| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2016 |
| 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 the primary beneficiary. The Company has evaluated its various variable interests to determine whether they are VIEs as required by the Consolidation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”). The Company has 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 activities of the respective VIE that most significantly impact the respective VIE's economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the respective VIE or the right to receive benefits from the respective VIE that could potentially be significant to the respective VIE. These consolidated production companies have total assets of $ 10.3 million (December 31, 2015 — $ 7.2 million) and total liabilities of $ 6.4 million as at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 — $ 4.1 million). The majority of these consolidated assets are held by the IMAX Original Film Fund (the “Film Fund”) as described in note 21 (b). For the other six film production companies which are VIEs, the Company did not consolidate these film entities since it does not have the power to direct activities and does not absorb the majority of the expected losses or expected residual returns. The Company equity accounts for these entities. As at December 31, 2016 , these six VIEs have total assets and total liabilities of $ 0.4 million (December 31, 2015 — $ 0.4 million). Earnings of the investees included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations amounted to $nil in 2016 ( 2015 — $nil). The carrying value of these investments in VIEs that are not consolidated is $nil at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 — $nil). A loss in value of an investment other than a temporary decline is recognized as a charge to the consolidated statement of operations. The Company’s exposure, which is determined based on the level of funding contributed by the Company and the development stage of the respective film, is $nil at December 31, 2016 ( 2015 — $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 eliminated. |
| Equity and Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] | The Company accounts for investments in new business ventures using the guidance of the FASB ASC 323 “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures” (“ASC 323”) and ASC 320 “Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“ASC 320”), as appropriate. |
| 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 assets and liabilities at the date of consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could be materially different from these estimates. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to: selling prices associated with the individual elements in multiple element arrangements; residual values of leased theater systems; economic lives of leased assets; allowances for potential uncollectibility of accounts receivable, financing receivables and net investment in leases; provisions for inventory obsolescence; ultimate revenues for film assets; impairment provisions for film assets, long-lived assets and goodwill; depreciable lives of property, plant and equipment; useful lives of intangible assets; pension plan assumptions; accruals for contingencies including tax contingencies; valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets; and, estimates of the fair value of stock-based payment awards. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | 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 the sale of other goods or services, the Company charges off the balance against the allowance for doubtful accounts when it is known that a provided amount will not be collected. |
| Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Policy for Uncollectible Amounts | The Company monitors the performance of the theaters to which it has leased or sold theater systems which are subject to ongoing payments. When facts and circumstances indicate that there is a potential impairment in the net investment in lease or a financing receivable, the Company will evaluate the potential outcome of either a renegotiation involving changes in the terms of the receivable or defaults on the existing lease or financed sale agreements. The Company will record a provision if it is considered probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the arrangement or a renegotiated lease amount will cause a reclassification of the sales-type lease to an operating lease. |
| Condition for Company's policy to review and assess collectability on theater's past due accounts | When the net investment in lease or the financing receivable is impaired, the Company will recognize a provision for the difference between the carrying value in the investment and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted using the effective interest rate for the net investment in the lease or the financing receivable. If the Company expects to recover the theater system, the provision is equal to the excess of the carrying value of the investment over the fair value of the equipment. When the minimum lease payments are renegotiated and the lease continues to be classified as a sales-type lease, the reduction in payments is applied to reduce unearned finance income. These provisions are adjusted when there is a significant change in the amount or timing of the expected future cash flows or when actual cash flows differ from cash flow previously expected. Once a net investment in lease or financing receivable is considered impaired, the Company does not recognize interest income until the collectibility issues are resolved. When finance income is not recognized, any payments received are applied against outstanding gross minimum lease amounts receivable or gross receivables from financed sales. Once the collectibility issues are resolved, the Company will once again commence the recognition of interest income. |
| Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Inventories are carried at the lower of cost, determined on an average cost basis, and net realizable value except for raw materials, which are carried at the lower of cost and replacement cost. Finished goods and work-in-process include the cost of raw materials, direct labor, theater design costs, and an applicable share of manufacturing overhead costs. The costs related to theater systems under sales and sales-type lease arrangements are relieved from inventory to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales when revenue recognition criteria are met. The costs related to theater systems under operating lease arrangements and joint revenue sharing arrangements are transferred from inventory to assets under construction in property, plant and equipment when allocated to a signed joint revenue sharing arrangement or when the arrangement is first classified as an operating lease. The Company records provisions for excess and obsolete inventory based upon current estimates of future events and conditions, including the anticipated installation dates for the current backlog of theater system contracts, technological developments, signings in negotiation, growth prospects within the customers’ ultimate marketplace and anticipated market acceptance of the Company’s current and pending theater systems. Finished goods inventories can contain theater systems for which title has passed to the Company’s customer (as the theater system has been delivered to the customer) but the revenue recognition criteria as discussed in note 2 (m) have not been met. |
