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Property, Plant And Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum

over the shorter of the initial term of the underlying leases plus any reasonably assured renewal terms, and the useful life of the asset

Minimum [Member] | Theater System Components [Member]

Minimum [Member] | Camera Equipment [Member]

7 years

^[1]

Minimum [Member] | Buildings [Member]

5 years

Minimum [Member] | Office and Production Equipment [Member]

20 years

Maximum [Member] | Theater System Components [Member]

3 years

Maximum [Member] | Camera Equipment [Member]

20 years

^[1]

Maximum [Member] | Buildings [Member]

10 years

Maximum [Member] | Office and Production Equipment [Member]

25 years

5 years

[1]	Includes equipment under joint revenue sharing arrangements.

Exit Costs, Restructuring Charges and Associated Impairments - Exit Costs Restructuring Charges and Associated Impairment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring charges	$ 628	$ 2,405	$ 9,895
Asset impairments		6,432	5,553
Costs to exit lease and restore facilities	222	619	726
Other		86	0
Total exit costs, restructuring charges and associated impairments	$ 850	$ 9,542	$ 16,174

Other Assets - Schedule of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Assets [Abstract]
Lease incentives provided to theaters	$ 19,125	$ 10,550
Commissions and other deferred selling expenses	1,501	2,796
Other investments	2,500	2,500
Investment in content	955	1,073
Foreign currency derivatives	602	649
Other	351	429
Other assets, total	$ 25,034	$ 17,997

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information - Write-downs, Net of Recoveries (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Property plant and equipment write downs no longer in use	$ 0.2	$ 0.8	$ 1.2
Theater system components written off in Cost of Sales	$ 2.2	0.6	0.0
Theater system components written off in Revenue		$ 0.4	$ 0.0

Income Taxes - Net Deferred Income Tax Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred Tax Assets Net [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 888	$ 3,389
Investment tax credit and other tax credit carryforwards	3,650	4,829
Write-downs of other assets	1,220	1,218
Excess of tax accounting basis in property, plant and equipment, inventories and other assets	6,257	8,243
Accrued pension liability	6,393	6,125
Accrued stock-based compensation	5,360	2,054
Other accrued reserves	4,617	11,423
Total deferred income tax assets	28,385	37,281
Income recognition on net investment in leases	(4,283)	(5,820)
Total deferred income tax assets, before valuation allowance	24,102	31,461
Valuation allowance	(197)	(197)
Net deferred income tax asset	$ 23,905	$ 31,264

Property, Plant and Equipment - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

$ 497,654

$ 451,979

190,805

171,321

Theater System Components [Member]

306,849

280,658

^[1],[2],[3]

322,492

287,066

^[1],[2],[3]

133,739

120,273

Camera Equipment [Member]

^[1],[2],[3]

188,753

166,793

5,192

5,080

4,239

3,839

Equipment leased or held for use [Member]

953

1,241

327,684

292,146

137,978

124,112

Asset under Construction [Member]

189,706

168,034

^[4]

14,483

24,327

^[4]

^[4]

14,483

24,327

Right Of Use Assets

^[5]

17,147

^[5]

885

^[5]

16,262

Land [Member]

8,203

8,203

Buildings [Member]

80,850

77,468

22,931

20,012

Office and Production Equipment [Member]

57,919

57,456

^[6]

41,673

42,252

^[6]

25,654

24,295

Leasehold Improvements [Member]

^[6]

16,019

17,957

7,614

7,583

3,357

2,902

Other property, plant and equipment [Member]

4,257

4,681

138,340

135,506

51,942

47,209

Receivable Provisions Net Of Recoveries [Abstract]

$ 86,398

$ 88,297

[1]	In 2019, the Company recorded a charge of $2.2 million (2018 — $0.6 million ) in cost of sales applicable to Rentals upon the upgrade of xenon-based digital systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements to laser-based digital systems.
[2]	Included in theater system components are assets with costs of $297.4 million (2018 —$269.8 million) and accumulated depreciation of $121.3 million (2018 — $108.4 million) that are used in joint revenue sharing arrangements.
[3]	Included in theater system components are assets with costs of $7.6 million (2018 — $8.5 million) and accumulated depreciation of $6.7 million (2018 — $7.4 million) that are leased to customers under operating leases.
[4]	Included in assets under construction are components with costs of $13.2 million (2018 — $15.3 million) that will be utilized to construct assets to be used in joint revenue sharing arrangements.
[5]	The right-of-use assets mainly include operating leases for office and warehouse storage space. See note 4 for further discussion of the adoption impact of ASC Topic 842 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
[6]	Fully amortized office and production equipment is still in use by the Company. In 2019, the Company identified and wrote off $4.9 million (2018 — $1.3 million) of office and production equipment that is no longer in use and fully amortized.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information - Significant Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net accruals related to:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	$ 496	$ 227
Investment in joint revenue sharing arrangements	(2,013)	(61)
Acquisition of other intangible assets	(51)	89
Net accruals	$ (1,568)	$ 255

Capital Stock -Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense Related to Non-Vested RSUs not Yet Recognized and Weighted Average Period (Details) - Restricted Share Units [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense related to non-vested RSUs not yet recognized	$ 23,548	$ 18,597	$ 22,440
Weighted average period awards are expected to be recognized (in years)	2 years 8 months 12 days	2 years 2 months 12 days	2 years 1 month 6 days

Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries - Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivable Provisions Net Of Recoveries [Abstract]
Accounts receivable provisions, net of recoveries	$ 2,354	$ 3,030	$ 1,967
Financing receivable provisions, net of recoveries	76	100	680
Receivable provisions, net of recoveries	$ 2,430	$ 3,130	$ 2,647

Segmented Information - Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment By Geographic Areas (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	$ 306,849	$ 280,658
United States [Member]
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	109,240	97,843
Greater China [Member]
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	105,312	93,494
Canada [Member]
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	47,837	48,275
Western Europe [Member]
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	27,748	26,566
Asia (excluding Greater China) [Member]
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	9,948	8,084
Rest of the World [Member]
Geographical Information - Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment	$ 6,764	$ 6,396

Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries

The following table reflects the Company’s receivable provisions net of recoveries recorded in the consolidated statements of operations:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Accounts receivable provisions, net of recoveries	$	2,354	$	3,030	$	1,967
Financing receivable provisions, net of recoveries		76		100		680
Receivable provisions, net of recoveries	$	2,430	$	3,130	$	2,647

Lease Arrangements And Financing Receivables - Financing Receivables, Consisting of Net Investment in Sales-Type Leases and Receivables from Financed Sales (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Financing receivables, consisting of net investment in sales-type leases and receivables from financed sales
Gross minimum lease payments receivable	$ 16,766	$ 10,499
Unearned finance income	(1,005)	(902)
Minimum lease payments receivable	15,761	9,597
Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts	(155)	(155)
Net investment in leases	15,606	9,442
Gross financed sales receivables	146,660	155,044
Unearned finance income	(33,313)	(36,215)
Financed sales receivables	113,347	118,829
Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts	(915)	(839)
Net financed sales receivables	112,432	117,990
Total financing receivables	128,038	127,432
Net financed sales receivables due within one year	27,595	26,911
Net financed sales receivables due after one year	$ 84,837	$ 91,079
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
Sales-type lease arrangements	8 years 1 month 6 days	7 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted-average interest rate
Sales-type lease arrangements	6.68%	8.00%
Financed sales receivables	9.00%	9.10%

Consolidated Statements of Operations Supplemental Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Consolidated Statements of Operations Supplemental Information

17. Consolidated Statements of Operations Supplemental Information

(a)

Selling Expenses

The Company defers direct selling costs such as sales commissions and other amounts related to its sales and sales-type lease arrangements until the related revenue is recognized. These costs and direct advertising and marketing, included in costs and expenses applicable to Revenues – Equipment and product sales, totaled $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 (2018 — $2.9 million; 2017 — $3.6 million).

Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing, totaled $22.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 (2018 — $21.2 million; 2017 — $14.7 million), and are recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services as incurred.

Commissions are recognized as costs and expenses applicable to Revenues – Rentals in the month they are earned. These costs totaled an expense of $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 (2018 — $0.9 million; 2017 — $1.6 million). Direct advertising and marketing costs for each theater are charged to costs and expenses applicable to Revenues – Rentals as incurred. These costs totaled an expense of $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 (2018 — $2.1 million; 2017 — $2.6 million).

(b)

Foreign Exchange

Included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 is $0.9 million for a net foreign exchange loss related to the translation of foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities as compared to a net loss of $1.7 million and a net gain of $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. See note 22(d) for additional information.

(c)

Collaborative Arrangements

Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements

In a joint revenue sharing arrangement, the Company receives a portion of a theater’s box-office and concession revenues, and in some cases a small upfront or initial payment, in exchange for placing a theater system at the theater operator’s venue. Under joint revenue sharing arrangements, the customer has the ability and the right to operate the hardware components or direct others to operate them in a manner determined by the customer. The Company’s joint revenue sharing arrangements are typically non-cancellable for 10 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.

The Company has signed traditional and hybrid joint revenue sharing agreements with 39 exhibitors (2018 — 35) for a total of 1,223 theater systems (2018 — 1,185), of which 870 theaters (2018 — 798) were operating as at December 31, 2019. The terms of the Company’s joint revenue sharing arrangements are similar in nature, rights and obligations. The accounting policy for the Company’s joint revenue sharing arrangements is disclosed in note 2(n).

Amounts attributable to transactions arising between the Company and its customers under joint revenue sharing arrangements are included in Equipment and Product Sales and Rentals revenue under ASC Topic 606 and for the year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to $92.0 million (2018 — $86.6 million; 2017 —$80.6 million).

IMAX DMR

In an IMAX DMR arrangement, the Company transforms conventional motion pictures into the Company’s large screen format, allowing the release of Hollywood content to the global IMAX theater network. In a typical IMAX DMR film arrangement, the Company will absorb its costs for the digital re-mastering and then recoup this cost from a percentage of the box-office receipts of the film, which in recent years has averaged approximately 12.5% outside of Greater China and a lower percentage for certain films within Greater China. The Company does not typically hold distribution rights or the copyright to these films.

In 2019, the majority of IMAX DMR revenue was earned from the exhibition of 72 IMAX DMR films (2018 — 80) throughout the IMAX theater network. The accounting policy for the Company’s IMAX DMR arrangements is disclosed in note 2(n).

Amounts attributable to transactions arising between the Company and its customers under IMAX DMR arrangements are included in Services revenues and for the year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to $120.8 million (2018 — $110.8 million; 2017 — $108.9 million).

Co-Produced Film Arrangements

In certain film arrangements, the Company co-produces a film with a third party whereby the third party retains the copyright and rights to the film except that the Company obtains exclusive theatrical distribution rights to the film. Under these arrangements, both parties contribute funding to the Company’s wholly-owned company for the production of the film or content and for associated exploitation costs. Clauses in the film arrangements generally provide for the third party to take over the production of the film if the cost of the production exceeds its approved budget or if it appears as though the film will not be delivered on a timely basis.

As at December 31, 2019, the Company has two significant co-produced arrangements which primarily represents the VIE total assets balance of $9.7 million and liabilities balance of $15.5 million and three other co-produced film arrangements, the terms of which are similar. The accounting policies relating to co-produced film arrangements are disclosed in notes 2(a) and 2(n).

In 2019, an expense of $0.6 million (2018 — recovery of $0.5 million; 2017 — expense of $1.2 million) attributable to transactions between the Company and other parties involved in the production of the films have been included in cost and expenses applicable to revenues-services.

In 2017, the Company participated in one significant co-produced television arrangement. This arrangement was not a VIE.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, revenues of $0.4 million (2018 — $0.3 million; 2017 — $20.4 million) and costs and expenses applicable to revenues of less than $0.1 million (2018 — $0.3 million; 2017 — $33.4 million), attributable to this collaborative arrangement have been recorded in Revenue – Services and Costs and expenses applicable to revenues – Services, respectively. In 2017, included therein are net revenues attributable to transactions between the Company and other parties involved in the production of the episodic content of $20.1 million.

Film Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Film Costs [Abstract]

Film Assets

	As at December 31,
	2019		2018
Completed and released films, net of accumulated amortization of	$	7,193	$	5,958
$192,999 (2018 ― $173,812)
Films in production		4,250		4,500
Films in development		6,478		5,909
	$	17,921	$	16,367

Exit Costs, Restructuring Charges and Associated Impairments - Restructuring and Related Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring costs and reserves [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 628	$ 2,405	$ 9,895
Corporate [Member]
Restructuring costs and reserves [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 628	1,529	5,369
New Business [Member]
Restructuring costs and reserves [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		611	1,699
Other [Member]
Restructuring costs and reserves [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		215	930
IMAX DMR [Member]
Restructuring costs and reserves [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		50	662
Theater System Maintenance [Member]
Restructuring costs and reserves [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			546
IMAX Systems [Member]
Restructuring costs and reserves [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0	120
Joint revenue sharing arrangements [Member]
Restructuring costs and reserves [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0	21
Film Post-production [Member]
Restructuring costs and reserves [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 0	$ 548

Adoption of ASC Topic 842, Leases, Effective January 1, 2019 - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net lease assets	$ 889,069		$ 873,600
Accrued and other liabilities	112,779		97,724
Operating Lease liability	18,677	$ 20,000
Prepaid expenses	$ 10,237		$ 10,294
Lease, Practical Expedients, Package [true false]	true
Lease, Practical Expedient, Land Easement [true false]	false
Lease, Practical Expedient, Use of Hindsight [true false]	false
Lease, Practical Expedient, Lessor Single Lease Component [true false]	true
Lease, Practical Expedient, Short-term Lease Recognition Exemption [true false]	true
ASC Topic 842 Leases [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accrued and other liabilities	$ 17,400	115,150
Prepaid expenses		10,258
ASC Topic 842 Leases [Member] \| As Adjusted [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net lease assets		17,400
Accrued and other liabilities		17,426
Operating lease asset		20,000
Operating Lease liability		20,000
Prepaid expenses		(36)
Unamortized lease inducements and other accruals		(2,500)
ASC Topic 842 Leases [Member] \| As Adjusted [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses		$ 100

Non-Controlling Interests - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) Film
Non-controlling Interests
Non-controlling interest	$ 89,493	$ 80,757
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	11,705	10,751	$ 10,174
Investment in film assets	23,437	23,200	34,645
Investment in content	$ 955	1,073
IMAX China Noncontrolling Interest
Non-controlling Interests
Minority Interest Ownership Percentage By Company	69.74%
IMAX China
Non-controlling Interests
Non-controlling interest	$ 89,500
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	13,300
Other Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Non-controlling Interests
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	$ (1,638)	(2,710)	$ (3,627)
Non-controlling interest description	The Company’s Original Film Fund was established in 2014 to co-finance a portfolio of 10 original large-format films. The initial investment in the Original Film Fund was committed to by a third party in the amount of $25.0 million, with the possibility of contributing additional funds. The Company has contributed $9.0 million to the Original Film Fund since 2014, and has reached its maximum contribution. The Company sees the Original Film Fund as a vehicle designed to generate a continuous, steady flow of high-quality documentary content.
Number Of Expected Original Films \| Film				10
Investment in film assets	$ 22,300
Investment in content		$ 4,000
Other Noncontrolling Interest [Member] \| Third Party [Member]
Non-controlling Interests
Film Fund Expected Capital Contribution				$ 25,000
Other Noncontrolling Interest [Member] \| IMAX [Member]
Non-controlling Interests
Film fund contributions paid	$ 9,000

Exit Costs, Restructuring Charges and Associated Impairments - Restructuring and Accrual Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 1,936	$ 2,221
Restructuring charges	628	2,405	$ 9,895
Cash payments	(2,211)	(2,690)
Balance, end of period	$ 353	$ 1,936	$ 2,221

Capital Stock

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Capital Stock

16. Capital Stock

(a)

Authorized

Common Shares

The authorized capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of common shares. The following is a summary of the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions of the common shares.

The holders of common shares are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the directors of the Company, subject to the rights of the holders of any other class of shares of the Company entitled to receive dividends in priority to the common shares.

The holders of the common shares are entitled to one vote for each common share held at all meetings of the shareholders.

(b)

Changes during the Year

During the year, the Company settled common shares pursuant to the exercise of stock options for cash proceeds and vesting of RSUs. The settlement of common shares can be either settled through newly issued common shares from treasury or through the purchase of common shares in the open market by the IMAX Long-Term Incentive Plan trustee. The following table summarizes the settlement of stock option and RSU transactions:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Stock options
Issued from treasury		19,088		12,750		405,229
Plan trustee purchases		67,840		—		263,112
Total stock options exercised		86,928		12,750		668,341

Cash proceeds on stock option exercises	$	1,752	$	218	$	14,652

RSUs
Issued from treasury		—		—		7,127
Plan trustee purchases		404,719		462,137		422,022
Shares withheld for tax withholdings		29,577		72,056		27,630
Total RSUs vested		434,296		534,193		456,779

(c)

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company issues stock-based compensation to eligible employees, directors, and consultants under the IMAX Corporation Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “IMAX LTIP”) and the China Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “China LTIP”) as summarized below.

The IMAX LTIP is the Company’s governing document and awards to employees, directors, and consultants under this plan may consist of stock options, RSUs, PSUs and other awards. Stock options are no longer granted under the Company’s previous approved Stock Option Plan (“SOP”).

A separate stock option plan, the China LTIP, was adopted by a subsidiary of the Company in October 2012.

Compensation costs recorded in the consolidated statements of operations for the Company’s stock-based compensation plans were $22.8 million (2018 — $22.6 million; 2017 —$23.0 million). The following reflects the stock-based compensation expense recorded to the respective financial statement line items:

	Years Ended December 31,
		2019			2018			2017
Cost and expenses applicable to revenues	$		1,709	$		1,657	$		1,704
Selling, general and administrative expenses			20,750			20,102			20,393
Research and development			371			452			556
Executive transition costs			—			320			—
Exit costs, restructuring charges and associated impairments			—			54			357
	$		22,830	$		22,585	$		23,010

As at December 31, 2019, the Company has reserved a total of 8,944,999 (December 31, 2018 — 9,767,307) common shares for future issuance under the IMAX LTIP. Of the common shares reserved for issuance, there are options in respect of 5,732,209 (December 31, 2018 — 5,465,046) common shares and RSUs in respect of 1,065,347 (December 31, 2018 — 1,033,871) common shares outstanding at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2019 options in respect of 4,801,272 (December 31, 2018 — 3,990,970) common shares were vested and exercisable.

Stock Option Plan

The Company’s policy is to issue new common shares from treasury or shares purchased in the open market to satisfy stock options which are exercised.

The Company utilizes a Binomial Model to determine the fair value of stock-based payment awards. The fair value determined by the Binomial Model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and employee stock option exercise behaviors. The Binomial Model also considers the expected exercise multiple which is the multiple of exercise price to grant price at which exercises are expected to occur on average. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company’s employee stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management’s opinion, the Binomial Model best provides a fair measure of the fair value of the Company’s employee stock options.

All awards of stock options are made at fair market value of the Company’s common shares on the date of grant. The fair market value of a common share on a given date means the higher of the closing price of a common share on the grant date (or the most recent trading date if the grant date is not a trading date) on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or such national exchange as may be designated by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Fair Market Value”). The stock options vest within 4 years and expire 10 years or less from the date granted. The SOP and IMAX LTIP provide for double-trigger accelerated vesting in the event of a change in control, as defined in each plan.

The Company recorded the following expenses related to stock option grants issued to employees and directors in the IMAX LTIP and SOP plans.

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Stock option expense	$	8,329	$	5,950	$	4,462

An income tax benefit is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations of $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 (2018 —$1.2 million; 2017 —$1.0 million) related to stock option expenses.

Total stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested employee stock options not yet recognized at December 31 are as follows:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Expense related to non-vested employee stock options not yet recognized	$	4,073	$	8,482	$	7,441

The weighted average period over which the awards are expected to be recognized are as follows:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Weighted average period awards are expected to be recognized (in years)		2.7		1.9		2.3

		Years Ended December 31,
		2019		2018		2017
Weighted average fair value per share	$	6.65	$	6.74	$	8.31
Average risk-free interest rate		2.64%		2.67%		2.34%
Expected option life (in years)		6.73 - 10.00		5.06 - 7.00		4.71 - 5.83
Expected volatility		31%		30%		30%
Dividend yield		0%		0%		0%

Stock Options to Non-Employees

There were no common share options issued to non-employees in 2019, 2018 or 2017.

In 2019, the Company did not record a charge (2018 — $nil; 2017 — less than $0.1 million) to selling, general and administrative expenses related to the non-employee stock options. There were no accrued liabilities related to non-employee stock options as at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 — $nil).

China Long-Term Incentive Plan

Each stock option (“China Option”), RSU or cash settled share-based payment (“CSSBP”) issued under the China LTIP represents an opportunity to participate economically in the future growth and value creation of IMAX China.

The CSSBPs represent the right to receive cash payments in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the excess of the total equity value of IMAX China based on the per share price in the IMAX China initial public offering (the “IMAX China IPO”) over the strike price of the CSSBPs. The CSSBPs were issued in conjunction with the China LTIP, with similar terms and conditions as the China Options. The CSSBP awards are accounted as liability awards, however the fair value of the liability was fixed at the time of the initial public offering. During 2017, the remaining balance of the CSSBPs vested and were settled in cash for $0.6 million.

In connection with the IMAX China IPO and in accordance with the China LTIP, IMAX China adopted a post-IPO share option plan and a post-IPO restricted stock unit plan. Pursuant to these plans, IMAX China has issued additional China Options and China LTIP Restricted Share Units (“China RSUs”).

The following table summarizes the expense related to China Options, China RSUs, CSSBPs and any accrued liability related to CSSBPs:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Expense
China Options	$	320	$	217	$	1,034
China RSUs		1,664		1,229		1,124
CSSBPs		—		—		353
CSSBPs liability	$	—	$	—	$	—

Stock Option Summary

The following table summarizes certain information in respect of option activity under the SOP and IMAX LTIP:

											Weighted Average Exercise
	Number of Shares										Price Per Share
	2019			2018			2017			2019			2018		2017
Options outstanding, beginning of year		5,465,046			5,082,100			5,190,542		$		27.63	$	29.31	$	28.35
Granted		1,016,882			1,082,123			854,764				20.66		21.95		30.07
Exercised		(86,928	)		(12,750	)		(668,341	)			20.16		17.08		21.92
Forfeited		(336,493	)		(69,332	)		(108,551	)			23.63		29.99		32.42
Expired		(299,134	)		(507,977	)		(89,958	)			25.82		31.69		32.29
Cancelled		(27,164	)		(109,118	)		(96,356	)			31.13		30.44		29.28
Options outstanding, end of year		5,732,209			5,465,046			5,082,100				26.82		27.63		29.31
Options exercisable, end of year		4,801,272			3,990,970			3,913,088				27.40		28.48		28.96

As at December 31, 2019, 5,732,209 options included both fully vested and unvested options with a weighted average exercise price of $26.82, aggregate intrinsic value of $0.9 million and weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.5 years. As at December 31, 2019, options that are exercisable have an intrinsic value of $0.9 million and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.3 years. The intrinsic value of options exercised in 2019 was $0.2 million (2018 — $0.1 million; 2017 — $6.8 million).

Restricted Share Units

RSUs have been granted to employees and directors under the IMAX LTIP. Each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one common share and is the economic equivalent of one common share. The grant date fair value of each RSU is equal to the share price of the Company’s stock at the grant date. The Company recorded the following expenses related to RSU grants issued to employees and directors in the plan:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
RSU expenses	$	12,394	$	15,189	$	16,033

The Company’s actual tax benefits realized for the tax deductions related to the vesting of RSUs was $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 (2018 — $1.4 million; 2017 — $3.6 million).

The Company’s accrued liability for RSUs, deemed as granted, was $0.4 million as at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 — $nil).

Total stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested RSUs not yet recognized and the weighted average period over which the awards are expected to be recognized are as follows:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Expense related to non-vested RSUs not yet recognized	$	23,548	$	18,597	$	22,440

Weighted average period awards are expected to be recognized (in years)		2.7		2.2		2.1

The following table summarizes certain information in respect of RSU activity under the IMAX LTIP:

	Number of Awards									Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
	2019			2018			2017				2019			2018			2017
RSUs outstanding, beginning of year		1,033,871			995,329			1,124,180		$		25.70	$		32.68	$		33.01
Granted		687,475			659,282			463,010				22.30			20.99			30.47
Vested and settled		(434,296	)		(534,193	)		(456,779	)			27.54			32.33			31.66
Forfeited		(221,703	)		(86,547	)		(135,082	)			23.68			29.19			32.03
RSUs outstanding, end of year		1,065,347			1,033,871			995,329				23.17			25.70			32.68

Historically, RSUs granted under the IMAX LTIP have vested between immediately and four years from the grant date. In connection with the amendment and restatement of the IMAX LTIP at the Company’s annual and special meeting of the shareholders on June 6, 2016, the IMAX LTIP plan was amended to impose a minimum one-year vesting period on future RSU grants, with a carve-out for 300,000 RSUs that may vest on a shorter schedule. Vesting of the RSUs is subject to continued employment or service with the Company. The following table summarizes the number of RSUs issued from the carve-out balance:

Outstanding, December 31, 2017	213,661
Issued during 2018	(65,838	)
Outstanding, December 31, 2018	147,823
Issued during 2019	(64,053	)
Outstanding, December 31, 2019	83,770

Restricted Share Units to Non-Employees

The Company issued 12,580 RSU awards to a certain advisor of the Company which were granted, vested, and settled in the year ended December 31, 2019 (2018 and 2017 ― nil, respectively). The Company recorded an expense of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 (2018 and 2017 ― $nil, respectively) related to RSU grants issued to advisors and strategic partners of the Company.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

In 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $200.0 million share repurchase program for shares of the Company’s common stock. The share purchase program expires on June 30, 2020. The repurchases may be made either in the open market or through private transactions, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other relevant factors. The Company has no obligation to repurchase shares and the share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued by the Company at any time. In 2019, the Company repurchased 134,384 (2018 ― 3,436,783) common shares at an average price of $19.76 per share (2018 ― $20.78 per share), excluding commissions.

