Aggregate sum of statutory surplus reserve to its registered capital,percent.

No definition available.

Name:	imax_AggregateSumOfStatutorySurplusReserveToItsRegisteredCapitalPercent
Namespace Prefix:	imax_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage of statutory net profits to statutory surplus reserve to be appropriated.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	imax_PercentageOfStatutoryNetProfitsToStatutorySurplusReserveToBeAppropriated
Namespace Prefix:	imax_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Statutory surplus reserve to its subsidiaries registered capital percent.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	imax_StatutorySurplusReserveToItsSubsidiariesRegisteredCapitalPercent
Namespace Prefix:	imax_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The maximum percentage of issues shares outstanding that can be repurchased under the program.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	imax_StockRepurchaseProgramMaximumPercentageOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased
Namespace Prefix:	imax_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of expense for award under share-based payment arrangement. Excludes amount capitalized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (h)(1)(i)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=128089324&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124432515&loc=d3e3550-109257

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total number of common shares of an entity that have been sold or granted to shareholders (includes common shares that were issued, repurchased and remain in the treasury). These shares represent capital invested by the firm's shareholders and owners, and may be all or only a portion of the number of shares authorized. Shares issued include shares outstanding and shares held in the treasury.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of paid and unpaid common stock dividends declared with the form of settlement in cash, stock and payment-in-kind (PIK).

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120397183&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 405
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957935&loc=d3e64057-112817

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of noncash expense for share-based payment arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126954810&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Period over which grantee's right to exercise award under share-based payment arrangement is no longer contingent on satisfaction of service or performance condition, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Includes, but is not limited to, combination of market, performance or service condition.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=128089324&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of shares purchased for issuance under share-based payment arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (l)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=128089324&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesPurchasedForAward
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage of vesting of award under share-based payment arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=128089324&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of statutory capital and surplus (stockholders' equity) as of the balance sheet date using prescribed or permitted statutory accounting practices (rather than GAAP, if different) of the state or country.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(23)(c))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126734703&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 505
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6486098&loc=d3e24708-158529

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of stock repurchase plan authorized.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Expiration date for the purchase of an entity's own shares under a stock repurchase plan, in the YYYY-MM-DD format.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramExpirationDate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of shares authorized to be repurchased by an entity's Board of Directors under a stock repurchase plan.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of shares that have been repurchased and retired during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(28))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120397183&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126973232&loc=d3e21463-112644

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Equity impact of the value of stock that has been repurchased during the period and has not been retired and is not held in treasury. Some state laws may mandate the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(28))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126973232&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120397183&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total cost of shares repurchased divided by the total number of shares repurchased.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405813&loc=d3e23239-112655

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Description of share repurchase program, including accounting treatment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23285-112656