| Film 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 period not to exceed ten years following the date of initial release. Film exploitation costs, including advertising costs, are expensed as incurred. Costs, including labor and allocated overhead, of digitally re-mastering films where the copyright is owned by a third party and the Company shares in the revenue of the third party are included in film assets. These costs are amortized using the individual-film-forecast method in the same ratio that current gross revenues bear to current and anticipated future ultimate revenues from the re-mastered film. The recoverability of film assets is dependent upon commercial acceptance of the films. If events or circumstances indicate that the recoverable amount of a film asset is less than the unamortized film costs, the film asset is written down to its fair value. The Company determines the fair value of its film assets using a discounted cash flow model. |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows: Theater system components (1) — over the equipment’s anticipated useful life (7 to 20 years) Camera equipment — 5 to 10 years Buildings — 20 to 25 years Office and 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 installed and in working condition, at which time the equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the joint revenue sharing arrangement and the equipment’s anticipated useful life. The Company reviews the carrying values of its property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group might not be recoverable. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent when testing for, and measuring for, impairment. In performing its review of recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset or asset group over the fair value calculated using discounted expected future cash flows. |
| Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block] | A liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs are recognized in the period in which the liability and costs are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made using a discounted cash flow model. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and subsequently amortized over the asset’s useful life. The liability is accreted over the period to expected cash outflows. |
| Other Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Other assets include prepaid taxes, insurance recoverable, deferred charges on debt financing, deferred selling costs that are direct and incremental to the acquisition of sales contracts, foreign currency derivatives, lease incentives and various investments. Costs of debt financing are deferred and amortized over the term of the debt using the effective interest method. Selling costs related to an arrangement incurred prior to recognition of the related revenue are deferred and expensed to costs and expenses applicable to revenues upon: (i) recognition of the contract’s theater system revenue; or (ii) abandonment of the sale arrangement. Foreign currency derivatives are accounted for at fair value using quoted prices in closed exchanges (Level 2 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy). The Company may provide lease incentives to certain exhibitors which are essential to entering into the respective lease arrangement. Lease incentives include payments made to or on behalf of the exhibitor. These lease incentives are recognized as a reduction in rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Investments in new business ventures are accounted for using ASC 323 as described in note 2 (a). The Company currently accounts for its joint venture investment with TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings Limited (“TCL”) , using the equity method of accounting. The Company accounts for in-kind contributions to its equity investment in accordance with ASC 845 “Non-Monetary Transactions” (“ASC 845”) whereby if the fair value of the asset or assets contributed is greater than the carrying value a partial gain shall be recognized. The Company’s investment in debt securities is classified as an available-for-sale investment in accordance with ASC 320. Unrealized holding gains and losses for this investment is excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income until realized. Realization occurs upon sale of a portion of or the entire investment. The investment is impaired if the fair value is less than cost, which is assessed in each reporting period. When the Company intends to sell a specifically identified beneficial interest, a write-down for other-than-temporary impairment shall be recognized in earnings. The Company’s investment in preferred shares, which meets the criteria for classification as an equity security in accordance with ASC 325, is accounted for at cost. The Company records the related warrants at fair value upon recognition date. Warrants are recognized over the term of the agreement. |
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired in a purchase business combination. Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company performs a qualitative assessment of its reporting units and certain select quantitative calculations against its current long range plan to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The Company first assesses certain qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carry amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. When necessary, impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is estimated using a discounted cash flow approach. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any, by comparing the fair value of each identifiable asset and liability in the reporting unit to the total fair value of the reporting unit. Any impairment loss is expensed in the consolidated statement of operations and is not reversed if the fair value subsequently increases. |
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Patents, trademarks and other intangibles are recorded at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 4 to 10 years except for intangible assets that have an identifiable pattern of consumption of the economic benefit of the asset, which are amortized over the consumption pattern. The Company reviews the carrying values of its other intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group might not be recoverable. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent when testing for, and measuring for, impairment. In performing its review for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset or asset group over the fair value calculated using discounted expected future cash flows. |
| Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block] | 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 assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the accounting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates or laws is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the period in which the change is enacted. Investment tax credits are recognized as a reduction of income tax expense. The Company assesses realization of deferred income tax assets and, based on all available evidence, concludes whether it is more likely than not that the net deferred income tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is provided for the amount of deferred income tax assets not considered to be realizable. The Company is subject to ongoing tax exposures, examinations and assessments in various jurisdictions. Accordingly, the Company may incur additional tax expense based upon the outcomes of such matters. In addition, when applicable, the Company adjusts tax expense to reflect the Company’s ongoing assessments of such matters which require judgment and can materially increase or decrease its effective rate as well as impact operating results. The Company provides for such exposures in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the FASB ASC. |
| Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements, Description [Policy Text Block] | Multiple Element Arrangements The Company’s revenue arrangements with certain customers may involve multiple elements consisting of a theater system (projector, sound system, screen system and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning machine); services associated with the theater system including theater design support, supervision of installation, and projectionist training; a license to use of the IMAX brand; 3D glasses; maintenance and extended warranty services; and licensing of films. The Company evaluates all elements in an arrangement to determine what are considered deliverables for accounting purposes and which of the deliverables represent separate units of accounting based on the applicable accounting guidance in the Leases Topic of the FASB ASC; the Guarantees Topic of the FASB ASC; the Entertainment – Films Topic of FASB ASC; and the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB. If separate units of accounting are either required under the relevant accounting standards or determined to be applicable under the Revenue Recognition Topic, the total consideration received or receivable in the arrangement is allocated based on the applicable guidance in the above noted standards. Theater Systems The Company has identified the projection system, sound system, screen system and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning machine, theater design support, supervision of installation, projectionist training and the use of the IMAX brand to be a single deliverable and a single unit of accounting (the “System Deliverable”). When an arrangement does not include all the elements of a System Deliverable, the elements of the System Deliverable included in the arrangement are considered by the Company to be a single deliverable and a single unit of accounting. The Company is not responsible for the physical installation of the equipment in the customer’s facility; however, the Company supervises the installation by the customer. The customer has the right to use the IMAX brand from the date the Company and the customer enter into an arrangement. The Company’s System Deliverable arrangements involve either a lease or a sale of the theater system. Consideration for the System Deliverable, other than for those delivered pursuant to joint revenue sharing arrangements, consist of upfront or initial payments made before and after the final installation of the theater system equipment and ongoing payments throughout the term of the lease or over a period of time, as specified in the arrangement. The ongoing payments are the greater of an annual fixed minimum amount or a certain percentage of the theater box-office. Amounts received in excess of the annual fixed minimum amounts are considered contingent payments. The Company’s arrangements are non-cancellable, unless the Company fails to perform its obligations. In the absence of a material default by the Company, there is no right to any remedy for the customer under the Company’s arrangements. If a material default by the Company exists, the customer has the right to terminate the arrangement and seek a refund only if the customer provides notice to the Company of a material default and only if the Company does not cure the default within a specified period. For arrangements entered into or materially modified after January 1, 2011, consideration is allocated to each unit of accounting based on the unit’s relative selling prices. The Company uses vender-specific objective evidence of selling price (VSOE) when the Company sells the deliverable separately and is the price actually charged by the Company for that deliverable. VSOE is established for the Company’s System Deliverable, maintenance and extended warranty services and film license arrangements. The Company uses a best estimate of selling price (BESP) for units of accounting that do not have VSOE or third party evidence of selling price. The Company determines BESP for a deliverable by considering multiple factors including the Company’s historical pricing practices, product class, market competition and geography. Sales Arrangements For arrangements qualifying as sales, the revenue allocated to the System Deliverable is recognized in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC, when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and are in full working condition, (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered, (iii) projectionist training has been completed and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater, provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. The initial revenue recognized consists of the initial payments received and the present value of any future initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments that have been attributed to this unit of accounting. Contingent payments in excess of the fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company has also agreed, on occasion, to sell equipment under lease or at the end of a lease term. Consideration agreed to for these lease buyouts is included in revenues from equipment and product sales, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fees are fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured and title to the theater system passes from the Company to the customer. 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 standard are accounted for either as a sales or services arrangement, as applicable. For lease arrangements, the Company determines the classification of the lease in accordance with the Lease Topic of FASB ASC. A lease arrangement that transfers substantially all of the benefits and risks incident to ownership of the equipment is classified as a sales-type lease based on the criteria established by the accounting standard; otherwise the lease is classified as an operating lease. Prior to commencement of the lease term for the equipment, the Company may modify certain payment terms or make concessions. If these circumstances occur, the Company reassesses the classification of the lease based on the modified terms and conditions. For sales-type leases, the revenue allocated to the System Deliverable is recognized when the lease term commences, which the Company deems to be when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and are in full working condition; (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered; (iii) projectionist training has been completed; and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of the written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. The initial revenue recognized for sales-type leases consists of the initial payments received and the present value of future initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments computed at the interest rate implicit in the lease. Contingent payments in excess of the fixed minimum payments are recognized when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. For operating leases, initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For operating leases, the lease term is considered to commence when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and in full working condition; (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered; (iii) projectionist training has been completed; and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater. Contingent payments in excess of fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized as revenue when reported by theater operators, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. Revenues from joint revenue sharing arrangements with upfront payments that qualify for classification as sales and sales-type leases are recognized in accordance with the sales and sales-type lease criteria discussed above. Contingent revenues from joint revenue sharing arrangements are recognized as box-office results and concessions revenues are reported by the theater operator, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. |