In 2018, IMAX China announced that its shareholders granted its Board of Directors a general mandate authorizing the Board, subject to applicable laws, to buy back shares of IMAX China in an amount not to exceed 10% of the total number of issued shares of IMAX China as at May 3, 2018 (35,818,112 shares). The share repurchase program expired on June 6, 2019. In 2019, IMAX China announced that its shareholders granted its Board of Directors a general mandate authorizing the Board, subject to applicable laws, to repurchase shares of IMAX China in an amount not to exceed 10% of the total number of issued shares of IMAX China as at June 6, 2019 (35,605,560 shares). The share purchase program expires on the date of the 2020 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 2019, IMAX China repurchased 8,051,500 common shares at an average price of HKD $18.63 per share (U.S. $2.38).

The total number of shares purchased during the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 does not include 615,000 and 300,000 common shares, purchased in the administration of employee share-based compensation plans, at an average price of $22.49 and $20.55 per share, respectively.

As at December 31, 2019, the IMAX LTIP trustee held 187,020 shares purchased for $4.0 million in the open market to be issued upon the settlement of RSUs and certain stock options. The shares held with the trustee are recorded at cost and are reported as a reduction against capital stock on the consolidated balance sheet.

(d)Net income per share

Reconciliations of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted per-share computations are comprised of the following:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	46,866		$	22,844		$	2,344
Weighted average number of common shares (000's):
Issued and outstanding, beginning of period		61,434			64,696			66,160
Weighted average number of shares repurchased during the period, net		(124	)		(1,621	)		(780	)
Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic earnings per share		61,310			63,075			65,380
Assumed exercise of stock options and RSUs, net of shares assumed repurchased		179			132			160
Weighted average number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per share		61,489			63,207			65,540

The calculation of diluted earnings per share exclude 5,809,468 (2018 and 2017 ― 5,666,976 and 4,993,014, respectively) shares that are issuable upon exercise of 77,259 (2018 and 2017 ― 277,543 and 579,808, respectively) RSUs and 5,732,209 (2018 and 2017 ― 5,389,433 and 4,413,206, respectively) stock options for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, as the impact of these exercises would be antidilutive.

Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Bank Indebtedness

Bank indebtedness includes the following:

	December 31,			December 31,
	2019			2018
Credit Facility	$	20,000		$	40,000
Deferred charges on debt financing		(1,771	)		(2,247	)
	$	18,229		$	37,753

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]

Disaggregation of Revenue by Segment

The following tables present a breakdown of the Company’s revenues between fixed and variable consideration and lease arrangements:

	Years Ended December 31, 2019
	Subject to the Revenue				Subject to the
	Recognition Standard				Lease Standard
	Fixed consideration		Variable consideration		Lease arrangements		Total
Network business
IMAX DMR	$	—	$	120,765	$	—	$	120,765
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – contingent rent		—		—		75,932		75,932
IMAX systems – contingent rent		—		—		139		139
		—		120,765		76,071		196,836
Theater business
IMAX systems
Sales and sales-type leases		86,202		10,108		—		96,310
Ongoing fees and finance income		11,613		—		—		11,613
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – fixed fees		—		—		11,014		11,014
Theater system maintenance		53,151		—		—		53,151
Other theater		8,390		—		—		8,390
		159,356		10,108		11,014		180,478
New business		2,754		—		—		2,754
Other
Film post-production		7,392		—		—		7,392
Film distribution		—		4,818		—		4,818
Other		—		2,123		1,263		3,386
		7,392		6,941		1,263		15,596
Total	$	169,502	$	137,814	$	88,348	$	395,664

	Year Ended December 31, 2018
	Subject to the Revenue				Subject to the
	Recognition Standard				Lease Standard
	Fixed consideration		Variable consideration		Lease arrangements		Total
Network business
IMAX DMR	$	—	$	110,793	$	—	$	110,793
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – contingent rent		—		—		73,371		73,371
IMAX systems – contingent rent		—		—		—		—
		—		110,793		73,371		184,164
Theater business
IMAX systems
Sales and sales-type leases		82,128		6,304		—		88,432
Ongoing fees and finance income		12,224		—		—		12,224
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – fixed fees		9,706		—		—		9,706
Theater system maintenance		49,684		—		—		49,684
Other theater		8,358		—		—		8,358
		162,100		6,304		—		168,404
New business		4,050		1,719		—		5,769
Other
Film post-production		9,516		—		—		9,516
Film distribution		—		3,446		—		3,446
Other		50		3,052		—		3,102
		9,566		6,498		—		16,064
Total	$	175,716	$	125,314	$	73,371	$	374,401

Financial Instruments - Aging of Financing Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	$ 10,245	$ 9,072
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	118,863	119,354
Total Recorded Investment	129,108	128,426
Related Allowances	(1,070)	(994)
Recorded Investment Net of Allowances	128,038	127,432
Financing Receivables Accrued and Current [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,708	1,494
Financing Receivables 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	2,840	2,084
Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	5,697	5,494
Net Investment in Leases [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	349	323
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	15,412	9,274
Total Recorded Investment	15,761	9,597
Related Allowances	(155)	(155)	$ (155)
Recorded Investment Net of Allowances	15,606	9,442
Net Investment in Leases [Member] \| Financing Receivables Accrued and Current [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	30	52
Net Investment in Leases [Member] \| Financing Receivables 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	68	18
Net Investment in Leases [Member] \| Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	251	253
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	9,896	8,749
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	103,451	110,080
Total Recorded Investment	113,347	118,829
Related Allowances	(915)	(839)	$ (922)
Recorded Investment Net of Allowances	112,432	117,990
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables Accrued and Current [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,678	1,442
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	2,772	2,066
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	$ 5,446	$ 5,241

Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net book value of patents and trademarks disposed of in the year	$ 0.1	$ 0.2
Weighted average amortization period for additions to other intangible assets	4 years 8 months 12 days
Costs incurred to renew or extend the term of acquired patents and trademarks	$ 0.4	$ 0.3
Internal Use Software [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquisition of other intangible assets, cost	2.9
Acquisition of other intangible assets, net book value	$ 1.9

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) - Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Sep. 30, 2019

Jun. 30, 2019

Mar. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Sep. 30, 2018

Jun. 30, 2018

Mar. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Costs and expenses applicable to revenues

$ 124,279

$ 86,390

$ 104,797

$ 80,198

$ 108,964

$ 82,108

$ 98,345

$ 84,984

$ 395,664

^[1]

$ 374,401

^[1]

$ 380,767

^[1]

61,920

39,270

45,244

35,058

54,322

39,917

37,941

34,292

Gross margin

62,359

47,120

59,553

45,140

54,642

42,191

60,404

50,692

214,172

207,929

185,246

Net income

21,352

10,896

13,836

12,487

3,771

7,502

10,255

12,067

58,571

33,595

12,518

Net income attributable to common shareholders

$ 18,171

$ 9,033

$ 11,397

$ 8,265

$ 1,694

$ 5,020

$ 7,625

$ 8,505

$ 46,866

$ 22,844

$ 2,344

Net income per share attributable to common shareholders:

Net income per share - basic & diluted

$ 0.29

$ 0.15

$ 0.19

$ 0.13

$ 0.03

$ 0.08

$ 0.12

$ 0.13

$ 0.76

$ 0.36

$ 0.04

[1]	The Company’s largest customer represents 16.5% of total revenues as at December 31, 2019, (2018 —17.1%; 2017 —16.4%).

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment By Geographic Areas

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (a)
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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+ Details

Segmented Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Inter-Segment Revenue

Transactions between the film production and IMAX DMR segment and the film post-production segment are valued at exchange value. Inter-segment profits are eliminated upon consolidation, as well as for the disclosures below.

(a)

The Company has the following eight reportable segments: IMAX DMR, joint revenue sharing arrangements, IMAX systems, theater system maintenance, other theater, new business, film distribution and film post-production. The Company organizes its reportable segments into the following four primary groups: Network Business, Theater Business, New Business and Other.

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Revenue⁽¹⁾
Network business
IMAX DMR	$	120,765		$	110,793		$	108,853
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – contingent rent		75,932			73,371			70,444
IMAX systems – contingent rent		139			—			3,890
		196,836			184,164			183,187
Theater business
IMAX systems		107,923			100,656			90,347
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – fixed fees		11,014			9,706			10,118
Theater system maintenance		53,151			49,684			45,383
Other theater		8,390			8,358			9,145
		180,478			168,404			154,993
New business		2,754			5,769			24,522
Other
Film post-production		7,392			9,516			10,382
Film distribution		4,818			3,446			2,790
Other		3,386			3,102			4,893
		15,596			16,064			18,065
Total revenues	$	395,664		$	374,401		$	380,767

Gross Margin
Network business
IMAX DMR⁽²⁾	$	78,592		$	72,773		$	71,789
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – contingent rent⁽²⁾		47,935			48,856			47,337
IMAX systems – contingent rent		139			—			3,890
		126,666			121,629			123,016
Theater business
IMAX systems⁽²⁾⁽³⁾		58,540			60,019			57,734
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – fixed fees⁽²⁾		2,613			1,982			2,349
Theater system maintenance⁽³⁾		23,010			21,991			18,275
Other theater		2,624			1,806			1,965
		86,787			85,798			80,323
New business		2,106			(350	)		(16,176	)
Other
Film post-production		1,680			3,107			4,791
Film distribution⁽²⁾		(2,942	)		(1,344	)		(5,797	)
Other		(125	)		(911	)		(911	)
		(1,387	)		852			(1,917	)

Total segment margin	$	214,172		$	207,929		$	185,246

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Depreciation and amortization
Network business
IMAX DMR	$	16,117	$	13,602	$	15,779
Joint revenue sharing arrangements - contingent rent		25,036		21,970		19,092
Theater business
IMAX systems		3,878		3,615		3,551
Theater system maintenance		299		164		173
New business		58		2,519		15,365
Other
Film post-production		1,301		1,500		1,845
Film distribution		3,894		2,225		2,128
Other		747		790		911
Corporate and other non-segment specific assets		12,157		11,052		7,963
Total	$	63,487	$	57,437	$	66,807

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries
Network business
IMAX DMR		—	$	15	$	—
Joint revenue sharing arrangements - contingent rent		2,207		1,193		944
Theater business
IMAX systems		276		250		2,930
Theater system maintenance		170		—		—
New business		96		7,399		16,400
Other
Film post-production		—		—		—
Film distribution		1,379		—		5,865
Corporate and other non-segment specific assets		2,678		2,913		3,429
Total	$	6,806	$	11,770	$	29,568

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Network business
IMAX DMR	$	99	$	55	$	518
Joint revenue sharing arrangements - contingent rent		40,489		34,810		42,634
Theater business
IMAX systems		452		2,813		4,537
Theater system maintenance		311		527		206
New business		—		342		4,487
Other
Film post-production		1,210		1,067		810
Other		504		193		367
Corporate and other non-segment specific assets		4,845		8,371		13,218
Total	$	47,910	$	48,178	$	66,777

	As at December 31
	2019		2018
Assets
Network business
IMAX DMR	$	46,417	$	38,117
Joint revenue sharing arrangements - contingent rent		231,626		223,799
IMAX systems - contingent rent		—		—
Theater business
IMAX systems		277,720		266,290
Joint revenue sharing arrangements - fixed fees		27,189		18,044
Theater system maintenance		22,869		26,225
Other theater		2,042		2,197
New business		—		1,677
Other
Film post-production		36,562		36,998
Film distribution		14,831		15,601
Other		23,809		26,519
Corporate and other non-segment specific assets		206,004		218,133
Total	$	889,069	$	873,600

(1)	The Company’s largest customer represents 16.5% of total revenues as at December 31, 2019, (2018 —17.1%; 2017 —16.4%).

(2)

IMAX DMR segment margins include marketing costs of $22.5 million, $16.5 million and $15.4 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Joint revenue sharing arrangements segment margins include advertising, marketing, and commission costs of $4.5 million, $3.6 million and $4.5 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. IMAX systems segment margins include marketing and commission costs of $2.0 million, $2.4 million and $2.9 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Film distribution segment margins includes marketing expense of $0.4 million, expense of $2.2 million and recovery of $0.7 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

(3)

In 2019, the Company recorded a charge of $0.4 million (2018 — $0.3 million; 2017 — $0.5 million, respectively) in costs and expenses applicable to revenues, primarily for its film-based projector inventories. Specifically, IMAX systems include an inventory charge of $0.3 million (2018 — $0.3 million; 2017 — $0.5 million). Theater system maintenance includes inventory write-downs of $0.2 million (2018 — $nil; 2017 — $nil).

(4)	Goodwill is allocated on a relative fair market value basis to the IMAX systems segment, theater system maintenance segment and joint revenue sharing segment. There has been no change in the allocation of goodwill from the prior year.

Geographic Information

Revenue by geographic area is based on the location of the customer. Revenue related to IMAX DMR is presented based upon the geographic location of the theaters that exhibit the re-mastered films. IMAX DMR revenue is generated through contractual relationships with studios and other third parties and these may not be in the same geographical location as the theater.

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Revenue
Greater China	$	124,294	$	117,520	$	126,474
United States		121,264		118,495		135,153
Canada		9,220		10,507		12,812
Asia (excluding Greater China)		48,386		46,858		35,896
Western Europe		46,911		40,497		32,765
Russia & the CIS		16,124		10,133		11,054
Latin America		9,438		12,952		10,963
Rest of the World		20,027		17,439		15,650
Total	$	395,664	$	374,401	$	380,767

	As at December 31
		2019		2018
Property, plant and equipment
United States		$	109,240	$	97,843
Greater China			105,312		93,494
Canada			47,837		48,275
Western Europe			27,748		26,566
Asia (excluding Greater China)			9,948		8,084
Rest of the World			6,764		6,396
Total		$	306,849	$	280,658

Other Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Other Assets [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Assets

	As at December 31,
	2019		2018
Lease incentives provided to theaters		19,125		10,550
Commissions and other deferred selling expenses		1,501		2,796
Other investments		2,500		2,500
Investment in content		955		1,073
Foreign currency derivatives		602		649
Other		351		429
	$	25,034	$	17,997

Description of the Business - Additional Information (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019 Country
Description of Business (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of Countries and Territories in which Entity Operates	81

Lease Arrangements And Financing Receivables - Lessee Operating Lease Balance Sheet Amounts and Lines (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Dec. 31, 2019

Jan. 01, 2019

Operating Lease liability

$ 18,677

$ 20,000

Property, plant and equipment [Member]

Accrued and other liabilities [Member]

Operating lease asset

16,262

17,462

Operating Lease liability

$ 18,677

$ 19,960

^[1]

[1]

The Company recorded lease liabilities of approximately $20.0 million as at January 1, 2019 upon initial adoption of ASC Topic 842. In addition, unamortized lease inducements and other accruals of $2.5 million were reclassified from accrued liabilities to offset against the applicable right-of-use asset.

Capital Stock - Summary of Settlement of Stock Option and RSU Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Plan trustee purchases	615,000	300,000
Cash proceeds on stock option exercises	$ 2,404	$ 1,017	$ 16,668
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Issued from treasury	19,088	12,750	405,229
Plan trustee purchases	67,840		263,112
Total stock options exercised	86,928	12,750	668,341
Cash proceeds on stock option exercises	$ 1,752	$ 218	$ 14,652
Restricted Share Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Issued from treasury			7,127
Plan trustee purchases	404,719	462,137	422,022
Shares withheld for tax withholdings	29,577	72,056	27,630
Total RSUs vested	434,296	534,193	456,779

Employee's Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Disclosure of Pension Expense (Details) - SERP Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net periodic benefit cost
Interest cost	$ 564	$ 422	$ 427
Pension expense	$ 564	$ 422	$ 427

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

11. Income Taxes

(a)

Income (loss) before income taxes by tax jurisdiction are comprised of the following:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Canada	$	884		$	(14,749	)	$	(17,261	)
United States		(234	)		(6,079	)		(11,895	)
China		51,809			50,446			50,410
Ireland		17,630			8,071			3,632
Other		5,247			5,916			5,125
	$	75,336		$	43,605		$	30,011

(b)

The (provision) recovery of income taxes is comprised of the following:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Current:
Canada	$	2,369		$	(4,893	)	$	(6,898	)
United States		595			1,300			267
China		(11,789	)		(11,259	)		(12,724	)
Ireland		(762	)		(1,095	)		(735	)
Other		(419	)		(494	)		(717	)
		(10,006	)		(16,441	)		(20,807	)
Deferred:⁽¹⁾
Canada		(3,913	)		5,993			8,748
United States		(949	)		2,386			(7,109	)
China		(18	)		(6	)		1,405
Ireland		(1,923	)		(1,423	)		1,085
Other		41			(27	)		(112	)
		(6,762	)		6,923			4,017
Provision for income taxes	$	(16,768	)	$	(9,518	)	$	(16,790	)

(1) For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company has not adjusted the valuation allowance from the prior year (2018 — $nil) relating to the future utilization of deductible temporary differences, tax credits, and certain net operating loss carryforwards. Included in the provision for income taxes is the deferred tax related to amounts recorded in and reclassified from other comprehensive income in the year of $0.4 million (2018 — $0.3 million).

(c)The provision for income taxes from operations differs from the amount that would have resulted by applying the combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory income tax rates to earnings due to the following:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Income tax provision at combined statutory rates	$	(19,964	)	$	(11,555	)	$	(7,954	)
Adjustments resulting from:
Non-deductible stock based compensation		(276	)		(363	)		(295	)
Other non-deductible/non-includable items		93			202			(717	)
Changes to tax reserves		1,418			(204	)		(1,435	)
U.S. federal and state taxes		(300	)		30			(373	)
Withholding taxes		(1,071	)		(1,418	)		(1,217	)
Income tax at different rates in foreign and other provincial jurisdictions		5,019			3,477			4,147
Investment and other tax credits (non-refundable)		701			783			1,570
Changes to deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from audit and other tax return adjustments		(1,998	)		768			(532	)
(Reduction of) excess tax benefit from realized stock-based compensation awards		(374	)		(1,232	)		(591	)
Impact of changes due to U.S. Tax Act		—			—			(9,323	)
Other		(16	)		(6	)		(70	)
Provision for income taxes	$	(16,768	)	$	(9,518	)	$	(16,790	)

(d)

The net deferred income tax asset is comprised of the following:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	888		$	3,389
Investment tax credit and other tax credit carryforwards		3,650			4,829
Write-downs of other assets		1,220			1,218
Excess of tax accounting basis in property, plant and equipment, inventories and other assets		6,257			8,243
Accrued pension liability		6,393			6,125
Accrued stock-based compensation		5,360			2,054
Other accrued reserves		4,617			11,423
Total deferred income tax assets		28,385			37,281
Income recognition on net investment in leases		(4,283	)		(5,820	)
		24,102			31,461
Valuation allowance		(197	)		(197	)
Net deferred income tax asset	$	23,905		$	31,264

The gross deferred tax assets include a liability of $0.4 million (December 31, 2018 — $0.1 million) relating to the remaining tax effect resulting from the Company’s defined benefit pension plan, the related actuarial gains and losses, and unrealized net gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

The Company recorded income tax expense of $16.8 million for the year-ended December 31, 2019. The effective tax rate for the year of 22.3% was lower than the Canadian statutory combined Federal and Provincial rate of 26.22% primarily due to income earned in Greater China and Ireland at lower effective rates. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2019 was consistent with the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2018 of 21.8%.

The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2018 was significantly lower than the effective tax rate for December 31, 2017 of 55.9% due to the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), which was enacted on December 22, 2017 by the U.S. government. The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code including, but not limited to reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, imposing other limitations and changes that limit or eliminate various deductions, including interest expense, performance-based compensation for certain executives, and other deductions and required the re-measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities. U.S. GAAP requires that the impact of changes to tax legislation be recognized in the period in which the law was enacted. As a result, the Company recorded a discrete tax provision charge of $9.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 increasing the effective tax rate for 2017 by 31.1%.

The Tax Act also includes a number of other changes including: (a) the imposition of a one-time deemed repatriation tax on accumulated foreign earnings (the “Transition Tax”), (b) a 100% dividends received deduction on dividends from foreign affiliates, (c) a current inclusion in U.S. federal taxable income of earnings of foreign affiliates that are determined to be global intangible low taxed income or “GILTI”, (d) creation of the base erosion anti-abuse tax, or “BEAT”, (e) provision for an effective tax rate of 13.125% for certain income derived from outside of the U.S. (referred to as foreign derived intangible income or “FDII”) and (f) 100% expensing of qualifying fixed assets acquired after September 27, 2017.

Given that the Company is a Canadian based multinational with subsidiary operations in the US and other foreign jurisdictions a number of these changes did not impact the Company. The Company is not expecting to be subject to the BEAT, Transition Tax or GILTI given its current legal and tax structures. The Company is eligible to expense qualifying fixed assets acquired after September 27, 2017, and was subject to the additional limitations imposed on the deductibility of executive compensation. The Company is not adversely impacted by the limitations placed on the deductibility of interest expense.

In 2018, the Company finalised its accounting related to changes in the Tax Act. Among other things, the Company has finalised provisional estimates and tax calculations made under SAB 118, which included an evaluation of recent interpretations and new guidance issued. No adjustments were recognised during the year ended December 31, 2018, and the provisional re-measurement effect on deferred taxes recorded in the year 2017 year reflects the total effect of the changes in the Tax Act.

No U.S. income taxes have been provided for any undistributed foreign earnings, or any additional outside basis differences inherent in these foreign entities, as the Company is a Canadian corporation and these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations which are owned directly or indirectly.

Further, the Company has not provided for Canadian taxes on cumulative earnings of non-Canadian affiliates and associated companies that have been reinvested indefinitely. Taxes are provided for earnings of non-Canadian affiliates and associated companies when the Company determines that such earnings are no longer indefinitely reinvested.

(e)Estimated U.S. and Canadian net operating loss carryforwards of $13.7 million can be carried forward to reduce taxable income through to 2037 and the remaining $2.9 million can be carried forward indefinitely. Investment tax credits and other tax credits can be carried forward to reduce income taxes payable through to 2039.

(f)Valuation allowance

The provision for income taxes in the year ended December 31, 2019 does not include an adjustment to the valuation allowance (2018 — $nil) in continuing operations. During the year ended December 31, 2019, after considering all available evidence, both positive (including recent and historical profits, projected future profitability, backlog, carryforward periods for, and utilization of net operating loss carryovers and tax credits, discretionary deductions and other factors) and negative (including cumulative losses in past years and other factors), it was concluded that the existing valuation allowance against the Company’s deferred tax assets was appropriate (2018 — $nil). The $0.2 million (2018 — $0.2 million) balance in the valuation allowance as at December 31, 2019 is primarily attributable to certain U.S. state net operating loss carryovers that may expire unutilized.

(g)Uncertain tax positions

The Company recorded a net decrease of $1.4 million related to reserves for income taxes, of which $nil was recorded directly to retained earnings. As at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had total tax reserves (including interest and penalties) of $14.7 million and $16.1 million, respectively, for various uncertain tax positions. While the Company believes it has adequately provided for all tax positions, amounts asserted by taxing authorities could differ from the Company's accrued position. Accordingly, additional provisions on federal, provincial, state and foreign tax-related matters could be recorded in the future as revised estimates are made or the underlying matters are settled or otherwise resolved.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of tax reserves (excluding interest and penalties) for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Balance at beginning of the year	$	16,136		$	15,927		$	12,593
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		812			4,329			3,639
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(2,230	)		(170	)		(195	)
Reductions resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations and administrative practices		—			(3,950	)		(110	)
Balance at the end of the year	$	14,718		$	16,136		$	15,927

The Company has elected to classify interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities, when applicable, as part of the interest expense in its consolidated statements of operations rather than income tax expense. The Company expensed $0.2 million in potential interest and penalties associated with its provision for uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2019 (2018 — less than $0.1 million; 2017 — less than $0.1 million).

The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The Company's major taxing jurisdictions include Canada, the province of Ontario, the United States (including multiple states), Ireland and China.

The Company's 2015 through 2019 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS for U.S. federal tax purposes, and the 2015 through 2019 tax years remain subject to examination by the appropriate governmental agencies for Canadian federal tax purposes. There are other on-going audits in various other jurisdictions that are not material to the financial statements.

Cash held outside of North America as at December 31, 2019 was $89.9 million (December 31, 2018 — $121.9 million), of which $67.6 million was held in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) (December 31, 2018 — $54.7 million). The Company's intent is to permanently reinvest these amounts outside of Canada and does not currently anticipate that it will need funds generated from foreign operations to fund North American operations. In the event funds from foreign operations are needed to fund operations in North America and if withholding taxes have not already been previously provided, the Company would be required to accrue and pay these additional withholding tax amounts on repatriation of funds from China to Canada. The Company currently estimates this amount to be $21.9 million.

