1,774	2,757
Gain on non-cash contribution to equity-accounted investees	(1,436)	(703)	0
Investment in film assets	(15,119)	(19,233)	(20,935)
Changes in other non-cash operating assets and liabilities (note 18(a))	(36,578)	6,057	(33,755)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from discontinued operations	0	572	(548)
Net cash provided by operating activities	83,685	86,605	55,033
Investing Activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(43,257)	(40,104)	(13,016)
Investment in joint revenue sharing equipment	(28,474)	(16,838)	(22,775)
Investment in new business ventures	(2,000)	(2,500)	(4,000)
Proceeds from sale of business venture	0	507	0
Acquisition of other intangible assets	(5,065)	(2,918)	(2,486)
Net cash used in investing activities	(78,796)	(61,853)	(42,277)
Financing Activities
Increase in bank indebtedness (note 11)	25,290	4,710	12,000
Repayment of bank indebtedness (note 11)	(333)	0	(23,000)
Issuance of subsidiary shares to non-controlling interests - private offering	40,000	44,551	0
Share issuance costs from the issuance of subsidiary shares to non-controlling interests - private offering	(2,000)	(3,556)	0
Issuance of subsidiary shares to non-controlling interests - public offering	178,226	0	0
Share issuance expenses - public offering	(16,257)	0	(202)
Exercise of stock options (note 14(b))	35,609	10,834	8,970
Treasury stock repurchased for settlement of share based compensation	(10,000)	(790)	0
Repurchase of common shares	(34,276)	(3,063)	0
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests	(9,511)	0	0
Credit facility amendment fees paid	(1,533)	(427)	(2,151)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	205,215	52,259	(4,383)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash	842	(54)	(163)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents during the year	210,946	76,957	8,210
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	106,503	29,546	21,336
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$ 317,449	$ 106,503	$ 29,546

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Shares Issued and Outstanding [Member]	Capital Stock [Member]	Other Equity [Member]	Acumulated (Deficit) Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) [Member]	Non-controlling Interests [Member]
Movement of Shareholders Equity
Balance as at	$ 253,079		$ 313,744	$ 28,892	$ (87,166)	$ (2,391)	$ 0
Common stock, share outstanding		66,482,425
Net income	44,115				44,115
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	1,262					1,262
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	1,766
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	0
Paid-in-capital for non-employee stock options granted (note 14(c))	174			174
Employee stock options exercised	$ 8,589		12,044	(3,455)
Common shares issued pursuant to exercise of stock options	1,316,347	1,291,347
Non-employee stock options exercised	$ 381		613	(232)
Common shares issued pursuant to exercise of stock options by non-employees		25,000
Paid-in-capital for employee stock options granted (note 14(c))	9,150			9,150
Restricted share units vested (net of shares withheld for tax) (note 14(c))	$ (101)		1,114	(1,215)
Restricted share units vested (net of shares withheld for tax) (note 14(c))	42,461	42,461
Repurchase of common shares	$ 0
Accretion charges associated with redeemable common stock	0
Utilization of windfall tax benefits from vested restricted share units and expenses stock options (note 9(f))	1,018			1,018
Issuance of subsidiary shares, initial public offering	0
Issuance of subsidiary shares, initial public offering	0
Share issuance expenses - public offering	(202)		(202)
Dividends paid (note 22)	0
Income tax expense (recovery) related to other comprehensive income (loss) (note 9(h))	504
Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive (loss) income (note 9(h))	(504)
Balance as at	319,585		327,313	36,452	(43,051)	(1,129)	0
Common stock, share outstanding		67,841,233
Paid-in capital for restricted share units granted (note 14(c))	2,120			2,120
Net income	42,169				42,169
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(1,960)					(1,960)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	(2,710)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to a non-controlling interest, net of tax (note 22(a))	(58)					(58)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(2,433)				(2,433)
Paid-in-capital for non-employee stock options granted (note 14(c))	149			149
Employee stock options exercised	$ 10,550		14,810	(4,260)
Common shares issued pursuant to exercise of stock options	1,149,587	1,116,586
Non-employee stock options exercised	$ 283		448	(165)
Common shares issued pursuant to exercise of stock options by non-employees		33,001
Paid-in-capital for employee stock options granted (note 14(c))	9,275			9,275
Restricted share units vested (net of shares withheld for tax) (note 14(c))	$ (312)		2,836	(3,148)
Restricted share units vested (net of shares withheld for tax) (note 14(c))	109,264	109,264
Restricted share units vested and issued to employees	$ (790)			(790)
Repurchase of common shares	$ (3,063)		(545)		(2,518)
Repurchase of common shares	112,034	(112,034)
Accretion charges associated with redeemable common stock	$ (426)				(426)
Utilization of windfall tax benefits from vested restricted share units and expenses stock options (note 9(f))	4,026			4,026
Issuance of subsidiary shares, initial public offering	0
Issuance of subsidiary shares, initial public offering	44,551
Share issuance expenses - public offering	0
Dividends paid (note 22)	0
Income tax expense (recovery) related to other comprehensive income (loss) (note 9(h))	(750)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive (loss) income (note 9(h))	750
Balance as at	$ 382,775		344,862	47,319	(6,259)	(3,147)	0
Common stock, share outstanding	68,988,050	68,988,050
Paid-in capital for restricted share units granted (note 14(c))	$ 5,780			5,780
Net income	64,624				64,624
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(3,880)					(4,296)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	(4,391)						416
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(8,780)				(8,780)		9,113
Net (Income) Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Film Fund	333
Paid-in-capital for non-employee stock options granted (note 14(c))	81			81
Employee stock options exercised	$ 35,478		49,756	(14,278)
Common shares issued pursuant to exercise of stock options	1,761,675	1,650,643
Non-employee stock options exercised	$ 131		206	(75)
Common shares issued pursuant to exercise of stock options by non-employees		9,000
Paid-in-capital for employee stock options granted (note 14(c))	12,225			12,225
Restricted share units vested (net of shares withheld for tax) (note 14(c))	$ (525)		626	(1,151)
Restricted share units vested (net of shares withheld for tax) (note 14(c))	25,551	25,551
Restricted share units vested and issued to employees	$ (6,203)			(6,203)
Stock option exercises settled from treasury shares purchased on open market	(3,797)			(3,797)
Repurchase of common shares	$ (34,276)		(5,390)		(28,886)
Repurchase of common shares	1,000,000	(1,000,000)
Accretion charges associated with redeemable common stock	$ (769)				(769)
Utilization of windfall tax benefits from vested restricted share units and expenses stock options (note 9(f))	529			529
Issuance of subsidiary shares, initial public offering	178,226		71,291	106,935
Issuance of subsidiary shares, initial public offering	40,000
Share issuance expenses - public offering	(16,257)		(13,041)	(3,216)
Dividends paid (note 22)	(9,511)						(9,511)
Tax impact of sale of subsidiary shares in initial public offering	(12,450)			(12,450)
Reduction in value due to qualified initial public offering	0			29,100			(29,100)
Conversion of Class C Shares upon initial public ofering	79,041						79,041
Income tax expense (recovery) related to other comprehensive income (loss) (note 9(h))	(511)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive (loss) income (note 9(h))	511
Balance as at	$ 673,850		$ 448,310	163,094	$ 19,930	$ (7,443)	$ 49,959
Common stock, share outstanding	69,673,244	69,673,244
Paid-in capital for restricted share units granted (note 14(c))	$ 8,075			$ 8,075

Description of the Business

Description of the Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 subsidiaries (the “Company”), is an entertainment technology company specializing in digital and film-based motion picture technologies, whose principal activities are the: d esign, manufacture, sale and lease of proprietary theater systems for IMAX theaters principally owned and operated by commercial and institutional customers located in 67 countries as at December 31, 2015 ; pro duction, 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 t heater 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 theat er 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 contingen t 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 Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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. Basis of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company together with its consolidated subsidiaries, except for subsidiaries which the Company has identified as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where the Company is not t he 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 “Co dification”). The Company has 11 film production companies that are VIEs. For five 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 acti vities 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 r espective VIE that could potentially be significant to the respective VIE. These consolidated production companies have total assets of $ 7.2 million (December 31, 2014 — $ 7.7 million) and total liabilities of $ 4.1 million as at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 — $ 0.3 million). The majority of these consolidated assets are held by the IMAX Original Film Fund (the “Film Fund”) as described in note 22 (b). For the other six film production companies which are VIEs, the Company did not consolidate these film entities since it does no t 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, 2015 , these six VIEs have total assets and total liabilities of $ 0.4 million (December 31, 2014 — $ 0.4 million). Earnings of the investees included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations amounted to $ni l in 2015 ( 2014 — $nil). The carrying value of these investments in VIEs that are not consolidated is $nil at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 — $nil). A loss i n 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 $nil at December 31, 2015 ( 2014 — $nil). The Company accounts for investments in new business ventures using the guidance of the FASB ASC 323 “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ven tures” (“ASC 323”) and ASC 320 “Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“ASC 320”), as appropriate. All intercompany accounts and transactions, including all unrealized intercompany profits on transactions with equity-accounted investees, have been e liminated. 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 as sets 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 rec eivable, 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 Equi valents The Company considers all highly liquid investments convertible to a known amount of cash and with an original maturity to the Company of three months or less to be cash equivalents. 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 th e 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 o r 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 ren egotiations 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 th e 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 provi sion 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. Inventories Inventories are carrie d 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 produ ct 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 Comp any’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 discu ssed in note 2 (m) have not been met. 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 perio d 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, t he 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 Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straig ht-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 product 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 i nstalled 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 valu es 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 flo ws 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 o f 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 capitalize d 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 Other assets include insurance recoverable, deferred char ges 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 amortize d 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 fo r 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 val ue 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 te rm of the agreement. 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 m ore 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. The Company first assesses certain qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circ umstances 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 th at 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 operat ions and is not reversed if the fair value subsequently increases. 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 ex cept, 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 impairmen t 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. 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 Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method whereby deferred income tax asse ts 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 li kely 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 asses sments 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 w hich 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 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 thea ter 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 Recogn ition 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 paymen ts 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 obligation s. 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 refun d 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 allocate d 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 tha t 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 thi rd 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 co mpletion 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 i s 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 payment s 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. Cons ideration 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 syste m 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 sta ndard 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 substantial ly 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 rev enue 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 wo rking 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 receive d 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, provid ed 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 be en 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 pay ments 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 classifi cation 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 r eported 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 collectibil ity is reasonably assured. Cost of Equipment and Product Sale s 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 instal lation 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 crit eria 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 a nd product sales, totaled $ 3.4 million in 2015 ( 2014 – $ 2.5 million, 2013 – $ 2.5 million). The cost of equipment and product sales prior to direct selling costs was $ 60.2 million in 2015 ( 2014 – $ 34.5 million, 2013 – $ 35.0 million). The Company may have warranty obligations at or after t he 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. Cos t of Rentals For theater systems and other equipment subject to an operating lease or placed in a theater oper ators’ 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 inclu

New Accounting Pronouncements a

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
New Accounting Standards and Accounting Changes [Abstract]
New Accounting Standards and Accounting Changes [Text Block]	3. New Accounting Standards and Accounting Changes Adoption of New Accounting Policies In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosure of Disposals of Components of an Entity” (“ASU 2014-08”). The amendments in ASU 2014-08 change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations in Subtopic 205-20. The amendments improve the definition of discontinued operations by limiting discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results . The amendments also require expanded disclosures for discontinued operations. For public companies, the amendments apply to all disposals of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim per iods within those years and are to be applied prospectively. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2015. The adoption of the amended standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In June 2015, the FAS B issued ASU No. 2015-10, “Technical Corrections and Improvements” (“ASU 2015-10”). The amendments in ASU 2015-10 represent changes to clarify, correct unintended application of guidance, or make minor improvements to the accounting standards codification that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. For public companies, the standard is effective immediately for amendments that do not have transition guidance. Amendments that are subject to transition guidance, the effective date is interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company adopted the standard immediately upon issuance for amendments that do not have transition guidanc e. 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 April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”), and in August 2015 issued ASU No. 2015-15, “Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements” (“ASU 2015-15”). Under ASU 2015-03, debt issuance costs reported on the consolidated balance sheet would be reflected as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. While ASU 2015-03 addresses costs related to term debt, ASU No. 2015-15 provides clarification regarding costs to secure revolving lines of credit, which are, at the outset, not associated with an outstanding borrowing. ASU No. 2015-15 provides commentary that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements as a n asset and subsequently amortizing them ratably over the term of the revolving debt arrangement. For public companies, ASU No. 2015-03 is effective January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of ASU 2015-11 on its consolidated financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330) : Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11” ). The purpose of the amendment is to more closely align the measurement of inventory in U.S. GAAP with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards. The clarifications are not intended to result in any changes in practice and to reduce the complexity in guidance on the subsequent measurement of inventory. This standard only applies to inventory being measured using the first-in, first-out or average cost methods of acco unting for inventory. For public entities, the amendments are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently assessing the impact of ASU 2015-11 on its consolidated financial statements. In A ugust 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” (“ASU 2015-14”). The purpose of the amendment is to defer the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with C ustomers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”) for all entities by one year. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2014-09 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The company is currently assessing the impact o f ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements. Recently issued FASB accounting standard codification updates, except for ASU No. 2015-11 and ASUC 2015-14, were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended Dec ember 31, 2015.

Lease Arrangements

Lease Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Lease Arrangements [Abstract]
Financing Receivables	4. Lease Arrangements 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 cl assifies 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 t he 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 residu al 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 Compan y 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 abil ity 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 years or longer with renewal provisions. Tit le 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 arr angement’s shipping terms and ending on the date the theater systems are delivered back to the Company. See additional details regarding the Company’s traditional and hybrid joint revenue sharing arrangements as described in note 2 (m ). 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, 2015 2014 Gross minimum lease payments receivable $ 13,998 $ 13,928 Unearned finance income (2,381) (2,357) Minimum lease payments receivable 11,617 11,571 Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts (672) (972) Net investment in leases 10,945 10,599 Gross financed sales receivables 146,232 131,155 Unearned finance income (39,378) (35,560) Financed sales receivables 106,854 95,595 Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts (568) (494) Net financed sales receivables 106,286 95,101 Total financing receivables $ 117,231 $ 105,700 Net financed sales receivables due within one year $ 19,068 $ 15,544 Net financed sales receivables due after one year $ 87,218 $ 79,557 In 2015 , the financed sales receivables had a weighted average effective interest rate of 9.4 % ( 2014 — 9.6 %). 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, 2015 2014 2013 Sales $ 2,492 $ 2,058 $ 2,493 Sales-type leases 363 102 184 Operating leases 901 886 1,009 Subtotal - sales, sales-type leases and operating leases 3,756 3,046 3,686 Joint revenue sharing arrangements 82,016 57,973 58,694 $ 85,772 $ 61,019 $ 62,380 Future Minimum Rental Payments Future minimum rental payments receivable from operating and sales-type leases at December 31, 2015 , for each of the next five years are as follows: Operating Leases Sales-Type Leases 2016 $ 993 $ 2,705 2017 794 1,876 2018 688 1,667 2019 527 1,504 2020 478 1,403 Thereafter 2,074 3,627 Total $ 5,554 $ 12,782 Total future minimum rental payments receivable from sales-type leases at December 31, 2015 exclude $ 1.2 million which represents amounts billed but not yet received.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	5. Inventories As at December 31, 2015 2014 Raw materials $ 25,750 $ 9,147 Work-in-process 2,628 1,211 Finished goods 10,375 6,705 $ 38,753 $ 17,063 At December 31, 2015 , finished goods inventory for which title had passed to the customer and revenue was deferred amounted to $ 5.4 million (December 31, 2014 — $ 1.4 million). Inventories at December 31, 2015 include write-downs for excess and obsolete inventory based upon current estimates of net realizable value considering future events and conditions of $ 0.6 million (December 31, 2014 — $ 0.4 million).

Film Assets

Film Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Film Costs [Abstract]
Film Assets	6. Film Assets As at December 31, 2015 2014 Completed and released films, net of accumulated amortization of $ 6,445 $ 8,018 $112,571 (2014 ― $96,214) Films in production 1,538 1,758 Films in development 6,588 5,387 $ 14,571 $ 15,163 The Company expects to amortize film costs of $ 6.3 million for released films within three years from December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 — $ 7.1 million), including $ 3.6 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 pa rticipation payments to third parties related to these films that the Company expects to pay during 2016 , which is included in accrued liabilities at December 31, 2015 , is $ 3.9 mill ion ( 2014 — $ 5.0 million).

Property Plant and Equipment

Property Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	7. Property Plant and Equipment As at December 31, 2015 Accumulated Net Book Cost Depreciation Value Equipment leased or held for use Theater system components (1)(2)(3) $ 199,974 $ 74,568 $ 125,406 Camera equipment (7) 5,393 3,368 2,025 205,367 77,936 127,431 Assets under construction (4) 9,616 - 9,616 Other property, plant and equipment Land 8,203 - 8,203 Buildings 67,150 12,679 54,471 Office and production equipment (6) 34,396 17,035 17,361 Leasehold improvements 3,512 2,327 1,185 113,261 32,041 81,220 $ 328,244 $ 109,977 $ 218,267 As at December 31, 2014 Accumulated Net Book Cost Depreciation Value Equipment leased or held for use Theater system components (1)(2)(3) $ 179,236 $ 63,862 $ 115,374 Camera equipment (7) 5,253 2,874 2,379 184,489 66,736 117,753 Assets under construction (4)(5) 43,250 - 43,250 Other property, plant and equipment Land 8,180 - 8,180 Buildings 16,584 10,998 5,586 Office and production equipment (6) 27,996 19,659 8,337 Leasehold improvements 9,937 9,619 318 62,697 40,276 22,421 $ 290,436 $ 107,012 $ 183,424 ______________ (1) Included in theater system components are assets with costs of $ 11.5 million ( 2014 — $ 15.3 million) and accumulated depreciation of $ 7.3 million ( 2014 — $ 9.1 million) that are leased to customers under operating leases. (2) Included in theater system components are assets with costs of $ 178.0 million ( 2014 — $ 157.6 million) and accumulated depreciation of $ 62.2 million ( 2014 — $ 50.2 million) that are used in joint revenue sharing arrangements. (3) In 2015 , the Company identified and wrote off $ 1.1 million of theater system components upon the upgrade of xenon-b ased digital systems under operating lease arrangements to laser-based digital systems under sales or sales-type lease arrangements. In 2015 , the Company recorded $ 2.2 million ( 2014 — $ 0.3 million ) related to theater system components that are no longer in use and fully amortized. (4) Included in assets under construction are components with costs of $ 6.0 million ( 2014 — $ 0.1 million) that will be utilized to construct assets to be used in joint revenue sharing arrangements. (5) In 2014, included in assets under construction is $ 40.1 million, including accrued expenditures of $ 12.2 million for the construction of a new office facility in California. (6) Fully amortized office and production equipment is still in use by the Company. In 2015 , the Company identified and wrote off $ 3.1 million ( 2014 - $ 2.0 million) of office and production equipment that is no longer in use and fully amor tized. (7) Fully amortized camera equipment is still in use by the Company. In 2015 and 2014 , the Company identified and wrote off $nil and $ 0.3 million, respectively of camera equipment that is no longer in use and fully amortized.