| 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 collectibility 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 installation supervision services as applicable. The costs related to theater systems under sales and sales-type lease arrangements are relieved from inventory to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales when revenue recognition criteria are met. In addition, the Company defers direct selling costs such as sales commissions and other amounts related to these contracts until the related revenue is recognized. These costs included in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales, totaled $ 3.3 million in 2016 ( 2015 – $ 3.4 million, 2014 – $ 2.5 million). The cost of equipment and product sales prior to direct selling costs was $ 66.5 million in 2016 ( 2015 – $ 60.2 million, 2014 – $ 34.5 million). The Company may have warranty obligations at or after the time revenue is recognized which require replacement of certain parts that do not affect the functionality of the theater system or services. The costs for warranty obligations for known issues are accrued as charges to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales at the time revenue is recognized based on the Company’s past historical experience and cost estimates. |
| Cost of Rentals, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Cos t of Rentals For theater systems and other equipment subject to an operating lease or placed in a theater operators’ venue under a joint revenue sharing arrangement, the cost of equipment and those costs that result directly from and are essential to the arrangement, is included within property, plant and equipment. Depreciation and impairment losses, if any, are included in cost of rentals based on the accounting policy set out in note 2 (g). Commissions are recognized as costs and expenses applicable to revenues-rentals in the month they are earned, which is typically the month of installation. These costs totaled $ 1.8 million in 2016 ( 2015 – $ 1.1 million, 2014 – $ 1.1 million). Direct advertising and marketing costs for each theater are charged to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-rentals as incurred. These costs totaled $ 0.9 million in 2016 ( 2015 – $ 1.9 million, 2014 – $ 1.5 million). |
| Terminations Consenual Buyouts And Concessions, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Terminations, Consensual Buyouts and Concessions The Company enters into theater system arrangements with customers that contain customer payment obligations prior to the scheduled installation of the theater system. During the period of time between signing and the installation of the theater system, which may extend several years, certain customers may be unable to, or may elect not to, proceed with the theater system installation for a number of reasons including business considerations, or the inability to obtain certain consents, approvals or financing. Once the determination is made that the customer will not proceed with installation, the arrangement may be terminated under the default provisions of the arrangement or by mutual agreement between the Company and the customer (a “consensual buyout”). Terminations by default are situations when a customer does not meet the payment obligations under an arrangement and the Company retains the amounts paid by the customer. Under a consensual buyout, the Company and the customer agree, in writing, to a settlement and to release each other of any further obligations under the arrangement or an arbitrated settlement is reached. Any initial payments retained or additional payments received by the Company are recognized as revenue when the settlement arrangements are executed and the cash is received, respectively. These termination and consensual buyout amounts are recognized in Other revenues. In addition, the Company could agree with customers to convert their obligations for other theater system configurations that have not yet been installed to arrangements to acquire or lease the IMAX digital theater system. The Company considers these situations to be a termination of the previous arrangement and origination of a new arrangement for the IMAX digital theater system. For all arrangements entered into or modified prior to the date of adoption of the amended FASB ASC 605-25, the Company continues to defer an amount of any initial fees received from the customer such that the aggregate of the fees deferred and the net present value of the future fixed initial and ongoing payments to be received from the customer equals the selling price of the IMAX digital theater system to be leased or acquired by the customer. Any residual portion of the initial fees received from the customer for the terminated theater system is recorded in other revenues at the time when the obligation for the original theater system is terminated and the new theater system arrangement is signed. Under the amended FASB ASC 605-25, for all arrangements entered into or materially modified after the date of adoption, the total arrangement consideration to be received is allocated on a relative selling price basis to the digital upgrade and the termination of the previous theater system. The arrangement consideration allocated to the termination of the existing arrangement is recorded in Other revenues at the time when the obligation for the original theater system is terminated and the new theater system arrangement is signed. |
| Revenue Recognition, Incentives [Policy Text Block] | The Company may offer certain incentives to customers to complete theater system transactions including payment concessions or free services and products such as film licenses or 3D glasses. Reductions in, and deferral of, payments are taken into account in determining the sales price either by a direct reduction in the sales price or a reduction of payments to be discounted in accordance with the Leases or Interests Topic of the FASB ASC. Free products and services are accounted for as separate units of accounting. Other consideration given by the Company to customers are accounted for in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC. |
| Maintenance And Extended Warranty Services, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Maintenance and Extended Warranty Services Maintenance and extended warranty services may be provided under a multiple element arrangement or as a separately priced contract. Revenues related to these services are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period and are recognized in Services revenues. Maintenance and extended warranty services includes maintenance of the customer’s equipment and replacement parts. Under certain maintenance arrangements, maintenance services may include additional training services to the customer’s technicians. All costs associated with this maintenance and extended warranty program are expensed as incurred. A loss on maintenance and extended warranty services is recognized if the expected cost of providing the services under the contracts exceeds the related deferred revenue. |