(h)Income tax effect on comprehensive income

The income tax benefit (expense) related to the following items included in other comprehensive income (loss) are:

	Years Ended December, 31
	2019			2018			2017
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit plan	$	(42	)	$	(379	)	$	(262	)
Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on postretirement benefit plans		—			(23	)		(32	)
Prior service cost arising during the period		145			—			—
Amortization of prior service cost included in net income		(26	)		—			—
Unrealized change in cash flow hedging instruments		(145	)		581			(667	)
Realized change in cash flow hedging instruments upon settlement		(310	)		107			215
	$	(378	)	$	286		$	(746	)

Property, Plant and Equipment - Property, Plant and Equipment (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, plant and equipment
Written off in cost of sales upon the upgrade of theater systems under joint revenue sharing arrangement	$ 2.2	$ 0.6	$ 0.0
Theater System Components [Member]
Property, plant and equipment
Assets leased to customers under operating lease, Gross	7.6	8.5
Accumulated Depreciation, assets leased to customers under operating lease	6.7	7.4
Assets under joint revenue sharing arrangements included in Theater system components	297.4	269.8
Accumulated Depreciation , Assets under joint revenue sharing arrangements included in Theater system components	121.3	108.4
Written off in cost of sales upon the upgrade of theater systems under joint revenue sharing arrangement	2.2	0.6
Asset under Construction [Member]
Property, plant and equipment
Assets under joint revenue sharing arrangements included in Assets under construction	13.2	15.3
Office and Production Equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment
Fully amortized office and production equipment written off in the period	$ 4.9	$ 1.3

Capital Stock - Restricted Stock Units Activity under the IMAX LTIP (Details) - Restricted Share Units [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSUs outstanding, beginning of year	1,033,871	995,329	1,124,180
Granted	687,475	659,282	463,010
Vested and settled	(434,296)	(534,193)	(456,779)
Forfeited	(221,703)	(86,547)	(135,082)
RSUs outstanding, end of year	1,065,347	1,033,871	995,329
RSUs outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value per share, beginning of period	$ 25.70	$ 32.68	$ 33.01
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value per share	22.30	20.99	30.47
Vested and settled, weighted average grant date fair value per share	27.54	32.33	31.66
Forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value per share	23.68	29.19	32.03
RSUs outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value per share, end of period	$ 23.17	$ 25.70	$ 32.68

Capital Stock - Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense Related to Non-Vested Employee Stock Options not yet Recognized (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense related to non-vested employee stock options not yet recognized	$ 4,073	$ 8,482	$ 7,441

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information - Write-downs, Net of Recoveries (Details) - USD ($)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Asset impairments

Property, plant and equipment

$ 96,000

$ 3,725,000

$ 3,966,000

Impairment of investments

2,565,000

2,533,000

Prepaid expenses

121,000

Other intangible assets

66,000

1,225,000

Film assets

1,379,000

17,363,000

Other charges

Accounts receivable (net of recoveries)

2,354,000

3,030,000

1,967,000

Financing receivables

76,000

100,000

680,000

Property, plant and equipment

446,000

250,000

500,000

^[1]

2,360,000

1,762,000

1,224,000

Other intangible assets

95,000

151,000

63,000

Write-downs, net of recoveries

47,000

6,806,000

11,770,000

29,568,000

Inventory charges

Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - product & equipment sales

276,000

250,000

500,000

Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - services

170,000

Inventory charges

$ 446,000

$ 250,000

$ 500,000

[1]

In 2019, the Company recorded a charge of $0.2 million (2018 — $0.8 million; 2017 — $1.2 million) reflecting property, plant and equipment that were no longer in use. In 2019, the Company recorded a charge of $2.2 million in cost of sales applicable to Rentals upon the upgrade of xenon-based digital systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements to laser-based digital systems. In 2018, the Company also recorded a charge of $0.6 million in cost of sales applicable to Rentals, and $0.4 million in revenue applicable to Rentals upon the upgrade of xenon-based digital systems under operating lease arrangements to laser-based digital systems under sales or sales-type lease arrangements. No such charge was recorded in the year ended December 31, 2017.

Financial Instruments - Financing Receivables Continues to Accrue Finance Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	$ 10,245	$ 9,072
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	118,863	119,354
Related Allowances	(1,070)	(994)
Financing Receivables Accrued and Current [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,708	1,494
Financing Receivables 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	2,840	2,084
Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	5,697	5,494
Net Investment in Leases [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	349	323
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	15,412	9,274
Related Allowances	(155)	(155)	$ (155)
Net Investment in Leases [Member] \| Financing Receivables Accrued and Current [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	30	52
Net Investment in Leases [Member] \| Financing Receivables 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	68	18
Net Investment in Leases [Member] \| Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	251	253
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	9,896	8,749
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	103,451	110,080
Related Allowances	(915)	(839)	$ (922)
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables Accrued and Current [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,678	1,442
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	2,772	2,066
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	5,446	5,241
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	8,238	8,173
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	29,751	33,030
Related Allowances	0	0
Recorded Investment Net of Allowances	37,989	41,203
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] \| Financing Receivables Accrued and Current [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,155	586
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] \| Financing Receivables 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,309	1,481
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] \| Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	5,774	6,106
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] \| Net Investment in Leases [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	279	283
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	578	1,523
Related Allowances	0	0
Recorded Investment Net of Allowances	857	1,806
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] \| Net Investment in Leases [Member] \| Financing Receivables Accrued and Current [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	9	28
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] \| Net Investment in Leases [Member] \| Financing Receivables 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	19	9
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] \| Net Investment in Leases [Member] \| Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	251	246
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] \| Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	7,959	7,890
Related Unbilled Recorded Investment	29,173	31,507
Related Allowances	0	0
Recorded Investment Net of Allowances	37,132	39,397
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] \| Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables Accrued and Current [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,146	558
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] \| Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables 30 to 89 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	1,290	1,472
Financing Receivables Continue To Accrue Finance Income [Member] \| Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member] \| Financing Receivables Equal To Greater Than 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Billed Financing Receivables	$ 5,523	$ 5,860

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes By Tax Jurisdiction

(a)

Income (loss) before income taxes by tax jurisdiction are comprised of the following:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Canada	$	884		$	(14,749	)	$	(17,261	)
United States		(234	)		(6,079	)		(11,895	)
China		51,809			50,446			50,410
Ireland		17,630			8,071			3,632
Other		5,247			5,916			5,125
	$	75,336		$	43,605		$	30,011

Schedule of Components of (Provision) Recovery for Income Taxes Related to Income from Continuing Operations

(b)

The (provision) recovery of income taxes is comprised of the following:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Current:
Canada	$	2,369		$	(4,893	)	$	(6,898	)
United States		595			1,300			267
China		(11,789	)		(11,259	)		(12,724	)
Ireland		(762	)		(1,095	)		(735	)
Other		(419	)		(494	)		(717	)
		(10,006	)		(16,441	)		(20,807	)
Deferred:⁽¹⁾
Canada		(3,913	)		5,993			8,748
United States		(949	)		2,386			(7,109	)
China		(18	)		(6	)		1,405
Ireland		(1,923	)		(1,423	)		1,085
Other		41			(27	)		(112	)
		(6,762	)		6,923			4,017
Provision for income taxes	$	(16,768	)	$	(9,518	)	$	(16,790	)

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Income tax provision at combined statutory rates	$	(19,964	)	$	(11,555	)	$	(7,954	)
Adjustments resulting from:
Non-deductible stock based compensation		(276	)		(363	)		(295	)
Other non-deductible/non-includable items		93			202			(717	)
Changes to tax reserves		1,418			(204	)		(1,435	)
U.S. federal and state taxes		(300	)		30			(373	)
Withholding taxes		(1,071	)		(1,418	)		(1,217	)
Income tax at different rates in foreign and other provincial jurisdictions		5,019			3,477			4,147
Investment and other tax credits (non-refundable)		701			783			1,570
Changes to deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from audit and other tax return adjustments		(1,998	)		768			(532	)
(Reduction of) excess tax benefit from realized stock-based compensation awards		(374	)		(1,232	)		(591	)
Impact of changes due to U.S. Tax Act		—			—			(9,323	)
Other		(16	)		(6	)		(70	)
Provision for income taxes	$	(16,768	)	$	(9,518	)	$	(16,790	)

Schedule of Components of Net Deferred Income Tax Assets

(d)

The net deferred income tax asset is comprised of the following:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	888		$	3,389
Investment tax credit and other tax credit carryforwards		3,650			4,829
Write-downs of other assets		1,220			1,218
Excess of tax accounting basis in property, plant and equipment, inventories and other assets		6,257			8,243
Accrued pension liability		6,393			6,125
Accrued stock-based compensation		5,360			2,054
Other accrued reserves		4,617			11,423
Total deferred income tax assets		28,385			37,281
Income recognition on net investment in leases		(4,283	)		(5,820	)
		24,102			31,461
Valuation allowance		(197	)		(197	)
Net deferred income tax asset	$	23,905		$	31,264

Schedule of Income Tax Contingencies

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of tax reserves (excluding interest and penalties) for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Balance at beginning of the year	$	16,136		$	15,927		$	12,593
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		812			4,329			3,639
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(2,230	)		(170	)		(195	)
Reductions resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations and administrative practices		—			(3,950	)		(110	)
Balance at the end of the year	$	14,718		$	16,136		$	15,927

Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Included in the Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The income tax benefit (expense) related to the following items included in other comprehensive income (loss) are:

	Years Ended December, 31
	2019			2018			2017
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit plan	$	(42	)	$	(379	)	$	(262	)
Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on postretirement benefit plans		—			(23	)		(32	)
Prior service cost arising during the period		145			—			—
Amortization of prior service cost included in net income		(26	)		—			—
Unrealized change in cash flow hedging instruments		(145	)		581			(667	)
Realized change in cash flow hedging instruments upon settlement		(310	)		107			215
	$	(378	)	$	286		$	(746	)

Income Taxes - Schedule of (Provision) Recovery of Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Current income tax (provision) recovery [Abstract]

Deferred income tax (provision) recovery [Abstract]

$ (10,006)

$ (16,441)

$ (20,807)

Provision for income taxes

^[1]

(6,762)

6,923

4,017

(16,768)

(9,518)

(16,790)

Canada [Member]

Current income tax (provision) recovery [Abstract]

Deferred income tax (provision) recovery [Abstract]

2,369

(4,893)

(6,898)

Current income tax (provision) recovery [Abstract]

(3,913)

5,993

8,748

United States [Member]

Deferred income tax (provision) recovery [Abstract]

595

1,300

267

Current income tax (provision) recovery [Abstract]

(949)

2,386

(7,109)

China [Member]

Deferred income tax (provision) recovery [Abstract]

(11,789)

(11,259)

(12,724)

Current income tax (provision) recovery [Abstract]

(18)

(6)

1,405

Ireland [Member]

Deferred income tax (provision) recovery [Abstract]

(762)

(1,095)

(735)

Current income tax (provision) recovery [Abstract]

(1,923)

(1,423)

1,085

Other [Member]

Deferred income tax (provision) recovery [Abstract]

(419)

(494)

(717)

$ 41

$ (27)

$ (112)

[1]

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company has not adjusted the valuation allowance from the prior year (2018 — $nil) relating to the future utilization of deductible temporary differences, tax credits, and certain net operating loss carryforwards. Included in the provision for income taxes is the deferred tax related to amounts recorded in and reclassified from other comprehensive income in the year of $0.4 million (2018 — $0.3 million).

Segmented Information - Inter-Segment Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Sep. 30, 2019

Jun. 30, 2019

Mar. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Sep. 30, 2018

Jun. 30, 2018

Mar. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Revenues

$ 124,279

$ 86,390

$ 104,797

$ 80,198

$ 108,964

$ 82,108

$ 98,345

$ 84,984

$ 395,664

^[1]

$ 374,401

^[1]

$ 380,767

^[1]

62,359

$ 47,120

$ 59,553

$ 45,140

54,642

$ 42,191

$ 60,404

$ 50,692

214,172

207,929

185,246

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

63,487

57,437

66,807

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

6,806

11,770

29,568

47,910

48,178

66,777

Assets

889,069

873,600

889,069

873,600

IMAX DMR [Member]

Revenues

^[1]

120,765

110,793

108,853

^[2]

78,592

72,773

71,789

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

16,117

13,602

15,779

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

518

Assets

Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements – Contingent Rent [Member]

46,417

38,117

46,417

38,117

Revenues

^[1]

75,932

73,371

70,444

^[2]

47,935

48,856

47,337

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

25,036

21,970

19,092

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

2,207

1,193

944

40,489

34,810

42,634

Assets

IMAX systems – Contingent Rent [Member]

231,626

223,799

231,626

223,799

Revenues

^[1]

139

3,890

Network Business Total [Member]

139

3,890

Revenues

^[1]

196,836

184,164

183,187

126,666

121,629

123,016

IMAX Systems [Member]

Revenues

^[1]

107,923

100,656

90,347

^[2],[3]

58,540

60,019

57,734

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

3,878

3,615

3,551

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

276

250

2,930

452

2,813

4,537

Assets

Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements – Fixed Fees [Member]

277,720

266,290

277,720

266,290

Revenues

^[1]

11,014

9,706

10,118

^[2]

2,613

1,982

2,349

Assets

Theater System Maintenance [Member]

27,189

18,044

27,189

18,044

Revenues

^[1]

53,151

49,684

45,383

^[3]

23,010

21,991

18,275

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

299

164

173

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

170

311

527

206

Assets

22,869

26,225

22,869

26,225

Other Theater [Member]

Revenues

^[1]

8,390

8,358

9,145

2,624

1,806

1,965

Assets

Theater Network Total [Member]

2,042

2,197

2,042

2,197

Revenues

^[1]

180,478

168,404

154,993

86,787

85,798

80,323

New Business [Member]

Revenues

^[1]

2,754

5,769

24,522

2,106

(350)

(16,176)

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

2,519

15,365

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

7,399

16,400

342

4,487

Assets

Film Post-production [Member]

1,677

Revenues

^[1]

7,392

9,516

10,382

1,680

3,107

4,791

1,301

1,500

1,845

1,210

1,067

810

Assets

Film Distribution [Member]

36,562

36,998

36,562

36,998

Revenues

^[1]

4,818

3,446

2,790

^[2]

(2,942)

(1,344)

(5,797)

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

3,894

2,225

2,128

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

1,379

5,865

Assets

14,831

15,601

14,831

15,601

Other [Member]

Revenues

^[1]

3,386

3,102

4,893

(125)

(911)

747

790

911

504

193

367

Assets

23,809

26,519

23,809

26,519

Others Total [Member]

Revenues

^[1]

15,596

16,064

18,065

Corporate and other non-segment specific assets [Member]

(1,387)

852

(1,917)

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

12,157

11,052

7,963

Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries

2,678

2,913

3,429

4,845

8,371

$ 13,218

Assets

Change In Contract With Customer Asset [Abstract]

$ 206,004

$ 218,133

$ 206,004

$ 218,133

[1]	The Company’s largest customer represents 16.5% of total revenues as at December 31, 2019, (2018 —17.1%; 2017 —16.4%).
[2]	IMAX DMR segment margins include marketing costs of $22.5 million, $16.5 million and $15.4 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Joint revenue sharing arrangements segment margins include advertising, marketing, and commission costs of $4.5 million, $3.6 million and $4.5 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. IMAX systems segment margins include marketing and commission costs of $2.0 million, $2.4 million and $2.9 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Film distribution segment margins includes marketing expense of $0.4 million, expense of $2.2 million and recovery of $0.7 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
[3]	In 2019, the Company recorded a charge of $0.4 million (2018 — $0.3 million; 2017 — $0.5 million, respectively) in costs and expenses applicable to revenues, primarily for its film-based projector inventories. Specifically, IMAX systems include an inventory charge of $0.3 million (2018 — $0.3 million; 2017 — $0.5 million). Theater system maintenance includes inventory write-downs of $0.2 million (2018 — $nil; 2017 — $nil).

Employee's Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Benefit Payment are Expected in Next Five Year (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
SERP Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2020	$ 0
2021	0
2022	0
2023	20,298
2024	0
Thereafter	0
Total expected future benefit payment	20,298
Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2020	8
2021	9
2022	9
2023	19
2024	20
Thereafter	600
Total expected future benefit payment	665
Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2020	100
2021	105
2022	104
2023	104
2024	103
Thereafter	1,065
Total expected future benefit payment	$ 1,581

Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Intangible Assets
Other Intangible Assets, Cost	$ 63,314	$ 60,510
Other Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	32,967	26,415
Other Intangible Assets, Net Book Value	30,347	34,095
Patents and Trademarks [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Other Intangible Assets, Cost	12,779	12,266
Other Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	8,587	7,871
Other Intangible Assets, Net Book Value	4,192	4,395
Licenses and Intellectual Property [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Other Intangible Assets, Cost	26,168	26,168
Other Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	10,747	8,972
Other Intangible Assets, Net Book Value	15,421	17,196
Internal Use Software [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Other Intangible Assets, Cost	23,791	21,528
Other Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	13,239	9,264
Other Intangible Assets, Net Book Value	10,552	12,264
Other [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Other Intangible Assets, Cost	576	548
Other Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	394	308
Other Intangible Assets, Net Book Value	$ 182	$ 240

Variable Consideration Receivable from Contracts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Variable Consideration Receivable from Contracts

6. Variable Consideration Receivable from Contracts

ASC Topic 606 requires the Company to estimate the transaction price, including an estimate of future variable consideration, received in exchange for the goods delivered or service rendered. The arrangements for the sale of projection systems include indexed minimum payment increases over the term of the arrangement, as well as provision for additional payments in excess of the minimum agreed payments in situations where the theater exceeds certain box office thresholds. Both of these contract provisions constitute variable consideration under the new standard that, subject to constraints to ensure reversal of revenues do not occur, require estimation and recognition upon transfer of control of the System Obligation to the customer, which is at the earlier of client acceptance of the installation of the system, including projectionist training, and the theater’s opening to the public. As this variable consideration extends through the entire term of the arrangement, which typically last 10 years, the Company applies constraints to its estimates and recognizes the variable consideration on a discounted present value basis at recognition.

In certain joint revenue sharing arrangements, specifically the Company’s hybrid sales arrangements, the Company’s arrangements call for sufficient upfront revenues to cover the cost of the arrangement, with monthly payments calculated based on the theater’s net box office earned. Title and control of the projection system transfer to the customer at the earlier of client acceptance of the theater installation, including projectionist training, and theater opening to the public. Under ASC Topic 606, the percentage payment is considered variable consideration that must be estimated and recognized at the time of initial revenue recognition. Using box office projections and the Company’s history with theater and box office experience in different territories, the Company estimates the amount of percentage payment earned over the life of the arrangement, subject to sufficient constraint such that there is not a risk of significant revenue reversal.

The recognition of variable consideration involves a significant amount of judgment. ASC Topic 606 requires variable consideration to be recognized subject to appropriate constraints to avoid a significant reversal of revenue in future periods. The Company will review the variable consideration receivable on an ongoing basis. The standard identifies several examples of situations where constraining variable consideration would be appropriate:

•

The amount of consideration is highly susceptible to factors outside the entity’s influence

•

The uncertainty about the amount of consideration is not expected to be resolved for a long period of time

•

The Company’s experience (or other evidence) with similar types of contracts is limited, or that experience has limited predictive value

•

The Company has a practice of either offering a broad range of price concessions or changing the payment terms and conditions of similar contracts in similar circumstances

The following table sets forth a summary of activities in variable consideration receivable from contracts for the year ended December 31:

	Variable Consideration Receivable from Contracts

Balance as at December 31, 2018	$	35,985
Recognition of variable consideration		9,948
Accretion to finance income		1,936
True-up of variable consideration receivable		979
Payments received		(8,808	)
Balance as at December 31, 2019	$	40,040

Income Taxes - Schedule of (Provision) Recovery of Income Taxes (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Expense Benefit Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Change in valuation allowance relating to the future utilization of deductible temporary differences, tax credits, and certain net operating loss carryforwards	$ 0	$ 0
Other comprehensive income (loss), deferred income tax reclassified	$ 378,000	$ (286,000)	$ 746,000

Film Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Film Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated amortization, completed and released films		$ 11,400,000
Film costs expected to be amortized within three years from balance sheet date			$ 11,400,000
Film costs, amortized in next operating cycle			6,800,000
Amount of participation payments expected to be made to third parties in the next operating cycle		1,600,000	1,900,000
Documentary film asset impairments		$ 1,400,000	$ 0
Forecast [Member]
Film Assets [Line Items]
Film costs, amortized in next operating cycle	$ 7,300,000

Commitments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments

14. Commitments

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 following table presents a summary of the Company’s contractual obligations and commitments as at December 31, 2019:

	Payments Due by Fiscal Year
	Total
	Obligations		2020		2021		2022		2023		2024		Thereafter
Purchase obligations	$	41,779	$	41,440	$	339	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Pension obligations		20,298		—		—		—		20,298		—		—
Operating lease obligations		22,170		4,215		3,260		2,318		2,203		2,158		8,016
Credit Facility		20,000		—		—		—		20,000		—		—
Postretirement benefits obligations		2,246		108		114		113		123		123		1,665
	$	106,493	$	45,763	$	3,713	$	2,431	$	42,624	$	2,281	$	9,681

Operating Lease Obligations

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. The following table summarizes information about the Company’s total rental expenses under operating leases:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Total rent expense	$	3,753	$	4,303	$	5,685

Recorded in the accrued liabilities balance as at December 31, 2019 is $0.3 million (December 31, 2018—$3.0 million) related to accrued rent and lease inducements being recognized as an offset to rent expense over the term of the respective leases.

Purchase Obligations

Purchase obligations primarily consist of the Company’s commitments made under long-term supplier contracts.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits Obligations

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. See note 23 for further information.

Credit Facility

The Company is not required to make any minimum payments on its Credit Facility. See note 13 for further information.

Letters of Credit and Advance Payment Guarantees

As at December 31, 2019 the Company did not have any letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding (December 31, 2018 — $nil), under the Credit Facility, the Bank of Montreal Facility or the NBC Facility. See note 13 for further information.

Commissions

The Company compensates its sales force with both fixed and variable compensation. Commissions on the sale or lease of the Company’s theater systems are payable in graduated amounts from the time of collection of the customer’s first payment to the Company up to the collection of the customer’s last initial payment. At December 31, 2019, $0.6 million (December 31, 2018 — $1.8 million ) of commissions have been accrued and will be payable in future periods.

Employee's Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Assumptions to Determine the Obligation and Cost of SERP at the Plan Measurement Dates (Details) - SERP Benefits [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assumptions used to determine obligation and cost status
Discount rate	2.00%	3.14%	2.22%
First 25 years	2.12%
First 20 years		3.09%	2.39%
Lump sum interest rate - thereafter	2.26%	2.84%	2.60%
Cost of living adjustment on benefits	1.20%	1.20%	1.20%

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, Other	$ 400,000	$ 100,000
Provision for income taxes	$ 16,768,000	$ 9,518,000	$ 16,790,000
Statutory effective rate	0.223	0.218	0.559
Combined federal and provincial rate	26.22%
Tax reform changes	The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2018 was significantly lower than the effective tax rate for December 31, 2017 of 55.9% due to the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), which was enacted on December 22, 2017 by the U.S. government. The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code including, but not limited to reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, imposing other limitations and changes that limit or eliminate various deductions, including interest expense, performance-based compensation for certain executives, and other deductions and required the re-measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities. U.S. GAAP requires that the impact of changes to tax legislation be recognized in the period in which the law was enacted. As a result, the Company recorded a discrete tax provision charge of $9.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 increasing the effective tax rate for 2017 by 31.1%. The Tax Act also includes a number of other changes including: (a) the imposition of a one-time deemed repatriation tax on accumulated foreign earnings (the “Transition Tax”), (b) a 100% dividends received deduction on dividends from foreign affiliates, (c) a current inclusion in U.S. federal taxable income of earnings of foreign affiliates that are determined to be global intangible low taxed income or “GILTI”, (d) creation of the base erosion anti-abuse tax, or “BEAT”, (e) provision for an effective tax rate of 13.125% for certain income derived from outside of the U.S. (referred to as foreign derived intangible income or “FDII”) and (f) 100% expensing of qualifying fixed assets acquired after September 27, 2017. Given that the Company is a Canadian based multinational with subsidiary operations in the US and other foreign jurisdictions a number of these changes did not impact the Company. The Company is not expecting to be subject to the BEAT, Transition Tax or GILTI given its current legal and tax structures. The Company is eligible to expense qualifying fixed assets acquired after September 27, 2017, and was subject to the additional limitations imposed on the deductibility of executive compensation. The Company is not adversely impacted by the limitations placed on the deductibility of interest expense.
Income taxes provided for undistributed foreign earnings			$ 0
Original tax rate			35.00%
Revised tax rate			21.00%
Impact of changes due to U.S. tax Act			$ 9,300,000
Increase in effective tax rate due to new reform			31.10%
Dividends received deduction			100.00%
Effective tax rate for FDII			13.125%
Qualifying fixed asset deductible portion			100.00%
Investment tax credits and other tax credit carryforward, expiration period	2039
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards, Limitations on Use	Estimated U.S. and Canadian net operating loss carryforwards of $13.7 million can be carried forward to reduce taxable income through to 2037 and the remaining $2.9 million can be carried forward indefinitely. Investment tax credits and other tax credits can be carried forward to reduce income taxes payable through to 2039.
Change in valuation allowance relating to the future utilization of deductible temporary differences, tax credits, and certain net operating loss carryforwards	$ 0	$ 0
Change in valuation allowance recorded to deferred income tax expense		0
Valuation allowance	197,000	197,000
Provision for uncertain tax positions recorded to income tax provision	1,400,000
Provision for uncertain tax positions recorded to shareholders' equity	0
Total tax reserves (including interest and penalties)	14,700,000	16,100,000
Interest and penalty associated with tax reserves	200,000
Cash held outside of North America	89,900,000	121,900,000
Withholding tax estimate on repatriation of funds	21,900,000
Republic of China [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Cash held/undistributed earnings intended to be permanently reinvested	$ 67,600,000	54,700,000
Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Interest and penalty associated with tax reserves		$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Maximum [Member] \| Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open Tax Years by Major Tax Jurisdiction	2019
Maximum [Member] \| Canada Revenue Agency [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open Tax Years by Major Tax Jurisdiction	2019
Minimum [Member] \| Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open Tax Years by Major Tax Jurisdiction	2015
Minimum [Member] \| Canada Revenue Agency [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open Tax Years by Major Tax Jurisdiction	2015
U.S. and Canada [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration period	2037
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 13,700,000
Remaining net operating loss carryforwards	$ 2,900,000

Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

7. Inventories

	As at December 31,
	2019		2018
Raw materials	$	26,538	$	29,705
Work-in-process		4,608		4,733
Finished goods		11,843		10,122
	$	42,989	$	44,560

At December 31, 2019, finished goods inventory for which title had passed to the customer, however control has not yet been transferred, and revenue was deferred amounted to $0.7 million (December 31, 2018 — $1.9 million).

Inventories at December 31, 2019 include impairments and write-downs for excess and obsolete inventory based upon current estimates of net realizable value considering future events and conditions of $0.4 million (December 31, 2018 — $0.3 million).