Other Assets

Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	8. Other Assets As at December 31, 2015 2014 Prepaid taxes (note 9) $ 9,064 $ 8,174 Lease incentives provided to theaters 5,852 5,785 Commissions and other deferred selling expenses 3,933 3,448 Equity-accounted investments 1,005 2,765 Deferred charges on debt financing 2,638 2,120 Other investments 1,193 619 Insurance recoverable 2,842 136 $ 26,527 $ 23,047

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	9. Income Taxes Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes by tax jurisdiction are comprised of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Canada $ 41,099 $ 15,453 $ 51,593 United States 4,504 10,350 678 China 45,818 26,327 12,012 Ireland (10,581) - - Other 6,238 5,221 (473) $ 87,078 $ 57,351 $ 63,810 The (provision for) recovery of income taxes related to income from continuing operations is comprised of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current: Canada $ (10,862) $ (3,495) $ (1,068) United States 985 (4,072) (144) China (10,591) (6,023) (2,317) Ireland - - - Other (920) (249) (201) (21,388) (13,839) (3,730) Deferred: (1) Canada (518) 433 (13,198) United States 147 (791) 214 China (83) (216) (252) Ireland 1,840 - - Other (50) (53) 337 1,336 (627) (12,899) $ (20,052) $ (14,466) $ (16,629) ______________ (1) For the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Company has increased the valuation allowance by less than $0.1 million ( 2014 — $ 4.4 million decrease) relating to the future utilization of deductible temporary differences, tax credits, and certain net operating loss carryforwards. Also included in the provision for income taxes is the deferred tax related to amounts recorded in and r eclassified from other comprehensive income in the year of $0.5 million. 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, 2015 2014 2013 Income tax provision at combined statutory rates $ (23,081) $ (15,189) $ (16,914) Adjustments resulting from: Stock based compensation 2,387 (2,244) (2,603) Other non-deductible/non-includable items (439) 1,257 (341) Decrease in valuation allowance relating to current year temporary differences (16) 429 341 Changes to tax reserves (453) 230 84 U.S. federal and state taxes (27) (200) (144) Income tax at different rates in foreign and other provincial jurisdictions 961 516 918 Investment and other tax credits (non-refundable) 881 1,773 1,041 Changes to deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from audit and other tax return adjustments (242) (1,013) 11 Tax effect of loss from equity-accounted investments - (41) 1,040 Other (23) 16 (62) Provision for income taxes, as reported $ (20,052) $ (14,466) $ (16,629) The net deferred income tax asset is comprised of the following: As at December 31, 2015 2014 Net operating loss carryforwards $ 1,158 $ 1,091 Investment tax credit and other tax credit carryforwards - 225 Write-downs of other assets 720 681 Excess tax over accounting basis in property, plant and equipment, inventories and other assets 11,741 8,062 Accrued pension liability 6,626 6,496 Other accrued reserves 7,656 7,955 Total deferred income tax assets 27,901 24,510 Income recognition on net investment in leases (1,809) (1,142) 26,092 23,368 Valuation allowance (326) (310) Net deferred income tax asset $ 25,766 $ 23,058 The gross deferred tax assets include an asset of $1.2 million relating to the remaining tax effect resulting from the Company’s defined benefit pension plan and postretirement benefit plans, the related actuarial gains and losses and unrealized net gains and losses on cash flo w hedging instruments recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. In 2015, the Company recorded an adjustment of $14.0 million to deferred tax assets, $5.9 million to the income tax provision and $8.1 million to shareholders’ equity related to excess tax benefits generated on the exercise of certain employee stock options. In conjunction with this, a provision for uncertain tax positions of $3.9 million was recorded to income tax provision and $7.9 million was re corded against shareholders’ equity. During the year, the Company and its subsidiaries completed a number of intra-entity sales of assets. The Company has deferred or eliminated the related tax expense and deferred taxes specifically associated with such intra-entity transfers, and is included in Other Assets as disclosed in note 8 . The Company has not provided Canadian taxes on cumulative earnings of non-Canadian affiliates and associated companies that have been reinvested indefi nitely. Taxes are provided for earnings of non-Canadian affiliates and associated companies when the Company determines that such earnings are no longer indefinitely reinvested. Estimated net operating loss carryforwards (excluding state losses) and esti mated tax credit carryforwards expire as follows: Investment Tax Credits and Other Net Operating Tax Credit Loss Carryforwards Carryforwards 2016 $ - $ - 2017 - - 2018 - - 2019 - - 2020 - - Thereafter 2,119 15,705 $ 2,119 $ 15,705 Estimated net operating loss carryforwards can be carried forward to reduce taxable income through to 2036. Investment tax credits and other tax credits can be carried forward to reduce income taxes payable through to 2035. Valuation allowance The provision for income taxes in the year ended December 31, 2015 includes a net income tax expense of less than $0.1 million ( 2014 — $ 0.4 million recovery) in continuin g operations related to an increase in the valuation allowance for the Company’s deferred tax assets and other tax adjustments. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , after considering all available evidence, both positive (includi ng recent and historical profits, projected future profitability, backlog, carryforward periods for, and 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 increased by less than $0.1 million ( 2014 — $ 4.4 million decrease). The rem aining $ 0.3 million ( 2014 — $ 0.3 million) balance in the valuation allowance as at December 31, 2015 is primarily attributable to certain U.S. state net operating loss carryovers that may expire unutilized. 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company had total unrecognized tax benefits (including interest and penalties) of $14.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively, for deductibility of stock based compensation, int ernational withholding taxes and other items. Approximately $6.3 million 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 asse rted 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 ma tters 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) 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of the year $ 1,972 $ 2,202 $ 2,286 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 12,694 237 210 Reductions resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations and administrative practices (445) (467) (294) Balance at the end of the year $ 14,221 $ 1,972 $ 2,202 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 r ather 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, 2015 ( 2014 — $ 0.2 million recovery, 2013 — less than $ 0.1 million recovery). The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The Company's major ta xing jurisdictions include Canada, the province of Ontario, the United States (including multiple states), Ireland and China. The Company's 2010 through 2015 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS for U.S. federal tax purposes, and the 2006 t hrough 2015 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. Income Tax Ef fect on Comprehensive Income The income tax benefit (expense) related to the following items included in other comprehensive (loss) income are: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on defined benefit plan $ (47) $ 225 $ (588) Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit plan - - (114) Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on postretirement benefit plans (21) 151 43 Amortization of actuarial gain or loss on postretirement benefit plan (35) 8 - Gain on curtailment of postretirement benefit plan - - (100) Other-than-temporary impairment of available-for-sale investment - (45) - Change in market value of available-for-sale investment - - 45 Unrealized change in cash flow hedging instruments 1,543 658 264 Realized change in cash flow hedging instruments upon settlement (844) (306) (80)

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Other Intangible Assets	10. Other Intangible Assets As at December 31, 2015 Accumulated Net Book Cost Amortization Value Patents and trademarks $ 10,399 $ 6,502 $ 3,897 Licenses and intellectual property 22,390 6,464 15,926 Other 11,878 2,751 9,127 $ 44,667 $ 15,717 $ 28,950 As at December 31, 2014 Accumulated Net Book Cost Amortization Value Patents and trademarks $ 9,686 $ 5,967 $ 3,719 Licenses and intellectual property 20,490 4,867 15,623 Other 9,873 1,664 8,209 $ 40,049 $ 12,498 $ 27,551 Other intangible assets of $ 11.9 million are comprised mainly of the Company’s investment in a new enterprise resource planning system. Fully amortized other intangible assets are still in use b y the Company. In 2015 , the Company identified and wrote off $ 0.1 million ( 2014 ─ $ 0.1 million) of patents and trademarks that are no longer in use. Du ring 2015 , the Company acquired $ 4.8 million in other intangible assets. The net book value of these other intangible assets was $ 4.4 million as at December 31, 2015 . The weighted average amortization period for these additions is 10 years. During 2015 , the Company incurred costs of less than $ 0.1 million to renew or extend the term of acquired patents and trademarks which were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses ( 2014 ─ $ 0.1 million). The estimated amortization expense for e ach of the years ended December 31, are as follows: 2016 $ 3,669 2017 3,669 2018 3,669 2019 3,669 2020 3,669

Credit Facility and Playa Vista

Credit Facility and Playa Vista Construction Loan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Credit Facility and Playa Vista Construction Loan [Abstract]
Credit Facility and Playa Vista Construction Loan	11. Credit Facility and Playa Vista Loan On March 3, 2015, the Company amended and restated the terms of its existing senior secured credit facility (the “Prior Credit Facility”) in order to, among other things, eliminate the fixed charge coverage ratio under the Prior Credit Facility and reset certain financial maintenance covenants. The amended and restated facility (the “Credit Facility”), with a scheduled maturity of March 3, 2020, has a maximum borrowing capacity of $ 200.0 million, the same maximum borrowing capacity as under the Prior Credit Facility. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries serve as guarantors (the “Guarantors”) of the Company’s obl igations 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 Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”), dated March 3, 2015, among the Company, the Guarantors, the lenders named therein, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as agent and issuing lender (Well s 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 Guarant ors has also entered into a guarantee in respect of the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility. The Company was in compliance with all of its requirements at December 31, 2015 . Total amounts drawn and available under the C redit Facility at December 31, 2015 were $nil and $ 200.0 million, respectively (December 31, 2014 — $nil and $ 200.0 million, respectively). As at Decem ber 31, 2015 , the Company did not have any letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding (December 31, 2014 — $nil), under the Credit Facility. Playa Vista Financing On October 6, 2014, IMAX PV Development Inc., a Delaware corporation (“PV Borrower”) and direct wholly-owned subsidiary of IMAX U.S.A. Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a construction loan agreement with Wells Fargo. The con struction loan (the “Playa Vista Construction Loan”) was used to fund $22.3 million of the costs of development and construction of the West Coast headquarters of the Company, located in the Playa Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles, California (the “Playa V ista Project”). The total cost of development of the Playa Vista Project was approximately $54.0 million, with all costs in excess of the Playa Vista Construction Loan provided through funding by the Company. The Company began occupying the Playa Vista f acility in March of 2015. On October 19, 2015, PV Borrower converted the Playa Vista Construction Loan from a construction loan into a permanent loan (“Playa Vista Loan”) pursuant to the terms of the loan documents. Pursuant to the conversion, PV Borrowe r increased the principal balance of the loan by an additional $7.7 million, to $30.0 million. Prior to the conversion, the Playa Vista Construction Loan bore interest at a variable interest rate per annum equal to 2.25% above the 30-day LIBOR rate, and PV Borrower was required to make monthly payments of interest only. However, as a result of the conversion, the interest rate decreased from 2.25% to 2.0% above the 30-day LIBOR rate, and PV Borrower will be required to make monthly payments of combined prin cipal and interest over a 10-year term with a lump sum payment at the end of year 10. The Playa Vista Loan is being amortized over 15 years. The Playa Vista Loan will be fully due and payable on October 19, 2025 (the “Maturity Date”), and may be prepaid at any time without premium, but with all accrued interest and other applicable payments. The Playa Vista Loan is secured by a deed of trust from PV Borrower in favor of Wells Fargo, granting a first lien on and security interest in the Playa Vista property and the Playa Vista Project, including all improvements to be constructed thereon, and other documents evidencing and securing the loan (the “Loan Documents”). The Loan Documents include absolute and unconditional payment and completion guarantees provide d by the Company to Wells Fargo for the performance by PV Borrower of all the terms and provisions of the Playa Vista Loan and an environmental indemnity also provided by the Company. The Loan Documents contain affirmative, negative and financial covenant s (including compliance with the financial covenants of the Company’s outstanding revolving and term senior secured facility with Wells Fargo), agreements, representations, warranties, borrowing conditions, and events of default customary for development p rojects such as the Playa Vista Project. Bank indebtedness includes the following: As at December 31, 2015 2014 Playa Vista Loan $ 29,667 $ 4,710 Total amounts drawn under the loan at December 31, 2015 was $ 29.7 million (December 31, 2014 — $ 4.7 million) at an effective interest rate of 2.40 % (December 31, 2014 — 2.42 %). In accordance with the loan agreement, the Company is obligated to make payments on the principal of the loan as follows: 2016 $ 2,000 2017 2,000 2018 2,000 2019 2,000 2020 2,000 Thereafter 19,667 $ 29,667 Wells Fargo Foreign Exchange Facility Within the 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 $ 4.4 m illion at December 31, 2015 as the notional value exceeded the fair value of the forward contracts. As at December 31, 2015 , the Company has $ 30.7 million in notional value of such arrangements outst anding. Bank of Montreal Facility As at December 31, 2015 , the Company has available a $ 10.0 million facility (December 31, 2014 — $ 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, 2015 , the Company has letters of cr edit and advance payment guarantees outstanding of $ 0.3 million ( 2014 — $ 0.3 million) under the Bank of Montreal Facility.

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees [Abstract]
Commitments	12. Commitments 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 under operating lease arrangements to be made by the Company as at December 31, 2015 for each of the years ended December 31, are as follows: 2016 $ 4,987 2017 3,996 2018 3,546 2019 1,759 2020 438 Thereafter 3,752 $ 18,478 Rent expense was $ 4.8 million for 2015 ( 2014 — $ 6.6 million, 2013 — $ 6.5 million). Recorded in the accrued liabilities balance as at December 31, 2015 is $ 1.1 million (December 31, 2014 — $ 1.6 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, 2015 were $ 22.2 million (December 31, 2014 — $ 35.3 million). As at December 31, 2015 the Company did not have any letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding (December 31, 2014 — $nil), under the Credit Facility. As at December 31, 2015 the Company had letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding of $0.3 million as compared to $0.3 million as at December 31, 2014 , under the Bank of Montreal Facility. 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, 2015 , $ 1.7 million (December 31, 2014 —$1.5 millio n) of commissions have been accrued and will be payable in future periods.

Contingencies and Guarantees

Contingencies and Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 su ch 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 counse l 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, shoul d 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 c hange in determination, settlement or judgment occurs. The Company expenses legal costs relating to its lawsuits, claims and proceedings as incurred. On May 15, 2006, the Company initiated arbitration against Three-Dimensional Media Group, Ltd. (“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 re-examination proceedings currently pending involving one of 3DMG’s patents. The proceeding remains suspended pending 3DMG obtaining new counsel to represent it. If the proceeding resumes, 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. 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 Chamber of Commerce (the “ICC”) with respect to the b reach 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”). On March 27, 2008, the arbitration panel issued a final award in favor of the Company in the amount of $11.3 million, consisting of past and future rents owed to the Company, plus interest and costs, as well as an additional $2,512 each day in interest from October 1, 2007 until the date the award is paid. 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 awa rd recognized in India. 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 ru ling. On June 24, 2011, the Company commenced a proceeding in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for recognition of the ICC final award. On December 2, 2011, the Ontario Court issued an order recognizing the final award and requiring E-City to pay the C ompany $30,000 to cover the costs of the application. In January 2013, the Company filed an action in the New York Supreme Court seeking to collect the amount owed to the Company by certain entities and individuals affiliated with E-City. On October 16, 20 15, the New York Supreme Court denied the Company’s petition, and on November 12, 2015, the Company filed a notice of appeal. On July 29, 2014, the Company commenced a separate proceeding to have the Canadian judgment against E-City recognized in New York, and on October 2, 2015, the New York Supreme Court granted IMAX’s request, recognizing the Canadian judgment and entering it as a New York judgment. On November 26, 2014, E-City filed a motion in the Bombay High Court seeking to enjoin IMAX from continuin g the New York legal proceedings. On February 2, 2015, the Bombay High Court denied E-City’s request for an ad interim injunction. On March 16, 2015, E-City filed an appeal of this Bombay High Court decision. 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, 200 6 and August 9, 2006. The lawsuit sought $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 cl aims pursuant to the Securities Act (Ontario) against the Company and certain individuals (“the Defendants”) and granted certification of the action as a class proceeding. In March 2013, the Defendants obtained an Order enforcing the settlement Order in a parallel class action in the United States in this Canadian class action lawsuit, with the result that the class in this case was reduced in size by approximately 85%. The United States class action was conclusively settled in May 2014 for $12.0 million. A motion by the Plaintiffs for leave to appeal that Order was dismissed. On October 15, 2015, the parties to the Canadian Class action lawsuit executed a formal Settlement Agreement. On December 15, 2015, the Canadian Court issued an Order approving that S ettlement Agreement, with the effect that the Canadian class action lawsuit was deemed to be dismissed on January 14, 2016. Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, members of the Canadian class who did not opt out of the settlement released Defendants from liability for all claims that were alleged in this action or could have been alleged in this action or any other proceeding relating to the purchase of the Company’s securities between February 17, 2006 to and including August 9, 2006. As part of the settlement and in exchange for the release, the Defendants agreed to pay CAD$3.75 million to a settlement fund, which amount will be funded by the carriers of the Company’s directors and officers insurance policy. The settlement will be distributed to the Canadian class after May 31, 2016, the closing date for claims to be submitted to the Court-appointed administrator . On November 4, 2013, a purported class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illino is (the “Court”) against IMAX Chicago Theatre LLC (“IMAX Chicago Theatre”), a subsidiary of the Company. The plaintiff, Scott Redman, alleges that IMAX Chicago Theatre provided certain credit card and debit card receipts to customers that were purportedly not in compliance with the applicable truncation requirements of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, which IMAX Chicago Theatre denies. The plaintiff does not allege actual damages but seeks statutory damages individually and on behalf of a puta tive class. On February 20, 2014, IMAX Chicago Theatre filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, which the Court denied on January 23, 2015. On October 26, 2015, the parties filed with the Court a class action settlement agreement and proposed form of class notice, which the Court preliminarily approved on November 10, 2015. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, members of the class who do not opt out of the settlement will release IMAX Chicago Theatre and its affiliates from liability for all claims t hat were alleged or could have been alleged in this action or any other proceeding relating to the subject matter of this action. As part of the settlement and in exchange for the release, IMAX Chicago Theatre will pay a total of at least $400,000 and no m ore than $455,000 to a settlement fund, depending on the number of participating class members who submit claims. The hearing on final approval of the settlement is scheduled for March 1, 2016. In March 2013, IMAX (Shanghai) Multimedia Technology Co., Lt d., the Company’s majority-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 audi t at this time. On November 11, 2013, Giencourt Investments, S.A. (“Giencourt”) initiated arbitration before the International Centre for Dispute Resolution in Miami, Florida, based on alleged breaches by the Company of its theater agreement and related l icense agreement with Giencourt. Giencourt submitted its statement of claim in January 2015, the Company submitted its statement of defense and counterclaim in April 2015 and Giencourt submitted its arbitration reply paper in September 2015. An arbitration hearing for witness testimony was held during the week of December 14, 2015. At the hearing, Giencourt’s expert identified monetary damages of up to approximately $10.4 million, which Giencourt seeks to recover from the Company. The Company has asserted a counterclaim against Giencourt for breach of contract and seeks to recover lost profits in excess of $24.0 million under the agreements. A final hearing with closing statements is scheduled for March 30 to April 1, 2016. In addition, on December 10, 2015, Giencourt made a motion to the panel seeking to enforce a purported settlement of the matter based on negotiations between Giencourt and the Company. The Company strongly disputes that discussions about a potential resolution of this matter amounted to an enforceable settlement. The panel has asked the parties to brief this issue, and oral arguments will be held during the upcoming March 30th to April 1st hearings. Although no assurances can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of the proceedings, the Company believes that it has meritorious defenses and claims, and will continue to vigorously pursue them . 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. In the normal course of busi ness, 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 pa yments (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 Co mpany 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, 2015 2014 Balance at the beginning of the year $ 6 $ 7 Warranty redemptions (6) (5) Warranties issued - 11 Revisions - (7) Balance at the end of the year $ - $ 6 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 b y 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 requir ed 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 wi th 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 bas ed 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 agreement s 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 t he contingent aspect of these indemnities.