| Films Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Film Production and IMAX DMR Services In certain film arrangements, the Company produces a film financed by third parties whereby the third party retains the copyright and the Company obtains exclusive distribution rights. Under these arrangements, the Company is entitled to receive a fixed fee or to retain as a fee the excess of funding over cost of production (the “production fee”). The third parties receive a portion of the revenues received by the Company from distributing the film, which is charged to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services. The production fees are deferred, and recognized as a reduction in the cost of the film based on the ratio of the Company’s distribution revenues recognized in the current period to the ultimate distribution revenues expected from the film. Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing totaled $ 17.5 million in 2016 ( 2015 — $ 13.3 million, 2014 — $ 7.1 million) and are recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services as incurred. Revenue from film production services where the Company does not hold the associated distribution rights are recognized in Services revenues when performance of the contractual service is complete, provided there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Revenues from digitally re-mastering (IMAX DMR) films where third parties own or hold the copyrights and the rights to distribute the film are derived in the form of processing fees and recoupments calculated as a percentage of box-office receipts generated from the re-mastered films. Processing fees are recognized as Services revenues when the performance of the related re-mastering service is completed provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Recoupments, calculated as a percentage of box-office receipts, are recognized as Services revenue when box-office receipts are reported by the third party that owns or holds the related film rights, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. Losses on film production and IMAX DMR services are recognized as costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services in the period when it is determined that the Company’s estimate of total revenues to be realized by the Company will not exceed estimated total production costs to be expended on the film production and the cost of IMAX DMR services. Film Distribution Revenue from the licensing of films is recognized in Services revenues when persuasive evidence of a licensing arrangement exists, the film has been completed and delivered, the license period has begun, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. When license fees are based on a percentage of box-office receipts, revenue is recognized when box-office receipts are reported by exhibitors, provided collectibility is reasonably assured. Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing, totaled an expense of $ 2.2 million in 2016 ( 2015 — recovery of $ 0.1 million, 2014 — expense of $ 0.6 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 fixed prices per seat or per concession item. In addition, the Company enters into commercial arrangements with third party theater owners resulting in the sharing of profits and losses which are recognized in Services revenues when reported by such theaters. The Company also provides management services to certain theaters and recognizes revenue over the term of such services. Revenues on camera rentals are recognized in Rental revenues over the rental period. Revenue from the sale of 3D glasses is recognized in Equipment and product sales revenue when the 3D glasses have been delivered to the customer. Other service revenues are recognized in Service revenues when the performance of contracted services is complete. |
| 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. Research and development costs pertaining to fixed and intangible assets that have alternative future uses are capitalized and amortized under their related policies. |
| Foreign Currency Translations [Policy Text Block] | 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. 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 nation in which it is domiciled. As a result, in accordance with the FASB ASC 830 “Foreign Currency Matters”, the adjustment attributable to current-rate translation of non-monetary assets as of the date of the change was reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The functional currency of its other 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 currency derivatives are recognized and measured in the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value (gains or losses) are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations except for derivatives designated and qualifying as foreign currency hedging instruments. For foreign currency hedging instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss in a hedge of a forecasted transaction is reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified to the consolidated statement of operations when the forecasted transaction occurs. Any ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of operations. |
| Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] | The Company’s stock-based compensation generally includes stock options and restricted share units (“RSUs”). 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 awards on the date of grant using fair value measurement techniques such as an option-pricing model. The fair value of RSU awards is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The value of the portion of the employee award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The Company utilizes a lattice-binomial option-pricing model (“Binomial Model”) to determine the fair value of stock option awards. The fair value determined by the Binomial Model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The Binomial Model also considers the expected exercise multiple which is the multiple of exercise price to grant price at which exercises are expected to occur on average. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company’s employee stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management’s opinion, the Binomial Model best provides a fair measure of the fair value of the Company’s employee stock options. See note 14 (c) for the assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock-based payment awards. Stock-based compensation expense includes compensation cost for employee stock-based payment awards granted and all modified, repurchased or cancelled employee awards. In addition, compensation expense includes the compensation cost, based on the grant-date fair value calculated for pro forma disclosures under ASC 718-10-55, for the portion of awards for which required service had not been rendered that were outstanding. Compensation expense for these employee awards is recognized using the straight-line single-option method. Stock-based compensation expense is not adjusted for estimated forfeitures, but instead adjusted upon an actual forfeiture of a stock option or RSU award. The Company utilizes the market yield on U.S. treasury securities (also known as nominal rate) over the contractual term of the instrument being issued. Stock Options As the Company stratifies its employees into homogeneous groups in order to calculate fair value under the Binomial Model, ranges of assumptions used are presented for expected option life. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise within the valuation model; various groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected volatility rate is estimated based on a blended volatility method which takes into consideration the Company’s historical share price volatility, the Company’s implied volatility which is implied by the observed current market prices of the Company’s traded options and the Company’s peer group volatility. The Company utilizes the Binomial Model 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 common shares from treasury or shares purchased in the open market to satisfy stock options which are exercised. Restricted Share Units The Company’s RSUs have been classified as equity in accordance with Topic 505. The fair value of RSU awards is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Awards to Non-Employees Stock-based awards for services provided by non-employees are accounted for based on the fair value of the services received or the stock-based award, whichever is more reliably determinable. If the fair value of the stock-based award is used, the fair value is measured at the date of the award and remeasured until the earlier of the date that the Company has a performance commitment from the non-employees, the date performance is completed, or the date the awards vest. |
| Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] | The Company has a defined benefit pension plan, the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”). As the Company’s SERP is unfunded, as at December 31, 2016 , a liability is recognized for the projected benefit obligation. Assumptions used in computing the defined benefit obligations are reviewed annually by management in consultation with its actuaries and adjusted for current conditions. Actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefits cost are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income including unrecognized actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs are adjusted as they are subsequently recognized in the consolidated statement of operations as components of net periodic benefit cost. Prior service costs resulting from the pension plan inception or amendments are amortized over the expected future service life of the employees, cumulative actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the projected benefit obligation are amortized over the expected average remaining service life of the employees, and current service costs are expensed when earned. The remaining weighted average future service life of the employee used in computing the defined benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2016 was 3.0 years. For defined contribution pension plans, required contributions by the Company are recorded as an expense. A liability is recognized for the unfunded accumulated benefit obligation of the postretirement benefits plan. Assumptions used in computing the accumulated benefit obligation are reviewed by management in consultation with its actuaries and adjusted for current conditions. Current service cost is recognized as incurred and actuarial gains and losses are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including unrecognized actuarial gains or losses are adjusted as they are subsequently recognized in the consolidated statement of operations as components of net periodic benefit cost. |
| Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties Policies [Policy Text Block] | The FASB ASC Guarantees Topic requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of certain guarantees. Disclosures as required under the accounting guidance have been included in note 13 (f). |
| 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 such matters. The Company reviews these provisions in conjunction with any related provisions on assets related to the claims at least quarterly and adjusts these provisions to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other pertinent information related to the case. Should developments in any of these matters outlined below cause a change in the Company’s determination as to an unfavorable outcome and result in the need to recognize a material provision, or, should any of these matters result in a final adverse judgment or be settled for significant amounts, they could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, and financial position in the period or periods in which such a change in determination, settlement or judgment occurs. In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into contractual agreements with third parties that include non-cancelable payment obligations, for which it is liable in future periods. These arrangements can include terms binding the Company to minimum payments and/or penalties if it terminates the agreement for any reason other than an event of default as described by the agreement. 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. Purchase obligations primarily consist of the Company’s commitments made under long-term supplier contracts. The Company has an unfunded defined benefit pension plan, covering certain individuals and a postretirement plan to provide health and welfare benefits to Canadian employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. Other financial commitments include the Company’s total minimum commitment toward the development, production, post-production and marketing, related to certain film and new content initiatives. 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. |
| 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-cancellable 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 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. |
| 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 maintenance 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 concession 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. The film post-production segment provides film post-production and film print services. The Company refers to all theaters using the IMAX theater system as “IMAX theaters”. The other segment includes certain IMAX theaters that the Company owns and operates, camera rentals and other miscellaneous items. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in note 2 . Following recent changes in senior management, the Company is in the process of re-evaluating how to assess the performance of the business. As a result of this process, modifications are being made to the CEO’s reporting package to support a revised reporting structure which will move away from the Company’s historical two primary reporting groups – IMAX Theater Systems and Film. The changes being contemplated will result in four primary reporting segments groups, comprising (1) Network Business, representing revenue generated by box-office results and which will include the reportable segments of DMR and JRSAs excluding hybrid fixed payments; (2) Theater Business, representing revenue generated by the sale and installation of theater systems and maintenance services, primarily related to the IMAX Systems and Theater System Maintenance reportable segments and which will also include the fixed hybrid payments from the JRSA segment; (3) New Business, which will include virtual reality, IMAX Shift and IMAX Home Entertainment and (4) Other. The new reporting groups are expected to be implemented in the first quarter of 2017. The new reporting structure is expected to assist users of the financial statements with an enhanced understanding of how management views the business. . |