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23315-112656

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredRepurchaseAuthorization
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of shares that have been repurchased during the period and are being held in treasury.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126973232&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120397183&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=imax_IMAXChinaMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_ParentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis=imax_NonEmployeeDirectorsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis=us-gaap_MeasurementInputEbitdaMultipleMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Capital Stock and Reserves - Additional Information (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ / shares in Units, ¥ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2022 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2022 HKD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2021 HKD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2022 HKD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2021 CNY (¥) shares	Jul. 28, 2022 shares	Jun. 23, 2022 shares	Apr. 28, 2022 shares	Sep. 30, 2021 CNY (¥)	May 06, 2021 shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation costs recorded for the period		$ 5,400,000		$ 6,100,000		$ 19,100,000		$ 18,200,000
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 5,404,000		$ 6,109,000		$ 19,093,000		$ 18,211,000
Maximum number of shares of common stock may be issued for outstanding PSU \| shares		55,973,443				55,973,443				58,653,642	58,653,642
Common shares purchased in open market by trustee in connection with RSUs \| shares		0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Number of treasury shares held in trust for future settlement of share based awards \| shares						0	0			0	0
Antidilutive shares issuable upon exercise of stock options, restricted share units and performance stock units \| shares		6,178,413	6,178,413	6,115,389	6,115,389	6,178,413	6,178,413	6,115,389
Percentage of statutory net profits to statutory surplus reserve to be appropriated		10.00%				10.00%
Discontinuation of contribution, Aggregate sum of statutory surplus reserve more than its registered capital,percent.		50.00%				50.00%
Statutory surplus reserve appropriated		$ 0		$ 5,600,000		$ 0		$ 5,600,000	$ 5,600,000						¥ 36.4
Dividends declared and paid										$ 20,400,000	¥ 131.6
Statutory surplus reserve to its subsidiaries registered capital percent				50.00%				50.00%	50.00%						50.00%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Repurchase of common shares \| shares	1,129,774
Stock Acquired, Average Cost per Share \| $ / shares	$ 13.96
Change in ownership interest related to IMAX China common share repurchases	$ 15,800,000
IMAX China
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Details of the share repurchase program						In 2021, IMAX China's shareholders granted its Board of Directors a general mandate authorizing the Board, subject to applicable laws, to repurchase shares of IMAX China not to exceed 10% of the total number of issued shares as of May 6, 2021 (34,835,824 shares). This program expired on the date of the 2022 Annual General Meeting of IMAX China on June 23, 2022. During the 2022 Annual General Meeting, shareholders approved the repurchase of shares of IMAX China not to exceed 10% of the total number of issued shares as of June 23, 2022 (34,063,480 shares). This program will be valid until the 2023 Annual General Meeting of IMAX China. The repurchases may be made in the open market or through other means permitted by applicable laws. IMAX China has no obligation to repurchase its shares and the share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued by IMAX China at any time.	In 2021, IMAX China's shareholders granted its Board of Directors a general mandate authorizing the Board, subject to applicable laws, to repurchase shares of IMAX China not to exceed 10% of the total number of issued shares as of May 6, 2021 (34,835,824 shares). This program expired on the date of the 2022 Annual General Meeting of IMAX China on June 23, 2022. During the 2022 Annual General Meeting, shareholders approved the repurchase of shares of IMAX China not to exceed 10% of the total number of issued shares as of June 23, 2022 (34,063,480 shares). This program will be valid until the 2023 Annual General Meeting of IMAX China. The repurchases may be made in the open market or through other means permitted by applicable laws. IMAX China has no obligation to repurchase its shares and the share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued by IMAX China at any time.
Stock Repurchase Program Expiration Date						Jun. 23, 2022	Jun. 23, 2022	May 06, 2021
Repurchase of common shares \| shares		1,513,800	1,513,800	3,569,000	3,569,000	2,961,800	2,961,800	3,569,000
Stock Acquired, Average Cost per Share \| (per share)		$ 0.79	$ 6.20	$ 1.40	$ 10.90	$ 1.02	$ 8.00	$ 1.40	$ 10.90
Change in ownership interest related to IMAX China common share repurchases		$ 1,200,000	$ 9,400,000		$ 38.9	$ 3,000,000.0	$ 23,700,000	$ 5.0
Stock Repurchase Program, maximum percentage of shares to be repurchased													10.00%			10.00%
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized number of shares \| shares													34,063,480			34,835,824
Parent [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Details of the share repurchase program						April 28, 2022 and July 28, 2022, the Company's Board of Directors approved a 12-month extension to its share repurchase program through June 30, 2023 and an increase of $200.0 million in the share repurchase program, respectively. With the increase of $200.0 million, the Company's total share repurchase authority is $400.0 million under the current share repurchase program. As of September 30, 2022, the Company has $220.1 million available under its approved repurchased program. The repurchases may be made either in the open market or through private transactions, including repurchases made pursuant a plan intended to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 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.	April 28, 2022 and July 28, 2022, the Company's Board of Directors approved a 12-month extension to its share repurchase program through June 30, 2023 and an increase of $200.0 million in the share repurchase program, respectively. With the increase of $200.0 million, the Company's total share repurchase authority is $400.0 million under the current share repurchase program. As of September 30, 2022, the Company has $220.1 million available under its approved repurchased program. The repurchases may be made either in the open market or through private transactions, including repurchases made pursuant a plan intended to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 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.
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		$ 220,100,000				$ 220,100,000
Stock Repurchase Program Expiration Date						Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2023
Repurchase of common shares \| shares		418,496	418,496	316,812	316,812	3,501,696	3,501,696	316,812
Stock Acquired, Average Cost per Share \| $ / shares		$ 14.62		$ 14.53		$ 15.82		$ 14.53
Change in ownership interest related to IMAX China common share repurchases		$ 6,100,000		$ 4,600,000		$ 55,400,000		$ 4,600,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized number of shares \| shares												200,000,000.0		200,000,000.0
Statutory surplus reserve appropriated				3,900,000				3,900,000	$ 3,900,000
Parent [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		400,000,000.0				400,000,000.0
Non-controlling Interests [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Change in ownership interest related to IMAX China common share repurchases		343,000		1,371,000		1,644,000		1,371,000
Statutory surplus reserve appropriated				1,700,000				1,700,000	$ 1,700,000
Restricted Share Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 3,516,000		$ 3,900,000		$ 11,405,000		$ 11,524,000
Antidilutive shares issuable upon exercise of stock options, restricted share units and performance stock units \| shares		1,329,014	1,329,014	1,592,965	1,592,965	1,329,014	1,329,014	1,592,965
Restricted Share Units [Member] \| Non-Employee Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 0				$ 1,300,000
Restricted Share Units [Member] \| Non-Employee Directors [Member] \| IMAX China
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense				$ 0				$ 0
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 120,000		$ 253,000		$ 449,000		$ 808,000
Antidilutive shares issuable upon exercise of stock options, restricted share units and performance stock units \| shares		3,604,739	3,604,739	3,738,504	3,738,504	3,604,739	3,604,739	3,738,504
Performance Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 1,864,000		$ 1,183,000		$ 5,317,000		$ 3,169,000
Stock based awards vesting period						3 years	3 years
Antidilutive shares issuable upon exercise of stock options, restricted share units and performance stock units \| shares		1,244,660	1,244,660	783,920	783,920	1,244,660	1,244,660	783,920
Performance Stock Units [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting rights, percentage						0.00%	0.00%
Performance Stock Units [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting rights, percentage						175.00%	175.00%
Performance Stock Units [Member] \| EBITDA \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares of common stock may be issued for outstanding PSU \| shares		1,636,735				1,636,735