Capital Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Capital Stock	14. Capital Stock 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. Changes during the Year During 2015 , the Company settled 1,761,675 ( 2014 — 1,149,587 , 2013 — 1,316,347 ) common shares pursuant to the exercise of stock options for cash proceeds of $ 35.6 million ( 2014 — $ 10.8 million, 2013 — $ 9.0 million). 1,659,643 ( 2014 — 1,149,587 , 2013 — 1,316,347 ) common shares were newly issued from treasury and 102,032 ( 2014 — nil , 2013 — nil ) common shares were purchased in the open market by the IMAX LTIP trustee. In addition, during 2015 , in connection with the vesting of RSUs, the Compa ny settled 207,371 ( 2014 — 148,001 , 2013 — 46,360 ) common shares to IMAX LTIP participants, of which 25,551 ( 2014 – 109,264 , 2013 – 42,461 ) common shares, net of shares withheld for tax withholdings of 14,351 ( 2014 – 10,921 , 2013 – 3,899 ) were issued as new shares from treasury and 167,469 ( 2014 — 27,816 , 2013 — nil ) common shares were purchased in the open market by the IMAX LTIP trustee. 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. 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, 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 “Chin a 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 $ 21.9 million in 2015 ( 2014 — $ 15.1 million, 2013 — $ 11.9 million). As at December 31, 2015 , the Company has reserved a total of 7,023,258 (December 31, 2014 — 9,173,106 ) common shares for future issuance under the SOP and IMAX LTIP. Of the common shares reserved for issuance, there are options in respect of 4,805,244 common shares and RSUs in respect of 973,637 common shares outstanding at December 31, 2015 . At December 31, 2015 options in respect of 2,800,723 common shares were vested and exercisable. Stock Option Plan The Company’s policy is to issue new common shares from treasury or shares purchased in the open market to satisfy stock options which are exercised. The Company utilizes a Binomial Model to determ ine 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 ar e 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 exerci se 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 provi des 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”) or such national exchange as may be designated by the Company’s Board of Dire ctors (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 certa in conditions. The Company recorded an expense of $ 10.7 million in 2015 ( 2014 — $ 8.9 million, 2013 — $ 8.9 million) related to stock option grants issued to employees and directors in the IMAX LTIP and SOP plans. An income tax benefit is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations of $ 2.3 million for these costs. To tal stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested employee stock options not yet recognized at December 31, 2015 and the weighted average period over which the awards are expected to be recognized is $ 12.6 million and 1.7 years respectively ( 2014 — $ 14.8 million and 2.3 years, 2013 — $ 14.3 million and 3.0 years). The weighted average fair value of all stock options, granted to employees and directors in 2015 at the measurement date was $ 8.07 per share ( 2014 — $ 8.25 per share, 2013 — $ 7.10 per share). For the years ended December 31, the following assumptions were used to estimate the average fair value of the stock options: 2015 2014 2013 Average risk-free interest rate 1.97% 2.46% 1.63% Expected option life (in years) 3.55 - 5.76 4.15 - 5.82 4.51 - 4.63 Expected volatility 30% 32.5% - 37.5% 40% Annual termination probability 0% - 9.50% 0% - 8.40% 0% - 8.52% Dividend yield 0% 0% 0% Stock options to Non-Employees There were no common share options issued to non-employees in 2015 . During 2014 , an aggregate of 10,000 ( 2013 — 2,500 ) stock options to purchase the Company’s common stock with an average exercise price of $ 26.47 ( 2013 — $ 26.28 ) were granted to certain advisors and strategic partners of the Company. These stock options granted have a maximum contractual life of 7 years. The stock options granted in 2014 were granted under the IMAX LTIP. A s at December 31, 2015 non-employee options outstanding amounted to 38,750 stock options ( 2014 — 31,500 , 2013 — 76,751 ) with a weighted average exercise price of $ 26.79 ( 2014 — $ 21.75 , 2013 — $ 15.67 ). 21,525 stock options ( 2014 — 16,100 , 2013 — 31,509 ) were exercisable with an average weighted exercise price of $ 26.34 ( 2014 — $ 18.14 , 2013 — $ 12.38 ) and the vested options have an aggregate intrinsic value of $ 0.2 million ( 2014 — $ 0.2 million, 2013 — $ 0.5 million). The weighted average fair value of stock options granted to non-employees during 2014 at the measurement d ate was $ 4.84 per share ( 2013 — $ 11.50 per share), utilizing a Binomial Model with the following underlying assumptions: Years Ended December 31 2015 2014 2013 Average risk-free interest rate n/a 0.53% 1.64% Contractual option life n/a 2 years 7 years Average expected volatility n/a 32.5% 40.0% Dividend yield n/a 0% 0% In 2015 , the Company recorded a charge of $ 0.1 million, ( 2014 — $ 0.1 million, 2013 — $ 0.2 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 less than $0.1 million for non-employee stock options (December 31, 2014 — less than $0.1 million). China Long-Term Incentive Plan (“China LTIP”) The China LTIP was adopted by IMAX China in October 2012. Each stock option or cash settled share-based payment (“CSSBP”) issued under the China LTIP represents an opportunity to participate economically in the future growth and value creation of IMAX China Holding, In c. (“IMAX China”), a subsidiary of the Company. The China LTIP options (“China Options”) and CSSBPs issued by IMAX China operate in tandem with options granted to certain employees of IMAX China under the Company’s SOP and IMAX LTIP (“Tandem Options”). In 2012 and 2014, 146,623 and 39,823 Tandem Options, respectively, were granted to certain employees in conjunction with China Options and CSSBPs with an average price of $22.39 per share and $28.52 per share, respectively, in accordance with the China LTIP. During 2015, no additional Tandem Options were granted in conjunction with China Options or CSSBPs. Immediately prior to the initial public offering on October 8, 2015, there were 186,446 (December 31, 2014 — 186,446) outstanding and unvested Tandem Optio ns issued under the China LTIP with a weighted average exercise price of $23.70 per share (December 31, 2014 — $23.70 per share). The Tandem Options had a maximum contractual life of 7 years. The total fair value of the Tandem Options granted with respect to the China LTIP was $1.9 million. The Company was recognizing this expense over a 5 year period. 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, the 186,446 Ta ndem Options issued would forfeit immediately and the related charge would be reversed. IMAX China completed an initial public offering on October 8, 2015. As a result, the 186,446 Tandem Options with an average price of $23.70 per share were forfeited im mediately. The Company recorded a recovery of $0.6 million in 2015 (2014 — $0.3 million expense, 2013 — $0.3 million expense) related to the forfeiture of Tandem Options issued under the China LTIP. The Company subsequently recognized an immediate charge related to the vesting of China Options and certain CSSBPs for China employees. The total fair value of the China Options and CSSBP awards granted with respect to the China LTIP was $3.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2015, a charge of $2.1 million and $1.4 million was recorded relating to the China Options and CSSBPs, respectively. The remaining charge will be recognized over the related requisite period. The CSSBPs represent the right to receive cash payments in an a mount equal to a certain percentage of the excess of the total equity value of IMAX China based on the per share price in the initial public offering over the strike price of the CSSBPs. The CSSBPs were issued in conjunction with the CLTIP, with similar te rms and conditions as the China Options. The CSSBP awards are accounted as liability awards, however the fair value of the liability is fixed at the time of the initial public offering. During the fourth quarter of 2015, a portion of the CSSBPs vested and were settled in cash for $1.0 million. The liability recognized with respect to the CSSBPs at December 31, 2015 is $0.4 million. 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 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Options outstanding, beginning of year 5,925,660 6,263,121 7,441,068 $ 24.24 $ 21.11 $ 18.48 Granted 873,929 872,155 375,650 31.59 27.48 25.29 Exercised (1,761,675) (1,149,587) (1,316,347) 20.21 9.42 6.81 Forfeited (232,670) (36,242) (228,190) 24.60 24.63 24.55 Expired - - - - - - Cancelled - (23,787) (9,060) - 33.60 30.90 Options outstanding, end of year 4,805,244 5,925,660 6,263,121 27.03 24.24 21.11 Options exercisable, end of year 2,800,723 3,368,558 3,578,006 25.83 22.69 18.56 In 2015 , the Company did not cancel any stock options from its SOP. In 2014 the Company cancelled 23,787 stock options from its SOP ( 2013 — 9,060 ) surrendered by Company employees. As at December 31, 2015 , 4,633,777 options were fully vested o r are expected to vest with a weighted average exercise price of $ 26.97 , aggregate intrinsic value of $ 39.9 million and weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.4 years. As at December 31, 2015 , options that are exercisable have an intrinsic value of $ 27.3 million and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.1 years. The intrin sic value of options exercised in 2015 was $ 29.8 million ( 2014 — $ 21.8 million, 2013 — $ 26.7 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 valu e of each RSU is equal to the share price of the Company’s stock at the grant date. The Company recorded an expense of $ 8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 ( 2014 — $ 5.8 million, 2013 — $ 2.1 million), related to RSU grants issued to employees and directors in the plan. The annual termination probability assumed for the year ended December 31, 2015 , ranged from 0% to 9.50%. In addition, the Company recorded an expense of less than $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 ( 2014 — less than $0.1 million, 2013 — less than $0.1 million), 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, 2015 and the weighted average period over which the awards are expected to be recognized is $ 24.4 mil lion and 3.0 years ( 2014 — $ 11.0 million and 2.9 years, 2013 — $ 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 $ 2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 ( 2014 — $ 0.4 million, 2013 — $nil). RSUs granted under the IMAX LTIP vest between immediately and four years from the date granted. Vesting of the RSUs is subject to continued employment or service with th e Company. The following table summarizes certain information in respect of RSU activity under the IMAX LTIP: Number of Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share 2015 2014 2015 2014 RSUs outstanding, beginning of year 595,834 264,140 $ 27.13 $ 26.14 Granted 605,349 484,088 36.04 27.42 Vested and settled (207,371) (148,001) 28.81 26.29 Forfeited (20,175) (4,393) 29.27 26.88 RSUs outstanding, end of year 973,637 595,834 32.27 27.13 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. The average exercise price for the settled SARs for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $ 6.86 per SAR. As at December 31, 2015 , no SARS were outstan ding. None of the SARs were forfeited, cancelled, or expired for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The Company has recorded an expense of $nil for 2015 ( 2014 ― $nil, 2013 ― $ 0.4 million) to selling, general and administrative expenses related to these SARs. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities On June 16, 2014, the Company’s board of directors approved a $ 150.0 million share repurchase program for shares of the Company’s common stock. Purchases under the program commenced during the third quarter of 2014. The share repurchase program expires on June 30, 2017. The repurchases may be made either in the open market or through private transactions, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other relevant factors. The Company has no obligation to repurchase shares and the share repurchase program may be suspen ded or discontinued by the Company at any time. In 2015 , the Company repurchased 1,000,000 ( 2014 ― 112,034 ) common shares at an average price of $ 34.25 per share ( 2014 ― 27.30 per share). The retired shares were purchased for $ 34.3 million ( 2014 ― $ 3.1 million). The average carrying value of the stock retired was deducted from common stock and the remaining excess over the average carrying value of stock was charged to accumulated deficit. The total number of shares purchased during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 does not include any shares received in the administration of employee share-based compensation plans. 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, 2015 2014 2013 Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 55,844 $ 39,736 $ 44,115 Less: Accretion charges associated with redeemable common stock (769) (426) - Net income applicable to common shareholders $ 55,075 $ 39,310 $ 44,115 Weighted average number of common shares (000's): Issued and outstanding, beginning of period 68,988 67,841 66,482 Weighted average number of shares issued during the period 538 505 669 Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic earnings per share 69,526 68,346 67,151 Assumed exercise of stock options and RSUs, net of shares assumed repurchased 1,532 1,408 1,810 Weighted average number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per share 71,058 69,754 68,961 The calculation of diluted earnings per share excludes 1,249,343 ( 2014 ― 4,151,008 ) shares that are issuable upon exercise of 313,645 ( 2014 ― 1,500 ) RSUs and 935,698 ( 2014 ― 4,149,508 ) stock options for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , as the impact of these exercises would be antidilutive.

Consolidated Statements of Op23

Consolidated Statements of Operations Supplemental Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Supplemental Information	15. Consolidated Statements of Operations Supplemental Information 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 de fault 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 re cognized 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 $ 0.1 million, $ nil and $ 0.4 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , r espectively. Foreign Exchange Included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 is $ 2.4 million for net foreign exchange losses re lated to the translation of foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities as compared to a net loss of $ 1.5 million and net loss of $ 0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. See note 20 (d) for additional information. 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-ca ncellable for 10 years or longer with renewal provisions. Title to equipment under joint revenue sharing arrangements generally 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 cover age 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 43 exhibitors ( 2014 — 41 ) for a total of 741 theater systems ( 2014 — 672 ), of which 529 theaters ( 2014 — 451 ) were operating as at December 31, 2015 . The terms of the Company’s joint revenue sharing arrangements 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 Equipment and Product Sales and Rentals revenue and for the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $ 99.1 million ( 2014 — $ 68.4 million, 2013 — $ 64.1 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 global 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 in recent years has ranged from 10-15%. The Company does not typically hold distribution rights or the copyright to these films. In 2015 , the majority of IMAX DMR revenue was earned from the exhibition of 44 IMAX DMR films ( 2014 — 40 ) throughout 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, 2015 amounted to $ 107.1 million ( 2014 — $ 83.2 million, 2013 — $ 83.5 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 c ompany 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 a ppears as though the film will not be delivered on a timely basis. As at December 31, 2015 , the Company has one significant co-produced film arrangement which primarily represents the VIE total assets and liabilities balance of $ 0.4 million and five 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 2015 , amounts totaling $ 1.5 million ( 2014 — $ 3.5 million, 2013 — $ 2.9 million) attributable to transactions between the Company and other parties involved in the production of the films have been included in cost and expense s applicable to revenues-services.

Receivable Provisions Net of Re

Receivable Provisions Net of Recoveries	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 Accounts receivable provisions, net of recoveries $ 677 $ 725 $ (35) Financing receivable provisions, net of recoveries 75 193 480 Receivable provisions, net of recoveries $ 752 $ 918 $ 445

Asset Impairments

Asset Impairments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]	17. Asset Impairments Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Property, plant and equipment $ 405 $ 314 $ - Total $ 405 $ 314 $ - The Company records asset impairment charges against property, plant and equipment after an assessment of the carrying value of certain assets in light of their future expected cash flows.

Consolidated Statements of Ca26

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information	18. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information Changes in other non-cash operating assets and liabilities are comprised of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Decrease (increase) in: Accounts receivable $ (22,521) $ (4,318) $ (31,032) Financing receivables (13,628) (40) (13,397) Inventories (21,070) (7,603) 1,884 Prepaid expenses (1,552) (1,346) 231 Commissions and other deferred selling expenses (203) (769) 59 Insurance recoveries 4 10,958 380 Other assets, prepaid tax - (2,984) - Other assets (456) (459) (341) Increase (decrease) in: Accounts payable 9,183 (5,186) 7,238 Accrued and other liabilities (2,577) 5,702 (1,289) Deferred revenue 16,242 12,102 2,512 $ (36,578) $ 6,057 $ (33,755) Cash payments made on account of: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income taxes $ 22,798 $ 8,885 $ 1,056 Interest $ 411 $ 48 $ 315 Depreciation and amortization are comprised of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Film assets (1) $ 16,357 $ 11,851 $ 17,000 Property, plant and equipment Joint revenue sharing arrangements 13,663 12,148 11,519 Other property, plant and equipment 7,698 5,616 4,720 Other intangible assets 3,285 2,988 2,854 Other assets 784 627 592 Deferred financing costs 1,016 526 487 $ 42,803 $ 33,756 $ 37,172 ______________ (1) Included in film asset amortization is a charge of $ 0.9 million ( 2014 —$ 0.3 million, 2013 —$ 0.2 million) relating to changes in estimates based on the ultimate recoverability of future films. Write-downs, net of recoveries, are comprised of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Asset impairments Property, plant and equipment $ 405 $ 314 $ - Other charges (recoveries) Accounts receivables 677 725 (35) Financing receivables 75 193 480 Inventories (1) 572 359 444 Impairment of investments 425 3,206 - Property, plant and equipment (2) 1,485 440 384 Other intangible assets 86 57 63 $ 3,725 $ 5,294 $ 1,336 Inventory charges Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - product & equipment sales $ 537 $ 209 $ 274 Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - services 35 150 170 $ 572 $ 359 $ 444 ______________ (1) In 2015 , the Company recorded a charge of $ 0.6 million ( 2014 — $ 0.4 million, 2013 — $ 0.5 million, respectively) in costs and expenses applicable to revenues, primarily for its laser-based projector inventories. Specifically, IMAX systems includes an inventory charge of $ 0.5 million ( 2014 — $ 0.2 million, 2013 — $ 0.3 million). Theater system maintenance includes inventory write-downs of less than $ 0.1 million ( 2014 — $ 0.2 million, 2013 — $ 0.2 million). (2) In 2015, the Company recorded a charge of $0.6 million in cost of sales applicable to Equipment and product sales upon upgrade of xenon-based digital systems under operating lease arrangements to laser-based digital systems under sales or sales-type lease arrangements. In addition, the Company recorded a charge of $0.5 million in cost of sales applicable to Rentals upon the upgrade of certain xenon-based digital systems to laser-based digital systems operating under joint revenue sharing arrangements.

Segmented Information

Segmented Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 includes the design, manufacture, sale or lease of IMAX theater projection system equipment. The theater system maintenance segment includes the maintenan ce of IMAX theater projection system equipment in the IMAX theater network. The joint revenue sharing arrangements segment includes the provision of IMAX theater projection system equipment to an exhibitor in exchange for a share of the box-office and conc ession revenues. The film production and IMAX DMR segment includes the production of films and the performance of film re-mastering services. The film distribution segment includes the distribution of films for which the Company has distribution rights. Th e 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 Operatin g 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, amortiza tion 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 th e film post-production segment are valued at exchange value. Inter-segment profits are eliminated upon consolidation, as well as for the disclosures below. Transactions between the other segments are not significant. Operating Segments Years Ended D ecember 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenue (1) IMAX theater systems IMAX systems $ 102,128 $ 72,992 $ 80,189 Theater system maintenance 36,944 34,042 31,978 Joint revenue sharing arrangements 99,120 68,418 64,130 238,192 175,452 176,297 Films Production and IMAX DMR 107,089 83,172 83,496 Distribution 3,876 8,932 7,770 Post-production 7,069 10,831 9,192 118,034 102,935 100,458 Other 17,579 12,154 11,182 Total $ 373,805 $ 290,541 $ 287,937 Gross margin IMAX theater systems IMAX systems (2) $ 59,168 $ 47,928 $ 49,040 Theater system maintenance (2) 12,702 12,375 12,096 Joint revenue sharing arrangements (3) 68,372 44,714 44,565 140,242 105,017 105,701 Films Production and IMAX DMR (3) 77,645 62,922 56,088 Distribution (3) (259) 2,274 1,371 Post-production 1,381 3,046 1,341 78,767 68,242 58,800 Other 279 129 102 Total $ 219,288 $ 173,388 $ 164,603 Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Depreciation and amortization IMAX systems $ 5,685 $ 1,910 $ 3,287 Theater systems maintenance 72 225 141 Joint revenue sharing arrangements 14,443 14,614 13,535 Films Production and IMAX DMR 14,330 10,751 16,298 Distribution 2,129 1,512 1,048 Post-production 1,465 481 424 Other 704 671 347 Corporate and other non-segment specific assets 3,975 3,592 2,092 Total $ 42,803 $ 33,756 $ 37,172 Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries IMAX systems $ 2,298 $ 1,128 $ 1,109 Theater systems maintenance 277 150 188 Joint revenue sharing arrangements 528 397 39 Other - 314 - Corporate and other non-segment specific assets 622 3,305 - Total $ 3,725 $ 5,294 $ 1,336 Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Purchase of property, plant and equipment IMAX systems $ 8,846 $ 8,822 $ 6,181 Theater system maintenance 555 229 130 Joint revenue sharing arrangements 28,474 16,838 22,775 Films Production and IMAX DMR 1,350 15,245 408 Distribution 830 1,582 - Post-production 16,337 2,176 2,185 Other 1,986 1,337 2,036 Corporate and other non-segment specific assets 13,353 10,713 2,076 Total $ 71,731 $ 56,942 $ 35,791 As at December 31, 2015 2014 Assets IMAX systems (4) $ 215,602 $ 174,531 Theater systems maintenance (4) 20,907 17,986 Joint revenue sharing arrangements (4) 179,156 162,097 Films Production and IMAX DMR 46,262 45,549 Distribution 17,534 17,768 Post-production 26,759 13,384 Other 23,485 19,405 Corporate and other non-segment specific assets 401,315 170,813 Total $ 931,020 $ 621,533 ______________ (1) The Company’s largest customer represents 16.0 % of total revenues as at December 31, 2015 ( 2014 – 14.5 %, 2013 – 13.9 %). (2) In 2015 , the Company recorded a charge of $ 0.6 million ( 2014 –$ 0.4 million, 2013 – $ 0.5 million, respectively) in costs and expenses applicable to revenues, primarily for its laser-based projector inventories. Specifically, IMAX systems includes an inventory charge of $ 0.5 million ( 2014 – $ 0.2 million, 2013 – $ 0.3 million). Theater system maintenance includes inventory write-downs of less than $ 0.1 million ( 2014 – $ 0.2 million, 2013 – $ 0.2 million). (3) IMAX systems include marketing and commission costs of $ 3.0 million, $ 2.7 million and $ 2.5 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Joint revenue sharing arrangements segment margins include advertising, mar keting, and commission costs of $ 4.3 million, $ 3.2 million and $ 3.6 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Production and DMR segment margins include marketing costs of $ 13.3 million, $ 7.1 million and $ 4.2 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Distribution segment margins include marketing recovery of $ 0.1 million, expense of $ 0.6 million and expense of $ 0.4 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. (4) Goodwill is allocated on a relative fair market value basis to the IMAX systems segment, theater system maintenance segment and joint revenue sharing segment. There has been no change in the allocation of goodwill from the prior year. Geographic Information Revenue by geographic area is based on the location of the customer. Revenue related to IMAX DMR is presented based u pon 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. Y ears Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenue United States $ 136,017 $ 107,830 $ 125,697 Canada 11,665 10,309 11,049 Greater China 110,591 78,218 55,949 Western Europe 39,569 30,245 26,000 Asia (excluding Greater China) 38,143 26,276 30,451 Russia & the CIS 12,412 15,700 19,600 Latin America 10,179 12,672 13,017 Rest of the World 15,229 9,291 6,174 Total $ 373,805 $ 290,541 $ 287,937 No single country in the Rest of the World, Western Europe, Latin America and Asia (excluding Greater China) classifications comprise more than 10% of total revenue. As at December 31, 2015 2014 Property, plant and equipment United States $ 105,641 $ 101,499 Canada 40,943 23,044 Greater China 51,990 42,816 Asia (excluding Greater China) 10,369 8,454 Western Europe 8,359 5,720 Rest of the World 965 1,891 Total $ 218,267 $ 183,424

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 r isk, 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 yea r 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, 2015 As at December 31, 2014 Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value Cash and cash equivalents $ 317,449 $ 317,449 $ 106,503 $ 106,503 Net financed sales receivable $ 106,286 $ 108,184 $ 95,101 $ 98,675 Net investment in sales-type leases $ 10,945 $ 11,154 $ 10,599 $ 10,503 Available-for-sale investment $ 1,000 $ 997 $ - $ - Foreign exchange contracts — designated forwards $ (4,423) $ (4,423) $ (1,760) $ (1,760) Borrowings under the Playa Vista Loan $ (29,667) $ (29,667) $ (4,710) $ (4,710) Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash and interest-bearing investments with original maturity dates to the Company of 90 days or less. Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value (Level 1 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , 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 3 1, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale investment is determined using quoted prices in active markets (Level 2 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements T opic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2015 . 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, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. These identical instruments are traded on a closed exchange. The carrying value of borrowings under the Playa Vista Loan approximates fair value as the interest rates offered under the loan are close to December 31, 2015 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, 2015 . There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2015 or 2014 . When a determination is made to c lassify 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-fo r-sale investment measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the period: Available For Sale Investments 2015 2014 Beginning balance, January 1, $ - $ 1,000 Transfers into/out of Level 3 - - Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) Included in earnings - (1,350) Included in other comprehensive income - 350 Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements - - Ending balance, December 31, $ - $ - 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 $ - $ (1,350) There were no transfers in or out of the Company’s Level 3 assets during the year ended December 31, 2015 . In the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Company recognized a $0.4 millio n other-than-temporary impairment of its investments, in “Impairment of investments” 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 co st. 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 continue s 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, and 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 paym ents 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 t he "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 r eceivable to be impaired. Al l 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 statu s 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, 2015 As at December 31, 2014 Minimum Financed Minimum Financed Lease Sales Lease Sales Payments Receivables Total Payments Receivables Total In good standing $ 10,252 $ 105,352 $ 115,604 $ 10,457 $ 94,212 $ 104,669 Credit Watch - - - - - - Pre-approved transactions - 757 757 - 855 855 Transactions suspended 1,365 745 2,110 1,114 528 1,642 $ 11,617 $ 106,854 $ 118,471 $ 11,571 $ 95,595 $ 107,166 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 ex tent 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 nonaccrua l status is as follows: As at December 31, 2015 As at December 31, 2014 Recorded Related Recorded Related Investment Allowance Investment Allowance Net investment in leases $ 1,365 $ (672) $ 1,114 $ (972) Net financed sales receivables 1,502 (568) 528 (494) Total $ 2,867 $ (1,240) $ 1,642 $ (1,466) 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 the theat er’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 furthe r information or supporting documentation to the customer. The Company’s aged financing receivables are as follows: As at December 31, 2015 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 $ 840 $ 177 $ 446 $ 1,463 $ 10,154 $ 11,617 $ (672) $ 10,945 Net financed sales receivables 908 1,013 1,177 3,098 103,756 106,854 (568) 106,286 Total $ 1,748 $ 1,190 $ 1,623 $ 4,561 $ 113,910 $ 118,471 $ (1,240) $ 117,231 As at December 31, 2014 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 $ 420 $ 175 $ 253 $ 848 $ 10,723 $ 11,571 $ (972) $ 10,599 Net financed sales receivables 1,558 1,260 2,659 5,477 90,118 95,595 (494) 95,101 Total $ 1,978 $ 1,435 $ 2,912 $ 6,325 $ 100,841 $ 107,166 $ (1,466) $ 105,700 The Company’s recorded investment in past due financing receivables for which the Company continues to accrue finance income is as follo ws: As at December 31, 2015 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 $ 41 $ 47 $ 205 $ 293 $ 1,076 $ - $ 1,369 Net financed sales receivables 129 224 839 1,192 10,795 - 11,987 Total $ 170 $ 271 $ 1,044 $ 1,485 $ 11,871 $ - $ 13,356 As at December 31, 2014 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 $ 90 $ 102 $ 130 $ 322 $ 2,024 $ - $ 2,346 Net financed sales receivables 258 425 1,671 2,354 12,512 - 14,866 Total $ 348 $ 527 $ 1,801 $ 2,676 $ 14,536 $ - $ 17,212 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 Receivable s For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Average Interest Recorded Unpaid Related Recorded Income Investment Principal Allowance Investment Recognized Recorded investment for which there is a related allowance: Net f inanced sales receivables $ 748 $ 298 $ (568) $ 748 $ - Recor ded investment for which there is no related allowance: Net financed sales receivables - - - - - Total recorded investment in impaired loans: Net financed sales receivables $ 748 $ 298 $ (568) $ 748 $ - Impaired Financing Receivables For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Average Interest Recorded Unpaid Related Recorded Income Investment Principal Allowance Investment Recognized Recorded investment for which there is a related allow ance: Net f inanced sales receivables $ 525 $ 2 $ (494) $ 526 $ - Recor ded investment for which there is no related allowance: Net financed sales receivables - - - - - Total recorded investment in impaired loans: Net financed sales receivables $ 525 $ 2 $ (494) $ 526 $ - 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, 2015 Net Investment Net Financed in Leases Sales Receivables Allowance for credit losses: Beginning balance $ 972 $ 494 Charge-offs (300) - Recoveries - - Provision - 74 Ending balance $ 672 $ 568 Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ 672 $ 568 Financing receivables: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ 11,617 $ 106,854 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Net Investment Net Financed in Leases Sales Receivables Allowance for credit losses: Beginning balance $ 806 $ 236 Charge-offs (20) - Recoveries (74) - Provision 260 258 Ending balance $ 972 $ 494 Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ 972 $ 494 Financing receivables: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ 11,571 $ 95,595 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 Ch inese 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 dollars and Euros which ar e 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 r isks 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 e ffectiveness tests at December 31, 2015 (the “Foreign Currency Hedges”), with settlement dates throughout 2016 and 2017. 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 los s 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 st atement of operations. The Company currently does not hold any derivatives which are not designated as hedging instruments and therefore no gain or loss pertaining to an ineffective portion has been recognized. The following tabular disclosures reflect th e 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, 2015 2014 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards $ 30,710 $ 36,754 Fair value of derivatives in foreign exchange contracts: As at December 31, Balance Sheet Location 2015 2014 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards Accrued and other liabilities $ (4,423) $ (1,760) $ (4,423) $ (1,760) Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging relationships are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards Derivative Loss Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion) $ (5,881) $ (2,524) $ (1,031) $ (5,881) $ (2,524) $ (1,031) Location of Derivative Loss Reclassified from AOCI Years Ended December 31, into Income (Effective Portion) 2015 2014 2013 Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards Selling, general and administrative expenses $ (3,217) $ (1,186) $ (312) $ (3,217) $ (1,186) $ (312) 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, 2015 , the equity method of accounting is being utilized for investments with a total carrying value of $ 1.0 million (December 31, 2014 ─ $ 2.8 million). For the year ended De cember 31, 2015 , gross revenues, cost of revenue and net loss for the investment were $ nil , $ 9.3 million and $ 9.1 million, respectively ( 2014 ─ $ 3.1 million, $ 5.9 million, and $ 4.9 million, respectively). The Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of this VIE, and therefore this entity has not been consolidated. In 2014 , the Company sold its investment in an equity-accounted investment. The Company disposed of the related carrying value and recognized a gain of $ 0.4 million and $ 0.1 million, respectively. In addition, the Company has an investment in preferred stock of another business venture of $ 1.5 million whi ch meets the criteria for classification as a debt security under the FASB ASC 320 and is recorded at a fair value of $nil at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 — $nil). This investment was classified as an a vailable-for-sale investment. Furthermore, during 2015, the Company invested $ 1.0 million in the shares of an exchange traded fund. This investment is also classified as an available-for-sale investment. The Company has an inve stment of $ 2.5 million in the preferred shares of an enterprise which meet the criteria for classification as an equity security under FASB ASC 325. As at December 31, 2015 , the carrying value of the Comp any’s investment in preferred shares is $ 0.2 million (December 31, 2014 — $ 0.6 million). The total carrying value of investments in new business ventures at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is $ 2.2 million and $ 3.4 million, respectively, and is recorded in Other Assets.