| 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, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The estimated fair values of the net financed sales receivable and net investment in sales-type leases are estimated based on discounting future cash flows at currently available interest rates with comparable terms (Level 2 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , 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 Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy) as at December 31, 2016 . The fair value of the Company’s convertible loan receivable approximates market value as at December 31, 2016, as the loan was recently issued (Level 2 input in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements Topic of the FASB ASC hierarchy). 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, 2016 and 2015 , 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, 2016 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, 2016 . |
| New Accounting Pronouncements Policy [Policy Text Block] | Adoption of New Accounting Policies In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, “Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items” (“ASU 2015-01”). Prior to the changes under ASU 2015-01, an entity was required to separately classify, present and disclose extraordinary events and transactions under the disclosure requirements of Subtopic 225-20, “Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items” (“Subtopic 225-20”). ASU 2015-01 eliminates from U.S. GAAP the concept of extraordinary items therefore such separate disclosure is no longer required in the Income Statement of an entity. For public companies, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments can be applied prospectively or retrospectively. The Company prospectively adopted the amendments under ASU 2015-01 on January 1, 2016. The adoption of the standard did not have an impact on the disclosures presented in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities such as limited partnerships and similar entities, and variable interest entities that have free arrangements and related party relationships. Furthermore, all legal entities are subject to re-evaluation under the revised consolidation model. The amendments also provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. For public companies, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments can be applied retrospectively or using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company adopted the amendments under ASU 2015-02 retrospectively on January 1, 2016. The adoption of the standard did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”), and in August 2015 issued ASU No. 2015-15, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): 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 balance sheet will 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 2015-15 provides clarification regarding costs to secure revolving lines of credit, which are, at the outset, not associated with an outstanding borrowing. ASU 2015-15 provides commentary that the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements as an asset and subsequently amortizing them ratably over the term of the revolving debt arrangement. For public companies, the amendments apply to annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those years and are to be applied retrospectively. The Company adopted these standards on January 1, 2016. As at December 31, 2015, $0.4 million of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the Company’s loan to finance the construction of its Playa Vista facility were reclassified in the consolidated balance sheet from Other assets to Bank indebtedness. The Company will continue to defer and present the debt issuance cost related to its senior secured revolving credit facility in Other assets and amortize it ratably over the term of the agreement. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”). The amendment is to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2016-09 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. ASU 2016-09 requires that the Company elect to account for forfeitures based on an estimate of the number of awards for which the requisite service period will not be rendered or to account for forfeitures as they occur. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2016-09 in 2016 and to account for forfeitures as they occur. The impact from the adoption of the provisions related to forfeiture rates was reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements on a modified retrospective basis resulting in a $4.4 million decrease to Accumulated earnings, $0.9 million increase to Deferred income taxes and $5.3 million increase to Other equity. A recovery of stock-based compensation expense of $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 was also recorded. Amendments related to accounting for excess tax benefits have been adopted prospectively resulting in a tax benefit of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and amendments related to the consolidated statement of cash flows have been adopted retrospectively. See notes 9 and 14 for further discussion of the impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the adoption of ASU 2016-09. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-11, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 pursuant to Staff announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting” (“ASU 2016-11”). The purpose of ASU 2016-11 is to rescind from the FASB Accounting Standards Codification certain SEC paragraphs as a result of two SEC Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 meeting. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2016-11 related to Topic 605 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and amendments related to Topic 815 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2016-11 related to Topic 815, on January 1, 2016, did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (“ASU 2016-15”). The purpose of ASU 2016-15 is to reduce the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flow (Topic 230)”. The purpose of ASU 2016-18 is to require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and end of period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2016-15 and ASU 2016-18 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has elected to early adopt this standard, which did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-19, “Technical Corrections and Improvements”. The amendments in ASU 2016-19 represent changes to clarify the accounting standard codification, 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, 2016. The Company adopted the standard immediately upon issuance for amendments that do not have transition guidance. The adoption of the standard did not have an 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 August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40)” (“ASU 2014-15”). This amendment requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, which is currently performed by the external auditors. Management will be required to perform this assessment for both interim and annual reporting periods and must make certain disclosures if it concludes that substantial doubt exists. The amendments in ASU 2014-15 are effective for annual periods ending after December 31, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. The adoption of this standard did not have any effect on the consolidated financial statements as no substantial doubt exists about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. 