Variable Consideration Receivable from Contracts - Summary of Variable Consideration Receivable from Contracts (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Change In Contract With Customer Asset [Abstract]
Balance as at December 31, 2018	$ 35,985
Recognition of variable consideration	9,948
Accretion to finance income	1,936
True-up of variable consideration receivable	979
Payments received	(8,808)
Balance as at December 31, 2019	$ 40,040

Capital Stock - Weighted Average Fair Value of all Stock Options Granted to Employees and Directors and Assumptions used to Estimate Average Fair Value of Stock Option (Details) - Employee Stock Option [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock options valuation assumptions
Weighted average fair value per share	$ 6.65	$ 6.74	$ 8.31
Average risk-free interest rate	2.64%	2.67%	2.34%
Expected volatility	31.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Minimum [Member]
Stock options valuation assumptions
Expected option life (in years)	6 years 8 months 23 days	5 years 21 days	4 years 8 months 15 days
Maximum [Member]
Stock options valuation assumptions
Expected option life (in years)	10 years	7 years	5 years 9 months 29 days

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Changes in Other Non-cash Operating Assets and Liabilities

	Years Ended December 31,
		2019				2018				2017
Decrease (increase) in:
Accounts receivable	$		(8,621	)	$		33,942		$		(37,807	)
Financing receivables			(320	)			1,325				(7,253	)
Inventories			1,942				(14,022	)			10,832
Prepaid expenses			(290	)			(3,703	)			(924	)
Variable consideration receivable			(4,056	)			—				—
Other assets			(2,063	)			(3,084	)			(457	)
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable			(11,774	)			7,749				4,204
Accrued and other liabilities ⁽¹⁾			(8,505	)			(3,266	)			(642	)
Deferred revenue			(12,242	)			(6,494	)			22,906
	$		(45,929	)	$		12,447		$		(9,141	)

(1)	Excluded the $17.4 million non-cash impact of adopting ASC Topic 842 in 2019

Cash Payments

	Years Ended December 31,
		2019			2018			2017
Income taxes	$		17,298	$		12,684	$		22,829
Interest	$		1,231	$		502	$		826

Summary of Depreciation and Amortization

	Years Ended December 31,
		2019			2018			2017
Film assets⁽¹⁾	$		19,176	$		15,679	$		31,031
Property, plant and equipment
Joint revenue sharing arrangements			23,153			20,739			18,112
Other property, plant and equipment			12,477			13,164			11,803
Other intangible assets			6,290			5,507			4,319
Other assets			1,882			1,242			980
Deferred financing costs			509			1,106			562
	$		63,487	$		57,437	$		66,807

(1)	Included in film asset amortization is a charge of $nil (2018 — $nil; 2017 — $1.5 million) relating to changes in estimates based on the ultimate recoverability of future films.

Write Downs, Net of Recoveries


	Years Ended December 31,
		2019			2018			2017
Asset impairments
Property, plant and equipment	$		96			3,725	$		3,966
Other assets			—			2,565			2,533
Prepaid expenses			—			121			—
Other intangible assets			—			66			—
Impairment of investments			—			—			1,225
Film assets			1,379			—			17,363
Other charges
Accounts receivable (net of recoveries)			2,354			3,030			1,967
Financing receivables			76			100			680
Inventories			446			250			500
Property, plant and equipment ⁽¹⁾			2,360			1,762			1,224
Other intangible assets			95			151			63
Other assets			—			—			47
	$		6,806	$		11,770	$		29,568

Inventory charges
Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - product & equipment sales	$		276	$		250	$		500
Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - services			170			—			—
	$		446	$		250	$		500

(1)

Significant Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities

	Years Ended December 31,
		2019				2018
Net accruals related to:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	$		496		$		227
Investment in joint revenue sharing arrangements			(2,013	)			(61	)
Acquisition of other intangible assets			(51	)			89
	$		(1,568	)	$		255

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

VIEs Total Assets and Liabilities

Total assets and liabilities of the Company's consolidated VIEs are as follows:

	December 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
Total assets	$	9,677	$	12,203
Total liabilities	$	15,528	$	11,573

Total assets and liabilities of the VIE entities which the Company does not consolidate are as follows:

	December 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
Total assets	$	448	$	447
Total liabilities	$	372	$	362

Summary of Estimated Useful Lives

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.

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Tabular disclosure of the significant judgments and assumptions made in determining whether a variable interest (as defined) held by the entity requires the variable interest entity (VIE) (as defined) to be consolidated and (or) disclose information about its involvement with the VIE, individually or in aggregate (as applicable); the nature of restrictions, if any, on the consolidated VIE's assets and on the settlement of its liabilities reported by an entity in its statement of financial position, including the carrying amounts of such assets and liabilities; the nature of, and changes in, the risks associated with involvement in the VIE; how involvement with the VIE affects the entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; the lack of recourse if creditors (or beneficial interest holders) of the consolidated VIE have no recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary (if applicable); the terms of arrangements, giving consideration to both explicit arrangements and implicit variable interests, if any, that could require the entity to provide financial support to the VIE, including events or circumstances that could expose the entity to a loss; the methodology used by the entity for determining whether or not it is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity; the significant factors considered and judgments made in determining that the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance are shared (as defined); the carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of the VIE included in the statement of financial position; the entity's maximum exposure to loss, if any, as a result of its involvement with the VIE, including how the maximum exposure is determined and significant sources of the entity's exposure to the VIE; a comparison of the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities and the entity's maximum exposure to loss; information about any liquidity arrangements, guarantees, and (or) other commitments by third parties that may affect the fair value or risk of the entity's variable interest in the VIE; whether or not the entity has provided financial support or other support (explicitly or implicitly) to the VIE that it was not previously contractually required to provide or whether the entity intends to provide that support, including the type and amount of the support and the primary reasons for providing the support; and supplemental information the entity determines necessary to provide.

+ References + Details

Employee's Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Disclosure of Pension Benefit Obligation (Details) - SERP Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheet
Accrued benefits cost	$ (18,840)	$ (17,977)	$ (19,003)
Accumulated other comprehensive gain	(988)	(1,287)
Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets	$ (19,828)	$ (19,264)

Contingencies and Guarantees - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended	25 Months Ended	51 Months Ended	95 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 14, 2015	Mar. 27, 2008	Dec. 02, 2011	Dec. 31, 2018
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Final Award in favor of company			amount of $11.3 million, consisting of past and future rents owed to the Company, plus interest and costs, as well as an additional $2,512 each day in interest from October 1, 2007 until the date the award is paid	$30,000 to cover the costs of the application
Final Award amount issued			$ 11,300,000
Final Award additional interest			$ 2,512
Final Award settlement cost				$ 30,000
Damages sought		$ 10,400,000
Financial Guarantees	$ 0
Product Warranty Accrual	200,000				$ 200,000
Indemnification of its directors/officers	0				$ 0
Other Indemnification	$ 0
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Counterclaim sought		$ 24,000,000.0

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

27. Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)		2019
	Q1			Q2		Q3		Q4
Revenues		$	80,198	$	104,797	$	86,390	$	124,279
Costs and expenses applicable to revenues			35,058		45,244		39,270		61,920
Gross margin		$	45,140	$	59,553	$	47,120	$	62,359
Net income		$	12,487	$	13,836	$	10,896	$	21,352
Net income attributable to common shareholders		$	8,265	$	11,397	$	9,033	$	18,171

Net income per share attributable to common shareholders:
Net income per share - basic & diluted		$	0.13	$	0.19	$	0.15	$	0.29

		2018
	Q1			Q2		Q3		Q4
Revenues		$	84,984	$	98,345	$	82,108	$	108,964
Costs and expenses applicable to revenues			34,292		37,941		39,917		54,322
Gross margin		$	50,692	$	60,404	$	42,191	$	54,642
Net income		$	12,067	$	10,255	$	7,502	$	3,771
Net income attributable to common shareholders		$	8,505	$	7,625	$	5,020	$	1,694

Net income per share attributable to common shareholders:
Net income per share - basic & diluted		$	0.13	$	0.12	$	0.08	$	0.03

Capital Stock - Additional Information (Details)		12 Months Ended				31 Months Ended
Capital Stock - Additional Information (Details)	May 03, 2018 shares	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) $ / shares $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jun. 06, 2019 shares	Dec. 31, 2016 shares	Jun. 06, 2016 shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation costs recorded for the period \| $		$ 22,800,000		$ 22,600,000	$ 23,000,000.0
Stock-based compensation expense \| $		$ 22,830,000		$ 22,585,000	$ 23,010,000
Common shares purchased in open market by trustee in connection with RSUs		615,000		300,000
Weighted average price of common shares purchased in open market by trustee in connection with RSUs \| $ / shares		$ 22.49		$ 20.55
Number of treasury shares held in trust for future settlement of share based awards		187,020		44,579
Value of treasury shares held in trust for future settlement of share based awards \| $		$ 4,038,000	$ 4,038,000	$ 916,000		$ 4,038,000
Antidilutive shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and restricted share units		5,809,468		5,666,976	4,993,014
Parent [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Details of the share repurchase program		In 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $200.0 million share repurchase program for shares of the Company’s common stock. The share purchase program expires on June 30, 2020. The repurchases may be made either in the open market or through private transactions, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other relevant factors. The Company has no obligation to repurchase shares and the share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued by the Company at any time.
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount \| $		$ 200,000,000.0	$ 200,000,000.0			$ 200,000,000.0
Stock Repurchase Program Expiration Date		Jun. 30, 2020
Repurchase of common shares		134,384		3,436,783
Stock Acquired, Average Cost per Share \| $ / shares		$ 19.76		$ 20.78
Non-controlling Interests [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Details of the share repurchase program		In 2018, IMAX China announced that its shareholders granted its Board of Directors a general mandate authorizing the Board, subject to applicable laws, to buy back shares of IMAX China in an amount not to exceed 10% of the total number of issued shares of IMAX China as at May 3, 2018 (35,818,112 shares). The share repurchase program expired on June 6, 2019. In 2019, IMAX China announced that its shareholders granted its Board of Directors a general mandate authorizing the Board, subject to applicable laws, to repurchase shares of IMAX China in an amount not to exceed 10% of the total number of issued shares of IMAX China as at June 6, 2019 (35,605,560 shares). The share purchase program expires on the date of the 2020 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. 06, 2019
Repurchase of common shares		8,051,500
Stock Acquired, Average Cost per Share \| (per share)			$ 18.63	$ 2.38
Stock Repurchase Program, maximum percentage of shares to be repurchased	10.00%						10.00%
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized number of shares	35,818,112						35,605,560
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation costs recorded for the period \| $		$ 8,329,000		$ 5,950,000	$ 4,462,000
Reserved common shares for future issuance		8,944,999	8,944,999	9,767,307		8,944,999
Options outstanding		5,732,209	5,732,209	5,465,046	5,082,100	5,732,209		5,190,542
Options common shares were vested and exercisable		4,801,272	4,801,272	3,990,970		4,801,272
Income tax benefit from stock based compensation \| $		$ 1,900,000		$ 1,200,000	$ 1,000,000.0
Options fully vested and unvested, weighted average exercise price \| $ / shares		$ 26.82	$ 26.82			$ 26.82
Aggregate intrinsic value of vested stock options \| $		$ 900,000	$ 900,000			$ 900,000
Options fully vested and unvested, weighted average remaining contractual life		4 years 6 months
Options exercisable intrinsic value \| $		$ 900,000	$ 900,000			$ 900,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life of exercisable option		4 years 3 months 18 days
Intrinsic value of options exercised \| $		$ 200,000		$ 100,000	$ 6,800,000
Antidilutive shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and restricted share units		5,732,209		5,389,433	4,413,206
Employee Stock Option [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based awards vesting period		4 years
Stock based awards expiration period or remaining contractual life		10 years
Restricted Share Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation costs recorded for the period \| $		$ 12,394,000		$ 15,189,000	$ 16,033,000
Number RSUs outstanding		1,065,347	1,065,347	1,033,871	995,329	1,065,347		1,124,180
Accrued liabilities \| $		$ 400,000	$ 400,000			$ 400,000
Restricted Stock Unit Contingent Right		1
Restricted Stock Unit Economic Equivalent		1
Tax benefits realized \| $		$ 1,600,000		$ 1,400,000	$ 3,600,000
RSU that may vest on a shorter period		83,770	83,770	147,823	213,661	83,770			300,000
RSU awards, Granted		687,475		659,282	463,010
RSU awards, Vested and settled		434,296		534,193	456,779
Common shares purchased in open market by trustee in connection with RSUs		404,719		462,137	422,022
Antidilutive shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and restricted share units		77,259		277,543	579,808
Restricted Share Units [Member] \| Certain Advisor [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSU awards, Granted		12,580		0	0
RSU awards, Vested and settled		12,580		0	0
Stock-based compensation expense \| $		$ 100,000		$ 0	$ 0
Restricted Share Units [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based awards vesting period		4 years
Restricted Share Units [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based awards vesting period						1 year
Options Non Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation costs charged for the period \| $		$ 0			100,000
Accrued liabilities \| $		$ 0	$ 0			$ 0
CSSBPs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation costs recorded for the period \| $					353,000
Cash paid in settlement \| $					$ 600,000

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment write downs no longer in use	$ 200,000	$ 800,000	$ 1,200,000
Impairment charges against property, plant and equipment	96,000	3,725,000	3,966,000
Restructuring Charges [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment associated impairment charges relating to restructuring activities	0	3,680,000	3,696,000
Other property, plant and equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment write downs no longer in use	200,000	800,000	1,200,000
Impairment charges against property, plant and equipment	$ 100,000		$ 300,000
Other property, plant and equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment charges against property, plant and equipment		$ 100,000

Employee's Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine the Benefit Obligation (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]
Assumptions used to determine obligation and cost status
Discount rate	3.13%	4.15%	3.55%
Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]
Assumptions used to determine obligation and cost status
Discount rate	3.05%	3.35%	3.35%

Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Foreign Exchange Contracts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivatives	$ 602	$ 649
Foreign exchange contracts - designated forwards	530	(1,202)
Other Assets [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivatives	602	649
Accrued and other liabilities [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	$ (72)	$ (1,851)

Employee's Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost in Future Periods (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
SERP Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods
Unrealized actuarial (gain) loss	$ (1,444)	$ (1,287)	$ 161
Unamortized prior service cost	456
Net periodic benefit costs to be recognized in future periods	(988)	(1,287)	161
Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods
Unrealized actuarial (gain) loss	(50)	(50)	9
Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods
Unrealized actuarial (gain) loss	$ 309	$ 156	$ 182

Commitments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Accrued rent and lease inducements recognized as an offset to rent expense included in accrued liabilities	$ 300,000	$ 3,000,000.0
Accrued commission on sale or lease of the theater systems payable in future periods	600,000	1,800,000
Credit Facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit and advance payment guarantees	0	$ 0
Bank of Montreal Facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit and advance payment guarantees	0
NBC Facility [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit and advance payment guarantees	$ 0

Commitments - Summary of Company's Contractual Obligations and Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Purchase obligations
Purchase obligations, Total	$ 41,779
2020, Purchase obligations	41,440
2021, Purchase obligations	339
2022, Purchase obligations	0
2023, Purchase obligations	0
2024, Purchase obligations	0
Thereafter, Purchase obligations	0
Operating lease obligations
Total lease payments	22,170	$ 22,387
2020, Operating Leases	4,215	3,847
2021, Operating Leases	3,260	2,790
2022, Operating Leases	2,318	2,491
2023, Operating Leases	2,203	1,843
2024, Operating Leases	2,158	1,759
Thereafter, Operating Leases	8,016	9,657
Credit Facility
Credit Facility, Total	20,000	$ 40,000
2020, Credit Facility	0
2021, Credit Facility	0
2022, Credit Facility	0
2023, Credit Facility	20,000
2024, Credit Facility	0
Thereafter, Credit Facility	0
Total contractual obligations and commitments
Total contractual obligations and commitments, Total	106,493
2020, Total contractual obligations and commitments	45,763
2021, Total contractual obligations and commitments	3,713
2022, Total contractual obligations and commitments	2,431
2023, Total contractual obligations and commitments	42,624
2024, Total contractual obligations and commitments	2,281
Thereafter, Total contractual obligations and commitments	9,681
Pension Obligations [Member]
Pension and Postretirement benefits obligations
Total expected future benefit payment	20,298
2020	0
2021	0
2022	0
2023	20,298
2024	0
Thereafter	0
Postretirement Benefits Obligations [Member]
Pension and Postretirement benefits obligations
Total expected future benefit payment	2,246
2020	108
2021	114
2022	113
2023	123
2024	123
Thereafter	$ 1,665

Lease Arrangements And Financing Receivables (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Financing Receivables Consisting Of Net Investment In Sales Type Leases And Receivables From Financed Sales

Financing receivables, consisting of net investment in sales-type leases and receivables from financed sales of theater systems are as follows:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018
Gross minimum lease payments receivable	$	16,766		$	10,499
Unearned finance income		(1,005	)		(902	)
Minimum lease payments receivable		15,761			9,597
Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts		(155	)		(155	)
Net investment in leases		15,606			9,442
Gross financed sales receivables		146,660			155,044
Unearned finance income		(33,313	)		(36,215	)
Financed sales receivables		113,347			118,829
Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts		(915	)		(839	)
Net financed sales receivables		112,432			117,990
Total financing receivables	$	128,038		$	127,432

Net financed sales receivables due within one year	$	27,595		$	26,911
Net financed sales receivables due after one year	$	84,837		$	91,079

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018

Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
Sales-type lease arrangements		8.1			7.3

Weighted-average interest rate
Sales-type lease arrangements		6.68	%		8.00	%
Financed sales receivables		9.00	%		9.10	%

Components of Lease Expense

The components of lease expense are as follows:

		Years Ended December 31,
		2019		2018		2017
Operating lease cost ⁽¹⁾	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	850	$	4,863	$	6,059
Amortization of lease assets	Selling, general and administrative expenses		2,370		—		—
Interest on lease liabilities	Selling, general and administrative expenses		1,102		—		—
Total lease cost		$	4,322	$	4,863	$	6,059

(1) Includes short-term leases and variable lease costs, which are not significant for the December 31, 2019

Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$	3,607
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$	17,147

Lessee Operating Lease Balance Sheet Amounts and Lines

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases are as follows:

		As at December 31,		January 1,
		2019		2019
Assets
Operating Leases	Property, plant and equipment	$	16,262	$	17,462

Liabilities
Operating Leases⁽¹⁾	Accrued and other liabilities	$	18,677	$	19,960

(1)

Lessee Operating Lease Weighted Averages Table

	As at December 31,			January 1,
	2019			2019
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
Operating Leases		8.1			8.3

Weighted-average discount rate
Operating Leases		5.90	%		5.80	%

Lessee Operating Lease, Maturity

Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:

	Operating Leases
2020	$	3,732
2021		3,308
2022		2,387
2023		2,268
2024		2,220
Thereafter		10,060
Total lease payments	$	23,975
Less: interest expense		(5,298	)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	18,677

Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments under Non-cancelable Operating Leases

As of December 31, 2018, under ASC Topic 840, minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases by period were expected to be as follows:

	Operating Leases
2019	$	3,847
2020		2,790
2021		2,491
2022		1,843
2023		1,759
Thereafter		9,657
Total lease payments	$	22,387

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	IMAX Corporation
Entity Central Index Key	0000921582
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 1,045.9
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		61,362,872
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Shares, no par value
Trading Symbol	IMAX
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity File Number	001-35066
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	Z4
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
Document Annual Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of the close of IMAX Corporation’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A involving the election of directors and the annual meeting of the stockholders of the registrant (the “Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K to the extent described therein
Other Address [Member]
Document 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

Non-Controlling Interests

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract]

Non-Controlling Interests

24. Non-Controlling Interests

(a)

IMAX China Non-Controlling Interest

The Company indirectly owns approximately 69.74% of IMAX China, whose shares trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. IMAX China remains a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. The balance of non-controlling interest in IMAX China as at December 31, 2019 is $89.5 million. The net income attributable to non-controlling interest in IMAX China for the year ended December 31, 2019 is $13.3 million.

(b)

Other Non-Controlling Interests

The Company’s Original Film Fund was established in 2014 to co-finance a portfolio of 10 original large-format films. The initial investment in the Original Film Fund was committed to by a third party in the amount of $25.0 million, with the possibility of contributing additional funds. The Company has contributed $9.0 million to the Original Film Fund since 2014, and has reached its maximum contribution. The Company sees the Original Film Fund as a vehicle designed to generate a continuous, steady flow of high-quality documentary content. As at December 31, 2019, the Original Film Fund invested $22.3 million toward the development of original films. The related production, financing and distribution agreement includes put and call rights relating to change of control of the rights, title and interest in the co-financed pictures.

The Company also established its VR Fund among the Company, its subsidiary IMAX China and other strategic investors to help finance the creation of interactive VR content experiences for use across all VR platforms, including in the pilot IMAX VR Centers. The VR Fund helped finance the production of one interactive VR experience, which debuted exclusively in the pilot IMAX VR Centers in November 2017 before being made available to other VR platforms. As at December 31, 2018, the Company invested $4.0 million toward the development of VR content. In December 2018, the Company announced, in connection with its strategic review of its VR pilot initiative, that it had decided to close its remaining VR locations and write-off certain VR content investments. Subsequent to year end, the Company has also decided dissolve the VR Fund and not actively pursue any additional VR opportunities at this time. For additional details see note 26.

The following summarizes the movement of the non-controlling interest in temporary equity, in the Company’s subsidiary for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Balance as at January 1, 2017	$	4,980
Net loss		(3,627	)
Balance as at December 31, 2017	$	1,353
Issuance of subsidiary shares to non-controlling interests		7,796
Net loss		(2,710	)
Balance as at December 31, 2018	$	6,439
Return of capital to non-controlling interests		(243	)
Share issuance costs from the issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest		1,350
Net loss		(1,638	)
Balance as at December 31, 2019	$	5,908

Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements

13. Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements

Credit Facility

On June 28, 2018, the Company entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as agent, and a syndicate of lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement expands the Company’s revolving borrowing capacity from $200.0 million to $300.0 million, and also contains an uncommitted accordion feature allowing the Company to further expand its borrowing capacity to $440.0 million or greater, depending on the mix of revolving and term loans comprising the incremental facility. The facility (the “Credit Facility”) matures on June 28, 2023.

Loans under the Credit Facility will bear interest, at the Company’s option, at (i) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.75% per annum; or (ii) the U.S. base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.00% per annum, in each case depending on the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement).

The Credit Agreement provides that the Company is required to maintain a Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) as of the last day of any fiscal quarter (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of no greater than 3.25:1.00. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for a transaction of this type, including covenants that limit indebtedness, liens, capital expenditures, asset sales, investments and restricted payments, in each case subject to negotiated exceptions and baskets. The Credit Agreement also contains representations, warranties and event of default provisions customary for a transaction of this type.

The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”), and are secured by first-priority security interests in substantially all the assets of the Company and the Guarantors.

The Company was in compliance with all of its requirements at December 31, 2019.

Total amounts drawn and available under the Credit Facility at December 31, 2019 were $20.0 million and $280.0 million, respectively (December 31, 2018 — $40.0 million and $260.0 million, respectively). The effective interest rate for the year ended December 31, 2019 was 3.43% (2018 — 3.41%).

As at December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company did not have any letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding under the Credit Facility.

Working Capital Loan

On July 5, 2018, IMAX (Shanghai) Multimedia Technology Co., Ltd. (“IMAX Shanghai”), one of the Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries in China, entered into an unsecured revolving facility for up to 200.0 million Renminbi (approximately $30.0 million U.S. Dollars) to fund ongoing working capital requirements. On July 24, 2019, this facility was renewed. The total amounts drawn and available under the working capital loan at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were nil and 200.0 million Renminbi, respectively ($nil and approximately $30.0 million U.S. Dollars, respectively).

Bank indebtedness includes the following:

	December 31,			December 31,
	2019			2018
Credit Facility	$	20,000		$	40,000
Deferred charges on debt financing		(1,771	)		(2,247	)
	$	18,229		$	37,753

Wells Fargo Foreign Exchange Facility

Within the Credit Facility, the Company is able to purchase foreign currency forward contracts and/or other swap arrangements. The net settlement gain on its foreign currency forward contracts was $0.5 million at December 31, 2019, as the fair value of the forward contracts exceeded the notional value (December 31, 2018 — $1.2 million net settlement risk). As at December 31, 2019, the Company has $36.1 million in notional value of such arrangements outstanding (December 31, 2018 — $50.8 million).

Bank of Montreal Facility

Prior to September 30, 2019, the Company had available a $10.0 million facility (December 31, 2018 — $10.0 million) with the Bank of Montreal for use solely in conjunction with the issuance of performance guarantees and letters of credit fully insured by Export Development Canada (the “Bank of Montreal Facility”). The Bank of Montreal Facility expired as of September 30, 2019 and was not renewed.

NBC Facility

On October 28, 2019, the Company entered into a $5.0 million facility with the National Bank of Canada for use solely in conjunction with the issuance of performance guarantees and letters of credit fully insured by Export Development Canada (the “NBC Facility”) to replace the Bank of Montreal Facility. The Company did not have any letters of credit and advance payment guarantees outstanding as at December 31, 2019 under the NBC Facility.