Employees Pension and Postretir

Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits	21. Employee's Pension and Postretirement Benefits 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 ret irement 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, 2015 , 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 feder al rate for short-term obligations. Pursuant to an employment agreement dated January 1, 2014, the term of Mr. Gelfond’s employment was extended through December 31, 2016, although Mr. Gelfond has not informed the Company that he intends to retire at that time, and is currently in discussion regarding an extension of his employment agreement with the Company. 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 of the Company’s SERP at the plan measurement dates: As at December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 1.34% 1.30% 1.45% Lump sum interest rate: First 20 years 2.82% 2.89% 3.35% Thereafter 2.95% 3.12% 3.50% Cost of living adjustment on benefits 1.20% 1.20% 1.20% The amounts accrued for the SERP are determined as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Projected benefit obligation: Obligation, beginning of year $ 19,405 $ 18,284 Interest cost 253 264 Actuarial (gain) loss (180) 857 Obligation, end of year and unfunded status $ 19,478 $ 19,405 The following table provides disclosure of the pension benefit obligation recorded in the consolidated balance sheets: As at December 31, 2015 2014 Accrued benefits cost $ (19,478) $ (19,405) Accumulated other comprehensive loss 1,323 1,503 Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets $ (18,155) $ (17,902) The following table provides disclosure of pension expense for the SERP for the year ended December 31: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Interest cost $ 253 $ 264 $ 195 Amortization of actuarial loss - - 444 Pension expense $ 253 $ 264 $ 639 The accumulated benefit obligation for the SERP was $ 19.5 million at December 31, 2015 ( 2014 — $ 19.4 million). The following amo unts 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, 2015 2014 2013 Unrealized actuarial loss $ 1,323 $ 1,503 $ 646 No contributions were made for the SERP during 2015 . The Company expects interest costs of $ 0.3 million to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2016 . 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: 2016 $ - 2017 19,871 2018 - 2019 - 2020 - Thereafter - $ 19,871 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 prescribe d maximums. During 2015 , the Company contributed and expensed an aggregate of $ 1.1 million ( 2014 — $ 1.4 million, 2013 — $ 1.3 million) to its Canadian plan and an aggregate of $ 0.4 million ( 2014 — $ 0.4 million, 2013 — $ 0.3 million) to its defined contribution employee pension plan under Section 401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Postretirement Benefits - Executives The Company has an unfunded postretirement plan for Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler. The plan provides t hat 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 accr ued for the plan are determined as follows: As at December 31, 2015 2014 Obligation, beginning of year $ 830 $ 392 Interest cost 30 17 Benefits paid (24) (27) Actuarial (gain) loss (73) 448 Obligation, end of year $ 763 $ 830 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, 2015 2014 2013 Interest cost $ 30 $ 17 $ 19 Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) 135 (32) - $ 165 $ (15) $ 19 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, 2015 2014 2013 Unrealized actuarial loss (gain) $ 146 $ 346 $ (134) Weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation are: As at December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 4.20 % 3.70 % 4.50 % Weighted average assumption used to determine the net postretirement benefit expense are: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 3.70 % 4.50 % 3.75 % The following benefit payments are expected to be made as per the current plan assumptions in each of the next five years: 2016 $ 34 2017 54 2018 60 2019 66 2020 33 Thereafter 516 Total $ 763 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 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 2013 of $2.2 million (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) and a reducti on in the postretirement liability of $2.6 million. The amounts accrued for the plan are determined as follows: As at December 31, 2015 2014 Obligation, beginning of year $ 2,139 $ 2,179 Interest cost 71 93 Service cost 1 6 Benefits paid (80) (84) Actuarial (gain) loss (6) 126 Unrealized foreign exchange gain (347) (181) Obligation, end of year $ 1,778 $ 2,139 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, 2015 2014 2013 Curtailment gain $ - $ - $ (2,185) Interest cost 71 93 72 Service cost 1 6 27 $ 72 $ 99 $ (2,086) 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, 2015 2014 2013 Unrealized actuarial loss $ 423 $ 429 $ 303 Weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation are: As at December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 3.75 % 3.75 % 4.50 % Weighted average assumptions used to determine the net postretirement benefit expense are: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 3.75 % 4.50 % 4.00 % The Company expects interest costs of $ 0.1 million and service costs of $nil to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2016 . The following benefit payments are expected to be made as per the current plan assumptions in each of the next five years: 2016 $ 90 2017 94 2018 102 2019 109 2020 111 Thereafter 1,272 Total $ 1,778

Non-Controlling Interests

Non-Controlling Interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-Controlling Interests [Text Block]	22. Non-Controlling Interests IMAX China Non-Controlling Interest On April 8, 2014, the Company announced sale and issuance of 20% of the shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc. (“IMAX China”) to entities owned and controlled by CMC Capital Partners (“CMC”), an investment fund that is focused on media and entertainment, and FountainVest Partners (“FountainVest”), a China-focused private equity firm (collectively, the “IMAX China Investment”). Pursuant to the transaction, IMAX China issued the investors 337,500 Common C Shares of par value $0.01 each in the authorized capital of IMAX China (the “Class C Shares”) for an aggregate subscription price of $40.0 million on April 8, 2014 and issued the investors another 337,500 Class C Shares for an aggregate subscription price of $40.0 million on February 10, 2015. IMAX China remains a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. Since the second quarter of 2014, the Company’s consolidated financial stateme nts have included the non-controlling interest in the net income of IMAX China resulting from this transaction and the net proceeds have been classified as redeemable non-controlling interest in temporary equity and were moved into other equity upon the co mpletion of the IMAX China IPO. The parties entered into a shareholders’ agreement in connection with the IMAX China Investment, which terminated upon completion of the initial public offering of IMAX China on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchang e Limited (the “IMAX China IPO”) on October 8, 2015. While the shareholders’ agreement was in effect, the Class C shareholders had certain redemption rights. Specifically, if a qualified IPO (as defined in the shareholders’ agreement) had not occurred by A pril 8, 2019, each holder of Class C Shares would have been entitled to request that all of such holders’ Class C Shares be, at their election, either: (i) redeemed by IMAX China at par value together with the issuance of 2,846,000 of the Company’s common shares, (ii) redeemed by IMAX China at par value together with the payment by the Company in cash of the consideration paid by the holders of the Class C Shares, or (iii) exchanged and/or redeemed by IMAX China in a combination of cash and the shares of th e Company equal to the pro rata fair market value of IMAX China. These rights terminated as a result of the IMAX China IPO, which was a qualified initial public offering for purposes of the shareholders’ agreement. All IMAX China shares have been re-desig nated into a single class of common shares. On October 15, 2015, in satisfaction of its obligations under the Shareholders’ Agreement, IMAX China paid a dividend of $9.5 million to the non-controlling interest shareholders. The following summarizes the movement of the non-controlling interest in temporary equity, in the Company’s subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 2015 : Balance as at January 1, 2014 $ - Issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest 40,000 Share issuance costs from the issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest (2,843) Net income 2,631 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax 58 Accretion charges associated with redeemable common stock 426 Balance as at December 31, 2014 $ 40,272 Issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest 40,000 Share issuance costs from the issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest (2,000) Net income prior to IMAX China IPO 5,401 Other comprehensive loss prior to IMAX China IPO 164 Accretion charges associated with redeemable common stock 769 Redemption of redeemable common stock upon qualified IPO (84,606) Balance as at October 7, 2015 $ - The following summarizes the movement of the non-controlling interest in shareholders’ equity, in the Company’s subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 2015 : Balance as at October 8, 2015 $ 84,606 Net income after IMAX China IPO 3,712 Other comprehensive loss after IMAX China IPO 252 Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders (9,511) Reduction in value due to qualified initial public offering (29,100) Balance as at December 31, 2015 $ 49,959 Other Non-Controlling Interest In 2014, the Company announced the creation of the Film Fund to co-finance a portfolio of 10 original large-format films. The Film Fund, which is intended to be capitalized with up to $50.0 million, will finance an ongoing supply of original films that the Company believes will be more exciting and compelling than traditional documentaries. The initial investment in the Film Fund was committed to by a third party in the amount of $25.0 million, with the possibility of contributing additional funds. The Company, which will contribute $9.0 million to the Film Fund over five years starting in 2014, anticipates the Film Fund will be self-perpetuating, with a portion of box office proceeds reinvested into the Film Fund to generate a continuous, steady flow of high-quality documentary content. The related production, financing and distribution agreement includes put and call rights relating to change of control of the rights, title and interest in the co-financed pictures. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Film Fund contributed $0.2 million and $7.5 million, respectively, toward an investment in film assets. Balance as at January 1, 2014 $ - Issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest 4,551 Share issuance costs from the issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest (713) Net loss (198) Balance as at December 31, 2014 $ 3,640 Net loss (333) Balance as at December 31, 2015 $ 3,307

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations [Text Block]	23. Discontinued Operations On January 30, 2014, the Company’s lease with respect to its owned and operated Nyack IMAX theater ended and the Company decided not to renew the lease. In 2014 , revenues for the Nyack IMAX theater were less than $ 0.1 million ( 2013 ― $1.3 million) and the Company recognized income of $0. 4 million, net of a tax expense of $0.2 million ( 2013 ― loss of $0. 3 millio n) from the operation of the theater. The transactions of the Company’s owned and operated Nyack theater are reflected as discontinued operations. Upon the expiration of the lease, lease inducements contingent upon the completion of the full term of the l ease were recognized as a reduction in rent expense of $0.8 million ( 2013 ― $nil).

Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset Retirement Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block]	24. 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, 2015 2014 2013 Beginning balance, January 1 $ 149 $ 143 $ 249 Accretion expense 13 12 6 Reduction in asset retirement obligation (80) (6) (112) Ending balance, December 31 $ 82 $ 149 $ 143

Prior Years' Figures

Prior Years' Figures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment [Text Block]	25. Prior Year's Figures Certain of the prior years’ figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Summary of Significant Accoun34

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Variable interest entities	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company together with its consolidated subsidiaries, except for subsidiaries which the Company has identified as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where the Company is not t he 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 “Co dification”). The Company has 11 film production companies that are VIEs. For five 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 acti vities 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 r espective VIE that could potentially be significant to the respective VIE. These consolidated production companies have total assets of $ 7.2 million (December 31, 2014 — $ 7.7 million) and total liabilities of $ 4.1 million as at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 — $ 0.3 million). The majority of these consolidated assets are held by the IMAX Original Film Fund (the “Film Fund”) as described in note 22 (b). For the other six film production companies which are VIEs, the Company did not consolidate these film entities since it does no t 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, 2015 , these six VIEs have total assets and total liabilities of $ 0.4 million (December 31, 2014 — $ 0.4 million). Earnings of the investees included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations amounted to $ni l in 2015 ( 2014 — $nil). The carrying value of these investments in VIEs that are not consolidated is $nil at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 — $nil). A loss i n 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 $nil at December 31, 2015 ( 2014 — $nil).
Basis Of Accounting [Policy Text Block]	All intercompany accounts and transactions, including all unrealized intercompany profits on transactions with equity-accounted investees, have been e liminated.
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 Ven tures” (“ASC 323”) and ASC 320 “Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“ASC 320”), as appropriate.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 as sets 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 rec eivable, 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]	The Company considers all highly liquid investments convertible to a known amount of cash and with an original maturity to the Company 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 th e 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 o r 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 ren egotiations 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 th e 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 provi sion 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]	Inventories are carrie d 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 produ ct 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 Comp any’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 discu ssed in note 2 (m) have not been met.
Film Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 perio d 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, t he 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]	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straig ht-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 product 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 i nstalled 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 valu es 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 flo ws 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 o f 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 capitalize d 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]	Other assets include insurance recoverable, deferred char ges 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 amortize d 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 fo r 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 val ue 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 te rm of the agreement.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 m ore 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. The Company first assesses certain qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circ umstances 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 th at 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 operat ions and is not reversed if the fair value subsequently increases.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 ex cept, 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 impairmen t 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]	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]	Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method whereby deferred income tax asse ts 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 li kely 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 asses sments 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 w hich 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. 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.
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 sta ndard 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 substantial ly 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 rev enue 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 wo rking 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 receive d 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, provid ed 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 be en 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 pay ments 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 classifi cation 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 r eported by the theater operator, provided collectibility is reasonably assured.
Revenue Recognition Finance Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 Sale s 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 instal lation 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 crit eria 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 a nd product sales, totaled $ 3.4 million in 2015 ( 2014 – $ 2.5 million, 2013 – $ 2.5 million). The cost of equipment and product sales prior to direct selling costs was $ 60.2 million in 2015 ( 2014 – $ 34.5 million, 2013 – $ 35.0 million). The Company may have warranty obligations at or after t he 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]	Cos t of Rentals For theater systems and other equipment subject to an operating lease or placed in a theater oper ators’ 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 installati on. These costs totaled $ 1.1 million in 2015 ( 2014 – $ 1.1 million, 2013 – $ 1.9 million). Direct advertising and marketing costs for each theater are charged to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-rentals as incurred. These costs totaled $ 1.9 million in 2015 ( 2014 – $ 1.5 million, 2013 – $ 1.7 million).
Terminations Consenual Buyouts And Concessions, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Terminations, Consensual Buyouts and Concessions The Company e nters 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 exten d 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 execute d 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 presen t 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 custo mer 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 ente red 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 conside ration 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.
Revenue Recognition, Incentives [Policy Text Block]	The Company may offer certain inc entives 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 eit her 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 giv en 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 a re 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 arr angements, 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 p roduction 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 co sts, including advertising and marketing totaled $ 13.3 million in 2015 ( 2014 — $ 7.1 million, 2013 — $ 4.2 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 hol d 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 wh en 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 re ceipts, 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 a s 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, t he 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 a ssured. Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing, totaled a recovery of $ 0.1 million in 2015 ( 2014 — expense of $ 0.6 million, 2013 — expense of $ 0.4 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 theater goers based on f ixed 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 theate rs. 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 recog nized 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.
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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. Researc h 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]	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 tra nsactions are translated at exchange rates prevalent at the transaction date. In 2013, the Company determined that the functional currency of one of its consolidated subsidiaries had changed from the Company’s reporting currency to the currency of the nati on 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 consolidated subsidiaries continues to be the United States dollar. Foreign exchange translation 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 curre ncy 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 hedg ing 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 fore casted 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]	The Company’s stock-based compensation generally includes stock options, restricted share units (“RSUs”) a nd 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 u ltimately 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 s tock 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 pric e 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 opti ons 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 stoc k-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 th e 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 o n 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 d ifferent 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 homoge neous 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 terminat ion 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 con sideration 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 the Binomial M odel 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 satisf y 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 aw ards 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]	The Com pany has a defined benefit pension plan, the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”). As the Company’s SERP is unfunded, as at December 31, 2015 , a liability is recognized for the projected benefit obligation. Assumption s 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 ar e 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 serv ice 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 r emaining weighted average future service life of the employee used in computing the defined benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2015 was 2.0 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]	The FASB ASC Guarantees Topic requires a g uarantor 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 (h).
Commitments And Contingencies [Policy Text Block]	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 su ch 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 counse l 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, shoul d 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 c hange in determination, settlement or judgment occurs.
Legal Costs [Policy Text Block]	The Company expenses legal costs relating to its lawsuits, claims and proceedings as incurred.
Collaborative Arrangement Accounting [Policy]	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-ca ncellable for 10 years or longer with renewal provisions. Title to equipment under joint revenue sharing arrangements generally 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 cover age 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.
Segment Reporting Policy Policy [Text Block]	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 includes the design, manufacture, sale or lease of IMAX theater projection system equipment. The theater system maintenance segment includes the maintenan ce of IMAX theater projection system equipment in the IMAX theater network. The joint revenue sharing arrangements segment includes the provision of IMAX theater projection system equipment to an exhibitor in exchange for a share of the box-office and conc ession revenues. The film production and IMAX DMR segment includes the production of films and the performance of film re-mastering services. The film distribution segment includes the distribution of films for which the Company has distribution rights. Th e 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 .
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash and interest-bearing investments with original maturity dates to the Company of 90 days or less. Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value (Level 1 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , 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 3 1, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale investment is determined using quoted prices in active markets (Level 2 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements T opic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2015 . 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, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. These identical instruments are traded on a closed exchange. The carrying value of borrowings under the Playa Vista Loan approximates fair value as the interest rates offered under the loan are close to December 31, 2015 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, 2015 .
New Accounting Pronouncements Policy [Policy Text Block]	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosure of Disposals of Components of an Entity” (“ASU 2014-08”). The amendments in ASU 2014-08 change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations in Subtopic 205-20. The amendments improve the definition of discontinued operations by limiting discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results . The amendments also require expanded disclosures for discontinued operations. For public companies, the amendments apply to all disposals of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim per iods within those years and are to be applied prospectively. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2015. The adoption of the amended standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In June 2015, the FAS B issued ASU No. 2015-10, “Technical Corrections and Improvements” (“ASU 2015-10”). The amendments in ASU 2015-10 represent changes to clarify, correct unintended application of guidance, or make minor improvements to the accounting standards codification that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. For public companies, the standard is effective immediately for amendments that do not have transition guidance. Amendments that are subject to transition guidance, the effective date is interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company adopted the standard immediately upon issuance for amendments that do not have transition guidanc e. 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 April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”), and in August 2015 issued ASU No. 2015-15, “Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements” (“ASU 2015-15”). Under ASU 2015-03, debt issuance costs reported on the consolidated balance sheet would be reflected as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. While ASU 2015-03 addresses costs related to term debt, ASU No. 2015-15 provides clarification regarding costs to secure revolving lines of credit, which are, at the outset, not associated with an outstanding borrowing. ASU No. 2015-15 provides commentary that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements as a n asset and subsequently amortizing them ratably over the term of the revolving debt arrangement. For public companies, ASU No. 2015-03 is effective January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of ASU 2015-11 on its consolidated financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330) : Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11” ). The purpose of the amendment is to more closely align the measurement of inventory in U.S. GAAP with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards. The clarifications are not intended to result in any changes in practice and to reduce the complexity in guidance on the subsequent measurement of inventory. This standard only applies to inventory being measured using the first-in, first-out or average cost methods of acco unting for inventory. For public entities, the amendments are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently assessing the impact of ASU 2015-11 on its consolidated financial statements. In A ugust 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” (“ASU 2015-14”). The purpose of the amendment is to defer the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with C ustomers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”) for all entities by one year. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2014-09 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The company is currently assessing the impact o f ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements. Recently issued FASB accounting standard codification updates, except for ASU No. 2015-11 and ASUC 2015-14, were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended Dec ember 31, 2015.
ASU 2010-06	Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash and interest-bearing investments with original maturity dates to the Company of 90 days or less. Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value (Level 1 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , 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 3 1, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale investment is determined using quoted prices in active markets (Level 2 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements T opic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2015 . 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, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. These identical instruments are traded on a closed exchange. The carrying value of borrowings under the Playa Vista Loan approximates fair value as the interest rates offered under the loan are close to December 31, 2015 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, 2015 .
ASU No. 2011-01	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 continue s 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, and 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 paym ents 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 t he "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 r eceivable to be impaired. Al l 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 statu s and all revenue recognitions related to the theater are stopped.
Fair Value Transfer, Policy [Policy Text Block]	There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2015 or 2014 . When a determination is made to c lassify an asset or liability within Level 3, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement.

