| Document and Entity Information | Apr. 30, 2020 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000921582 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 30, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | IMAX Corporation |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | Z4 |
| Entity File Number | 001-35066 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0140269 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2525 Speakman Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Mississauga |
| Entity Address, State or Province | ON |
| Entity Address, Country | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | L5K 1B1 |
| City Area Code | 905 |
| Local Phone Number | 403-6500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Shares, no par value |
| Trading Symbol | IMAX |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Other Address [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 902 Broadway, Floor 20 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Country | US |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10010 |
| City Area Code | 212 |
| Local Phone Number | 821-0100 |