Financial Instruments - Investment In Financing Receivables On Nonaccrual Status (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investment In Financing Receivables On Nonaccrual Status
Net investment in leases recorded investment	$ 0	$ 0
Net financed sales receivables recorded investment	788	967
Total recorded investment	788	967
Net investment in leases related allowance	0	0
Net financed sales receivables related allowance	(732)	(739)
Total related allowance	$ (732)	$ (739)

Segmented Information - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) Segment	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Segment Reporting (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of Primary Groups \| Segment	4
Description of products and services from which each reportable segment derives its revenues	The Company’s reportable segments are organized under four primary groups identified by nature of product sold or service provided: (1) Network Business, representing variable revenue generated by box office results and which includes the reportable segment of IMAX DMR and contingent rent from the joint revenue sharing arrangements and IMAX systems segments (hybrid joint revenue sharing arrangements, which take the form of a sale are reflected under the IMAX systems segment of Theater Business); (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 also includes hybrid (fixed and contingent) revenues and upfront installation costs from sales arrangements previously reported in the joint revenue sharing arrangements segment and after-market sales of projection system parts and 3D glasses from the other segment; (3) New Business, which includes which includes home entertainment, and other new business initiatives that are in the development, start-up and/or wind-up phases, and (4) Other; which includes the film post-production and distribution segments, certain IMAX theaters that the Company owns and operates, camera rentals and other miscellaneous items.
Description of the basis of accounting for transactions between reportable segments	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in note 2.
Number of Reportable Segments \| Segment	8
Percentage of total revenues represented by largest customer	16.50%	17.10%	16.40%
Marketing and commission costs	$ 2,000,000.0	$ 2,400,000	$ 2,900,000
Inventories	446,000	250,000	500,000
Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - product & equipment sales	276,000	250,000	500,000
Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - services	$ 170,000	0	0
Goodwill allocation method	There has been no change in the allocation of goodwill from the prior year.
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Description of Revenue from External Customers	No single country in the Rest of the World, Western Europe, Latin America and Asia (excluding Greater China) classifications comprise more than 10% of total revenue.
IMAX DMR [Member]
Segment Reporting (Textual) [Abstract]
Marketing costs (recovery)	$ 22,500,000	16,500,000	15,400,000
Joint revenue sharing arrangements [Member]
Segment Reporting (Textual) [Abstract]
Advertising, marketing and commission costs (recovery)	4,500,000	3,600,000	4,500,000
IMAX systems [Member]
Segment Reporting (Textual) [Abstract]
Advertising, marketing and commission costs (recovery)	2,000,000.0	2,400,000	2,900,000
Film Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting (Textual) [Abstract]
Marketing costs (recovery)	$ 400,000	$ 2,200,000	$ 700,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information - Summary of Changes in Other Non-cash Operating Assets and Liabilities (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Line Items]
Accrued and other liabilities	$ 112,779		$ 97,724
ASC Topic 842 Leases [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Line Items]
Accrued and other liabilities	$ 17,400	$ 115,150

Inventories - Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventories
Raw materials	$ 26,538	$ 29,705
Work-in-process	4,608	4,733
Finished goods	11,843	10,122
Total	$ 42,989	$ 44,560

Commitments - Summary of Information About Total Rental Expenses Under Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Total rent expense	$ 3,753	$ 4,303	$ 5,685

Financial Instruments - Impaired Financing Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net Investment in Leases [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 0	$ 0
Unpaid Principal	0	0
Related Allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	0
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	708	869
Unpaid Principal	80	98
Related Allowance	(732)	(739)
Average Recorded Investment	818	930
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
With an allowance recorded [Member] \| Net Investment in Leases [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	0
Unpaid Principal	0	0
Related Allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	0
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
With an allowance recorded [Member] \| Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	708	869
Unpaid Principal	80	98
Related Allowance	(732)	(739)
Average Recorded Investment	818	930
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
With no related allowance recorded [Member] \| Net Investment in Leases [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	0
Unpaid Principal	0	0
Related Allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	0
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
With no related allowance recorded [Member] \| Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	0	0
Unpaid Principal	0	0
Related Allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	0
Interest Income Recognized	$ 0	$ 0

Capital Stock - Basic and Diluted Per-share Computations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 46,866	$ 22,844	$ 2,344
Weighted average number of common shares (000's):
Issued and outstanding, beginning of period	61,175,852	61,433,589	64,696,000	66,160,000
Weighted average number of shares repurchased during the period, net	(124,000)	(1,621,000)	(780,000)
Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic earnings per share	61,310,000	63,075,000	65,380,000
Assumed exercise of stock options and RSUs, net of shares assumed repurchased	179,000	132,000	160,000
Weighted average number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per share	61,489,000	63,207,000	65,540,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 5,138	$ 3,174
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, par value
Common stock, shares issued	61,362,872	61,478,168
Common stock, shares outstanding	61,175,852	61,433,589
Number of treasury shares held in trust for future settlement of share based awards	187,020	44,579

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information - Summary of Changes in Other Non-cash Operating Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Decrease (increase) in:

Accounts receivable

$ (8,621)

$ 33,942

$ (37,807)

Financing receivables

(320)

1,325

(7,253)

Variable consideration receivable

1,942

(14,022)

10,832

Prepaid expenses

(290)

(3,703)

(924)

(4,056)

Accrued and other liabilities

(2,063)

(3,084)

(457)

Increase (decrease) in:

Accounts payable

(11,774)

7,749

4,204

^[1]

(8,505)

(3,266)

(642)

Deferred revenue

(12,242)

(6,494)

22,906

Changes in other non-cash operating assets and liabilities

(45,929)

12,447

(9,141)

Cash payments made on account of:

Income taxes

17,298

12,684

22,829

Interest

$ 1,231

$ 502

$ 826

[1]	Excluded the $17.4 million non-cash impact of adopting ASC Topic 842 in 2019

Executive Transition Costs - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]
Executive transition costs	$ 0	$ 2,994,000
Accelerated post retirement plan costs		1,900,000
Additional compensation expense executives		$ 1,100,000

Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Capital Stock [Member]	Other Equity [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Non-controlling Interests [Member]	Common Shares Issued and Outstanding [Member]
Balance, beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2016		$ 437,274	$ 177,304	$ (47,366)	$ (5,200)
Movement of Shareholders' Equity
Change in shares held in treasury		(3,194)
Employee stock options exercised		14,652
Paid-in-capital for employee stock options granted			5,496
Paid-in-capital for restricted share units granted			17,157
Paid-in-capital for restricted share units vested			(14,756)
Cash received from the issuance of common shares in excess of par value			2,017
Fair value of stock options exercised at the grant date		3,542	(3,542)
Common shares repurchased and retired		(11,884)		(34,256)
Issuance of common shares for vested restricted share units		274
Paid-in-capital for non-employee stock options granted and vested			17
Stock options exercised from treasury shares			(8,393)
Retrospective adjustment for adoption of new accounting pronouncements \| Retrospective adoption of ASC Topic 740, Intra-entity transfers [Member]				(8,314)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 2,344			2,344
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	5,722				4,574	$ 1,148
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2017		440,664	175,300	(87,592)	(626)
Balance, beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2016						59,562
Movement of Shareholders' Equity
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	$ 10,174					13,801
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2017						74,511
Common shares issued and outstanding, Balance, beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2016	66,160,000						66,159,902
Movement of Shareholders' Equity
Employee stock options exercised							405,229
Restricted share units vested (net of shares withheld for tax)							7,127
Restricted share units and stock option exercises settled from treasury shares purchased on open market							66,093
Repurchase of common shares							(1,736,150)
Number of treasury shares held in trust for future settlement of share based awards							(206,651)
Common shares issued and outstanding, Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2017	64,696,000						64,695,550
Movement of Shareholders' Equity
Total shareholders' equity	$ 602,257
Change in shares held in treasury		4,216
Employee stock options exercised		218
Paid-in-capital for employee stock options granted			5,907
Paid-in-capital for restricted share units granted			16,325
Paid-in-capital for restricted share units vested			(12,582)
Cash received from the issuance of common shares in excess of par value			799
Fair value of stock options exercised at the grant date		70	(70)
Common shares repurchased and retired		(23,629)		(47,850)
Common shares repurchased, IMAX China			(6,084)
Retrospective adjustment for adoption of new accounting pronouncements \| Retrospective adoption of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers [Member]				27,213
Retrospective adjustment for adoption of new accounting pronouncements						735
Net income attributable to common shareholders	22,844			22,844
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(3,978)				(2,962)	(1,016)
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2018	512,161	421,539	179,595	(85,385)	(3,588)
Movement of Shareholders' Equity
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	10,751					13,461
Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders						(6,934)
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 80,757					80,757
Movement of Shareholders' Equity
Employee stock options exercised							12,750
Restricted share units and stock option exercises settled from treasury shares purchased on open market							206,651
Repurchase of common shares							(3,436,783)
Number of treasury shares held in trust for future settlement of share based awards	44,579						(44,579)
Common shares issued and outstanding, Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2018	61,433,589						61,433,589
Movement of Shareholders' Equity
Total shareholders' equity	$ 592,918
Change in shares held in treasury		(3,122)
Employee stock options exercised		1,752
Paid-in-capital for employee stock options granted			8,910
Paid-in-capital for restricted share units granted			13,985
Paid-in-capital for restricted share units vested			(10,525)
Cash received from the issuance of common shares in excess of par value			651
Fair value of stock options exercised at the grant date		104	(104)
Common shares repurchased and retired		(925)		(1,734)
Common shares repurchased, IMAX China			(19,162)
Stock options exercised from treasury shares			(1,561)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	46,866			46,866
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	176				398	(223)
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2019	547,694	$ 419,348	$ 171,789	$ (40,253)	$ (3,190)
Movement of Shareholders' Equity
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	11,705					13,343
Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders						(4,384)
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 89,493					$ 89,493
Movement of Shareholders' Equity
Employee stock options exercised							19,088
Restricted share units and stock option exercises settled from treasury shares purchased on open market							44,579
Repurchase of common shares						8,051,500	(134,384)
Number of treasury shares held in trust for future settlement of share based awards	187,020						(187,020)
Common shares issued and outstanding, Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2019	61,175,852						61,175,852
Movement of Shareholders' Equity
Total shareholders' equity	$ 637,187

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Variable interest entities

(a)

Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company together with its consolidated subsidiaries, except for subsidiaries which the Company has identified as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where the Company is not 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 ten film and content related 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. The majority of these consolidated assets are held by the IMAX Original Film Fund (the “Original Film Fund”) as described in note 24(b). For the other five 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. A loss in value of an investment other than a temporary decline is recognized as a charge to the consolidated statements of operations.

Total assets and liabilities of the Company's consolidated VIEs are as follows:

	December 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
Total assets	$	9,677	$	12,203
Total liabilities	$	15,528	$	11,573

Total assets and liabilities of the VIE entities which the Company does not consolidate are as follows:

	December 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
Total assets	$	448	$	447
Total liabilities	$	372	$	362

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.

All intercompany accounts and transactions, including all unrealized intercompany profits on transactions with equity-accounted investees, have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

(b)

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could be materially different from these estimates. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to: estimated transaction price related to distinct performance obligations; economic lives of joint revenue sharing equipment; allowances for potential uncollectability 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 and right-of-use assets; discount rates of lease liabilities; useful lives of intangible assets; pension plan assumptions; accruals for contingencies including uncertain tax positions; valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets; and, estimates of the fair value of stock-based payment awards.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

(c)

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

(d)

Accounts Receivable and Financing Receivables

Allowances for doubtful accounts receivable are based on the Company’s assessment of the collectability 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 finance income until the collectability issues are resolved. When finance income is not recognized, any payments received are applied against outstanding gross minimum lease amounts receivable or gross receivables from financed sales. Once the collectability issues are resolved, the Company will once again commence the recognition of interest income.

Property, Plant and Equipment

(e)

Inventories

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost, determined on an average cost basis, and net realizable value except for raw materials, which are carried at the lower of cost and replacement cost. Finished goods and work-in-process include the cost of raw materials, direct labor, theater design costs, and an applicable share of manufacturing overhead costs.

The costs related to theater systems under sales and sales-type lease arrangements are relieved from inventory to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales when revenue recognition criteria are met. The costs related to theater systems under operating lease arrangements and joint revenue sharing arrangements are transferred from inventory to assets under construction in property, plant and equipment when allocated to a signed joint revenue sharing arrangement or when the arrangement is first classified as an operating lease.

The Company records provisions for excess and obsolete inventory based upon current estimates of future events and conditions, including the anticipated installation dates for the current backlog of theater system contracts, technological developments, signings in negotiation, growth prospects within the customers’ ultimate marketplace and anticipated market acceptance of the Company’s current and pending theater systems.

Finished goods inventories can contain theater systems for which title has passed to the Company’s customer (as the theater system has been delivered to the customer) but the revenue recognition criteria as discussed in note 2(n) have not been met.

Film Assets

(f)

Film Assets

Costs of producing films, including labor, allocated overhead, capitalized interest, and costs of acquiring film rights are recorded as film assets and accounted for in accordance with Entertainment-Films Topic of the FASB ASC. Production financing provided by third parties that acquire substantive rights in the film is recorded as a reduction of the cost of the production. Film assets are amortized and participation costs are accrued using the individual-film-forecast method in the same ratio that current gross revenues bear to current and anticipated future ultimate revenues. Estimates of ultimate revenues are prepared on a title-by-title basis and reviewed regularly by management and revised where necessary to reflect the most current information. Ultimate revenues for films include estimates of revenue over a period not to exceed ten years following the date of initial release.

Film exploitation costs, including advertising costs, are expensed as incurred.

Costs, including labor and allocated overhead, of digitally re-mastering films where the copyright is owned by a third party and the Company shares in the revenue of the third party are included in film assets. These costs are amortized using the individual-film-forecast method in the same ratio that current gross revenues bear to current and anticipated future ultimate revenues from the re-mastered film.

The recoverability of film assets is dependent upon commercial acceptance of the films. If events or circumstances indicate that the recoverable amount of a film asset is less than the unamortized film costs, the film asset is written down to its fair value. The Company determines the fair value of its film assets using a discounted cash flow model.

(g)

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:


Theater system components⁽¹⁾	—	over the equipment’s anticipated useful life (7 to 20 years)
Camera equipment	—	5 to 10 years
Buildings	—	20 to 25 years
Office and 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 estimated useful life is periodically reviewed for the equipment and components used in joint revenue sharing arrangements to determine if any adjustments need to be made to the current amortization.

The Company reviews the carrying values of its property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group might not be recoverable. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent when testing for, and measuring for, impairment. In performing its review of recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset or asset group over the fair value calculated using discounted expected future cash flows.

A liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs are recognized in the period in which the liability and costs are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made using a discounted cash flow model. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and subsequently amortized over the asset’s useful life. The liability is accreted over the period to expected cash outflows.

Investment in Equity Securities

(h)

Investment in Equity Securities

Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recorded within the change in fair value of equity securities in the consolidated statements of operations.

Other Assets

(i)

Other Assets

Other assets include lease incentives, deferred selling costs that are direct and incremental to the acquisition of sales contracts, various investments, insurance recoverable and foreign currency derivatives.

When no amounts have been drawn down on the related debt instrument, the costs of debt financing are deferred and amortized over the term of the debt using the effective interest rate method. When amounts are drawn on the debt instrument, the deferred financing fees are reclassified to net against the outstanding debt amount and amortized over the life of the debt instrument and recognized in interest expense.

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

(j)

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired in a purchase business combination. Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually (on September 30^th) or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that 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. 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. Any impairment loss is expensed in the consolidated statement of operations and is not reversed if the fair value subsequently increases.

Other Intangible Assets

(k)

Other Intangible Assets

Patents, trademarks and other intangibles are recorded at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 4 to 10 years except for intangible assets that have an identifiable pattern of consumption of the economic benefit of the asset, which are amortized over the consumption pattern.

The Company reviews the carrying values of its other intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group might not be recoverable. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent when testing for, and measuring for, impairment. In performing its review for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset or asset group over the fair value calculated using discounted expected future cash flows.

Deferred Revenue

(l)

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue represents cash received prior to revenue recognition criteria being met for theater system sales or leases, film contracts, maintenance and extended warranty services, film related services and film distribution.

Income Taxes

(m)

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method whereby deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the accounting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates or laws is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the period in which the change is enacted. Investment tax credits are recognized as a reduction of income tax expense.

The Company assesses realization of deferred income tax assets and, based on all available evidence, concludes whether it is more likely than not that the net deferred income tax assets will be realized. A valuation allowance is provided for the amount of deferred income tax assets not considered to be realizable.

The Company is subject to ongoing tax exposures, examinations and assessments in various jurisdictions. The Company follows the provisions of ASC 740-10-25 that provide a recognition threshold and measurement criteria for the financial statement recognition of a tax benefit taken in a tax return. Tax benefits are recognized only when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the benefits will be sustained on examination. Tax benefits that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured using a probability weighting of the largest amount of tax benefit that has greater than 50% likelihood of being realised upon settlement. Whether the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met for a particular tax benefit is a matter of judgment based on the individual facts and circumstances evaluated in light of all available evidence as of the balance sheet date. Although we believe we have adequately accounted for our uncertain tax positions, tax audits can result in subsequent assessments where the ultimate resolution may result in us owing additional taxes above what was provided for.

Tax reserves for uncertain tax positions are adjusted by the Company to reflect its best estimate of the outcome of examinations and assessments and in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the completion of a tax audit, expiration of a statute of limitations, the refinement of an estimate, and interest accruals associated with the uncertain tax positions until they are resolved. Some of these adjustments require significant judgment in estimating the timing and amount of the additional tax expense.

Revenue Recognition

(n)

Revenue Recognition

Contracts with Multiple Performance Obligations

The Company’s revenue arrangements with certain customers may involve performance obligations consisting of the delivery 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 the IMAX brand; 3D glasses; maintenance and extended warranty services; and licensing of films. The Company evaluates all of the performance obligations in an arrangement to determine which are considered distinct, either individually or in a group, for accounting purposes and which of the deliverables represent separate units of accounting based on the applicable accounting guidance in ASC Topic 842 “Leases”; ASC Topic 460 “Guarantees”; and ASC Topic 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. 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 transaction price 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, as a group, a distinct performance obligation, and a single unit of accounting (the “System Obligation”). When an arrangement does not include all the performance obligations of a System Obligation, the performance obligations of the System Obligation included in the arrangement are considered by the Company to be a grouped distinct performance obligation 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 Obligation arrangements involve either a lease or a sale of the theater system. The transaction price for the System Obligation, 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.

Transaction price is allocated to each separate performance obligation for each good or service based on estimated standalone selling prices. The Company uses observable prices when the Company sells the deliverable separately and is the price actually charged by the Company for that deliverable. Standalone prices are established for the Company’s System Obligation, maintenance and extended warranty services and film license arrangements. The Company uses an adjusted market assessment approach for separate performance obligations that do not have standalone selling prices or third-party evidence of estimated standalone selling price. The Company considers 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 Obligation is recognized in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC, when all of the following conditions signifying transfer of control 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.

The initial revenue recognized consists of the initial payments received and the present value of any future initial payments, fixed minimum ongoing payments and an estimate of future variable consideration (future CPI and additional payments in excess of the minimums in the case of full sale arrangements or a percentage of ongoing box office in the case of hybrid sales arrangements) that have been attributed to this performance obligation.

The Company has also agreed, on occasion, to sell equipment under lease or at the end of a lease term. Transaction price agreed to for these lease buyouts is included in revenues from equipment and product sales.

Taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are both imposed on and concurrent with the specific revenue-producing transactions and collected by the Company have been excluded from the measurement of the transaction prices discussed above.

Revenue Recognition Leases

Lease Arrangements

As a lessor, for lease arrangements, the Company determines the classification of the lease in accordance with ASC Topic 842. The Company adopted ASC Topic 842 as of January 1, 2019, which with respect to lessor arrangements is consistent with ASC 840, which was applied in prior periods. 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 Obligation 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 collectability 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 collectability 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 collectability is reasonably assured.

Revenues from joint revenue sharing arrangements with upfront payments that qualify for classification as 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 collectability is reasonably assured.

Revenue Recognition Finance Income

Finance Income

Finance income, which includes the accretion of variable consideration under ASC Topic 606, is recognized over the term of the sales-type lease or financed sales receivable, provided collectability is reasonably assured. Finance income recognition ceases when the Company determines that the associated receivable is not collectible.

Finance income is suspended when the Company identifies a theater that is delinquent, non-responsive or not negotiating in good faith with the Company. Once the collectability issues are resolved the Company will resume recognition of finance income.

Improvements and Modifications

Improvements and modifications to the theater system after installation are treated as separate performance obligations, if and when the Company is requested to perform these services. Revenue is recognized for these services once they have been provided.

Cost of Equipment and Product Sales

Theater systems and other equipment subject to sales-type leases and sales arrangements includes the cost of the equipment and costs related to project management, design, delivery and installation supervision services as applicable. The costs related to theater systems under sales and sales-type lease arrangements are relieved from inventory to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales when revenue recognition criteria are met. In addition, the Company defers direct selling costs such as sales commissions and other amounts related to these contracts until the related revenue is recognized. These costs included in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-equipment and product sales, totaled $2.0 million in 2019 (2018 — $2.0 million; 2017 — $2.7 million). The cost of equipment and product sales prior to direct selling costs was $63.6 million in 2019 (2018 — $52.9 million; 2017 — $45.5 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

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). After the adoption of ASC Topic 606, commissions continue to be deferred and 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 $0.4 million in 2019 (2018 — $0.9 million; 2017 — $1.6 million). Direct advertising and marketing costs for each theater are charged to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-rentals as incurred. These costs totaled $3.0 million in 2019 (2018 — $2.1 million; 2017 — $2.6 million).

Terminations, Consensual Buyouts and Concessions

The Company enters into theater system arrangements with customers that contain customer payment obligations prior to the scheduled installation of the theater system. During the period of time between signing and the installation of the theater system, which may extend several years, certain customers may be unable to, or may elect not to, proceed with the theater system installation for a number of reasons including business considerations, or the inability to obtain certain consents, approvals or financing. Once the determination is made that the customer will not proceed with installation, the arrangement may be terminated under the default provisions of the arrangement or by mutual agreement between the Company and the customer (a “consensual buyout”). Terminations by default are situations when a customer does not meet the payment obligations under an arrangement and the Company retains the amounts paid by the customer. Under a consensual buyout, the Company and the customer agree, in writing, to a settlement and to release each other of any further obligations under the arrangement or an arbitrated settlement is reached. Any initial payments retained or additional payments received by the Company are recognized as revenue when the settlement arrangements are executed and the cash is received, respectively.

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.

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 transaction 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 ASC Topic 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”.

Maintenance And Extended Warranty Services

Maintenance and Extended Warranty Services

Maintenance and extended warranty services may be provided under an arrangement with multiple performance obligations 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. As the maintenance services are a stand ready obligation with the cost of providing the service expected to increase throughout the term, revenue is recognized over the term of the arrangement such that increased amounts are recognized in later periods.

Films Revenue Recognition

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 $22.5 million in 2019 (2018 — $16.5 million; 2017 — $15.4 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 obligations associated with the contractual service are satisfied.

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 obligations of the related re-mastering service are satisfied. 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.

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 all performance obligations have been satisfied, which includes the completion and delivery of the film and the commencement of the license period. When license fees are based on a percentage of box-office receipts, revenue is recognized when box-office receipts are reported by exhibitors. Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing, totaled an expense of $0.4 million in 2019 (2018 — an expense of $2.2 million; 2017 — a recovery of $0.7 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 are satisfied.

Other Revenue

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.

Leases

(o)

Leases

The Company adopted ASC Topic 842 on January 1, 2019 (see note 4), utilizing the modified retrospective transition method, which allowed the Company to adopt the standard as of the date of initial application. Prior year comparative amounts are not required to be restated and are presented in accordance with ASC Topic 840, “Leases” or other applicable standards prior to January 1, 2019.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company uses ASC Topic 842 to evaluate whether an arrangement is a lease within the scope of the accounting standard. Transactions accounted for under ASC Topic 842 are not within the scope of ASC Topic 606. Arrangements not within the scope of the accounting standard are accounted for either as a sales or services arrangement, as applicable.

As a lessee, the Company mainly leases office and warehouse storage space which are classified as operating leases. The operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and liabilities are included in Property, Plant and Equipment and Accrued and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the leases do not provide an implicit rate, the incremental borrowing rate used in the calculation of the lease liability is based on the location of each leased property. None of the Company’s leases include options to purchase the leased property. The implicit rate is used when readily determinable. Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from one to 5 years or more. The Company determined that it was reasonably certain that the renewal options on its warehouse leases would be exercised based on previous history and knowledge, current understanding of future business needs and level of investment in leasehold improvements, among other considerations. The depreciable life of ROU assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. The Company rents or subleases certain office space to third parties, which have a remaining term of less than 12 months and are not expected to be renewed. When there are modifications to the lease agreements, the Company remeasures the lease liabilities to reflect changes to lease payments and recognizes the amount of remeasurement of the lease liability as an adjustment to the ROU assets. The Company reviews the carrying values of the ROU assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount might not be recoverable. Impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. Amortization of ROU assets and interest on lease liabilities are included in the selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.

IMAX Corporation as a Lessee:

The Company mainly leases office and warehouse storage space and office equipment is generally purchased outright. Leases with an initial term of less than 12 months are not recorded on the balance sheet; the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from one to 5 years or more. The Company determined that it was reasonably certain that the renewal options on its warehouse leases would be exercised based on previous history and knowledge, current understanding of future business needs and level of investment in leasehold improvements, among other considerations. The incremental borrowing rate used in the calculation of the lease liability is based on the location of each leased property. None of the Company’s leases include options to purchase the leased property. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. The Company rents or subleases certain office space to third parties, which have a remaining term of less than 12 months and are not expected to be renewed.

Research and Development Expense

(p)

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and primarily include projector and sound parts, labor, consulting fees, allocation of overheads and other related materials which pertain to the Company’s development of ongoing product and services. Research and development costs pertaining to fixed and intangible assets that have alternative future uses are capitalized and amortized under their related policies.

Foreign Currency Translations

(q)

Foreign Currency Translation

Monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s operations which are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. 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.

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 (loss) 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

(r)

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company’s stock-based compensation generally includes stock options, restricted share units (“RSUs”) and performance share units (“PSUs”). Stock-based compensation is recognized in accordance with the FASB ASC Topic 505, “Equity” and Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” The Company measures stock-based compensation cost based on the grant date fair value of the award, which is recognized as an expense in the consolidated statement of operations on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Stock-based compensation expense is not adjusted for estimated forfeitures, but is instead adjusted upon the actual forfeiture of the award.

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. 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

The Company utilizes a lattice-binomial option-pricing model (“Binomial Model”) to determine the fair value of stock option awards on the grant date. 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 award, 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. 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 16(c) for the assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock-based payment awards.

As the Company stratifies its employees into homogeneous groups in order to calculate the grant date fair value of options using the Binomial Model, ranges of assumptions used are presented for the expected life of the option. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise behavior within the valuation model; various groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are grouped together 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 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 award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service periods in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

The Company’s RSUs have been classified as equity in accordance with Topic 505.

Performance Share Units

The Company grants two types of PSU awards, one which vests based on a combination of employee service and the achievement of certain EBITDA-based targets and one which vests based on a combination of employee service and the achievement of certain stock-price targets. The fair value of the PSUs with EBITDA-based targets is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of the PSUs with stock-price targets is determined on the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation, which is a valuation model which takes into account the likelihood of achieving the stock-price targets embedded in the award (“Monte Carlo Model”). The compensation expense attributable to each type of PSU is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.

The fair value determined by the Monte Carlo 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 amount and timing of compensation expense recognized for PSUs with EBITDA-based targets is dependent upon management's quarterly assessment of the likelihood and timing of achieving these targets. If, as a result of management’s assessment, it is projected that a greater number of PSUs will vest than previously anticipated, a life-to-date adjustment to increase compensation expense is recorded in the period such determination is made. Conversely, if, as a result of management’s assessment, it is projected that a lower number of PSUs will vest than previously anticipated, a life-to-date adjustment to decrease compensation expense is recorded in the period such determination is made.

The Company’s PSUs have been classified as equity in accordance with Topic 505.

Awards to Non-Employees

Stock-based awards for services provided by non-employees within the scope of ASC Topic 718 are measured at grant date fair value of the equity instruments that the Company is obligated to issue when service has been rendered and any other conditions necessary to earn the right to benefit from the instruments have been satisfied. The grant date is the date which the Company and the non-employees reach a mutual understanding of the key terms and conditions of stock-based awards. When there are performance conditions related to the vesting of the stock-based awards, the Company assesses the probability of vesting at each reporting date and adjusts the compensation costs based on the probability assessment.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

(s)

Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefits

The Company has a defined benefit pension plan, the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”). As the Company’s SERP is unfunded, as at December 31, 2019, a liability is recognized for the 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, 2019 was 3.0 year.