Lease Arrangements (Tables)

Lease Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Lease Arrangements [Abstract]
Financing receivables, consisting of net investment in sales-type leases and receivables from financed sales	As at December 31, 2015 2014 Gross minimum lease payments receivable $ 13,998 $ 13,928 Unearned finance income (2,381) (2,357) Minimum lease payments receivable 11,617 11,571 Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts (672) (972) Net investment in leases 10,945 10,599 Gross financed sales receivables 146,232 131,155 Unearned finance income (39,378) (35,560) Financed sales receivables 106,854 95,595 Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts (568) (494) Net financed sales receivables 106,286 95,101 Total financing receivables $ 117,231 $ 105,700 Net financed sales receivables due within one year $ 19,068 $ 15,544 Net financed sales receivables due after one year $ 87,218 $ 79,557
Contingent fees, reported in revenue from customers under various arrangements	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Sales $ 2,492 $ 2,058 $ 2,493 Sales-type leases 363 102 184 Operating leases 901 886 1,009 Subtotal - sales, sales-type leases and operating leases 3,756 3,046 3,686 Joint revenue sharing arrangements 82,016 57,973 58,694 $ 85,772 $ 61,019 $ 62,380
Schedule of Operating Leases and Sales Type Leases Minimum Payments [Table Text Block]	Operating Leases Sales-Type Leases 2016 $ 993 $ 2,705 2017 794 1,876 2018 688 1,667 2019 527 1,504 2020 478 1,403 Thereafter 2,074 3,627 Total $ 5,554 $ 12,782

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	As at December 31, 2015 2014 Raw materials $ 25,750 $ 9,147 Work-in-process 2,628 1,211 Finished goods 10,375 6,705 $ 38,753 $ 17,063

Film Assets (Table)

Film Assets (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Film Costs [Abstract]
Film Assets	As at December 31, 2015 2014 Completed and released films, net of accumulated amortization of $ 6,445 $ 8,018 $112,571 (2014 ― $96,214) Films in production 1,538 1,758 Films in development 6,588 5,387 $ 14,571 $ 15,163

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	As at December 31, 2015 Accumulated Net Book Cost Depreciation Value Equipment leased or held for use Theater system components (1)(2)(3) $ 199,974 $ 74,568 $ 125,406 Camera equipment (7) 5,393 3,368 2,025 205,367 77,936 127,431 Assets under construction (4) 9,616 - 9,616 Other property, plant and equipment Land 8,203 - 8,203 Buildings 67,150 12,679 54,471 Office and production equipment (6) 34,396 17,035 17,361 Leasehold improvements 3,512 2,327 1,185 113,261 32,041 81,220 $ 328,244 $ 109,977 $ 218,267 As at December 31, 2014 Accumulated Net Book Cost Depreciation Value Equipment leased or held for use Theater system components (1)(2)(3) $ 179,236 $ 63,862 $ 115,374 Camera equipment (7) 5,253 2,874 2,379 184,489 66,736 117,753 Assets under construction (4)(5) 43,250 - 43,250 Other property, plant and equipment Land 8,180 - 8,180 Buildings 16,584 10,998 5,586 Office and production equipment (6) 27,996 19,659 8,337 Leasehold improvements 9,937 9,619 318 62,697 40,276 22,421 $ 290,436 $ 107,012 $ 183,424 ______________

Other Assets (Table)

Other Assets (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Table Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block]	As at December 31, 2015 2014 Prepaid taxes (note 9) $ 9,064 $ 8,174 Lease incentives provided to theaters 5,852 5,785 Commissions and other deferred selling expenses 3,933 3,448 Equity-accounted investments 1,005 2,765 Deferred charges on debt financing 2,638 2,120 Other investments 1,193 619 Insurance recoverable 2,842 136 $ 26,527 $ 23,047

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 Canada $ 41,099 $ 15,453 $ 51,593 United States 4,504 10,350 678 China 45,818 26,327 12,012 Ireland (10,581) - - Other 6,238 5,221 (473) $ 87,078 $ 57,351 $ 63,810
Schedule of Components of (Provision) Recovery for Income Taxes Related to Income from Continuing Operations [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current: Canada $ (10,862) $ (3,495) $ (1,068) United States 985 (4,072) (144) China (10,591) (6,023) (2,317) Ireland - - - Other (920) (249) (201) (21,388) (13,839) (3,730) Deferred: (1) Canada (518) 433 (13,198) United States 147 (791) 214 China (83) (216) (252) Ireland 1,840 - - Other (50) (53) 337 1,336 (627) (12,899) $ (20,052) $ (14,466) $ (16,629) ______________
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income tax provision at combined statutory rates $ (23,081) $ (15,189) $ (16,914) Adjustments resulting from: Stock based compensation 2,387 (2,244) (2,603) Other non-deductible/non-includable items (439) 1,257 (341) Decrease in valuation allowance relating to current year temporary differences (16) 429 341 Changes to tax reserves (453) 230 84 U.S. federal and state taxes (27) (200) (144) Income tax at different rates in foreign and other provincial jurisdictions 961 516 918 Investment and other tax credits (non-refundable) 881 1,773 1,041 Changes to deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from audit and other tax return adjustments (242) (1,013) 11 Tax effect of loss from equity-accounted investments - (41) 1,040 Other (23) 16 (62) Provision for income taxes, as reported $ (20,052) $ (14,466) $ (16,629)
Schedule of Components of Net Deferred Income Tax Assets [Table Text Block]	As at December 31, 2015 2014 Net operating loss carryforwards $ 1,158 $ 1,091 Investment tax credit and other tax credit carryforwards - 225 Write-downs of other assets 720 681 Excess tax over accounting basis in property, plant and equipment, inventories and other assets 11,741 8,062 Accrued pension liability 6,626 6,496 Other accrued reserves 7,656 7,955 Total deferred income tax assets 27,901 24,510 Income recognition on net investment in leases (1,809) (1,142) 26,092 23,368 Valuation allowance (326) (310) Net deferred income tax asset $ 25,766 $ 23,058
Schedule of Tax Credit and Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block]	Investment Tax Credits and Other Net Operating Tax Credit Loss Carryforwards Carryforwards 2016 $ - $ - 2017 - - 2018 - - 2019 - - 2020 - - Thereafter 2,119 15,705 $ 2,119 $ 15,705
Schedule of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	(In thousands of U.S. Dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of the year $ 1,972 $ 2,202 $ 2,286 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 12,694 237 210 Reductions resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations and administrative practices (445) (467) (294) Balance at the end of the year $ 14,221 $ 1,972 $ 2,202
Income Tax Effect on Comprehensive Income	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on defined benefit plan $ (47) $ 225 $ (588) Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit plan - - (114) Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on postretirement benefit plans (21) 151 43 Amortization of actuarial gain or loss on postretirement benefit plan (35) 8 - Gain on curtailment of postretirement benefit plan - - (100) Other-than-temporary impairment of available-for-sale investment - (45) - Change in market value of available-for-sale investment - - 45 Unrealized change in cash flow hedging instruments 1,543 658 264 Realized change in cash flow hedging instruments upon settlement (844) (306) (80) Foreign currency translation adjustments (85) 59 26 $ 511 $ 750 $ (504)

Other Intangibles (Tables)

Other Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Other Intangible Assets	As at December 31, 2015 Accumulated Net Book Cost Amortization Value Patents and trademarks $ 10,399 $ 6,502 $ 3,897 Licenses and intellectual property 22,390 6,464 15,926 Other 11,878 2,751 9,127 $ 44,667 $ 15,717 $ 28,950 As at December 31, 2014 Accumulated Net Book Cost Amortization Value Patents and trademarks $ 9,686 $ 5,967 $ 3,719 Licenses and intellectual property 20,490 4,867 15,623 Other 9,873 1,664 8,209 $ 40,049 $ 12,498 $ 27,551
Other Intangible Assets - Future Amortization [Table Text Block]	2016 $ 3,669 2017 3,669 2018 3,669 2019 3,669 2020 3,669

Credit Facility and Playa Vis42

Credit Facility and Playa Vista Construciton Loan (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Credit Facility and Playa Vista Construction Loan [Abstract]
Bank indebtedness	As at December 31, 2015 2014 Playa Vista Loan $ 29,667 $ 4,710
Construction loan principal payments	2016 $ 2,000 2017 2,000 2018 2,000 2019 2,000 2020 2,000 Thereafter 19,667 $ 29,667

Commitments (Table)

Commitments (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees [Abstract]
Total minimum annual rental payments under lease	2016 $ 4,987 2017 3,996 2018 3,546 2019 1,759 2020 438 Thereafter 3,752 $ 18,478

Contingencies and Guarantees (T

Contingencies and Guarantees (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees [Abstract]
Accrual for product warranties	As at December 31, 2015 2014 Balance at the beginning of the year $ 6 $ 7 Warranty redemptions (6) (5) Warranties issued - 11 Revisions - (7) Balance at the end of the year $ - $ 6

Capital Stock (Tables)

Capital Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Options to Employees	2015 2014 2013 Average risk-free interest rate 1.97% 2.46% 1.63% Expected option life (in years) 3.55 - 5.76 4.15 - 5.82 4.51 - 4.63 Expected volatility 30% 32.5% - 37.5% 40% Annual termination probability 0% - 9.50% 0% - 8.40% 0% - 8.52% Dividend yield 0% 0% 0%
Options to Non-Employees	Years Ended December 31 2015 2014 2013 Average risk-free interest rate n/a 0.53% 1.64% Contractual option life n/a 2 years 7 years Average expected volatility n/a 32.5% 40.0% Dividend yield n/a 0% 0%
Option activity under the Stock Option Plan and IMAX LTIP	Weighted Average Exercise Number of Shares Price Per Share 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Options outstanding, beginning of year 5,925,660 6,263,121 7,441,068 $ 24.24 $ 21.11 $ 18.48 Granted 873,929 872,155 375,650 31.59 27.48 25.29 Exercised (1,761,675) (1,149,587) (1,316,347) 20.21 9.42 6.81 Forfeited (232,670) (36,242) (228,190) 24.60 24.63 24.55 Expired - - - - - - Cancelled - (23,787) (9,060) - 33.60 30.90 Options outstanding, end of year 4,805,244 5,925,660 6,263,121 27.03 24.24 21.11 Options exercisable, end of year 2,800,723 3,368,558 3,578,006 25.83 22.69 18.56
Movement in Restricted Stock Units	Number of Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share 2015 2014 2015 2014 RSUs outstanding, beginning of year 595,834 264,140 $ 27.13 $ 26.14 Granted 605,349 484,088 36.04 27.42 Vested and settled (207,371) (148,001) 28.81 26.29 Forfeited (20,175) (4,393) 29.27 26.88 RSUs outstanding, end of year 973,637 595,834 32.27 27.13
Basic and diluted per-share computations	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 55,844 $ 39,736 $ 44,115 Less: Accretion charges associated with redeemable common stock (769) (426) - Net income applicable to common shareholders $ 55,075 $ 39,310 $ 44,115 Weighted average number of common shares (000's): Issued and outstanding, beginning of period 68,988 67,841 66,482 Weighted average number of shares issued during the period 538 505 669 Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic earnings per share 69,526 68,346 67,151 Assumed exercise of stock options and RSUs, net of shares assumed repurchased 1,532 1,408 1,810 Weighted average number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per share 71,058 69,754 68,961

Receivable Provisions Net of 46

Receivable Provisions Net of Recoveries (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries [Abstract]
Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Accounts receivable provisions, net of recoveries $ 677 $ 725 $ (35) Financing receivable provisions, net of recoveries 75 193 480 Receivable provisions, net of recoveries $ 752 $ 918 $ 445

Asset Impairment (Table)

Asset Impairment (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Asset Impairment Charges [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Property, plant and equipment $ 405 $ 314 $ - Total $ 405 $ 314 $ -

Consolidated Statements of Ca48

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information [Abstract]
Changes in other non-cash operating assets and liabilities	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Decrease (increase) in: Accounts receivable $ (22,521) $ (4,318) $ (31,032) Financing receivables (13,628) (40) (13,397) Inventories (21,070) (7,603) 1,884 Prepaid expenses (1,552) (1,346) 231 Commissions and other deferred selling expenses (203) (769) 59 Insurance recoveries 4 10,958 380 Other assets, prepaid tax - (2,984) - Other assets (456) (459) (341) Increase (decrease) in: Accounts payable 9,183 (5,186) 7,238 Accrued and other liabilities (2,577) 5,702 (1,289) Deferred revenue 16,242 12,102 2,512 $ (36,578) $ 6,057 $ (33,755)
Cash payments	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income taxes $ 22,798 $ 8,885 $ 1,056 Interest $ 411 $ 48 $ 315
Summary of depreciation and amortization	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Film assets (1) $ 16,357 $ 11,851 $ 17,000 Property, plant and equipment Joint revenue sharing arrangements 13,663 12,148 11,519 Other property, plant and equipment 7,698 5,616 4,720 Other intangible assets 3,285 2,988 2,854 Other assets 784 627 592 Deferred financing costs 1,016 526 487 $ 42,803 $ 33,756 $ 37,172 ______________
Write downs, net of recoveries	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Asset impairments Property, plant and equipment $ 405 $ 314 $ - Other charges (recoveries) Accounts receivables 677 725 (35) Financing receivables 75 193 480 Inventories (1) 572 359 444 Impairment of investments 425 3,206 - Property, plant and equipment (2) 1,485 440 384 Other intangible assets 86 57 63 $ 3,725 $ 5,294 $ 1,336 Inventory charges Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - product & equipment sales $ 537 $ 209 $ 274 Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - services 35 150 170 $ 572 $ 359 $ 444 ______________

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segmented Information [Abstract]
Revenue and Total Assets by Segment	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenue (1) IMAX theater systems IMAX systems $ 102,128 $ 72,992 $ 80,189 Theater system maintenance 36,944 34,042 31,978 Joint revenue sharing arrangements 99,120 68,418 64,130 238,192 175,452 176,297 Films Production and IMAX DMR 107,089 83,172 83,496 Distribution 3,876 8,932 7,770 Post-production 7,069 10,831 9,192 118,034 102,935 100,458 Other 17,579 12,154 11,182 Total $ 373,805 $ 290,541 $ 287,937 Gross margin IMAX theater systems IMAX systems (2) $ 59,168 $ 47,928 $ 49,040 Theater system maintenance (2) 12,702 12,375 12,096 Joint revenue sharing arrangements (3) 68,372 44,714 44,565 140,242 105,017 105,701 Films Production and IMAX DMR (3) 77,645 62,922 56,088 Distribution (3) (259) 2,274 1,371 Post-production 1,381 3,046 1,341 78,767 68,242 58,800 Other 279 129 102 Total $ 219,288 $ 173,388 $ 164,603 As at December 31, 2015 2014 Assets IMAX systems (4) $ 215,602 $ 174,531 Theater systems maintenance (4) 20,907 17,986 Joint revenue sharing arrangements (4) 179,156 162,097 Films Production and IMAX DMR 46,262 45,549 Distribution 17,534 17,768 Post-production 26,759 13,384 Other 23,485 19,405 Corporate and other non-segment specific assets 401,315 170,813 Total $ 931,020 $ 621,533
Depreciation and Amortization by Segment [Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Depreciation and amortization IMAX systems $ 5,685 $ 1,910 $ 3,287 Theater systems maintenance 72 225 141 Joint revenue sharing arrangements 14,443 14,614 13,535 Films Production and IMAX DMR 14,330 10,751 16,298 Distribution 2,129 1,512 1,048 Post-production 1,465 481 424 Other 704 671 347 Corporate and other non-segment specific assets 3,975 3,592 2,092 Total $ 42,803 $ 33,756 $ 37,172
Asset Impairments and Write-downs, Net of Recoveries, by Segment [Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries IMAX systems $ 2,298 $ 1,128 $ 1,109 Theater systems maintenance 277 150 188 Joint revenue sharing arrangements 528 397 39 Other - 314 - Corporate and other non-segment specific assets 622 3,305 - Total $ 3,725 $ 5,294 $ 1,336
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, by Segment [Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Purchase of property, plant and equipment IMAX systems $ 8,846 $ 8,822 $ 6,181 Theater system maintenance 555 229 130 Joint revenue sharing arrangements 28,474 16,838 22,775 Films Production and IMAX DMR 1,350 15,245 408 Distribution 830 1,582 - Post-production 16,337 2,176 2,185 Other 1,986 1,337 2,036 Corporate and other non-segment specific assets 13,353 10,713 2,076 Total $ 71,731 $ 56,942 $ 35,791
Geographical Information, Revenues and Property, plant and equipment	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenue United States $ 136,017 $ 107,830 $ 125,697 Canada 11,665 10,309 11,049 Greater China 110,591 78,218 55,949 Western Europe 39,569 30,245 26,000 Asia (excluding Greater China) 38,143 26,276 30,451 Russia & the CIS 12,412 15,700 19,600 Latin America 10,179 12,672 13,017 Rest of the World 15,229 9,291 6,174 Total $ 373,805 $ 290,541 $ 287,937 As at December 31, 2015 2014 Property, plant and equipment United States $ 105,641 $ 101,499 Canada 40,943 23,044 Greater China 51,990 42,816 Asia (excluding Greater China) 10,369 8,454 Western Europe 8,359 5,720 Rest of the World 965 1,891 Total $ 218,267 $ 183,424

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	As at December 31, 2015 As at December 31, 2014 Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value Cash and cash equivalents $ 317,449 $ 317,449 $ 106,503 $ 106,503 Net financed sales receivable $ 106,286 $ 108,184 $ 95,101 $ 98,675 Net investment in sales-type leases $ 10,945 $ 11,154 $ 10,599 $ 10,503 Available-for-sale investment $ 1,000 $ 997 $ - $ - Foreign exchange contracts — designated forwards $ (4,423) $ (4,423) $ (1,760) $ (1,760) Borrowings under the Playa Vista Loan $ (29,667) $ (29,667) $ (4,710) $ (4,710)
Summary of changes in the fair value	Available For Sale Investments 2015 2014 Beginning balance, January 1, $ - $ 1,000 Transfers into/out of Level 3 - - Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) Included in earnings - (1,350) Included in other comprehensive income - 350 Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements - - Ending balance, December 31, $ - $ - 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 $ - $ (1,350)
Recorded Investment in Financing Receivables	As at December 31, 2015 As at December 31, 2014 Minimum Financed Minimum Financed Lease Sales Lease Sales Payments Receivables Total Payments Receivables Total In good standing $ 10,252 $ 105,352 $ 115,604 $ 10,457 $ 94,212 $ 104,669 Credit Watch - - - - - - Pre-approved transactions - 757 757 - 855 855 Transactions suspended 1,365 745 2,110 1,114 528 1,642 $ 11,617 $ 106,854 $ 118,471 $ 11,571 $ 95,595 $ 107,166
Investment In Financing Receivables On Nonaccrual Status	As at December 31, 2015 As at December 31, 2014 Recorded Related Recorded Related Investment Allowance Investment Allowance Net investment in leases $ 1,365 $ (672) $ 1,114 $ (972) Net financed sales receivables 1,502 (568) 528 (494) Total $ 2,867 $ (1,240) $ 1,642 $ (1,466)
Aging of Financing Receivables	As at December 31, 2015 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 $ 840 $ 177 $ 446 $ 1,463 $ 10,154 $ 11,617 $ (672) $ 10,945 Net financed sales receivables 908 1,013 1,177 3,098 103,756 106,854 (568) 106,286 Total $ 1,748 $ 1,190 $ 1,623 $ 4,561 $ 113,910 $ 118,471 $ (1,240) $ 117,231 As at December 31, 2014 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 $ 420 $ 175 $ 253 $ 848 $ 10,723 $ 11,571 $ (972) $ 10,599 Net financed sales receivables 1,558 1,260 2,659 5,477 90,118 95,595 (494) 95,101 Total $ 1,978 $ 1,435 $ 2,912 $ 6,325 $ 100,841 $ 107,166 $ (1,466) $ 105,700
Financing receivables continues to accrue finance income	As at December 31, 2015 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 $ 41 $ 47 $ 205 $ 293 $ 1,076 $ - $ 1,369 Net financed sales receivables 129 224 839 1,192 10,795 - 11,987 Total $ 170 $ 271 $ 1,044 $ 1,485 $ 11,871 $ - $ 13,356 As at December 31, 2014 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 $ 90 $ 102 $ 130 $ 322 $ 2,024 $ - $ 2,346 Net financed sales receivables 258 425 1,671 2,354 12,512 - 14,866 Total $ 348 $ 527 $ 1,801 $ 2,676 $ 14,536 $ - $ 17,212
Impaired financing receivables	Impaired Financing Receivable s For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Average Interest Recorded Unpaid Related Recorded Income Investment Principal Allowance Investment Recognized Recorded investment for which there is a related allowance: Net f inanced sales receivables $ 748 $ 298 $ (568) $ 748 $ - Recor ded investment for which there is no related allowance: Net financed sales receivables - - - - - Total recorded investment in impaired loans: Net financed sales receivables $ 748 $ 298 $ (568) $ 748 $ - Impaired Financing Receivables For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Average Interest Recorded Unpaid Related Recorded Income Investment Principal Allowance Investment Recognized Recorded investment for which there is a related allow ance: Net f inanced sales receivables $ 525 $ 2 $ (494) $ 526 $ - Recor ded investment for which there is no related allowance: Net financed sales receivables - - - - - Total recorded investment in impaired loans: Net financed sales receivables $ 525 $ 2 $ (494) $ 526 $ -
Allowance for credit losses and investment in financing receivables	Year Ended December 31, 2015 Net Investment Net Financed in Leases Sales Receivables Allowance for credit losses: Beginning balance $ 972 $ 494 Charge-offs (300) - Recoveries - - Provision - 74 Ending balance $ 672 $ 568 Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ 672 $ 568 Financing receivables: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ 11,617 $ 106,854 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Net Investment Net Financed in Leases Sales Receivables Allowance for credit losses: Beginning balance $ 806 $ 236 Charge-offs (20) - Recoveries (74) - Provision 260 258 Ending balance $ 972 $ 494 Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ 972 $ 494 Financing receivables: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ 11,571 $ 95,595
Notional amount of derivative	As at December 31, 2015 2014 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards $ 30,710 $ 36,754
Fair value of foreign exchange contracts	As at December 31, Balance Sheet Location 2015 2014 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards Accrued and other liabilities $ (4,423) $ (1,760) $ (4,423) $ (1,760)
Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging relationships	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards Derivative Loss Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion) $ (5,881) $ (2,524) $ (1,031) $ (5,881) $ (2,524) $ (1,031) Location of Derivative Loss Reclassified from AOCI Years Ended December 31, into Income (Effective Portion) 2015 2014 2013 Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards Selling, general and administrative expenses $ (3,217) $ (1,186) $ (312) $ (3,217) $ (1,186) $ (312)