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 accounting for inventory. For public entities, the amendments are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-11 will not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”). The purpose of the amendment is intended to provide users of financial statements with more useful information on the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2016-01 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. While the Company continues to evaluate the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting, it anticipates that the adoption of ASU 2016-01 may have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). The purpose of the amendment is to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. New disclosures will include qualitative and quantitative requirements to provide additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. Lessor accounting will remain largely unchanged from current guidance, however ASU 2016-02 will provide improvements that are intended to align lessor accounting with the lessee model and with updated revenue recognition guidance. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2016-02 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. While the Company continues to evaluate the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting, it anticipates that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 may materially affect its consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-05, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships” (“ASU 2016-05”). The amendments in ASU 2016-05 apply to all reporting entities for which there is a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as a hedging instrument under Topic 815. The amendments clarify that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument under Topic 815 does not, in and of itself, require de-designation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria (including those in paragraphs 815-20-35-14 through 35-18) continue to be met. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2016-05 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of this ASU 2016-05 will not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting” (“ASU 2016-07”). The purpose of the amendment is to eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2016-07 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2016-07 will not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations” (“ASU 2016-08”). The purpose of ASU 2016-08 is to clarify the implementation of guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing” (“ASU 2016-10”). The purpose of ASU 2016-10 is to provide more detailed guidance in the following key areas: identifying performance obligations and licenses of intellectual property. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-11, to rescind from the FASB Accounting Standards Codification certain SEC paragraphs as a result of two SEC Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 meeting. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients” (“ASU 2016-12”). The purpose of ASU 2016-12 is to clarify certain narrow aspects of Topic 606 such as assessing the collectibility criterion, presentation of sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers, noncash consideration, contract modifications at transition, completed contracts at transition, and technical corrections. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The amendments in ASU 2016-20 represent changes to clarify the accounting standard codification, correct unintended application of guidance, or make minor improvements to the accounting standards codification that are related to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. For public companies, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-11, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20, which are all related to Topic 606, are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has performed an analysis of its contracts to determine those in scope of the standard, has performed detailed analyses of those contracts and identified its performance obligations. The Company is currently in the process of determining contract consideration and is determining the appropriate timing for revenue recognition of those performance obligations. Since many of the Company’s contracts involve variable payments tied to box-office, the Company is currently assessing an appropriate constraint to variable revenue streams in determining contract consideration under the new standard. The Company is currently considering adopting the new standard using the modified retrospective method and has begun the process of gathering historical information on its contracts in preparation for the standard’s expanded disclosure requirements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). The purpose of ASU 2016-13 is to require a financial asset measured on the amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities should be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2016-13 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact of ASU 2016-13 on its consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740)”. The purpose of ASU 2016-16 is to eliminate the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The amendments require the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2016-16 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact of ASU 2016-16 on its consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-17, “Consolidation (Topic 810)”. The purpose of ASU 2016-17 is to update the requirement of the reporting entity, in determining whether it satisfies the second characteristic of a primary beneficiary, to include all of its direct variable interests in a VIE and, on a proportionate basis, its indirect variable interests in a VIE held through related parties, including related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2016-17 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. While the Company continues to evaluate the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting, the adoption of this guidance will not have any effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Recently issued FASB accounting standard codification updates, except for the above noted standards, were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. |
| 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 continues to be in good standing with the Company as the client’s payments and reporting are up-to-date. Credit Watch — Theater operator has begun to demonstrate a delay in payments, 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 payments with little or no communication with the Company. All service or shipments to the theater must be reviewed and approved by management. These financing receivables are considered to be in better condition than those receivables related to theaters in the "All transactions suspended" category, but not in as good of condition as those receivables in "Credit Watch." Depending on the individual facts and circumstances of each customer, finance income recognition may be suspended if management believes the receivable to be impaired. All transactions suspended — Theater is severely delinquent, non-responsive or not negotiating in good faith with the Company. Once a theater is classified as “All transactions suspended” the theater is placed on nonaccrual status and all revenue recognitions related to the theater are stopped. |
| Fair Value Transfer, Policy [Policy Text Block] | There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2016 or 2015 . When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. |