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. Net benefit cost is split between operating income and non-operating income, where only the service cost is included in income from operations and the non-service components are included in Retirement benefits non-service expenses. 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

(t)

Guarantees

The ASC Topic 460 “Guarantees” 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 15(f).

New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted & Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Adoption of New Accounting Policies

The Company adopted several standards including the following on January 1, 2019.

In 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASC Topic 842”). The Company adopted 2016-02 and several associated ASUs on January 1, 2019. See note 4 for a further discussion of the Company’s adoption of ASC Topic 842.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”). The adoption of this standard was applied prospectively and did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” (“ASU 2017-12”). The adoption of this standard was applied prospectively and did not have an impact on the Company. See note 22(d) for additional disclosure regarding the Company’s hedging arrangements.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The adoption of this standard was applied prospectively and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”). The adoption of this standard was applied prospectively and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued FASB Accounting Standard Codification Updates Not Yet Adopted

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the accounting for income taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”). The purpose of ASU 2019-12 is to simplify the accounting for income taxes. For public business entities, the amendments in ASU 2019-12 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently assessing the impact of ASU 2019-12 on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-11, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses” (“ASU 2019-11”). The purpose of ASU 2019-11 is to clarify or address stakeholders’ specific issues about certain aspects of the amendments in ASU 2016-13. As the Company has not yet adopted ASU 2016-13, the effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in ASU 2019-11 related to amendments in 2016-13, have the same effective date and transition requirements as ASU 2016-13. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (see below). The Company is currently assessing the impact of the codification improvements on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)” (“ASU 2019-05”). The purpose of ASU 2019-05 is to provide the option to irrevocably elect the fair value option applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis for certain financial assets upon adoption of ASU 2016-13. Adoption of ASU 2019-05 coincides with the adoption of ASU 2016-13 and will therefore be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company’s Accounts receivable, Financing receivables, Variable consideration receivable from contracts and certain small loans receivable are within the scope of ASU 2019-05. The Company has concluded that historical data, adjusted for any current events and expected future economic factors, is the most appropriate modelling information to determine the Company’s expected credit losses. The Company is in the process of completing the necessary analysis for its adoption of ASU 2019-05 in the first quarter of 2020.

In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2019-04”). The purpose of ASU 2019-04 is to provide clarification and improve the guidance provided by ASU 2016-01, ASU 2016-13, and ASU 2017-12. Adoption of these amendments are required at the time of adopting ASU 2016-01, ASU 2016-13, and ASU 2017-12. As the Company has not yet adopted ASU 2016-13, the effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in ASU 2019-04 related to amendments in 2016-13, have the same effective date and transition requirements as ASU 2016-13. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (see below). The Company is currently assessing the impact of the codification improvements on its consolidated financial statements. The Company has previously adopted ASU 2016-01 and ASU 2017-12. As a result, the effective date for adoption of ASU 2019-04 as it pertains to ASU 2016-01 is the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2019 and ASU 2017-12 is the beginning of the first annual period beginning after the issuance date. The Company is currently assessing the potential impacts of the codification improvements in ASU 2019-04 relating to ASU 2016-01 and 2017-12 on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-02, “Entertainment—Films—Other Assets—Film Costs (Subtopic 926-20) and Entertainment—Broadcasters—Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Subtopic 920-350)” (“ASU 2019-02”). The purpose of ASU 2019-02 is to align the accounting for production costs of an episodic television series with the accounting for production costs of films by removing the content distinction for capitalization, as well as requiring an entity to reassess estimates of the use of a film in a film group. In addition, ASU 2019-02 will require an entity to test for impairment at a film group level if it is predominantly monetized with other films. Amendments in this update would be applied prospectively, and for public entities, the amendments in ASU 2019-02 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact of ASU 2019-02 on its consolidated financial statements.

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.

The Company considers the applicability and impact of all recently issued FASB accounting standard codification updates. Accounting standards updates that are not noted above were assessed and determined to be not applicable or not significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2019.

Lessor Leases

IMAX Corporation as a Lessor:

Several of the Company’s leases are classified as sales-type leases for transactions related to the lease of IMAX theater systems. Certain arrangements that are legal sales are also classified as sales-type leases as certain clauses within the arrangements limit transfer of title or provide the Company with conditional rights to the system. The customer’s rights under the Company’s lease arrangements are described in note 2(n) in the Company’s 2019 Form 10-K. The Company classifies its lease arrangements at inception of the arrangement and, if required, after a modification of the lease arrangement, to determine whether they are sales-type leases or operating leases. Under the Company’s lease arrangements, the customer has the ability and the right to operate the hardware components or direct others to operate them in a manner determined by the customer. The Company’s lease portfolio terms are typically non-cancellable for 10 to 20 years with renewal provisions from inception. Except for those sales arrangements that are classified as sales-type leases, the Company’s leases generally do not contain an automatic transfer of title at the end of the lease term. The Company’s lease arrangements do not contain a guarantee of residual value at the end of the lease term. The customer is required to pay for executory costs such as insurance and taxes and is required to pay the Company for maintenance and extended warranty generally after the first year of the lease until the end of the lease term. The customer is responsible for obtaining insurance coverage for the theater systems commencing on the date specified in the arrangement’s shipping terms and ending on the date the theater systems are delivered back to the Company.

The Company has assessed the nature of its joint revenue sharing arrangements and concluded that, based on the guidance in the Revenue Recognition Topic of the ASC, the arrangements contain a lease. Under joint revenue sharing arrangements, the customer has the ability and the right to operate the hardware components or direct others to operate them in a manner determined by the customer. The Company’s joint revenue sharing arrangements are typically non-cancellable for 10 years or longer with renewal provisions. Title to equipment under joint revenue sharing arrangements does not transfer to the customer. The Company’s joint revenue sharing arrangements do not contain a guarantee of residual value at the end of the term. The customer is required to pay for executory costs such as insurance and taxes and is required to pay the Company for maintenance and extended warranty throughout the term. The customer is responsible for obtaining insurance coverage for the theater systems commencing on the date specified in the arrangement’s shipping terms and ending on the date the theater systems are delivered back to the Company. The Company

monitors the performance of the theaters to which it has leased theater systems. When facts and circumstances indicate that there is a potential impairment in the net investment in lease, 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. 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. See additional details regarding the Company’s traditional and hybrid joint revenue sharing arrangements as described in note 2(n) in the Company’s 2019 Form 10-K.

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in lawsuits, claims, and proceedings, including those identified below, which arise in the ordinary course of business. In accordance with the Contingencies Topic of the FASB ASC, the Company will make a provision for a liability when it is both probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company believes it has adequate provisions for any such matters. The Company reviews these provisions in conjunction with any related provisions on assets related to the claims at least quarterly and adjusts these provisions to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other pertinent information related to the case. Should developments in any of these matters outlined below cause a change in the Company’s determination as to an unfavorable outcome and result in the need to recognize a material provision, or, should any of these matters result in a final adverse judgment or be settled for significant amounts, they could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, and financial position in the period or periods in which such a change in determination, settlement or judgment occurs.

The Company expenses legal costs relating to its lawsuits, claims and proceedings as incurred.

Segment Reporting

The Company’s reportable segments are organized under four primary groups identified by nature of product sold or service provided: (1) Network Business, representing variable revenue generated by box office results and which includes the reportable segment of IMAX DMR and contingent rent from the joint revenue sharing arrangements and IMAX systems segments (hybrid joint revenue sharing arrangements, which take the form of a sale are reflected under the IMAX systems segment of Theater Business); (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 also includes hybrid (fixed and contingent) revenues and upfront installation costs from sales arrangements previously reported in the joint revenue sharing arrangements segment and after-market sales of projection system parts and 3D glasses from the other segment; (3) New Business, which includes which includes home entertainment, and other new business initiatives that are in the development, start-up and/or wind-up phases, and (4) Other; which includes the film post-production and distribution segments, certain IMAX theaters that the Company owns and operates, camera rentals and other miscellaneous items. The Company is presenting information at a disaggregated level to provide more relevant information to readers, as permitted by the standard. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in note 2.

Costs Associated With Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings

Restructuring charges are comprised of employee severance costs including benefits and stock-based compensation, costs of consolidating facilities and contract termination costs. Restructuring charges are based upon plans that have been committed to by the Company but may be refined in subsequent periods. These charges are recognized pursuant to FASB ASC 420. A liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity is recognized and measured at its fair value in the consolidated statement of operations in the period in which the liability is incurred. When estimating the value of facility restructuring activities, assumptions are applied regarding estimated sub-lease payments to be received, which can differ from actual results.

Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Receivable Provisions Net Of Recoveries [Abstract]

Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries

18. Receivable Provisions, Net of Recoveries

The following table reflects the Company’s receivable provisions net of recoveries recorded in the consolidated statements of operations:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Accounts receivable provisions, net of recoveries	$	2,354	$	3,030	$	1,967
Financing receivable provisions, net of recoveries		76		100		680
Receivable provisions, net of recoveries	$	2,430	$	3,130	$	2,647

Exit Costs, Restructuring Charges and Associated Impairments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]

Exit Costs, Restructuring Charges and Associated Impairments

26. Exit Costs, Restructuring Charges and Associated Impairments

The Company recognized the following charges in its consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31:

	2019		2018		2017
Restructuring charges	$	628	$	2,405	$	9,895
Asset impairments		—		6,432		5,553
Costs to exit lease and restore facilities		222		619		726
Other		—		86		—
	$	850	$	9,542	$	16,174

(a)

Costs to exit an operating lease

In December 2018, the Company announced that it would be closing all remaining VR locations. As the premises lease was non-cancellable until the end of the term and pursuant to FASB ASC 420 “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations”, the Company recognized a new business segment expense of $0.2 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

In September 2017, the Company relocated its New York office employees and operations as the existing leased space was not suitable to accommodate all current business needs. As the premises lease is non-cancellable to the end of the term, the Company entered into a sublease arrangement to reduce the expected losses over the remaining term of the lease. Pursuant to FASB ASC 420 “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations”, the Company recognized a corporate segment expense of $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.

(b)

Restructuring charges

In December 2018, the Company performed a strategic review of its virtual reality pilot initiative and has decided to close its remaining VR locations. In addition, as part of the Company’s ongoing efforts to decrease costs, the Company has reduced certain functions and has realigned resources.

In June 2017, the Company implemented a cost reduction plan with the goal of increasing profitability, operating leverage and free cash flow. The cost reduction plan included the exit from certain non-core businesses or initiatives, as well as a one-time reduction in workforce.

In connection with the Company’s restructuring initiatives, the Company incurred $0.6 million (2018 — $2.4 million, 2017 — $9.9 million) in restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2019. A summary of the restructuring costs by reporting groups identified by nature of product sold, or service provided as disclosed in note 21 recognized during the year ended December 31 are as follows:

	2019		2018		2017
Corporate	$	628	$	1,529	$	5,369
New business		—		611		1,699
Other		—		215		930
IMAX DMR		—		50		662
Theater system maintenance		—		—		546
IMAX systems		—		—		120
Joint revenue sharing arrangements		—		—		21
Film post-production		—		—		548
	$	628	$	2,405	$	9,895

The following table sets forth a summary of restructuring accrual activities for the year ended December 31:

	Employee Severance and Benefits
Balance as at December 31, 2017	$	2,221
Restructuring charges		2,405
Cash payments		(2,690	)
Balance as at December 31, 2018	$	1,936
Restructuring charges		628
Cash payments		(2,211	)
Balance as at December 31, 2019	$	353

(c)

Associated Impairments

As a result of the cost reduction plan discussed above, the Company recognized costs associated with the retirement of certain long-lived assets pursuant to the FASB ASC 410-20, “Asset retirement and environmental obligations” and ASC 360-10, “Property, plant and equipment”. The following impairments for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are a direct result of the exit activities described in (a) above.

		2019			2018			2017
Property, plant and equipment	$		—	$		3,680	$		3,696
Other assets			—			2,565			1,522
Prepaid expenses			—			121			—
Intangible assets			—			66			—
Film assets			—			—			335
	$		—	$		6,432	$		5,553

In the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company did not recognize any exit costs or associated impairments.

Other Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Other Assets [Abstract]

Other Assets

10. Other Assets

	As at December 31,
	2019		2018
Lease incentives provided to theaters		19,125		10,550
Commissions and other deferred selling expenses		1,501		2,796
Other investments		2,500		2,500
Investment in content		955		1,073
Foreign currency derivatives		602		649
Other		351		429
	$	25,034	$	17,997

Employee's Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Amounts Accrued for the Plan are Determined (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Obligation, beginning of period	$ 639	$ 698
Interest cost	26	24	$ 26
Benefits paid		(24)
Actuarial gain		(59)
Obligation, end of period and unfunded status	665	639	698
Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Obligation, beginning of period	1,487	1,678
Interest cost	49	53	65
Benefits paid	(108)	(104)
Actuarial gain	153	(26)
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss	0	(114)
Obligation, end of period and unfunded status	$ 1,581	$ 1,487	$ 1,678

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information

19. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information

(a)

Changes in other non-cash operating assets and liabilities are comprised of the following:

	Years Ended December 31,
		2019				2018				2017
Decrease (increase) in:
Accounts receivable	$		(8,621	)	$		33,942		$		(37,807	)
Financing receivables			(320	)			1,325				(7,253	)
Inventories			1,942				(14,022	)			10,832
Prepaid expenses			(290	)			(3,703	)			(924	)
Variable consideration receivable			(4,056	)			—				—
Other assets			(2,063	)			(3,084	)			(457	)
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable			(11,774	)			7,749				4,204
Accrued and other liabilities ⁽¹⁾			(8,505	)			(3,266	)			(642	)
Deferred revenue			(12,242	)			(6,494	)			22,906
	$		(45,929	)	$		12,447		$		(9,141	)

(1)	Excluded the $17.4 million non-cash impact of adopting ASC Topic 842 in 2019

(b)

Cash payments made on account of:

	Years Ended December 31,
		2019			2018			2017
Income taxes	$		17,298	$		12,684	$		22,829
Interest	$		1,231	$		502	$		826

(c)

Depreciation and amortization are comprised of the following:

	Years Ended December 31,
		2019			2018			2017
Film assets⁽¹⁾	$		19,176	$		15,679	$		31,031
Property, plant and equipment
Joint revenue sharing arrangements			23,153			20,739			18,112
Other property, plant and equipment			12,477			13,164			11,803
Other intangible assets			6,290			5,507			4,319
Other assets			1,882			1,242			980
Deferred financing costs			509			1,106			562
	$		63,487	$		57,437	$		66,807

(1)	Included in film asset amortization is a charge of $nil (2018 — $nil; 2017 — $1.5 million) relating to changes in estimates based on the ultimate recoverability of future films.

(d)

Write-downs, net of recoveries, are comprised of the following:


	Years Ended December 31,
		2019			2018			2017
Asset impairments
Property, plant and equipment	$		96			3,725	$		3,966
Other assets			—			2,565			2,533
Prepaid expenses			—			121			—
Other intangible assets			—			66			—
Impairment of investments			—			—			1,225
Film assets			1,379			—			17,363
Other charges
Accounts receivable (net of recoveries)			2,354			3,030			1,967
Financing receivables			76			100			680
Inventories			446			250			500
Property, plant and equipment ⁽¹⁾			2,360			1,762			1,224
Other intangible assets			95			151			63
Other assets			—			—			47
	$		6,806	$		11,770	$		29,568

Inventory charges
Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - product & equipment sales	$		276	$		250	$		500
Recorded in costs and expenses applicable to revenues - services			170			—			—
	$		446	$		250	$		500

(1)

(e)

Significant non-cash investing and financing activities are comprised of the following:

	Years Ended December 31,
		2019				2018
Net accruals related to:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	$		496		$		227
Investment in joint revenue sharing arrangements			(2,013	)			(61	)
Acquisition of other intangible assets			(51	)			89
	$		(1,568	)	$		255

Financial Instruments - Recorded Investment in Financing Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator
Minimum Lease Payments	$ 15,761	$ 9,597
Financed Sales Receivables	113,347	118,829
Total Recorded Investment	129,108	128,426
In Good Standing [Member]
Recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator
Minimum Lease Payments	15,094	8,701
Financed Sales Receivables	102,450	108,574
Total Recorded Investment	117,544	117,275
Credit Watch [Member]
Recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator
Minimum Lease Payments	667	574
Financed Sales Receivables	9,279	8,723
Total Recorded Investment	9,946	9,297
Pre-Approved Transactions [Member]
Recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator
Minimum Lease Payments	0	322
Financed Sales Receivables	830	565
Total Recorded Investment	830	887
Transactions Suspended [Member]
Recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator
Minimum Lease Payments	0	0
Financed Sales Receivables	788	967
Total Recorded Investment	$ 788	$ 967

Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

9. Property, Plant and Equipment

	As at December 31, 2019
			Accumulated		Net Book
	Cost		Depreciation		Value
Equipment leased or held for use
Theater system components^(1)(2)(3)	$	322,492	$	133,739	$	188,753
Camera equipment		5,192		4,239		953
		327,684		137,978		189,706
Assets under construction⁽⁴⁾		14,483		—		14,483
Right-of-use assets⁽⁵⁾		17,147		885		16,262
Other property, plant and equipment
Land		8,203		—		8,203
Buildings		80,850		22,931		57,919
Office and production equipment⁽⁶⁾		41,673		25,654		16,019
Leasehold improvements		7,614		3,357		4,257
		138,340		51,942		86,398
	$	497,654	$	190,805	$	306,849

	As at December 31, 2018
			Accumulated		Net Book
	Cost		Depreciation		Value
Equipment leased or held for use
Theater system components^(1)(2)(3)	$	287,066	$	120,273	$	166,793
Camera equipment		5,080		3,839		1,241
		292,146		124,112		168,034
Assets under construction⁽⁴⁾		24,327		—		24,327
Other property, plant and equipment
Land		8,203		—		8,203
Buildings		77,468		20,012		57,456
Office and production equipment⁽⁶⁾		42,252		24,295		17,957
Leasehold improvements		7,583		2,902		4,681
		135,506		47,209		88,297
	$	451,979	$	171,321	$	280,658

(1)	Included in theater system components are assets with costs of $7.6 million (2018 — $8.5 million) and accumulated depreciation of $6.7 million (2018 — $7.4 million) that are leased to customers under operating leases.

(2)	Included in theater system components are assets with costs of $297.4 million (2018 —$269.8 million) and accumulated depreciation of $121.3 million (2018 — $108.4 million) that are used in joint revenue sharing arrangements.

(3)	In 2019, the Company recorded a charge of $2.2 million (2018 — $0.6 million ) in cost of sales applicable to Rentals upon the upgrade of xenon-based digital systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements to laser-based digital systems.

(4)	Included in assets under construction are components with costs of $13.2 million (2018 — $15.3 million) that will be utilized to construct assets to be used in joint revenue sharing arrangements.

(5)	The right-of-use assets mainly include operating leases for office and warehouse storage space. See note 4 for further discussion of the adoption impact of ASC Topic 842 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

(6)	Fully amortized office and production equipment is still in use by the Company. In 2019, the Company identified and wrote off $4.9 million (2018 — $1.3 million) of office and production equipment that is no longer in use and fully amortized.

In 2019, the Company recorded a charge of $0.2 million (2018 — $0.8 million; 2017 — $1.2 million) reflecting property, plant and equipment that were no longer in use.

The Company recognized asset impairment charges of $0.1 million (2018 — less than $0.1 million; 2017 — $0.3 million) against property, plant and equipment after an assessment of the carrying value of certain assets in light of their future expected cash flows.

In addition, as a result of the Company’s restructuring activities in 2018 and 2017, certain long-lived assets were deemed to be impaired as the Company’s exit from certain activities limited the future revenue associated with these assets. In 2018, the Company recognized property, plant and equipment charges of $3.7 million (2017 — $3.7 million). No such charge was recorded in the year ended 2019.

Employee's Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine the net postretirement Benefit Expense (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate used in calculating net periodic benefit cost	4.15%	3.55%	4.10%
Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate used in calculating net periodic benefit cost	3.80%	3.35%	3.65%

Contingencies and Guarantees

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies and Guarantees

15. Contingencies and Guarantees

The Company expenses legal costs relating to its lawsuits, claims and proceedings as incurred.

(a)In January 2004, the Company and IMAX Theatre Services Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, commenced an arbitration seeking damages before the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the “ICC”) with respect to the breach by Electronic Media Limited (“EML”) of its December 2000 agreement with the Company. In June 2004, the Company commenced a related arbitration before the ICC against EML’s affiliate, E-City Entertainment (I) PVT Limited (“E-City”). On March 27, 2008, the arbitration panel issued a final award in favor of the Company in the amount of $11.3 million, consisting of past and future rents owed to the Company, plus interest and costs, as well as an additional $2,512 each day in interest from October 1, 2007 until the date the award is paid. In July 2008, E-City commenced a proceeding in Mumbai, India seeking an order that the ICC award may not be recognized in India and on June 10, 2013, the Bombay High Court ruled that it had jurisdiction over the proceeding filed by E-City. The Company appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court of India, and on March 10, 2017, the Supreme Court set aside the Bombay High Court’s judgement and dismissed E-City’s petition. On March 29, 2017, the Company filed an Execution Application in the Bombay High Court seeking to enforce the ICC award against E-City and several related parties. That matter is currently pending. The Company has also taken steps to enforce the ICC final award outside of India. In December 2011, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued an order recognizing the final award and requiring E-City to pay the Company $30,000 to cover the costs of the application, and in October 2015, the New York Supreme Court recognized the Canadian judgment and entered it as a New York judgment. The Company intends to continue pursuing its rights and seeking to enforce the award, although no assurances can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome.

(b)On November 11, 2013, Giencourt Investments, S.A. (“Giencourt”) initiated arbitration before the International Centre for Dispute Resolution in Miami, Florida, based on alleged breaches by the Company of its theater agreement and related license agreement with Giencourt. An arbitration hearing for witness testimony was held during the week of December 14, 2015. At the hearing, Giencourt’s expert identified monetary damages of up to approximately $10.4 million, which Giencourt sought to recover from the Company. The Company asserted a counterclaim against Giencourt for breach of contract and sought to recover lost profits in excess of $24.0 million under the agreements. Subsequently, in December 2015, Giencourt made a motion to the panel seeking to enforce a purported settlement of the matter based on negotiations between Giencourt and the Company. The panel held a final hearing with closing arguments in October 2016. On February 7, 2017, the panel issued a Partial Final Award and on July 21, 2017, the panel issued a Final Award (collectively, the “Award”), which held that the parties had reached a binding settlement, and therefore the panel did not reach the merits of the dispute. The Company strongly disputes that discussions about a potential resolution of this matter amounted to an enforceable settlement. In October 2017, the Company filed a petition to vacate the arbitration award in the United States Court for the Southern District of Florida on various grounds, including that the panel exceeded its jurisdiction, and a hearing was held on June 27, 2019. On September 27, 2019, a Magistrate Judge filed a non-binding recommendation that the

Company’s petition be dismissed. On October 14, 2019, the Company filed an objection to that recommendation. The Company’s petition to vacate the arbitration award was denied by the District Judge on January 10, 2020. The Company plans to appeal this decision to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. At this time, the Company is unable to determine the amounts that it may owe pursuant to the Award, or the timing of any such payments, and therefore no assurances can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of the matter.

(c)In addition to the matters described above, the Company is currently involved in other legal proceedings or governmental inquiries which, in the opinion of the Company’s management, will not materially affect the Company’s financial position or future operating results, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings.

(d)In the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements that may contain features that meet the definition of a guarantee. The Guarantees Topic of the FASB ASC defines a guarantee to be a contract (including an indemnity) that contingently requires the Company to make payments (either in cash, financial instruments, other assets, shares of its stock or provision of services) to a third party based on (a) changes in an underlying interest rate, foreign exchange rate, equity or commodity instrument, index or other variable, that is related to an asset, a liability or an equity security of the counterparty, (b) failure of another party to perform under an obligating agreement or (c) failure of another third party to pay its indebtedness when due.

Financial Guarantees

The Company has provided no significant financial guarantees to third parties.

Product Warranties

The Company’s accrual for product warranties, that was recorded as part of accrued and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets is $0.2 million and $0.2 million as at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Director/Officer Indemnifications

The Company’s General By-law contains an indemnification of its directors/officers, former directors/officers and persons who have acted at its request to be a director/officer of an entity in which the Company is a shareholder or creditor, to indemnify them, to the extent permitted by the Canada Business Corporations Act, against expenses (including legal fees), judgments, fines and any amounts actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with any action, suit or proceeding in which the directors and/or officers are sued as a result of their service, if they acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company. In addition, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors in order to effectuate the foregoing. The nature of the indemnification prevents the Company from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount it could be required to pay to counterparties. The Company has purchased directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. No amount has been accrued in the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 with respect to this indemnity.

Other Indemnification Agreements

In the normal course of the Company’s operations, the Company provides indemnifications to counterparties in transactions such as: theater system lease and sale agreements and the supervision of installation or servicing of the theater systems; film production, exhibition and distribution agreements; real property lease agreements; and employment agreements. These indemnification agreements require the Company to compensate the counterparties for costs incurred as a result of litigation claims that may be suffered by the counterparty as a consequence of the transaction or the Company’s breach or non-performance under these agreements. While the terms of these indemnification agreements vary based upon the contract, they normally extend for the life of the agreements. A small number of agreements do not provide for any limit on the maximum potential amount of indemnification; however, virtually all of the Company’s system lease and sale agreements limit such maximum potential liability to the purchase price of the system. The fact that the maximum potential amount of indemnification required by the Company is not specified in some cases prevents the Company from making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount it could be required to pay to counterparties. Historically, the Company has not made any significant payments under such indemnifications and no amounts have been accrued in the consolidated financial statements with respect to the contingent aspect of these indemnities.