Pension and Post-retirement ben

Pension and Post-retirement benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 1.34% 1.30% 1.45% Lump sum interest rate: First 20 years 2.82% 2.89% 3.35% Thereafter 2.95% 3.12% 3.50% Cost of living adjustment on benefits 1.20% 1.20% 1.20%
Amounts accrued	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Projected benefit obligation: Obligation, beginning of year $ 19,405 $ 18,284 Interest cost 253 264 Actuarial (gain) loss (180) 857 Obligation, end of year and unfunded status $ 19,478 $ 19,405 The following table provides disclosure of the pension benefit obligation recorded in the consolidated balance sheets: As at December 31, 2015 2014 Accrued benefits cost $ (19,478) $ (19,405) Accumulated other comprehensive loss 1,323 1,503 Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets $ (18,155) $ (17,902)
Pension Expense	Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Interest cost $ 253 $ 264 $ 195 Amortization of actuarial loss - - 444 Pension expense $ 253 $ 264 $ 639
Components of net periodic benefit cost	As at December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Unrealized actuarial loss $ 1,323 $ 1,503 $ 646
Schedule of expected benefit payments	2016 $ - 2017 19,871 2018 - 2019 - 2020 - Thereafter - $ 19,871
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	As at December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 4.20 % 3.70 % 4.50 % Weighted average assumption used to determine the net postretirement benefit expense are: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 3.70 % 4.50 % 3.75 %
Amounts accrued	As at December 31, 2015 2014 Obligation, beginning of year $ 830 $ 392 Interest cost 30 17 Benefits paid (24) (27) Actuarial (gain) loss (73) 448 Obligation, end of year $ 763 $ 830
Pension Expense	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Interest cost $ 30 $ 17 $ 19 Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) 135 (32) - $ 165 $ (15) $ 19
Components of net periodic benefit cost	As at December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Unrealized actuarial loss (gain) $ 146 $ 346 $ (134)
Schedule of expected benefit payments	2016 $ 34 2017 54 2018 60 2019 66 2020 33 Thereafter 516 Total $ 763
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	As at December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 3.75 % 3.75 % 4.50 % Weighted average assumptions used to determine the net postretirement benefit expense are: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 3.75 % 4.50 % 4.00 %
Amounts accrued	As at December 31, 2015 2014 Obligation, beginning of year $ 2,139 $ 2,179 Interest cost 71 93 Service cost 1 6 Benefits paid (80) (84) Actuarial (gain) loss (6) 126 Unrealized foreign exchange gain (347) (181) Obligation, end of year $ 1,778 $ 2,139
Pension Expense	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Curtailment gain $ - $ - $ (2,185) Interest cost 71 93 72 Service cost 1 6 27 $ 72 $ 99 $ (2,086)
Components of net periodic benefit cost	As at December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Unrealized actuarial loss $ 423 $ 429 $ 303
Schedule of expected benefit payments	2016 $ 90 2017 94 2018 102 2019 109 2020 111 Thereafter 1,272 Total $ 1,778

Non-Controlling Interests (Tabl

Non-Controlling Interests (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
IMAX China Non-Controlling Interest [Member]
Non-controlling Interests [Line Items]
Non-controlling Interests	Balance as at January 1, 2014 $ - Issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest 40,000 Share issuance costs from the issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest (2,843) Net income 2,631 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax 58 Accretion charges associated with redeemable common stock 426 Balance as at December 31, 2014 $ 40,272 Issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest 40,000 Share issuance costs from the issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest (2,000) Net income prior to IMAX China IPO 5,401 Other comprehensive loss prior to IMAX China IPO 164 Accretion charges associated with redeemable common stock 769 Redemption of redeemable common stock upon qualified IPO (84,606) Balance as at October 7, 2015 $ - The following summarizes the movement of the non-controlling interest in shareholders’ equity, in the Company’s subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 2015 : Balance as at October 8, 2015 $ 84,606 Net income after IMAX China IPO 3,712 Other comprehensive loss after IMAX China IPO 252 Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders (9,511) Reduction in value due to qualified initial public offering (29,100) Balance as at December 31, 2015 $ 49,959
Other Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Non-controlling Interests [Line Items]
Non-controlling Interests	Balance as at January 1, 2014 $ - Issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest 4,551 Share issuance costs from the issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest (713) Net loss (198) Balance as at December 31, 2014 $ 3,640 Net loss (333) Balance as at December 31, 2015 $ 3,307

Asset Retirement Obligations (T

Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Beginning balance, January 1 $ 149 $ 143 $ 249 Accretion expense 13 12 6 Reduction in asset retirement obligation (80) (6) (112) Ending balance, December 31 $ 82 $ 149 $ 143

Description of the Business (De

Description of the Business (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015Countries
Description of Business (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of Countries in which Entity Operates	67

Summary of Significant Accoun55

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of Variable Interest Entities	11
Total assets	$ 0.4
Total liabilities	$ 0.4
Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefits (Textuals) [Abstract]
Remaining Weighted Average Service Life of Employee	2 years
Pension policy details	10.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Basis of Presentation (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number Of Variable Interest Entities Primary Beneficiary	5
Total assets	$ 7.2	$ 7.7
Total liabilities	$ 4.1	0.3
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Basis of Presentation (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number Of Variable Interest Entities Not Primary Beneficiary	6
Total assets	$ 0.4	0.4
Total liabilities	0.4	0.4
Earnings of the investees	0	0
Carrying value of investments	0	0
Loss exposure	$ 0	$ 0

Financing Receivables (Details)

Financing Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Contingent Fees [Abstract]
Sales	$ 2,492	$ 2,058	$ 2,493
Sales-type leases	363	102	184
Operating leases	901	886	1,009
Subtotal - Sales, Sales-type Leases and Operating Leases	3,756	3,046	3,686
Joint revenue sharing arrangements	82,016	57,973	58,694
Total	85,772	61,019	$ 62,380
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]
2,016	993
2,017	794
2,018	688
2,019	527
2,020	478
Thereafter	2,074
Total	5,554
Sales-type Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]
2,016	2,705
2,017	1,876
2,018	1,667
2,019	1,504
2,020	1,403
Thereafter	3,627
Total	12,782
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.	1,200
Financing receivables, consisting of net investment in sales-type leases and receivables from financed sales
Gross minimum lease payments receivable	13,998	13,928
Unearned finance income	(2,381)	(2,357)
Minimum lease payments receivable	11,617	11,571
Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts	(672)	(972)
Net investment in leases	10,945	10,599
Gross financed sales receivables	146,232	131,155
Unearned finance income	(39,378)	(35,560)
Financed sales receivables	106,854	95,595
Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts	(568)	(494)
Net financed sales receivables	106,286	95,101
Total financing receivables	117,231	105,700
Net financed sales receivables due within one year	19,068	15,544
Net financed sales receivables due after one year	$ 87,218	$ 79,557
Financing Receivables (Textuals) [Abstract]
Financed sale receivables, Weighted average effective interest rate	9.40%	9.60%
Non-cancellable joint revenue sharing arrangements	10 years or longer
Non-cancellable lease arrangements	10 to 20 years

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories
Raw materials	$ 25,750	$ 9,147
Work-in-process	2,628	1,211
Finished goods	10,375	6,705
Total	$ 38,753	$ 17,063

Film Assets (Details)

Film Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Film Costs (Textuals) [Abstract]
Film costs expected to be amortized within three years from balance sheet date	$ 6,300	$ 7,100
Film Costs, Amortized in Next Operating Cycle	3,600
Amount of participation payments expected to be made to third parties in 2016	3,900	5,000
Accumulated amortization, completed and released films	112,571	96,214
Film Costs [Abstract]
Completed and released films, net of accumulated amortization of $112,571 (2014 - $96,214)	6,445	8,018
Films in production	1,538	1,758
Films in development	6,588	5,387
Film Costs, Total	$ 14,571	$ 15,163

Property, Plant & Equipment (De

Property, Plant & Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, plant and equipment
Cost		$ 328,244	$ 290,436
Accumulated Depreciation		109,977	107,012
Net Book Value		218,267	183,424
Other property, plant and equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment
Cost		113,261	62,697
Accumulated Depreciation		32,041	40,276
Net Book Value		81,220	22,421
Land [Member]
Property, plant and equipment
Cost		8,203	8,180
Accumulated Depreciation		0	0
Net Book Value		8,203	8,180
Buildings [Member]
Property, plant and equipment
Cost		67,150	16,584
Accumulated Depreciation		12,679	10,998
Net Book Value		54,471	5,586
Office and Production Equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment
Cost	[1]	34,396	27,996
Accumulated Depreciation	[1]	17,035	19,659
Net Book Value	[1]	17,361	8,337
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, plant and equipment
Cost		3,512	9,937
Accumulated Depreciation		2,327	9,619
Net Book Value		1,185	318
Asset under Construction [Member]
Property, plant and equipment
Cost	[2]	9,616	43,250	[3]
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	0	0	[3]
Net Book Value	[2]	9,616	43,250	[3]
Equipment leased or held for use [Member]
Property, plant and equipment
Cost		205,367	184,489
Accumulated Depreciation		77,936	66,736
Net Book Value		127,431	117,753
Theater System Components [Member]
Property, plant and equipment
Cost	[4],[5],[6]	199,974	179,236
Accumulated Depreciation	[4],[5],[6]	74,568	63,862
Net Book Value	[4],[5],[6]	125,406	115,374
Camera Equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment
Cost	[7]	5,393	5,253
Accumulated Depreciation	[7]	3,368	2,874
Net Book Value	[7]	$ 2,025	$ 2,379
[1]	Fully amortized office and production equipment is still in use by the Company. In 2015, the Company identified and wrote off $3.1 million (2014 - $2.0 million) of office and production equipment that is no longer in use and fully amortized.
[2]	Included in assets under construction are components with costs of $6.0 million (2014 — $0.1 million) that will be utilized to construct assets to be used in joint revenue sharing arrangements.
[3]	In 2014, included in assets under construction is $40.1 million, including accrued expenditures of $12.2 million for the construction of a new office facility in California.
[4]	In 2015, the Company identified and wrote off $1.1 million of theater system components upon the upgrade of xenon-based digital systems under operating lease arrangements to laser-based digital systems under sales or sales-type lease arrangements. In 2015, the Company recorded $2.2 million (2014 - $0.3 million) related to theater system components that are no longer in use and fully amortized.
[5]	Included in theater system components are assets with costs of $11.5 million (2014 — $15.3 million) and accumulated depreciation of $7.3 million (2014 — $9.1 million) that are leased to customers under operating leases.
[6]	Included in theater system components are assets with costs of $178.0 million (2014 — $157.6 million) and accumulated depreciation of $62.2 million (2014 — $50.2 million) that are used in joint revenue sharing arrangements.
[7]	Fully amortized camera equipment is still in use by the Company. In 2015 and 2014, the Company identified and wrote off $nil and $0.3 million, respectively of camera equipment that is no longer in use and fully amortized.

Other Assets (Details)

Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid taxes (note 9)	$ 9,064	$ 8,174
Lease incentives provided to theaters	5,852	5,785
Commissions and other deferred selling expenses	3,933	3,448
Equity-accounted investments	1,005	2,765
Deferred charges on debt financing	2,638	2,120
Other investments	1,193	619
Insurance recoverable	2,842	136
Other Assets, Total	$ 26,527	$ 23,047

Income Tax (Details)

Income Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Canada	$ 41,099	$ 15,453	$ 51,593
United States	4,504	10,350	678
China	45,818	26,327	12,012
Ireland	(10,581)	0	0
Other	6,238	5,221	(473)
Income from Continuing Operations before income taxes, Total	$ 87,078	$ 57,351	$ 63,810

Other Intangible Assets (Detail

Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Intangible Assets
Other Intangible Assets, Cost	$ 44,667	$ 40,049
Other Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	15,717	12,498
Other Intangible Assets, Net Book Value	28,950	27,551
Other Intangible Assets (Textuals) [Abstract]
Other Intanglible Asset, ERP System	11,878
Net book value of intellectual rights disposed of in the year	100	100
Acquisition of patents and Trademarks, cost	4,800
Acquisition of patents and Trademarks, net book value	$ 4,400
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	100
Costs incurred to renew or extend the term of acquired other intangible assets	less than
Other Intangible Assets (Additional Textuals) [Abstract]
2,016	$ 3,669
2,017	3,669
2,018	3,669
2,019	3,669
2,020	3,669
Patents and Trademarks [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Other Intangible Assets, Cost	10,399	9,686
Other Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	6,502	5,967
Other Intangible Assets, Net Book Value	3,897	3,719
Licenses And Intellectual Property [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Other Intangible Assets, Cost	22,390	20,490
Other Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	6,464	4,867
Other Intangible Assets, Net Book Value	15,926	15,623
Other
Other Intangible Assets
Other Intangible Assets, Cost	11,878	9,873
Other Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	2,751	1,664
Other Intangible Assets, Net Book Value	$ 9,127	$ 8,209

Credit Facility and Playa Vis63

Credit Facility and Playa Vista Construction Loan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 18, 2015	Oct. 09, 2015	Mar. 03, 2015
Credit Facility and Playa Vista Construction Loan (Textuals) [Abstract]
Amounts drawn	$ 29,667	$ 4,710
Playa Vista Construction Loan [Member]
Credit Facility and Playa Vista Construction Loan (Textuals) [Abstract]
Amounts drawn		$ 4,710
Playa Vista construction loan funding			$ 22,300
Effective interest rate		2.42%
Interest rate description	Prior to the conversion, the Playa Vista Construction Loan bore interest at a variable interest rate per annum equal to 2.25% above the 30-day LIBOR rate, and PV Borrower was required to make monthly payments of interest only.
Playa Vista Loan [Member]
Credit Facility and Playa Vista Construction Loan (Textuals) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 30,000
Amounts drawn	$ 29,667
Playa Vista Construction Loan conversion date	Oct. 19, 2015
Additional borrowing under revolving term loan	$ 7,700
Expected total cost of development of the Playa Vista Project	$ 54,000
Term of loan	120 months
Effective interest rate	2.40%
Interest rate description	As a result of the conversion, the interest rate decreased from 2.25% to 2.0% above the 30-day LIBOR rate
Maturity date	Oct. 19, 2025
Playa Vista Construction Loan - payment terms	PV Borrower will be required to make monthly payments of combined principal and interest over a 10-year term with a lump sum payment at the end of year 10. The Playa Vista Loan is being amortized over 15 years. The Playa Vista Loan will be fully due and payable on October 19, 2025.
Wells Fargo Foreign Exchange Facility [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]
Credit Facility and Playa Vista Construction Loan (Textuals) [Abstract]
Settlement risk on its foreign currency forward contracts	$ 4,400
Notional value of foreign currency forward contracts outstanding	30,710
Bank of Montreal Facilities [Member]
Credit Facility and Playa Vista Construction Loan (Textuals) [Abstract]
Remaining borrowing capacity	10,000	$ 10,000
Letters of credit and advance payment guarantees	$ 300	300
Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facility and Playa Vista Construction Loan (Textuals) [Abstract]
Credit Facility Maturity Date	Mar. 3, 2020
Maximum borrowing capacity					$ 200,000
Amounts drawn	$ 0	0
Remaining borrowing capacity	200,000	200,000
Credit Facility [Member] | Letter Of Credit And Apg [Member]
Credit Facility and Playa Vista Construction Loan (Textuals) [Abstract]
Amounts drawn	$ 0	$ 0

Commitments (Details)

Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Total minimum annual rental payments under operating lease
2016, Operating Leases	$ 4,987
2017, Operating Leases	3,996
2018, Operating Leases	3,546
2019, Operating Leases	1,759
2020, Operating Leases	438
Thereafter, Operating Leases	3,752
Operating Leases, Total	18,478
Commitments (Textuals) [Abstract]
Rent expense, Total	4,800	$ 6,600	$ 6,500
Accrued rent and lease inducements recognized as an offset to rent expense included in Accrued liabilities	1,100	1,600
Purchase obligation under long term supplier contracts	22,200	35,300
Accrued commission on sale or lease of the theater systems payable in future periods	1,700	1,500
Bank of Montreal Facilities [Member]
Commitments (Additional Textuals)
Outstanding letter of credit and advance payment guarantees secured	278	278
Credit Facility [Member]
Commitments (Additional Textuals)
Outstanding letter of credit and advance payment guarantees secured	$ 0	$ 0

Contingencies and Guarantees (D

Contingencies and Guarantees (Details) CAD in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended		24 Months Ended	25 Months Ended	51 Months Ended	95 Months Ended	111 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Nov. 10, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 14, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 27, 2008	Dec. 11, 2011	Dec. 15, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 15, 2015CAD	Mar. 02, 2013
Accrual for product warranties
Balance at the beginning of the year	$ 6	$ 7
Warranty redemptions	(6)	(5)
Warranties issued	0	11
Revisions	0	(7)
Balance at the end of the year	0	6
Contingencies and Guarantees Disclosure (Textuals) [Abstract]
Final award in favor of company					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	$30,000 to cover the costs of the application
Damages sought				$ 10,400			$ 210,000
Counterclaim sought				$ 24,000
Distribution of settlement							$ 12,000	CAD 3,750
Financial Guarantees	0
Indemnification of its directors/officers	0	$ 0
Other Indemnification	$ 0
Reduction in Canadian Class Action Lawsuit Size									85.00%
Maximum [Member]
Contingencies and Guarantees Disclosure (Textuals) [Abstract]
Distribution of settlement			$ 455
Minimum [Member]
Contingencies and Guarantees Disclosure (Textuals) [Abstract]
Distribution of settlement			$ 400

Capital Stock (Details)

Capital Stock (Details) - Employee Stock Option [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Option to Employees
Average risk-free interest rate	1.97%	2.46%	1.63%
Expected volatility	30.00%		40.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Maximum [Member]
Option to Employees
Expected option life (in years)	5 years 9 months 4 days	5 years 9 months 25 days	4 years 7 months 17 days
Expected volatility		37.50%
Annual termination probability	9.50%	8.40%	8.52%
Minimum [Member]
Option to Employees
Expected option life (in years)	3 years 6 months 18 days	4 years 1 month 24 days	4 years 6 months 4 days
Expected volatility		32.50%
Annual termination probability	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Consolidated Statement of Opera

Consolidated Statement of Operations Supplemental Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Other Income
Other revenue	$ 141	$ 0	$ 375
Foreign Exchange
Net foreign exchange translation gains (losses) related to foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities	$ (2,400)	$ (1,500)	(700)
Collaborative Arrangements
Non-cancellable joint revenue sharing arrangements	10 years or longer
Total number of exhibitors under joint revenue sharing agreements	43	41
Total number of theater systems under joint revenue sharing agreements	741	672
Total number of operating theaters under joint revenue sharing agreement	529	451
Amounts attributable to transactions arising between the company and its customers under joint revenue sharing arrangements	$ 99,120	$ 68,418	64,139
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	44	40
Amounts attributable to transactions arising between the company and its customers under IMAX DMR arrangements	$ 107,089	$ 83,172	83,496
Number of significant co-produced film arrangement	1
Total assets of VIE	$ 400
Total liabilities of VIE	$ 400
Number of other co-produced film arrangements	5
Amounts attributable to transactions between the company and other parties involved in the production of films included in cost and expense	$ 1,500	$ 3,500	$ 2,900

Receivable Provisions Net of 68

Receivable Provisions Net of Recoveries (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries [Abstract]
Accounts receivable provisions, net of recoveries	$ 677	$ 725	$ (35)
Financing receivables provisions, net of recoveries	75	193	480
Receivable provisions, net of recoveries	$ 752	$ 918	$ 445

Asset Impairments (Details)

Asset Impairments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment	$ 405	$ 314	$ 0
Total	$ 405	$ 314	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Ca70

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Decrease (increase) in:
Accounts receivable	$ (22,521)	$ (4,318)	$ (31,032)
Financing receivables	(13,628)	(40)	(13,397)
Inventories	(21,070)	(7,603)	1,884
Prepaid expenses	(1,552)	(1,346)	231
Commissions and other deferred selling expenses	(203)	(769)	59
Insurance recoveries	4	10,958	380
Other assets, prepaid tax	0	(2,984)	0
Other assets	(456)	(459)	(341)
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable	9,183	(5,186)	7,238
Accrued and other liabilities	(2,577)	5,702	(1,289)
Deferred revenue	16,242	12,102	2,512
Changes in other non-cash operating assets and liabilities	(36,578)	6,057	(33,755)
Cash payments
Income taxes	22,798	8,885	1,056
Interest	$ 411	$ 48	$ 315

Segmented Information (Details)

Segmented Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues
Revenue		$ 373,805	$ 290,541	$ 287,937
Gross margins
Gross margin		219,288	173,388	164,603
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization		42,803	33,756	37,172
Asset Impairments and Write-downs, Net of Recoveries
Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries		3,725	5,294	1,336
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		71,731	56,942	35,791
Assets
Assets		931,020	621,533
IMAX Theater Systems Total [Member]
Revenues
Revenue	[1]	238,192	175,452	176,297
Gross margins
Gross margin		140,242	105,017	105,701
IMAX Systems [Member]
Revenues
Revenue	[1]	102,128	72,992	80,189
Gross margins
Gross margin	[2]	59,168	47,928	49,040
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization		5,685	1,910	3,287
Asset Impairments and Write-downs, Net of Recoveries
Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries		2,298	1,128	1,109
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		8,846	8,822	6,181
Assets
Assets	[3]	215,602	174,531
Theater System Maintenance [Member]
Revenues
Revenue	[1]	36,944	34,042	31,978
Gross margins
Gross margin	[2]	12,702	12,375	12,096
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization		72	225	141
Asset Impairments and Write-downs, Net of Recoveries
Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries		277	150	188
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		555	229	130
Assets
Assets	[3]	20,907	17,986
Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements [Member]
Revenues
Revenue	[1]	99,120	68,418	64,130
Gross margins
Gross margin	[4]	68,372	44,714	44,565
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization		14,443	14,614	13,535
Asset Impairments and Write-downs, Net of Recoveries
Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries		528	397	39
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		28,474	16,838	22,775
Assets
Assets	[3]	179,156	162,097
Films Total [Member]
Revenues
Revenue	[1]	118,034	102,935	100,458
Gross margins
Gross margin		78,767	68,242	58,800
Production and IMAX DMR [Member]
Revenues
Revenue	[1]	107,089	83,172	83,496
Gross margins
Gross margin	[4]	77,645	62,922	56,088
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization		14,330	10,751	16,298
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		1,350	15,245	408
Assets
Assets		46,262	45,549
Film Distribution [Member]
Revenues
Revenue	[1]	3,876	8,932	7,770
Gross margins
Gross margin	[4]	(259)	2,274	1,371
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization		2,129	1,512	1,048
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		830	1,582	0
Assets
Assets		17,534	17,768
Post Production [Member]
Revenues
Revenue	[1]	7,069	10,831	9,192
Gross margins
Gross margin		1,381	3,046	1,341
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization		1,465	481	424
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		16,337	2,176	2,185
Assets
Assets		26,759	13,384
Others [Member]
Revenues
Revenue	[1]	17,579	12,154	11,182
Gross margins
Gross margin		279	129	102
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization		704	671	347
Asset Impairments and Write-downs, Net of Recoveries
Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries		0	314	0
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		1,986	1,337	2,036
Assets
Assets		23,485	19,405
Corporate and other non-segment specific assets [Member]
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization		3,975	3,592	2,092
Asset Impairments and Write-downs, Net of Recoveries
Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries		622	3,305	0
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		13,353	10,713	$ 2,076
Assets
Assets		$ 401,315	$ 170,813
[1]	The Company’s largest customer represents 16.0% of total revenues as at December 31, 2015 (2014 – 14.5%, 2013 – 13.9%).
[2]	In 2015, the Company recorded a charge of $0.6 million (2014 — $0.4 million, 2013 — $0.5 million, respectively) in costs and expenses applicable to revenues, primarily for its laser-based projector inventories. Specifically, IMAX systems includes an inventory charge of $0.5 million (2014 — $0.2 million, 2013 — $0.3 million). Theater system maintenance includes inventory write-downs of less than $0.1 million (2014 — $0.2 million, 2013 — $0.2 million).
[3]	Goodwill is allocated on a relative fair market value basis to the IMAX systems segment, theater system maintenance segment and joint revenue sharing segment. There has been no change in the allocation of goodwill from the prior year.
[4]	IMAX systems include marketing and commission costs of $3.0 million, $2.7 million and $2.5 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Joint revenue sharing arrangements segment margins include advertising, marketing, and commission costs of $4.3 million, $3.2 million and $3.6 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Production and DMR segment margins include marketing costs of $13.3 million, $7.1 million and $4.2 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Distribution segment margins include marketing recovery of $0.1 million, expense of $0.6 million and expense of $0.4 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Financial Instruments (Details)

Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Financial Instrument
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 317,449	$ 106,503	$ 29,546	$ 21,336
Net financed sales receivable	106,286	95,101
Net investment in sales-type leases	10,945	10,599
Borrowings under the Playa Vista loan	29,667
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Other Financial Instrument
Cash and cash equivalents	317,449	106,503
Net financed sales receivable	106,286	95,101
Net investment in sales-type leases	10,945	10,599
Available-for-sale investment	1,000	0
Foreign exchange contracts - designated forwards	(4,423)	(1,760)
Borrowings under the Playa Vista loan	(29,667)	(4,710)
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Other Financial Instrument
Cash and cash equivalents	317,449	106,503
Net financed sales receivable	108,184	98,675
Net investment in sales-type leases	11,154	10,503
Available-for-sale investment	997	0
Foreign exchange contracts - designated forwards	(4,423)	(1,760)
Borrowings under the Playa Vista loan	$ (29,667)	$ (4,710)

Employees Pension and Postret73

Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Amounts Accrued
Curtailment gain		$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,185
Net periodic benefit cost
Curtailment gain		$ 0	$ 0	$ (2,185)
SERP Benefits [Member]
Assumptions used to determine obligation and cost status
Discount rate					1.34%	1.30%	1.45%
Lump sum interest rate - First 20 years		2.82%	2.89%	3.35%
Lump sum interest rate - thereafter		2.95%	3.12%	3.50%
Cost of living adjustment on benefits		1.20%	1.20%	1.20%
Amounts Accrued
Obligation, beginning of year	$ 19,478	$ 19,405	$ 18,284
Interest cost	300	253	264	$ 195
Actuarial (gain) loss		(180)	857
Obligation, end of year		19,478	19,405	18,284
Amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheet
Accrued benefits cost	19,478	19,405	19,405	18,284	$ 19,478	$ 19,405	$ 18,284
Accumulated other comprehensive loss					1,323	1,503
Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets					(18,155)	(17,902)
Net periodic benefit cost
Interest cost	300	253	264	195
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)		0	0	444
Pension expense		$ 253	$ 264	$ 639
Components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods
Unrealized actuarial loss (gain)					$ 1,323	$ 1,503	$ 646
Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]
Assumptions used to determine obligation and cost status
Discount rate					4.20%	3.70%	4.50%
Discount rate used in calculating net periodic benefit cost		3.70%	4.50%	3.75%
Amounts Accrued
Obligation, beginning of year	763	$ 830	$ 392
Interest cost		30	17	$ 19
Benefits paid		(24)	(27)
Actuarial (gain) loss		(73)	448
Obligation, end of year		763	830	392
Amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheet
Accrued benefits cost	763	830	830	392	$ 763	$ 830	$ 392
Net periodic benefit cost
Interest cost		30	17	19
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)		135	(32)	0
Pension expense		$ 165	$ (15)	$ 19
Components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods
Unrealized actuarial loss (gain)					$ 146	$ 346	$ (134)
Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]
Assumptions used to determine obligation and cost status
Discount rate					3.75%	3.75%	4.50%
Discount rate used in calculating net periodic benefit cost		3.75%	4.50%	4.00%
Amounts Accrued
Obligation, beginning of year	1,778	$ 2,139	$ 2,179
Curtailment gain		0	0	$ 2,185
Interest cost	100	71	93	72
Service cost		1	6	27
Benefits paid		(80)	(84)
Actuarial (gain) loss		(6)	126
Unrealized foreign exchange gain		(347)	(181)
Obligation, end of year		1,778	2,139	2,179
Amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheet
Accrued benefits cost	1,778	2,139	2,139	2,179	$ 1,778	$ 2,139	$ 2,179
Net periodic benefit cost
Curtailment gain		0	0	(2,185)
Interest cost	$ 100	71	93	72
Service cost		1	6	27
Pension expense		$ 72	$ 99	$ (2,086)
Components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods
Unrealized actuarial loss (gain)					$ 423	$ 429	$ 303

Discontinued Operations (Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Line Items]
Services revenue		$ 35	$ 1,291
Tax (expense) recovery		(217)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 355	$ (309)

Asset Retirement Obligations (D

Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance, January 1	$ 149	$ 143	$ 249
Accretion expense	13	12	6
Reduction in asset retirement obligation	(80)	(6)	(112)
Ending balance, December 31	$ 82	$ 149	$ 143

Non-Controlling Interests (Deta

Non-Controlling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 07, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Non-controlling Interests [Line Items]
Issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest			$ 40,000	$ 44,551	$ 0
Net income (loss)			8,780	2,433	0
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests			(9,511)	0	$ 0
Reduction in non-controlling interest value upon qualified initial public offering			0
IMAX China Non-Controlling Interest [Member] | Pre IPO [Member]
Non-controlling Interests [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		$ 40,272	40,272
Issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest		40,000		40,000
Share issuance costs from the issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest		(2,000)		(2,843)
Net income (loss)		5,401		2,631
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		164		58
Accretion charges associated with redeemable common stock		769		426
Redemption of redeemable common stock upon qualified IPO		(84,606)
Ending Balance		0		40,272
IMAX China Non-Controlling Interest [Member] | Post IPO [Member]
Non-controlling Interests [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 84,606
Net income (loss)	3,712
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	252
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests	(9,511)
Reduction in non-controlling interest value upon qualified initial public offering	(29,100)
Ending Balance	$ 49,959		49,959
Other Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Non-controlling Interests [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		$ 3,640	$ 3,640
Issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest				4,551
Share issuance costs from the issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest				(713)
Net income (loss)			$ (333)	(198)
Ending Balance	$ 3,307		$ 3,307	$ 3,640

Summary of Significant Accoun77

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 lease plus any reasonably assured renewal terms, and the useful life of the asset	[1]
Minimum [Member] | Theater System Components [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Minimum [Member] | Camera Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Minimum [Member] | Office and Production Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Theater System Components [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Camera Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	25 years
Maximum [Member] | Office and Production Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment Policy (Textuals) [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
[1]	Includes equipment under joint revenue sharing arrangements.

Summary of Significant Accoun78

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	4 years
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	10 years

Summary of Significant Accoun79

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cost of Sales Policy [Line Items]
Commissions recognized as costs and expenses	$ 3.4	$ 2.5	$ 2.5
Cost of equipment and product sales prior to direct selling costs	$ 60.2	$ 34.5	$ 35

Summary of Significant Accoun80

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cost Of Rentals Policy [Line Items]
Commissions recognized as cost and expenses	$ 1.1	$ 1.1	$ 1.9
Direct advertising and marketing costs related to theater	$ 1.9	$ 1.5	$ 1.7

Summary of Significant Accoun81

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Production and IMAX DMR [Member]
Film Exploitation Costs [Line Items]
Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing	$ 13.3	$ 7.1	$ 4.2
Film Distribution [Member]
Film Exploitation Costs [Line Items]
Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing	$ (0.1)	$ 0.6	$ 0.4

Inventories (Details Textual)

Inventories (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories (Textuals) [Abstract]
Finished goods inventory with title passed to customer	$ 5.4	$ 1.4
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory	$ 0.6	$ 0.4

Property Plant and Equipment (D

Property Plant and Equipment (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Equipment leased or held for use, Gross	$ 11,500	$ 15,300
Accumulated Depreciation, equipment leased or held for use	7,300	9,100
Assets under joint revenue sharing arrangements included in Theater system components	178,000	157,600
Accumulated Depreciation , Assets under joint revenue sharing arrangements included in Theater system components	62,200	50,200
Theater system components written off in the period	405	314	$ 0
Theater system components written off in the period no longer in use and fully amortized	2,200	300
Assets under joint revenue sharing arrangements included in Assets under construction	6,000	100
Office and production equipment written off in the period	3,100	2,000
Camera equipment written off in the period	0	$ 300
Construction of new facility in California disclosure		Included in assets under construction is $40.1 million, including accrued expenditures of $12.2 million, for the construction of a new office facility in California.
Asset value for the construction of a new facility in California included in assets under construction		$ 40,100
Accrued expenditure included in asset value for the construction of a new facility in California included in assets under construction		$ 12,200
Theater System Components [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Theater system components written off in the period	$ 1,100

Credit Facility and Playa Vis84

Credit Facility and Playa Vista Construction Loan (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Bank indebtedness
Play Vista Construction Loan	$ 29,667	$ 4,710
Playa Vista construction loan principal payments
2,016	2,000
2,017	2,000
2,018	2,000
2,019	2,000
2,020	2,000
Thereafter	19,667
Playa Vista Contruction Loan	29,667
Playa Vista Loan [Member]
Bank indebtedness
Play Vista Construction Loan	$ 29,667
Playa Vista Construction Loan [Member]
Bank indebtedness
Play Vista Construction Loan		$ 4,710

Consolidated Statements of Ca85

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Depreciation and amortization
Film assets (1)	[1]	$ 16,357	$ 11,851	$ 17,000
Property, plant and equipment
Joint revenue sharing arrangements		13,663	12,148	11,519
Other property, plant and equipment		7,698	5,616	4,720
Other intangible assets		3,285	2,988	2,854
Other assets		784	627	592
Deferred financing costs		1,016	526	487
Depreciation and amortization		$ 42,803	$ 33,756	$ 37,172
[1]	Included in film asset amortization is a charge of $0.9 million (2014 —$0.3 million, 2013 —$0.2 million) relating to changes in estimates based on the ultimate recoverability of future films.

Consolidated Statements of Ca86

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset impairments
Property, plant and equipment		$ 405	$ 314	$ 0
Other charges (recoveries)
Accounts receivable		677	725	(35)
Financing receivables		75	193	480
Inventories (1)	[1]	572	359	444
Impairment of investments		425	3,206	0
Property, plant and equipment (2)	[2]	1,485	440	384
Other intangible assets		86	57	63
Write-downs, net of recoveries		$ 3,725	$ 5,294	$ 1,336
[1]	In 2015, the Company recorded a charge of $0.6 million (2014 — $0.4 million, 2013 — $0.5 million, respectively) in costs and expenses applicable to revenues, primarily for its laser-based projector inventories. Specifically, IMAX systems includes an inventory charge of $0.5 million (2014 — $0.2 million, 2013 — $0.3 million). Theater system maintenance includes inventory write-downs of less than $0.1 million (2014 — $0.2 million, 2013 — $0.2 million).
[2]	In 2015, the Company recorded a charge of $0.6 million in cost of sales applicable to Equipment and product sales upon upgrade of xenon-based digital systems under operating lease arrangements to laser-based digital systems under sales or sales-type lease arrangements. In addition, the Company recorded a charge of $0.5 million in cost of sales applicable to Rentals upon the upgrade of certain xenon-based digital systems to laser-based digital systems operating under joint revenue sharing arrangements.

Consolidated Statements of Ca87

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Textuals) [Abstract]
Charge recorded in film asset amortization relating to changes in estimates based on ultimate recoverability of future films		$ 900	$ 300	$ 200
Inventory charges
Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - product and equipment sales		537	209	274
Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - services		35	150	170
Total	[1]	572	359	444
Theater system components written off in the period		405	314	0
IMAX Systems [Member]
Inventory charges
Total		537	209	274
Theater system components written off in the period		600
Theater System Maintenance [Member]
Inventory charges
Total		35	150	170
Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements [Member]
Inventory charges
Theater system components written off in the period		500
Film Based Projector [Member]
Inventory charges
Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - product and equipment sales		537	209	274
Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - services		35	150	170
Total		$ 572	$ 359	$ 444
[1]	In 2015, the Company recorded a charge of $0.6 million (2014 — $0.4 million, 2013 — $0.5 million, respectively) in costs and expenses applicable to revenues, primarily for its laser-based projector inventories. Specifically, IMAX systems includes an inventory charge of $0.5 million (2014 — $0.2 million, 2013 — $0.3 million). Theater system maintenance includes inventory write-downs of less than $0.1 million (2014 — $0.2 million, 2013 — $0.2 million).

Income Taxes (Details 1)

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current income tax (recovery) provision [Abstract]
Canada	$ (10,862)	$ (3,495)	$ (1,068)
United States	985	(4,072)	(144)
China	(10,591)	(6,023)	(2,317)
Ireland	0	0	0
Other	(920)	(249)	(201)
Current income tax (provision) recovery, Total	(21,388)	(13,839)	(3,730)
Deferred income tax (recovery) provision [Abstract]
Canada	(518)	433	(13,198)
United States	147	(791)	214
China	(83)	(216)	(252)
Ireland	1,840	0	0
Other	(50)	(53)	337
Deferred income tax (provision) recovery, Total	1,336	(627)	(12,899)
Provisions for income taxes, as reported	$ (20,052)	$ (14,466)	$ (16,629)

Income Taxes (Details 2)

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income tax provision at combined statutory rates	$ (23,081)	$ (15,189)	$ (16,914)
Stock based compensation	2,387	(2,244)	(2,603)
Other non-deductible/non-includable items	(439)	1,257	(341)
Decrease in valuation allowance relating to current year temporary differences	(16)	429	341
Changes to tax reserves	(453)	230	84
U.S. federal and state taxes	(27)	(200)	(144)
Income tax at different rates in foreign and other provincial jurisdictions	961	516	918
Investment and other tax credits (non-refundable)	881	1,773	1,041
Effect of changes in legislation relating to enacted tax rate increases	0	0	0
Changes to deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from audit and other tax return adjustments	(242)	(1,013)	11
Tax effect of loss from equity-accounted investments	0	(41)	1,040
Other	(23)	16	(62)
Provisions for income taxes, as reported	$ 20,052	$ 14,466	$ 16,629

Income Taxes (Details 3)

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 1,158	$ 1,091
Investment tax credit and other tax credit carryforwards	0	225
Write-downs of other assets	720	681
Excess tax over accounting basis in property, plant and equipment, inventories and other assets	11,741	8,062
Accrued pension liability	6,626	6,496
Other accrued reserves	7,656	7,955
Total deferred income tax assets	27,901	24,510
Income recognition on net investment in leases	(1,809)	(1,142)
Total deferred income tax assets, before valuation allowance	26,092	23,368
Valuation allowance	326	310
Net deferred income tax asset	$ 25,766	$ 23,058

Income Taxes (Details 4)

Income Taxes (Details 4) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Investment Tax Credits and Other Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 2,119
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	15,705
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	0
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	0
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	2,119
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards By Expiration Dates	$ 15,705

Income Taxes (Details 5)

Income Taxes (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties)
Balance at beginning of the year	$ 1,972	$ 2,202	$ 2,286
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	12,694	237	210
Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year	0	0	0
Additions for tax positions of prior years	14,000
Settlements	0	0	0
Reductions resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations and administrative practices	(445)	(467)	(294)
Balance at the end of the year	$ 14,221	$ 1,972	$ 2,202

Income Taxes (Details 6)

Income Taxes (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on defined benefit plan	$ (47)	$ 225	$ (588)
Amortization of actuarial loss on defined benefit plan	0	0	(114)
Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on postretirement benefit plans	(21)	151	43
Amortization of actuarial gain or loss on postretirement benefit plan	(35)	8	0
Gain on curtailment of postretirement benefit plan	0	0	(100)
Other-than-temporary impairment of available-for-sale investment	0	(45)	0
Change in market value of available-for-sale investment	0	0	45
Unrealized change in cash flow hedging instruments	1,543	658	264
Realized change in cash flow hedging instruments upon settlement	(844)	(306)	(80)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(85)	59	26
Income tax effect on comprehensive loss	$ 511	$ 750	$ (504)

Income Taxes (Details Textual)

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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	less than
Change in valuation allowance relating to the future utilization of deductible temporary differences, tax credits, and certain net operating loss carryforwards	$ (100)	$ 4,400
Change in valuation allowance recorded to deferred income tax expense	(16)	429	$ 341
Deferred tax provision for amounts recorded in and reclassified from other comprehensive income	(511)	(750)	504
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	1,200
Adjustment to deferred tax assets related to windfall tax benefit from exercise of stock options	14,000
Deferred tax assets relating to share based compensation	5,900
Provision for uncertain tax positions recorded to income tax provision	3,900
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	8,100
Provision for uncertain tax positions recorded to shareholders' equity	$ 7,900
Tax Credits and Net Operating Loss Carryfowards [Abstract]
Investment Tax Credits and Other Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Dates	Dec. 31, 2035
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	Dec. 31, 2036
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 15,705
Valuation Allowance [Abstract]
Increase (release) of valuation allowance	$ (100)	4,400
Change in valuation allowance relating to the future utilization of deductible temporary differences, tax credits, and certain net operating loss carryforwards	less than
Change in valuation allowance recorded to deferred income tax expense	$ (16)	429	$ 341
Valuation allowance	326	310
Income Tax [Table]
Future release of the Valuatlion Allowance to be recorded to other equity	4,000
Disclosure relating to adoption of FIN 48 [Abstract]
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	2,100
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	900
Total unrecognized tax benefits (including interest and penalties)	$ 14,600	2,300
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense [Abstract]
Interest and penalty associated with unrecognized tax benefits	less than		less than
Interest and penalty associated with unrecognized tax benefits	$ (100)	$ (200)	$ (100)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	$ 6,300

Capital Stock (Details 1)

Capital Stock (Details 1) - Options Non Employees [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Options to Non-Employees
Average risk-free interest rate		0.53%	1.64%
Average risk-free interest rate	n/a
Contractual option life		2 years	7 years
Contractual option life	n/a
Average expected volatility		32.50%	40.00%
Average expected volatility	n/a
Dividend yield		0.00%	0.00%
Dividend yield	n/a

Capital Stock (Details 2)

Capital Stock (Details 2) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Option activity under the Stock Option Plan
Exercised	1,761,675	1,149,587	1,316,347
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Option activity under the Stock Option Plan
Options outstanding, beginning of year	5,925,660	6,263,121	7,441,068
Options outstanding, per share beginning of year	$ 24.24	$ 21.11	$ 18.48
Granted	873,929	872,155	375,650
Weighted average exercise price of options granted	$ 31.59	$ 27.48	$ 25.29
Exercised	(1,761,675)	(1,149,587)	(1,316,347)
Weighted average exercise price of options exercised	$ 20.21	$ 9.42	$ 6.81
Forfeited	(232,670)	(36,242)	(228,190)
Weighted average exercise price of options forfeited	$ 24.60	$ 24.63	$ 24.55
Expired	0	0	0
Weighted average exercise price of options expired	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Cancelled	0	(23,787)	(9,060)
Weighted average fair value of options cancelled	$ 0	$ 33.60	$ 30.90
Options outstanding, end of year	4,805,244	5,925,660	6,263,121	7,441,068
Options outstanding, per share end of year	$ 27.03	$ 24.24	$ 21.11	$ 18.48
Options exercisable, end of year	2,800,723	3,368,558	3,578,006
Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price	$ 25.83	$ 22.69	$ 18.56
Employee Stock Option China Incentive Plan [Member]
Option activity under the Stock Option Plan
Options outstanding, beginning of year	186,466	146,623
Options outstanding, per share beginning of year	$ 23.70	$ 22.39
Granted	0	39,823	146,623	146,623
Weighted average exercise price of options forfeited	$ 23.70
Options outstanding, end of year	0	186,466	146,623
Options outstanding, per share end of year	$ 0	$ 23.70	$ 22.39