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenues
Revenues, total	$ 395,664,000	$ 374,401,000	$ 380,767,000
Costs and expenses applicable to revenues (note 2(n))
Cost and expenses applicable to revenues, total	181,492,000	166,472,000	195,521,000
Gross margin	214,172,000	207,929,000	185,246,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses (note 16(c))	123,456,000	117,477,000	109,882,000
Research and development	5,203,000	13,728,000	20,855,000
Asset impairments (note 22(e))		0	1,225,000
Amortization of intangibles	4,955,000	4,145,000	3,019,000
Receivable provisions, net of recoveries (note 18)	2,430,000	3,130,000	2,647,000
Legal arbitration award (note 15)		11,737,000
Executive transition costs (note 25)	0	2,994,000
Exit costs, restructuring charges and associated impairments (note 26)	850,000	9,542,000	16,174,000
Income from operations	77,278,000	45,176,000	31,444,000
Change in fair value of equity securities (note 22(e))	(517,000)
Retirement benefits non-service expense (note 23)	(737,000)	(499,000)	(518,000)
Interest income	2,105,000	1,844,000	1,027,000
Interest expense	(2,793,000)	(2,916,000)	(1,942,000)
Income before income taxes and income (loss) from equity-accounted investments, net of tax	75,336,000	43,605,000	30,011,000
Provision for income taxes (note 11)	(16,768,000)	(9,518,000)	(16,790,000)
Income (loss) from equity-accounted investments, net of tax	3,000	(492,000)	(703,000)
Net income	58,571,000	33,595,000	12,518,000
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests (note 24(a))	(11,705,000)	(10,751,000)	(10,174,000)
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 46,866,000	$ 22,844,000	$ 2,344,000
Net income per share attributable to common shareholders - basic and diluted: (note 16(d))
Net income per share — basic and diluted	$ 0.76	$ 0.36	$ 0.04
Equipment and Product Sales [Member]
Revenues
Revenues, total	$ 118,245,000	$ 106,591,000	$ 103,294,000
Costs and expenses applicable to revenues (note 2(n))
Cost and expenses applicable to revenues, total	63,627,000	54,853,000	48,172,000
Services [Member]
Revenues
Revenues, total	188,547,000	181,740,000	195,594,000
Costs and expenses applicable to revenues (note 2(n))
Cost and expenses applicable to revenues, total	88,175,000	84,236,000	120,629,000
Rentals [Member]
Revenues
Revenues, total	77,961,000	74,472,000	72,281,000
Costs and expenses applicable to revenues (note 2(n))
Cost and expenses applicable to revenues, total	29,690,000	27,383,000	26,720,000
Finance Income [Member]
Revenues
Revenues, total	$ 10,911,000	$ 11,598,000	$ 9,598,000

Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

SERP Benefits [Member]

Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]

Summary of Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine the Benefit Obligation and Expense

The following assumptions were used to determine the obligation and cost of the Company’s SERP at the plan measurement dates:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Discount rate		2.00	%		3.14	%		2.22	%
Lump sum interest rate:
First 25 years		2.12	%		—			—
First 20 years		—			3.09	%		2.39	%
Thereafter		2.26	%		2.84	%		2.60	%
Cost of living adjustment on benefits		1.20	%		1.20	%		1.20	%

Summary of Amounts Accrued for the SERP

The amounts accrued for the SERP are determined as follows:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018
Obligation, beginning of period	$	17,977		$	19,003
Prior service cost		456			—
Interest cost		564			422
Actuarial gain		(157	)		(1,448	)
Obligation, end of period and unfunded status	$	18,840		$	17,977

The following table provides disclosure of the pension benefit obligation recorded in the consolidated balance sheets:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018
Accrued benefits cost	$	(18,840	)	$	(17,977	)
Accumulated other comprehensive gain		(988	)		(1,287	)
Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets	$	(19,828	)	$	(19,264	)

Summary of Disclosure of Pension Expense

The following table provides disclosure of pension expense for the SERP for the years ended December 31:

	Years ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Interest cost	$	564	$	422	$	427
Pension expense	$	564	$	422	$	427

Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost in Future Periods

The following amounts were included in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods:

		As at December 31,
	2019				2018				2017
Unrealized actuarial (gain) loss	$		(1,444	)	$	(1,287	)	$		161
Unamortized prior service cost			456			—				—
Net periodic benefit costs to be recognized in future periods	$		(988	)	$	(1,287	)	$		161

Summary of Benefit Payment are Expected in Next Five Year

The following benefit payments are expected to be made as per the current SERP assumptions and the terms of the SERP in each of the next five years, and in the aggregate:

2020	$	—
2021		—
2022		—
2023		20,298
2024		—
Thereafter		—
	$	20,298

Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]

Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]

Summary of Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine the Benefit Obligation and Expense

Weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation are:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Discount rate		3.13	%		4.15	%		3.55	%

Weighted average assumption used to determine the net postretirement benefit expense are:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Discount rate		4.15	%		3.55	%		4.10	%

Summary of Amounts Accrued for the SERP

The amounts accrued for the plan are determined as follows:

	As at December 31,
	2019		2018
Obligation, beginning of year	$	639	$	698
Interest cost		26		24
Benefits paid		—		(24	)
Actuarial gain		—		(59	)
Obligation, end of year	$	665	$	639

Summary of Disclosure of Pension Expense

The following details the net cost components, all related to continuing operations, and underlying assumptions of postretirement benefits other than pensions:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Interest cost	$	26	$	24	$	26
Pension expense	$	26	$	24	$	26

Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost in Future Periods

The following amounts were included in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Unrealized actuarial (gain) loss	$	(50	)	$	(50	)	$	9

Summary of Benefit Payment are Expected in Next Five Year

The following benefit payments are expected to be made as per the current plan assumptions in each of the next five years:

2020	$	8
2021		9
2022		9
2023		19
2024		20
Thereafter		600
Total	$	665

Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]

Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]

Summary of Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine the Benefit Obligation and Expense

Weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation are:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Discount rate		3.05	%		3.35	%		3.35	%

Weighted average assumptions used to determine the net postretirement benefit expense are:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Discount rate		3.80	%		3.35	%		3.65	%

Summary of Amounts Accrued for the SERP

The amounts accrued for the plan are determined as follows:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018
Obligation, beginning of year	$	1,487		$	1,678
Interest cost		49			53
Benefits paid		(108	)		(104	)
Actuarial loss (gain)		153			(26	)
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss		0			(114	)
Obligation, end of year	$	1,581		$	1,487

Summary of Disclosure of Pension Expense

The following details the net cost components, all related to continuing operations, and underlying assumptions of postretirement benefits other than pensions:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Interest cost	$	49	$	53	$	65
Pension expense	$	49	$	53	$	65

Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost in Future Periods

The following amounts were included in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods:

	As at December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Unrealized actuarial loss	$	309	$	156	$	182

Summary of Benefit Payment are Expected in Next Five Year

The following benefit payments are expected to be made as per the current plan assumptions in each of the next five years:

2020	$	100
2021		105
2022		104
2023		104
2024		103
Thereafter		1,065
Total	$	1,581

Capital Stock - Summary of Number of RSUs Issued From Carve-Out Balance (Details) - Restricted Share Units [Member] - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSU carve out, balance beginning of period	147,823	213,661
RSUs issued from carve-out	(64,053)	(65,838)
RSU carve out, balance end of period	83,770	147,823

Lease Arrangements And Financing Receivables - Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments under Non-cancelable Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Lease Liabilities Payments Due [Abstract]
2019	$ 4,215	$ 3,847
2020	3,260	2,790
2021	2,318	2,491
2022	2,203	1,843
2023	2,158	1,759
Thereafter	8,016	9,657
Total lease payments	$ 22,170	$ 22,387

Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) Country	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Financial Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Transfers into/out of Level 3	$ 0	$ 0
Financing receivables indications of theaters with potential collection concerns	60-89 days
Financing receivables indications of theaters to review and assess	Once a theater’s aging exceeds 90 days, the Company’s policy is to review and assess collectability on the theater’s past due accounts.
Financing receivables indications of theaters with potential impairment	Over 90 days past due is used by the Company as an indicator of potential impairment as invoices up to 90 days outstanding could be considered reasonable due to the time required for dispute resolution or for the provision of further information or supporting documentation to the customer.
Number of countries that generate box office \| Country	81
Foreign Exchange contract settlement date range	settlement dates throughout 2020 and 2021
Gain (loss) on derivatives not designated hedging instruments	$ 0
Estimated gains to be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months	400,000
Financial Instruments Additional (Textual) [Abstract]
Convertible loan receivable	$ 1,500,000
Convertible loan receivable, term	3 years
Convertible loan effective interest rate	5.00%
Total carrying value of investments in new business ventures	$ 2,500,000	2,500,000
Investment classified as equity security - cost	15,200,000
Investment classified as equity security - fair value	$ 15,685,000	1,022,000
Equity securities restrictions	lock-up period of six months
Movements in fair value of financial instruments	$ 517,000
Maximum [Member]
Financial Instruments Additional (Textual) [Abstract]
Equity securities percentage ownership	1.00%
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Financial Instruments Additional (Textual) [Abstract]
Equity Investment, Debt Securities	$ 1,000,000.0	1,000,000.0
Preferred Stock [Member]
Financial Instruments Additional (Textual) [Abstract]
Investment classified as equity security - cost	3,500,000
Investment classified as equity security - fair value	1,000,000.0	1,000,000.0
Preferred Stock of Business Venture [Member]
Financial Instruments Additional (Textual) [Abstract]
Equity Investment, Debt Securities	1,500,000
Investment classified as equity security - fair value	0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] \| Equity Accounted Investment [Member]
Financial Instruments Additional (Textual) [Abstract]
Carrying value of investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting	0	0
Equity method investment, difference between carrying amount and underlying equity	1,500,000	1,600,000
Gross revenues of investment new business ventures	2,000,000.0	1,900,000
Cost of revenue of investment new business ventures	1,200,000	3,000,000.0
Net loss on equity-accounted investments	$ 1,500,000	$ 1,800,000

Lease Arrangements And Financing Receivables - Components of Lease Expense (Details) - Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Amortization of lease assets

Operating lease cost

$ 850

^[1]

$ 4,863

$ 6,059

2,370

Interest on lease liabilities

1,102

Total lease cost

$ 4,322

$ 4,863

$ 6,059

[1]	Includes short-term leases and variable lease costs, which are not significant for the December 31, 2019

Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Other Intangible Assets

12. Other Intangible Assets

	As at December 31, 2019
			Accumulated		Net Book
	Cost		Amortization		Value
Patents and trademarks	$	12,779	$	8,587	$	4,192
Licenses and intellectual property		26,168		10,747		15,421
Internal use software		23,791		13,239		10,552
Other		576		394		182
	$	63,314	$	32,967	$	30,347

	As at December 31, 2018
			Accumulated		Net Book
	Cost		Amortization		Value
Patents and trademarks	$	12,266	$	7,871	$	4,395
Licenses and intellectual property		26,168		8,972		17,196
Internal use software		21,528		9,264		12,264
Other		548		308		240
	$	60,510	$	26,415	$	34,095

Fully amortized other intangible assets are still in use by the Company. In 2019, the Company identified and wrote off $0.1 million (2018 ─ $0.2 million) of patents and trademarks that are no longer in use.

During 2019, the Company acquired $2.9 million in other intangible assets, which is mainly an investment in the Company’s internal use software. The weighted average amortization period for these additions is 4.7 years. The net book value of the internal use software was $1.9 million as at December 31, 2019.

During 2019, the Company incurred costs of $0.4 million to renew or extend the term of acquired patents and trademarks which were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses (2018 ─ $0.3 million).

The estimated amortization expense for each of the years ended December 31, are as follows:

2020	$	6,553
2021		6,553
2022		6,553
2023		6,553
2024		6,553

Exit Costs, Restructuring Charges and Associated Impairments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]

Exit Costs Restructuring Charges and Associated Impairment

	2019		2018		2017
Restructuring charges	$	628	$	2,405	$	9,895
Asset impairments		—		6,432		5,553
Costs to exit lease and restore facilities		222		619		726
Other		—		86		—
	$	850	$	9,542	$	16,174

Restructuring and Related Costs

	2019		2018		2017
Corporate	$	628	$	1,529	$	5,369
New business		—		611		1,699
Other		—		215		930
IMAX DMR		—		50		662
Theater system maintenance		—		—		546
IMAX systems		—		—		120
Joint revenue sharing arrangements		—		—		21
Film post-production		—		—		548
	$	628	$	2,405	$	9,895

Restructuring and Accrual Activities

The following table sets forth a summary of restructuring accrual activities for the year ended December 31:

	Employee Severance and Benefits
Balance as at December 31, 2017	$	2,221
Restructuring charges		2,405
Cash payments		(2,690	)
Balance as at December 31, 2018	$	1,936
Restructuring charges		628
Cash payments		(2,211	)
Balance as at December 31, 2019	$	353

Associated Impairments

		2019			2018			2017
Property, plant and equipment	$		—	$		3,680	$		3,696
Other assets			—			2,565			1,522
Prepaid expenses			—			121			—
Intangible assets			—			66			—
Film assets			—			—			335
	$		—	$		6,432	$		5,553

Segmented Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segmented Information

21. Segmented Information

Management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) who is the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (as defined in the Segment Reporting Topic of the FASB ASC), assesses segment performance based on segment revenues and gross margins. Selling, general and administrative expenses, research and development costs, amortization of intangibles, receivables provisions (recoveries), write-downs net of recoveries, interest income, interest expense and tax (provision) recovery are not allocated to the segments.

(a)

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Revenue⁽¹⁾
Network business
IMAX DMR	$	120,765		$	110,793		$	108,853
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – contingent rent		75,932			73,371			70,444
IMAX systems – contingent rent		139			—			3,890
		196,836			184,164			183,187
Theater business
IMAX systems		107,923			100,656			90,347
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – fixed fees		11,014			9,706			10,118
Theater system maintenance		53,151			49,684			45,383
Other theater		8,390			8,358			9,145
		180,478			168,404			154,993
New business		2,754			5,769			24,522
Other
Film post-production		7,392			9,516			10,382
Film distribution		4,818			3,446			2,790
Other		3,386			3,102			4,893
		15,596			16,064			18,065
Total revenues	$	395,664		$	374,401		$	380,767

Gross Margin
Network business
IMAX DMR⁽²⁾	$	78,592		$	72,773		$	71,789
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – contingent rent⁽²⁾		47,935			48,856			47,337
IMAX systems – contingent rent		139			—			3,890
		126,666			121,629			123,016
Theater business
IMAX systems⁽²⁾⁽³⁾		58,540			60,019			57,734
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – fixed fees⁽²⁾		2,613			1,982			2,349
Theater system maintenance⁽³⁾		23,010			21,991			18,275
Other theater		2,624			1,806			1,965
		86,787			85,798			80,323
New business		2,106			(350	)		(16,176	)
Other
Film post-production		1,680			3,107			4,791
Film distribution⁽²⁾		(2,942	)		(1,344	)		(5,797	)
Other		(125	)		(911	)		(911	)
		(1,387	)		852			(1,917	)

Total segment margin	$	214,172		$	207,929		$	185,246

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Depreciation and amortization
Network business
IMAX DMR	$	16,117	$	13,602	$	15,779
Joint revenue sharing arrangements - contingent rent		25,036		21,970		19,092
Theater business
IMAX systems		3,878		3,615		3,551
Theater system maintenance		299		164		173
New business		58		2,519		15,365
Other
Film post-production		1,301		1,500		1,845
Film distribution		3,894		2,225		2,128
Other		747		790		911
Corporate and other non-segment specific assets		12,157		11,052		7,963
Total	$	63,487	$	57,437	$	66,807

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Asset impairments and write-downs, net of recoveries
Network business
IMAX DMR		—	$	15	$	—
Joint revenue sharing arrangements - contingent rent		2,207		1,193		944
Theater business
IMAX systems		276		250		2,930
Theater system maintenance		170		—		—
New business		96		7,399		16,400
Other
Film post-production		—		—		—
Film distribution		1,379		—		5,865
Corporate and other non-segment specific assets		2,678		2,913		3,429
Total	$	6,806	$	11,770	$	29,568

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Network business
IMAX DMR	$	99	$	55	$	518
Joint revenue sharing arrangements - contingent rent		40,489		34,810		42,634
Theater business
IMAX systems		452		2,813		4,537
Theater system maintenance		311		527		206
New business		—		342		4,487
Other
Film post-production		1,210		1,067		810
Other		504		193		367
Corporate and other non-segment specific assets		4,845		8,371		13,218
Total	$	47,910	$	48,178	$	66,777

	As at December 31
	2019		2018
Assets
Network business
IMAX DMR	$	46,417	$	38,117
Joint revenue sharing arrangements - contingent rent		231,626		223,799
IMAX systems - contingent rent		—		—
Theater business
IMAX systems		277,720		266,290
Joint revenue sharing arrangements - fixed fees		27,189		18,044
Theater system maintenance		22,869		26,225
Other theater		2,042		2,197
New business		—		1,677
Other
Film post-production		36,562		36,998
Film distribution		14,831		15,601
Other		23,809		26,519
Corporate and other non-segment specific assets		206,004		218,133
Total	$	889,069	$	873,600

(1)	The Company’s largest customer represents 16.5% of total revenues as at December 31, 2019, (2018 —17.1%; 2017 —16.4%).

(2)

(3)

(4)	Goodwill is allocated on a relative fair market value basis to the IMAX systems segment, theater system maintenance segment and joint revenue sharing segment. There has been no change in the allocation of goodwill from the prior year.

(b)Geographic Information

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Revenue
Greater China	$	124,294	$	117,520	$	126,474
United States		121,264		118,495		135,153
Canada		9,220		10,507		12,812
Asia (excluding Greater China)		48,386		46,858		35,896
Western Europe		46,911		40,497		32,765
Russia & the CIS		16,124		10,133		11,054
Latin America		9,438		12,952		10,963
Rest of the World		20,027		17,439		15,650
Total	$	395,664	$	374,401	$	380,767

No single country in the Rest of the World, Western Europe, Latin America and Asia (excluding Greater China) classifications comprise more than 10% of total revenue.

	As at December 31
		2019		2018
Property, plant and equipment
United States		$	109,240	$	97,843
Greater China			105,312		93,494
Canada			47,837		48,275
Western Europe			27,748		26,566
Asia (excluding Greater China)			9,948		8,084
Rest of the World			6,764		6,396
Total		$	306,849	$	280,658

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Significant accounting policies are summarized as follows:

The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

(a)

Basis of Consolidation

Total assets and liabilities of the Company's consolidated VIEs are as follows:

	December 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
Total assets	$	9,677	$	12,203
Total liabilities	$	15,528	$	11,573

Total assets and liabilities of the VIE entities which the Company does not consolidate are as follows:

	December 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
Total assets	$	448	$	447
Total liabilities	$	372	$	362

All intercompany accounts and transactions, including all unrealized intercompany profits on transactions with equity-accounted investees, have been eliminated.

(b)

Use of Estimates

(c)

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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.

(d)

Accounts Receivable and Financing Receivables

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.

(e)

Inventories

(f)

Film Assets

Film exploitation costs, including advertising costs, are expensed as incurred.

(g)

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:


Theater system components⁽¹⁾	—	over the equipment’s anticipated useful life (7 to 20 years)
Camera equipment	—	5 to 10 years
Buildings	—	20 to 25 years
Office and 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.

(h)

Investment in Equity Securities

(i)

Other Assets

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).

(j)

Goodwill

(k)

Other Intangible Assets

(l)

Deferred Revenue

(m)

Income Taxes

(n)

Revenue Recognition

Contracts with Multiple Performance Obligations

Theater Systems

Sales Arrangements

Lease Arrangements

Finance Income

Improvements and Modifications

Cost of Equipment and Product Sales

Cost of Rentals

Terminations, Consensual Buyouts and Concessions

Maintenance and Extended Warranty Services

Film Production and IMAX DMR Services

Film Distribution

Film Post-Production Services

Revenues from post-production film services are recognized in Services revenues when performance of the contracted services are satisfied.

Other

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.

(o)

Leases

(p)

Research and Development

(q)

Foreign Currency Translation

(r)

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Options

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.

Performance Share Units

The Company’s PSUs have been classified as equity in accordance with Topic 505.

Awards to Non-Employees

(s)

Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefits

For defined contribution pension plans, required contributions by the Company are recorded as an expense.

(t)

Guarantees

Capital Stock - Weighted Average Period over Which Awards Expected to be Recognized (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average period awards are expected to be recognized (in years)	2 years 8 months 12 days	1 year 10 months 24 days	2 years 3 months 18 days

Adoption of ASC Topic 842, Leases, Effective January 1, 2019

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]

Adoption of ASC Topic 842, Leases, Effective January 1, 2019

4. Adoption of ASC Topic 842, Leases, effective January 1, 2019

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASC Topic 842 “Leases”. The standard was issued to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.

As a lessee, the adoption of the standard resulted in the Company recording a net increase to net lease assets and lease liabilities of approximately $17.4 million as at January 1, 2019. The gross right-of-use assets and lease liabilities amounted to $20.0 million, while prepaid expenses of less than $0.1 million and unamortized lease inducements and other accruals of $2.5 million were reclassed from accrued liabilities to offset the applicable right-of-use asset. The Company mainly leases office and warehouse storage space. Office equipment is generally purchased outright. Adoption of ASC Topic 842 did not change the lease classification of its leases. The leases continue to be classified as operating leases similar to the guidance under ASC Topic 840. The adoption of ASC Topic 842 did not materially impact the Company’s net earnings and had no impact on cash flows.

As a lessor, several of the Company’s leases of IMAX theater systems are classified as sales-type leases. The accounting treatment of its lease arrangements for IMAX theater systems has not changed under Topic ASC 842 as compared to guidance under ASC Topic 840, as the Company has very few sales-type leases with variable consideration tied to an index.

The Company adopted ASC Topic 842, utilizing the modified retrospective transition method, which allowed the Company to adopt the standard as of the date of initial application. Prior year comparative amounts are not required to be restated and are presented in accordance with ASC Topic 840, “Leases” or other applicable standards effective prior to January 1, 2019. The Company has elected the ‘package of practical expedients’ permitted under the transition guidance within ASC Topic 842, which permits the Company to carry forward the historical lease classification and not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases. In addition, the Company is not required to reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases. The Company did not elect the land easements and the use of hindsight practical expedients in determining the lease term for existing leases. ASC Topic 842 also provides practical expedients for an entity’s ongoing accounting. The Company has elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify. As a result, for those leases with a term of less than 12 months, it will not recognize right-of-use assets or lease liabilities. The Company also elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for all its leases regardless of whether the Company is the lessee or a lessor to the lease.

The following table presents the impact from the adoption of ASC Topic 842 on the Company’s assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet:

	Balance at					Balance at
	December 31,		ASC Topic 842			January 1,
	2018		Adjustments			2019
Assets
Property, plant and equipment	$	280,658	$	17,462		$	298,120
Prepaid expenses		10,294		(36	)		10,258

Liabilities
Accrued and other liabilities		97,724		17,426			115,150

Non-Controlling Interests (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Other Noncontrolling Interest [Member]

Non-controlling Interests

Summary of Movement of the Non-controlling Interest in Temporary Equity in Company's Subsidiary

The following summarizes the movement of the non-controlling interest in temporary equity, in the Company’s subsidiary for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Balance as at January 1, 2017	$	4,980
Net loss		(3,627	)
Balance as at December 31, 2017	$	1,353
Issuance of subsidiary shares to non-controlling interests		7,796
Net loss		(2,710	)
Balance as at December 31, 2018	$	6,439
Return of capital to non-controlling interests		(243	)
Share issuance costs from the issuance of subsidiary shares to a non-controlling interest		1,350
Net loss		(1,638	)
Balance as at December 31, 2019	$	5,908

Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member]	Jan. 01, 2020 Theater Film
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of films scheduled to be released in IMAX theaters \| Film	5
Minimum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Aggregate number of temporarily closed movie theaters	70,000
Mainland China [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of temporarily closed movie theaters	700

Income Taxes - Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Included in the Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit plan	$ (42)	$ (379)	$ (262)
Unrecognized actuarial gain or loss on postretirement benefit plans	0	(23)	(32)
Prior service cost arising during the period	145	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost included in net income	(26)	0	0
Unrealized change in cash flow hedging instruments	(145)	581	(667)
Realized change in cash flow hedging instruments upon settlement	(310)	107	215
Income tax effect on comprehensive income (loss)	$ (378)	$ 286	$ (746)

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

	As at December 31, 2019
			Accumulated		Net Book
	Cost		Depreciation		Value
Equipment leased or held for use
Theater system components^(1)(2)(3)	$	322,492	$	133,739	$	188,753
Camera equipment		5,192		4,239		953
		327,684		137,978		189,706
Assets under construction⁽⁴⁾		14,483		—		14,483
Right-of-use assets⁽⁵⁾		17,147		885		16,262
Other property, plant and equipment
Land		8,203		—		8,203
Buildings		80,850		22,931		57,919
Office and production equipment⁽⁶⁾		41,673		25,654		16,019
Leasehold improvements		7,614		3,357		4,257
		138,340		51,942		86,398
	$	497,654	$	190,805	$	306,849

	As at December 31, 2018
			Accumulated		Net Book
	Cost		Depreciation		Value
Equipment leased or held for use
Theater system components^(1)(2)(3)	$	287,066	$	120,273	$	166,793
Camera equipment		5,080		3,839		1,241
		292,146		124,112		168,034
Assets under construction⁽⁴⁾		24,327		—		24,327
Other property, plant and equipment
Land		8,203		—		8,203
Buildings		77,468		20,012		57,456
Office and production equipment⁽⁶⁾		42,252		24,295		17,957
Leasehold improvements		7,583		2,902		4,681
		135,506		47,209		88,297
	$	451,979	$	171,321	$	280,658

(1)	Included in theater system components are assets with costs of $7.6 million (2018 — $8.5 million) and accumulated depreciation of $6.7 million (2018 — $7.4 million) that are leased to customers under operating leases.

(2)	Included in theater system components are assets with costs of $297.4 million (2018 —$269.8 million) and accumulated depreciation of $121.3 million (2018 — $108.4 million) that are used in joint revenue sharing arrangements.

(3)	In 2019, the Company recorded a charge of $2.2 million (2018 — $0.6 million ) in cost of sales applicable to Rentals upon the upgrade of xenon-based digital systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements to laser-based digital systems.

(4)	Included in assets under construction are components with costs of $13.2 million (2018 — $15.3 million) that will be utilized to construct assets to be used in joint revenue sharing arrangements.