Capital Stock (Details 3)

Capital Stock (Details 3) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Resticted Share Units activity under the LTIP
RSUs oustanding, beginning of year	595,834	264,140
RSUs outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value per share, beginning of year	$ 27.13	$ 26.14
Granted	605,349	484,088
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value per share	$ 36.04	$ 27.42
Vested and settled	(207,371)	(148,001)
Vested and settled, weighted average grant date fair value per share	$ 28.81	$ 26.29
Forfeited	(20,175)	(4,393)
Forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value per share	$ 29.27	$ 26.88
RSUs oustanding, end of year	973,637	595,834
RSUs outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value per share, end of year	$ 32.27	$ 27.13

Capital Stock (Details 5)

Capital Stock (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 01, 2015	Jan. 01, 2014	Jan. 01, 2013
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 55,844	$ 39,736	$ 44,115
Less: accretion charges associated with redeemable common stock	(769)	(426)	0
Net income applicable to common shareholders	$ 55,075	$ 39,310	$ 44,115
Weighted average number of common shares (000's):
Issued and outstanding, beginning of period	69,673,244	68,988,050		68,988	67,841	66,482
Weighted average number of shares issued during the period	538	505	669
Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic earnings per share	69,526	68,346	67,151
Assumed exercise of stock options and RSUs, net of shares assumed repurchased	1,532	1,408	1,810
Weighted average number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per share	71,058	69,754	68,961

Capital Stock (Details Textual)

Capital Stock (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 08, 2015	Jun. 16, 2014
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Common Shares, Authorized		unlimited
Common Shares, Voting Rights		The holders of the common shares are entitled to one vote for each common share held at all meetings of the shareholders.
Common shares issued pursuant to exercise of stock options		1,761,675	1,149,587	1,316,347
Cash proceeds from the issuance of common shares pursuant to exercise of stock options		$ 35,609	$ 10,834	$ 8,970
Common shares issued pursuant to vesting of RSUs, net of tax		25,551	109,264	42,461
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]
Share-based compensation costs (recovery) recorded		$ 21,900	$ 15,100	$ 11,900
Shares issuable upon exercise of RSUs and stock options		1,249,343	4,151,008
Common shares issued from treasury		1,659,643	1,149,587	1,316,347
Common shares purchased from the open market		102,032	0	0
Details of the share repurchase program			On June 16, 2014, the Company’s board of directors approved a new $150.0 million share repurchase program for shares of the Company’s common stock. Purchases under the program commenced during the third quarter of 2014. The share repurchase program expires on June 30, 2017. The repurchases may be made either in the open market or through private transactions, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other relevant factors. The Company has no obligation to repurchase shares and the share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued by the Company at any time. During 2014, the Company repurchased 112,034 common shares at an average price of $27.30 per share. The retired shares were repurchased for $3.1 million. The average carrying value of the stock retired was deducted from common stock and the remaining excess over the average carrying value of stock was charged to accumulated deficit.
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount							$ 150,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Expiration Date		Jun. 30, 2017
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares		1,000,000	112,034
Stock Acquired, Average Cost per Share		$ 34.25	$ 27.30
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock		$ 34,276	$ 3,063	$ 0
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Common shares issued pursuant to exercise of stock options		(1,761,675)	(1,149,587)	(1,316,347)
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]
Share-based compensation costs (recovery) recorded		$ 10,710	$ 8,900	$ 8,900
Income tax benefit from stock based compensation		$ 2,300
Reserved common shares for future issuance	7,023,258	7,023,258	9,173,106
Options outstanding	4,805,244	4,805,244	5,925,660	6,263,121	7,441,068
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price	$ 27.03	$ 27.03	$ 24.24	$ 21.11	$ 18.48
Employee Stock-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 12,600	$ 12,600	$ 14,800	$ 14,300
Employee Stock-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		1 year 8 months 12 days	2 years 3 months 18 days	3 years
Granted		873,929	872,155	375,650
Weighted average fair value of options granted		$ 8.07	$ 8.25	$ 7.10
Options exercisable	2,800,723	2,800,723	3,368,558	3,578,006
Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price	$ 25.83	$ 25.83	$ 22.69	$ 18.56
Options cancelled		0	23,787	9,060
Options fully vested, expected	4,633,777	4,633,777
Options fully vested or expected to vest, weighted average exercise price	$ 26.97	$ 26.97
Options fully vested or expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 39,900	$ 39,900
Options fully vested or expected to vest, weighted average remaining contractual life		4 years 4 months 24 days
Options exercisable intrinsic value	$ 27,300	$ 27,300
Weighted average remaining contractual life of exercisable option		4 years 1 month 6 days
Intrinsic value of options exercised		$ 29,800	$ 21,800	$ 26,700
Forfeited		(232,670)	(36,242)	(228,190)
Weighted average exercise price of options forfeited		$ 24.60	$ 24.63	$ 24.55
Options common shares were vested and exercisable	2,800,723	2,800,723
Shares issuable upon exercise of RSUs and stock options		935,698	4,149,508
Options Non Employees [Member]
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]
Share-based compensation costs (recovery) recorded		$ 100	$ 100	$ 200
Options outstanding	38,750	38,750	31,500	76,751
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price	$ 26.79	$ 26.79	$ 21.75	$ 15.67
Granted		0	10,000	2,500
Options granted to purchase the company's common stock, average exercise price			$ 26.47	$ 26.28
Weighted average fair value of options granted			$ 4.84	$ 11.50
Options exercisable	21,525	21,525	16,100	31,509
Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price	$ 26.34	$ 26.34	$ 18.14	$ 12.38
Amount of stock options or rights included in accrued liabilities		less than	less than
Amount of stock options or rights included in accrued liabilities	$ 100	$ 100	$ 100
Options fully vested or expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value	200	200	200	$ 500
Employee Stock Option China Incentive Plan [Member]
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]
Share-based compensation costs charged for the period	$ 2,100
Share-based compensation costs (recovery) recorded		$ (600)	$ 300	$ 300
Options outstanding	0	0	186,466	146,623		186,446
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price	$ 0	$ 0	$ 23.70	$ 22.39		$ 23.70
Employee Stock-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		5 years
Granted		0	39,823	146,623	146,623
Options granted to purchase the company's common stock, average exercise price			$ 28.52		$ 22.39
Common share options subject to vesting based on performance commitment	186,446	186,446
Fair Value of Options Outstanding		$ 1,900
Options cancelled		186,446
Options fully vested or expected to vest, weighted average remaining contractual life		7 years
Weighted average exercise price of options forfeited		$ 23.70
Total fair value of awards granted		$ 3,900
CSSBP [Member]
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]
Share-based compensation costs charged for the period	$ 1,400
Amount of stock options or rights included in accrued liabilities	400	400
Total fair value of awards granted		$ 2,100
Options vested and settled during period	$ 1,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number RSUs outstanding	973,637	973,637
Employee Stock-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		3 years	2 years 10 months 24 days	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	$ 24,400	$ 24,400	$ 11,000	$ 4,700
Tax benefits realized		$ 2,000	$ 400	$ 0
Number of awards other than options outstanding	973,637	973,637
Fair value of SARs outstanding	$ 973,637	$ 973,637
Shares issuable upon exercise of RSUs and stock options		313,645	1,500
Common shares purchased from the open market		167,469	27,816	0
Common Shares issued in connection with vested RSUs		207,371	148,001	46,360
Shares withheld for tax withholding		14,351	10,921	3,899
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Non Employee [Member]
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]
Share-based compensation costs charged for the period Text		less than	less than	less than
Share-based compensation costs charged for the period		$ 100	$ 100	$ 100
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Employee [Member]
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]
Share-based compensation costs charged for the period		8,200	5,800	2,100
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]
Share-based compensation costs (recovery) recorded		$ 0	$ 0	$ 400
Number RSUs outstanding	0	0
Stock appreciation rights granted		0	0
Number of rights settled in cash				118,000
Cash paid in settlement				$ 2,400
Average exercise price of cash settled rights				$ 6.86
Number of awards other than options outstanding	0	0
Fair value of SARs outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Forfeited		0	0
Maximum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]
Stock based awards vesting period		5 years
Stock based awards expiration period or remaining contractual life		Jan. 5, 2025
Annual termination probability		9.50%	8.40%	8.52%
Maximum [Member] | Options Non Employees [Member]
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]
Stock based awards vesting period		7 years
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]
Stock based awards vesting period		4 years
Annual termination probability		9.50%
Minimum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]
Stock based awards vesting period		0 years
Stock based awards expiration period or remaining contractual life		Jan. 1, 2016
Annual termination probability		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Minimum [Member] | Options Non Employees [Member]
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]
Stock based awards vesting period		0 years
Minimum [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Capital Stock (Textuals) [Abstract]
Stock based awards vesting period		0 years
Annual termination probability		0.00%

Segmented Information (Details

Segmented Information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Geographical Information - Revenue
Revenue	$ 373,805	$ 290,541	$ 287,937
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	218,267	183,424
United States [Member]
Geographical Information - Revenue
Revenue	136,017	107,830	125,697
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	105,641	101,499
Canada [Member]
Geographical Information - Revenue
Revenue	11,665	10,309	11,049
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	40,943	23,044
Greater China [Member]
Geographical Information - Revenue
Revenue	110,591	78,218	55,949
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	51,990	42,816
Western Europe [Member]
Geographical Information - Revenue
Revenue	39,569	30,245	26,000
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	8,359	5,720
Asia (excluding Greater China) [Member]
Geographical Information - Revenue
Revenue	38,143	26,276	30,451
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	10,369	8,454
Russia & the CIS [Member]
Geographical Information - Revenue
Revenue	12,412	15,700	19,600
Latin America [Member]
Geographical Information - Revenue
Revenue	10,179	12,672	13,017
Rest of the World [Member]
Geographical Information - Revenue
Revenue	15,229	9,291	$ 6,174
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	$ 965	$ 1,891

Segmented Information (Detai101

Segmented Information (Details Textual) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Segments	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Segmented Information [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments | Segments		7
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 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]
Inventory (Recovery) Write Down	[1]	$ 572	$ 359	$ 444
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Description of Revenue from External Customers		No single country in the Rest of the World, Western Europe, Latin America and Asia (excluding Greater China) classifications comprise more than 10% of total revenue.
Percentage of total revenues represented by two largest customers		16.0%	14.5%	13.9%
Imax Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising, marketing and commission costs		$ 3,000	$ 2,700	$ 2,500
Inventory (Recovery) Write Down		537	209	274
Theater System Maintenance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inventory (Recovery) Write Down		35	150	170
Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising, marketing and commission costs		4,300	3,200	3,600
Production and Imax Dmr [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Marketing Expense		13,300	7,100	4,200
Film Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Marketing Expense		$ (100)	$ 600	$ 400
[1]	In 2015, the Company recorded a charge of $0.6 million (2014 — $0.4 million, 2013 — $0.5 million, respectively) in costs and expenses applicable to revenues, primarily for its laser-based projector inventories. Specifically, IMAX systems includes an inventory charge of $0.5 million (2014 — $0.2 million, 2013 — $0.3 million). Theater system maintenance includes inventory write-downs of less than $0.1 million (2014 — $0.2 million, 2013 — $0.2 million).

Employees Pension and Postre102

Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
SERP Benefits [Member]
Schedule of expected benefit payments
2,016	$ 0
2,017	19,871
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	0
Total expected future benefit payment	19,871
Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]
Schedule of expected benefit payments
2,016	34
2,017	54
2,018	60
2,019	66
2,020	33
Thereafter	516
Total expected future benefit payment	763
Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]
Schedule of expected benefit payments
2,016	90
2,017	94
2,018	102
2,019	109
2,020	111
Thereafter	1,272
Total expected future benefit payment	$ 1,778

Employees Pension and Postre103

Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense (Textuals) [Abstract]
Curtailment gain		$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,185
SERP Benefits [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense (Textuals) [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation for the SERP		19,500	19,400
Interest cost	$ 300	253	264	195
Postretirement benefits obligation		$ 19,478	19,405	18,284
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, 2014, 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.
Percentage of benefits vested since plan inception date					50.00%
Termination Benefit Vested		100.00%
Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense (Textuals) [Abstract]
Interest cost		$ 30	17	19
Postretirement benefits obligation		763	830	392
Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense (Textuals) [Abstract]
Amortization of prior year service costs	0
Interest cost	$ 100	71	93	72
Postretirement benefits obligation		1,778	2,139	2,179
Reduction in postretirement liability				2,600
Curtailment gain		0	0	2,185
Canadian Plan [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense (Textuals) [Abstract]
Companies contribution and expenses		1,099	1,391	1,307
Us Internal Revenue Code [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense (Textuals) [Abstract]
Companies contribution and expenses		$ 422	$ 358	$ 273
Defined Contribution Plan [Member]
Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Additional Textuals) [Abstract]
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.
Maximum percentage of base salary contributed to Pension Plan by Company		5.00%

Discontinued Operations (Det104

Discontinued Operations (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Reduction in rent expense related to discontinued operations	$ 0.8	$ 0

Non-Controlling Interests (D105

Non-Controlling Interests (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Apr. 08, 2019shares	Feb. 10, 2015USD ($)shares	Apr. 08, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Film	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Aggregate subscription price				$ 40,000	$ 44,551	$ 0
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests				(9,511)	0	0
Investment in film assets				$ (15,119)	$ (19,233)	$ (20,935)
IMAX China Non-Controlling Interest [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Non-controlling interest description	On April 8, 2014, the Company announced the sale and issuance of 20.0% of the shares in IMAX China Holding, Inc. ("IMAX China") to entities owned and controlled by CMC Capital Partners ("CMC"), an investment fund focused on media and entertainment, and FountainVest Partners ("FountainVest"), a China-focused private equity firm (collectively, the "IMAX China Investment").
Minority Interest Ownership Percentage By Noncontrolling Owners			20.00%
IMAX China Non-Controlling Interest [Member] | Class C Shares [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Shares issued | shares		337,500	337,500
Shares issued par value | $ / shares			$ 0.01
Aggregate subscription price		$ 40,000	$ 40,000
IMAX China Non-Controlling Interest [Member] | Capital Stock [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Common shares issued no IPO second closing completed | shares	2,846,000
Other Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Non-controlling interest description					In 2014, the Company announced the creation of the Film Fund to co-finance a portfolio of 10 original large-format films. The Film Fund, which is intended to be capitalized with up to $50.0 million, will finance an ongoing supply of original films that the Company believes will be more exciting and compelling than traditional documentaries. The initial investment in the Film Fund was committed to by a third party in the amount of $25.0 million, with the possibility of contributing additional funds. The Company, which will contribute $9.0 million to the Film Fund over five years starting in 2014, anticipates the Film Fund will be self-perpetuating, with a portion of box office proceeds reinvested into the Film Fund to generate a continuous, steady flow of high-quality documentary content. The related production, financing and distribution agreement includes put and call rights relating to change of control of the rights, title and interest in the co-financed pictures.
Aggregate subscription price					$ 4,551
Number Of Expected Original Films | Film					10
Film Fund Expected Capital Contribution					$ 50,000
Investment in film assets				$ 200	7,500
Other Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Third Party [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Film Fund commitment amount					25,000
Other Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | IMAX [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Film Fund commitment amount					$ 9,000
Contribution Period					5

Financial Instruments (Details

Financial Instruments (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of changes in the fair value
Beginning balance, January 1,	$ 0	$ 1,000
Transfers into/out of Level 3	0	0
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) included in earnings	0	(1,350)
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) Included in other comprehensive income	0	350
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements	0	0
Ending balance, December 31,	0	0
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	$ 0	$ (1,350)

Financial Instruments (Detai107

Financial Instruments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator
Minimum Lease Payments	$ 11,617	$ 11,571
Financed Sales Receivables	106,854	95,595
Total	118,471	107,166
In Good Standing [Member]
Recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator
Minimum Lease Payments	10,252	10,457
Financed Sales Receivables	105,352	94,212
Total	115,604	104,669
Credit Watch [Member]
Recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator
Minimum Lease Payments	0	0
Financed Sales Receivables	0	0
Total	0	0
Pre-Approved Transactions [Member]
Recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator
Minimum Lease Payments	0	0
Financed Sales Receivables	757	855
Total	757	855
Transactions Suspended [Member]
Recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator
Minimum Lease Payments	1,365	1,114
Financed Sales Receivables	745	528
Total	$ 2,110	$ 1,642

Financial Instruments (Detai108

Financial Instruments (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment In Financing Receivables On Nonaccrual Status
Net investment in leases recorded investment	$ 1,365	$ 1,114
Net investment in leases related allowance	(672)	(972)
Net financed sales receivables recorded investment	1,502	528
Net financed sales receivables related allowance	(568)	(494)
Total recorded investment	2,867	1,642
Total related allowance	$ (1,240)	$ (1,466)

Financial Instruments (Detai109

Financial Instruments (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	$ 4,561	$ 6,325
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	113,910	100,841
Total Recorded Investment	118,471	107,166
Related Allowances	(1,240)	(1,466)
Recorded Investment Past Due and Accruing	117,231	105,700
Financing Receivables 1 To 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,748	1,978
Financing Receivables 30 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,190	1,435
Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,623	2,912
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	3,098	5,477
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	103,756	90,118
Total Recorded Investment	106,854	95,595
Related Allowances	(568)	(494)	$ (236)
Recorded Investment Past Due and Accruing	106,286	95,101
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables 1 To 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	908	1,558
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables 30 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,013	1,260
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,177	2,659
Finance Leases Financing Receivable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,463	848
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	10,154	10,723
Total Recorded Investment	11,617	11,571
Related Allowances	(672)	(972)	$ (806)
Recorded Investment Past Due and Accruing	10,945	10,599
Finance Leases Financing Receivable [Member] | Financing Receivables 1 To 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	840	420
Finance Leases Financing Receivable [Member] | Financing Receivables 30 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	177	175
Finance Leases Financing Receivable [Member] | Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	446	253
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,485	2,676
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	11,871	14,536
Related Allowances	0	0
Recorded Investment Past Due and Accruing	13,356	17,212
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] | Financing Receivables 1 To 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	170	348
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] | Financing Receivables 30 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	271	527
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] | Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,044	1,801
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] | Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,192	2,354
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	10,795	12,512
Related Allowances	0	0
Recorded Investment Past Due and Accruing	11,987	14,866
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] | Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables 1 To 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	129	258
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] | Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables 30 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	224	425
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] | Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member] | Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	839	1,671
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] | Finance Leases Financing Receivable [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	293	322
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	1,076	2,024
Related Allowances	0	0
Recorded Investment Past Due and Accruing	1,369	2,346
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] | Finance Leases Financing Receivable [Member] | Financing Receivables 1 To 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	41	90
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] | Finance Leases Financing Receivable [Member] | Financing Receivables 30 To 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	47	102
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] | Finance Leases Financing Receivable [Member] | Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	$ 205	$ 130

Financial Instruments (Detai110

Financial Instruments (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Related Allowance	$ (568)	$ (494)
Recorded Investment (No Related Allowance)	0	0
Unpaid Principal (No Related Allowance)	0	0
Average Recorded Investment (No Related Allowance)	0	0
Interest Income Recognized (No Related Allowance)	0	0
Recorded Investment	748	525
Unpaid Principal	298	2
Average Recorded Investment	748	526
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment (Allowance)	748	525
Unpaid Principal (Allowance)	298	2
Related Allowance	(568)	(494)
Average Recorded Investment (Allowance)	748	526
Interest Income Recognized (Allowance)	$ 0	$ 0

Financial Instruments (Detail 6

Financial Instruments (Detail 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance	$ 1,466
Provision	752	$ 918	$ 445
Ending balance	1,240	1,466
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member]
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance	494	236
Charge-offs	0	0
Recoveries	0	0
Provision	74	258
Ending balance	568	494	236
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	568	494
Financing receivables:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	106,854	95,595
Net Investment in Leases [Member
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance	972	806
Charge-offs	(300)	(20)
Recoveries	0	(74)
Provision	0	260
Ending balance	672	972	$ 806
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	672	972
Financing receivables:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$ 11,617	$ 11,571

Financial Instruments (Detai112

Financial Instruments (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset, Notional amount	$ 30,710	$ 36,754

Financial Instruments (Detai113

Financial Instruments (Details 8) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair value of foreign exchange contracts
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	$ (4,423)	$ (1,760)
Accrued and other liabilities [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair value of foreign exchange contracts
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	$ (4,423)	$ (1,760)

Financial Instruments (Detai114

Financial Instruments (Details 9) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging relationships
Derivative Loss Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	$ (5,881)	$ (2,524)	$ (1,031)
Location of Derivative Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	(3,217)	(1,186)	(312)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging relationships
Derivative Loss Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	(5,881)	(2,524)	(1,031)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging relationships
Location of Derivative Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$ (3,217)	$ (1,186)	$ (312)

Financial Instruments (Detai115

Financial Instruments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments Additional (Textuals) [Abstract]
Carrying value of equity investments	$ 1,005	$ 2,765
Schedule of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment classified as available-for-sale - cost	1,500
Investment classified as available-for-sale - fair value	0	0
Financial Instruments (Textuals) [Abstract]
Impairment of available-for-sale investment	400
Total carrying value of investments in new business ventures	2,200	3,400
Gross revenues of investment new business ventures	0	(3,100)
Cost of revenue of investment new business ventures	9,300	5,900
Loss on equity-accounted investments	(9,100)	(4,900)
Gain recognized on disposal of equity-accounted investment		100
Carrying value of equity-accounted investment disposed of in the year		400
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) included in earnings	0	(1,350)
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) Included in other comprehensive income	0	350
New Equity Accounted Investment [Member]
Financial Instruments Additional (Textuals) [Abstract]
Carrying value of equity investments	2,500
Other Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment classified as available-for-sale - cost	2,500
Investment classified as available-for-sale - fair value	200	$ 600
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment classified as available-for-sale - cost	$ 1,000

Uncategorized Items - imax-2015

Label	Element	Value
Imax China Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Pre IPO [Member]
Temporary Equity Carrying Amount Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interests	us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests	$ 0
Other Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Temporary Equity Carrying Amount Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interests	us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests	$ 0