(5)	The right-of-use assets mainly include operating leases for office and warehouse storage space. See note 4 for further discussion of the adoption impact of ASC Topic 842 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

(6)	Fully amortized office and production equipment is still in use by the Company. In 2019, the Company identified and wrote off $4.9 million (2018 — $1.3 million) of office and production equipment that is no longer in use and fully amortized.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation	$ 17.7	$ 21.9

Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

22. Financial Instruments

(a)

Financial Instruments

The Company maintains cash with various major financial institutions. The Company’s cash is invested with highly rated financial institutions.

The Company’s accounts receivables and financing receivables are subject to credit risk. The Company’s accounts receivable and financing receivables are concentrated with the theater exhibition industry and film entertainment industry. To minimize the Company’s credit risk, the Company retains title to underlying theater systems leased, performs initial and ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and makes ongoing provisions for its estimate of potentially uncollectible amounts. The Company believes it has adequately provided for related exposures surrounding receivables and contractual commitments.

(b)

Fair Value Measurements

The carrying values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities due within one-year approximate fair values due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company’s other financial instruments at December 31, are comprised of the following:

	As at December 31, 2019						As at December 31, 2018
	Carrying Amount			Estimated Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Estimated Fair Value
Level 1
Cash and cash equivalents⁽¹⁾	$	109,484			109,484		$	141,590		$	141,590
Equity securities ⁽³⁾		15,685			15,685			1,022			1,022
Level 2
Net financed sales receivables⁽²⁾	$	112,432		$	111,441		$	117,990		$	117,428
Net investment in sales-type leases ⁽²⁾		15,606			15,309			9,442			9,529
Convertible loan receivable⁽²⁾		1,500			1,500			1,500			1,500
Equity securities⁽¹⁾		1,000			1,000			1,000			1,000
Foreign exchange contracts — designated forwards⁽³⁾		530			530			(1,202	)		(1,202	)
Borrowings under the Credit Facility⁽¹⁾		(20,000	)		(20,000	)		(40,000	)		(40,000	)

(1)	Recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.

(2)	Estimated based on discounting future cash flows at currently available interest rates with comparable terms.

(3)	Value determined using quoted prices in active markets.

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. There were no transfers in or out of the Company’s Level 3 assets during the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

(c)

Financing Receivables

The Company’s net investment in leases and its net financed sale receivables are subject to the disclosure requirements of ASC 310 “Receivables”. Due to differing risk profiles of its net investment in leases and its net financed sales receivables, the Company views its net investment in leases and its net financed sale receivables as separate classes of financing receivables. The Company does not aggregate financing receivables to assess impairment.

The Company monitors the credit quality of each customer on a frequent basis through collections and aging analyses. The Company also holds meetings monthly in order to identify credit concerns and whether a change in credit quality classification is required for the customer. A customer may improve in their credit quality classification once a substantial payment is made on overdue balances or the customer has agreed to a payment plan with the Company and payments have commenced in accordance to the payment plan. The change in credit quality indicator is dependent upon management approval.

The Company classifies its customers into four categories to indicate the credit quality worthiness of its financing receivables for internal purposes only:

Good standing — Theater continues to be in good standing with the Company as the client’s payments and reporting are up-to-date.

Credit Watch — Theater operator has begun to demonstrate a delay in payments, 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.

The following table discloses the recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator:

	As at December 31, 2019						As at December 31, 2018
	Minimum Lease Payments		Financed Sales Receivables		Total		Minimum Lease Payments		Financed Sales Receivables		Total
In good standing	$	15,094	$	102,450	$	117,544	$	8,701	$	108,574	$	117,275
Credit Watch		667		9,279		9,946		574		8,723		9,297
Pre-approved transactions		—		830		830		322		565		887
Transactions suspended		—		788		788		—		967		967
	$	15,761	$	113,347	$	129,108	$	9,597	$	118,829	$	128,426

While recognition of finance income is suspended, payments received by a customer are applied against the outstanding balance owed. If payments are sufficient to cover any unreserved receivables, a recovery of provision taken on the billed amount, if applicable, is recorded to the extent of the residual cash received. Once the collectability issues are resolved and the customer has returned to being in good standing, the Company will resume recognition of finance income.

The Company’s investment in financing receivables on nonaccrual status is as follows:

	As at December 31, 2019					As at December 31, 2018
	Recorded Investment		Related Allowance			Recorded Investment		Related Allowance
Net investment in leases	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
Net financed sales receivables		788		(732	)		967		(739	)
Total	$	788	$	(732	)	$	967	$	(739	)

The Company considers financing receivables with aging between 60-89 days as indications of theaters with potential collection concerns. The Company will begin to focus its review on these financing receivables and increase its discussions internally and with the theater regarding payment status. Once a theater’s aging exceeds 90 days, the Company’s policy is to review and assess collectability on the theater’s past due accounts. Over 90 days past due is used by the Company as an indicator of potential impairment as invoices up to 90 days outstanding could be considered reasonable due to the time required for dispute resolution or for the provision of further information or supporting documentation to the customer.

The Company’s aged financing receivables are as follows:

	As at December 31, 2019
	Accrued and Current		30-89 Days		90+ Days		Billed Financing Receivables		Related Unbilled Recorded Investment		Total Recorded Investment		Related Allowances			Recorded Investment Net of Allowances
Net investment in leases	$	30	$	68	$	251	$	349	$	15,412	$	15,761	$	(155	)	$	15,606
Net financed sales receivables		1,678		2,772		5,446		9,896		103,451		113,347		(915	)		112,432
Total	$	1,708	$	2,840	$	5,697	$	10,245	$	118,863	$	129,108	$	(1,070	)	$	128,038

	As at December 31, 2018
	Accrued and Current		30-89 Days		90+ Days		Billed Financing Receivables		Related Unbilled Recorded Investment		Total Recorded Investment		Related Allowances			Recorded Investment Net of Allowances
Net investment in leases	$	52	$	18	$	253	$	323	$	9,274	$	9,597	$	(155	)	$	9,442
Net financed sales receivables		1,442		2,066		5,241		8,749		110,080		118,829		(839	)		117,990
Total	$	1,494	$	2,084	$	5,494	$	9,072	$	119,354	$	128,426	$	(994	)	$	127,432

The Company’s recorded investment in financing receivables with billed amounts past due for which the Company continues to accrue finance income is as follows:

	As at December 31, 2019
	Accrued and Current		30-89 Days		90+ Days		Billed Financing Receivables		Related Unbilled Recorded Investment		Related Allowance		Recorded Investment Past Due and Accruing
Net investment in leases	$	9	$	19	$	251	$	279	$	578	$	—	$	857
Net financed sales receivables		1,146		1,290		5,523		7,959		29,173		—		37,132
Total	$	1,155	$	1,309	$	5,774	$	8,238	$	29,751	$	—	$	37,989

	As at December 31, 2018
	Accrued and Current		30-89 Days		90+ Days		Billed Financing Receivables		Related Unbilled Recorded Investment		Related Allowance		Recorded Investment Past Due and Accruing
Net investment in leases	$	28	$	9	$	246	$	283	$	1,523	$	—	$	1,806
Net financed sales receivables		558		1,472		5,860		7,890		31,507		—		39,397
Total	$	586	$	1,481	$	6,106	$	8,173	$	33,030	$	—	$	41,203

The Company considers financing receivables to be impaired when it believes it to be probable that it will not recover the full amount of principal or interest owing under the arrangement. The Company uses its knowledge of the industry and economic trends, as well as its prior experiences to determine the amount recoverable for impaired financing receivables. The following table discloses information regarding the Company’s impaired financing receivables:

	As at December 31, 2019
	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal		Related Allowance			Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
Recorded investment for which there is a related allowance:
Net investment in leases	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
Net financed sales receivables		708		80		(732	)		818		—
Recorded investment for which there is no related allowance:
Net investment in leases		—		—		—			—		—
Net financed sales receivables		—		—		—			—		—
Total recorded investment in impaired loans:
Net investment in leases	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
Net financed sales receivables	$	708	$	80	$	(732	)	$	818	$	—

	As at December 31, 2018
	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal		Related Allowance			Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
Recorded investment for which there is a related allowance:
Net investment in leases	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
Net financed sales receivables		869		98		(739	)		930		—
Recorded investment for which there is no related allowance:
Net investment in leases		—		—		—			—		—
Net financed sales receivables		—		—		—			—		—
Total recorded investment in impaired loans:
Net investment in leases	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
Net financed sales receivables	$	869	$	98	$	(739	)	$	930	$	—

The Company’s activity in the allowance for credit losses for the period and the Company’s recorded investment in financing receivables is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31, 2019
	Net Investment		Net Financed
	in Leases		Sales Receivables
Allowance for credit losses:

Beginning balance	$	155	$	839
Charge-offs		—		—
Recoveries		—		—
Provision		—		76
Ending balance	$	155	$	915
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	155	$	915

Financing receivables:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	15,761	$	113,347

	Year Ended December 31, 2018
	Net Investment		Net Financed
	in Leases		Sales Receivables
Allowance for credit losses:

Beginning balance	$	155	$	922
Charge-offs		—		(183	)
Recoveries		—		—
Provision		—		100
Ending balance	$	155	$	839
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	155	$	839

Financing receivables:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	9,597	$	118,829

(d)

Foreign Exchange Risk Management

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency rates. A significant portion of the Company’s revenues is denominated in U.S. dollars while a substantial portion of its costs and expenses is denominated in Canadian dollars. A portion of the net U.S. dollar cash flows of the Company is periodically converted to Canadian dollars to fund Canadian dollar expenses through the spot market. In China and Japan, the Company has ongoing operating expenses related to its operations in Chinese Renminbi and Japanese yen, respectively. Net cash flows are converted to and from U.S. dollars through the spot market. The Company also has cash receipts under leases denominated in Chinese Renminbi, Japanese yen, Canadian dollars and Euros which are converted to U.S. dollars through the spot market. In addition, because IMAX films generate box-office in 81 different countries, unfavourable exchange rates between applicable local currencies, and the U.S. dollar affect the Company’s reported gross box-office and revenues, further impacting the Company’s results of operations. The Company’s policy is to not use any financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

The Company entered into a series of foreign currency forward contracts to manage the Company’s risks associated with the volatility of foreign currencies. Certain of these foreign currency forward contracts met the criteria required for hedge accounting under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASB ASC at inception, and continue to meet hedge effectiveness tests at December 31, 2019 (the “Foreign Currency Hedges”), with settlement dates throughout 2020 and 2021. 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. The Company currently does not hold any derivatives which are not designated as hedging instruments and therefore no gain or loss pertaining to an ineffective portion has been recognized.

The following tabular disclosures reflect the impact that derivative instruments and hedging activities have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements:

Notional value of foreign exchange contracts:

	As at December 31,
	2019		2018
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards	$	36,052	$	50,828

Fair value of derivatives in foreign exchange contracts:

		As at December 31,
	Balance Sheet Location	2019			2018
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards	Other assets	$	602		$	649
	Accrued and other liabilities	$	(72	)		(1,851	)
		$	530		$	(1,202	)

Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging relationships are as follows:

			Years Ended December 31,
			2019				2018				2017
Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards	Derivative Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	$		552		$		(2,219	)	$		2,545
		$		552		$		(2,219	)	$		2,545

	Location of Derivative (Loss) Gain
	Reclassified from AOCI		Years Ended December 31,
	into Income (Effective Portion)		2019				2018				2017
Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$		(1,109	)	$		408		$		824
	Inventory			(42	)			—				—
	Property, plant and equipment			(32	)			—				—
		$		(1,183	)	$		408		$		824

		Years Ended December 31,
		2019			2018		2017
Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards	Derivative (Loss) Gain Recognized In and Out of OCI (Effective Portion)	$	(22	)	$	21	$	—

The Company's estimated net amount of the existing gains as at December 31, 2019 is $0.4 million, which is expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months.

(e)

Investments in New Business Ventures

The Company accounts for investments in new business ventures using the guidance of the FASB ASC 323 and the FASB ASC 320, as appropriate.

As at December 31, 2019, the equity method of accounting is being utilized for investments with a total carrying value of $nil (December 31, 2018 — $nil). The Company’s accumulated losses in excess of its equity investment were $1.5 million as at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 — $1.6 million) and are classified in Accrued and other liabilities. For the year ended December 31, 2019, gross revenues, cost of revenue and net loss for the investment were $2.0 million, $1.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively (2018 — $1.9 million, $3.0 million, and $1.8 million, respectively). The Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of this VIE, and therefore this entity has not been consolidated. In a prior year, the Company issued a convertible loan of $1.5 million to this entity with a term of 3 years with an annual effective interest rate of 5.0%. The instrument is classified as an available-for-sale investment due to certain features that allow for conversion to common stock in the entity in the event of certain triggers occurring.

In addition, the Company has an investment in preferred stock of another business venture of $1.5 million which meets the criteria for classification as a debt security under the FASB ASC 320 and is recorded at a fair value of $nil at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 — $nil).

Furthermore, the Company has an investment of $1.0 million (December 31, 2018 — $1.0 million) in the shares of an exchange traded fund. This investment is classified as an equity investment.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company held investments with a total value of $3.5 million in the preferred shares of enterprises which meet the criteria for classification as an equity security under FASB ASC 325, carried at historical cost, net of impairment charges. The carrying value of these equity security investments was $1.0 million at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 — $1.0 million).

On January 17, 2019, IMAX China (Hong Kong), Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IMAX China, as an investor entered into a cornerstone investment agreement with Maoyan Entertainment (“Maoyan”) (as the issuer) and Morgan Stanley Asia Limited (as a sponsor, underwriter and the underwriters’ representative). Pursuant to this agreement, IMAX China (Hong Kong), Limited agreed to invest $15.2 million to subscribe for a certain number of shares of Maoyan at the final offer price pursuant to the global offering of the share capital of Maoyan, and this investment would be subject to a lock-up period of six months following the date of the global offering. On February 4, 2019, Maoyan completed its global offering, upon which, IMAX China (Hong Kong), Limited became a less than 1% shareholder in Maoyan. This investment is classified as an equity security under the FASB ASC 321, with a readily determinable market value through the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The changes in fair value are recorded in the Change in fair value of equity investment line item in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company has recorded a net unrealized loss of $0.5 million.

The total carrying value of investments in new business ventures at December 31, 2019 and 2018 is $2.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively, and is recorded in Other Assets.

The investment in shares of an exchange traded fund and the investment in Maoyan are recorded in Investment in equity securities.

Capital Stock - Expenses Related to Stock Option Grants Issued to Employees and Directors (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option expense	$ 22,800	$ 22,600	$ 23,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option expense	$ 8,329	$ 5,950	$ 4,462

Employee's Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Amounts Accrued for the SERP (Details) - SERP Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Amounts Accrued
Obligation, beginning of period	$ 17,977	$ 19,003
Prior service cost	456
Interest cost	564	422	$ 427
Actuarial gain	(157)	(1,448)
Obligation, end of period and unfunded status	$ 18,840	$ 17,977	$ 19,003

Financial Instruments - Allowance for Credit Losses and Investment in Financing Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance	$ 994
Ending balance	1,070	$ 994
Net Investment in Leases [Member]
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance	155	155
Charge-offs	0	0
Recoveries	0	0
Provision	0	0
Ending balance	155	155
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	155	155
Financing receivables:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	15,761	9,597
Net Financed Sales Receivables [Member]
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance	839	922
Charge-offs	0	(183)
Recoveries	0	0
Provision	76	100
Ending balance	915	839
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	915	839
Financing receivables:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$ 113,347	$ 118,829

Segmented Information - Geographic Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Sep. 30, 2019

Jun. 30, 2019

Mar. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Sep. 30, 2018

Jun. 30, 2018

Mar. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

$ 124,279

$ 86,390

$ 104,797

$ 80,198

$ 108,964

$ 82,108

$ 98,345

$ 84,984

$ 395,664

^[1]

$ 374,401

^[1]

$ 380,767

^[1]

United States [Member]

121,264

118,495

135,153

Greater China [Member]

124,294

117,520

126,474

Canada [Member]

9,220

10,507

12,812

Western Europe [Member]

Asia (excluding Greater China) [Member]

46,911

40,497

32,765

Russia & the CIS [Member]

48,386

46,858

35,896

16,124

10,133

11,054

Latin America [Member]

Rest of the World [Member]

9,438

12,952

10,963

Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]

$ 20,027

$ 17,439

$ 15,650

[1]	The Company’s largest customer represents 16.5% of total revenues as at December 31, 2019, (2018 —17.1%; 2017 —16.4%).

Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

	As at December 31, 2019						As at December 31, 2018
	Carrying Amount			Estimated Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Estimated Fair Value
Level 1
Cash and cash equivalents⁽¹⁾	$	109,484			109,484		$	141,590		$	141,590
Equity securities ⁽³⁾		15,685			15,685			1,022			1,022
Level 2
Net financed sales receivables⁽²⁾	$	112,432		$	111,441		$	117,990		$	117,428
Net investment in sales-type leases ⁽²⁾		15,606			15,309			9,442			9,529
Convertible loan receivable⁽²⁾		1,500			1,500			1,500			1,500
Equity securities⁽¹⁾		1,000			1,000			1,000			1,000
Foreign exchange contracts — designated forwards⁽³⁾		530			530			(1,202	)		(1,202	)
Borrowings under the Credit Facility⁽¹⁾		(20,000	)		(20,000	)		(40,000	)		(40,000	)

(1)	Recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.

(2)	Estimated based on discounting future cash flows at currently available interest rates with comparable terms.

(3)	Value determined using quoted prices in active markets.

Recorded Investment in Financing Receivables

The following table discloses the recorded investment in financing receivables by credit quality indicator:

	As at December 31, 2019						As at December 31, 2018
	Minimum Lease Payments		Financed Sales Receivables		Total		Minimum Lease Payments		Financed Sales Receivables		Total
In good standing	$	15,094	$	102,450	$	117,544	$	8,701	$	108,574	$	117,275
Credit Watch		667		9,279		9,946		574		8,723		9,297
Pre-approved transactions		—		830		830		322		565		887
Transactions suspended		—		788		788		—		967		967
	$	15,761	$	113,347	$	129,108	$	9,597	$	118,829	$	128,426

Investment In Financing Receivables On Nonaccrual Status

The Company’s investment in financing receivables on nonaccrual status is as follows:

	As at December 31, 2019					As at December 31, 2018
	Recorded Investment		Related Allowance			Recorded Investment		Related Allowance
Net investment in leases	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
Net financed sales receivables		788		(732	)		967		(739	)
Total	$	788	$	(732	)	$	967	$	(739	)

Aging of Financing Receivables

The Company’s aged financing receivables are as follows:

	As at December 31, 2019
	Accrued and Current		30-89 Days		90+ Days		Billed Financing Receivables		Related Unbilled Recorded Investment		Total Recorded Investment		Related Allowances			Recorded Investment Net of Allowances
Net investment in leases	$	30	$	68	$	251	$	349	$	15,412	$	15,761	$	(155	)	$	15,606
Net financed sales receivables		1,678		2,772		5,446		9,896		103,451		113,347		(915	)		112,432
Total	$	1,708	$	2,840	$	5,697	$	10,245	$	118,863	$	129,108	$	(1,070	)	$	128,038

	As at December 31, 2018
	Accrued and Current		30-89 Days		90+ Days		Billed Financing Receivables		Related Unbilled Recorded Investment		Total Recorded Investment		Related Allowances			Recorded Investment Net of Allowances
Net investment in leases	$	52	$	18	$	253	$	323	$	9,274	$	9,597	$	(155	)	$	9,442
Net financed sales receivables		1,442		2,066		5,241		8,749		110,080		118,829		(839	)		117,990
Total	$	1,494	$	2,084	$	5,494	$	9,072	$	119,354	$	128,426	$	(994	)	$	127,432

Financing Receivables Continues to Accrue Finance Income

The Company’s recorded investment in financing receivables with billed amounts past due for which the Company continues to accrue finance income is as follows:

	As at December 31, 2019
	Accrued and Current		30-89 Days		90+ Days		Billed Financing Receivables		Related Unbilled Recorded Investment		Related Allowance		Recorded Investment Past Due and Accruing
Net investment in leases	$	9	$	19	$	251	$	279	$	578	$	—	$	857
Net financed sales receivables		1,146		1,290		5,523		7,959		29,173		—		37,132
Total	$	1,155	$	1,309	$	5,774	$	8,238	$	29,751	$	—	$	37,989

	As at December 31, 2018
	Accrued and Current		30-89 Days		90+ Days		Billed Financing Receivables		Related Unbilled Recorded Investment		Related Allowance		Recorded Investment Past Due and Accruing
Net investment in leases	$	28	$	9	$	246	$	283	$	1,523	$	—	$	1,806
Net financed sales receivables		558		1,472		5,860		7,890		31,507		—		39,397
Total	$	586	$	1,481	$	6,106	$	8,173	$	33,030	$	—	$	41,203

Impaired Financing Receivables

The following table discloses information regarding the Company’s impaired financing receivables:

	As at December 31, 2019
	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal		Related Allowance			Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
Recorded investment for which there is a related allowance:
Net investment in leases	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
Net financed sales receivables		708		80		(732	)		818		—
Recorded investment for which there is no related allowance:
Net investment in leases		—		—		—			—		—
Net financed sales receivables		—		—		—			—		—
Total recorded investment in impaired loans:
Net investment in leases	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
Net financed sales receivables	$	708	$	80	$	(732	)	$	818	$	—

	As at December 31, 2018
	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal		Related Allowance			Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
Recorded investment for which there is a related allowance:
Net investment in leases	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
Net financed sales receivables		869		98		(739	)		930		—
Recorded investment for which there is no related allowance:
Net investment in leases		—		—		—			—		—
Net financed sales receivables		—		—		—			—		—
Total recorded investment in impaired loans:
Net investment in leases	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
Net financed sales receivables	$	869	$	98	$	(739	)	$	930	$	—

Allowance for Credit Losses and Investment in Financing Receivables

The Company’s activity in the allowance for credit losses for the period and the Company’s recorded investment in financing receivables is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31, 2019
	Net Investment		Net Financed
	in Leases		Sales Receivables
Allowance for credit losses:

Beginning balance	$	155	$	839
Charge-offs		—		—
Recoveries		—		—
Provision		—		76
Ending balance	$	155	$	915
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	155	$	915

Financing receivables:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	15,761	$	113,347

	Year Ended December 31, 2018
	Net Investment		Net Financed
	in Leases		Sales Receivables
Allowance for credit losses:

Beginning balance	$	155	$	922
Charge-offs		—		(183	)
Recoveries		—		—
Provision		—		100
Ending balance	$	155	$	839
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	155	$	839

Financing receivables:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	9,597	$	118,829

Notional Amount of Derivative

The following tabular disclosures reflect the impact that derivative instruments and hedging activities have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements:

Notional value of foreign exchange contracts:

	As at December 31,
	2019		2018
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards	$	36,052	$	50,828

Fair Value of Foreign Exchange Contracts

Fair value of derivatives in foreign exchange contracts:

		As at December 31,
	Balance Sheet Location	2019			2018
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts — Forwards	Other assets	$	602		$	649
	Accrued and other liabilities	$	(72	)		(1,851	)
		$	530		$	(1,202	)

Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging Relationships

Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging relationships are as follows:

			Years Ended December 31,
			2019				2018				2017
Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards	Derivative Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	$		552		$		(2,219	)	$		2,545
		$		552		$		(2,219	)	$		2,545

	Location of Derivative (Loss) Gain
	Reclassified from AOCI		Years Ended December 31,
	into Income (Effective Portion)		2019				2018				2017
Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$		(1,109	)	$		408		$		824
	Inventory			(42	)			—				—
	Property, plant and equipment			(32	)			—				—
		$		(1,183	)	$		408		$		824

		Years Ended December 31,
		2019			2018		2017
Foreign exchange contracts - Forwards	Derivative (Loss) Gain Recognized In and Out of OCI (Effective Portion)	$	(22	)	$	21	$	—

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

20. Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The following tables present a breakdown of the Company’s revenues between fixed and variable consideration and lease arrangements:

	Years Ended December 31, 2019
	Subject to the Revenue				Subject to the
	Recognition Standard				Lease Standard
	Fixed consideration		Variable consideration		Lease arrangements		Total
Network business
IMAX DMR	$	—	$	120,765	$	—	$	120,765
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – contingent rent		—		—		75,932		75,932
IMAX systems – contingent rent		—		—		139		139
		—		120,765		76,071		196,836
Theater business
IMAX systems
Sales and sales-type leases		86,202		10,108		—		96,310
Ongoing fees and finance income		11,613		—		—		11,613
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – fixed fees		—		—		11,014		11,014
Theater system maintenance		53,151		—		—		53,151
Other theater		8,390		—		—		8,390
		159,356		10,108		11,014		180,478
New business		2,754		—		—		2,754
Other
Film post-production		7,392		—		—		7,392
Film distribution		—		4,818		—		4,818
Other		—		2,123		1,263		3,386
		7,392		6,941		1,263		15,596
Total	$	169,502	$	137,814	$	88,348	$	395,664

	Year Ended December 31, 2018
	Subject to the Revenue				Subject to the
	Recognition Standard				Lease Standard
	Fixed consideration		Variable consideration		Lease arrangements		Total
Network business
IMAX DMR	$	—	$	110,793	$	—	$	110,793
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – contingent rent		—		—		73,371		73,371
IMAX systems – contingent rent		—		—		—		—
		—		110,793		73,371		184,164
Theater business
IMAX systems
Sales and sales-type leases		82,128		6,304		—		88,432
Ongoing fees and finance income		12,224		—		—		12,224
Joint revenue sharing arrangements – fixed fees		9,706		—		—		9,706
Theater system maintenance		49,684		—		—		49,684
Other theater		8,358		—		—		8,358
		162,100		6,304		—		168,404
New business		4,050		1,719		—		5,769
Other
Film post-production		9,516		—		—		9,516
Film distribution		—		3,446		—		3,446
Other		50		3,052		—		3,102
		9,566		6,498		—		16,064
Total	$	175,716	$	125,314	$	73,371	$	374,401

The Company’s arrangements include a requirement for the provision of maintenance services over the life of the arrangement, subject to a consumer price index increase on renewal each year. In circumstances where customers prepay the entire term’s maintenance arrangement, payments are due to the Company for the years after the extended warranty and maintenance services offered as part of the System performance obligations expire. Payments upon renewal each year can be either in arrears or in advance and can vary in frequency from monthly to annually. At December 31, 2019, $17.7 million of consideration has been deferred in relation to outstanding stand ready performance obligations related to these maintenance services (December 31, 2018 — $21.9 million). As the maintenance services are a stand ready obligation, revenue, subject to appropriate constraint, is recognized evenly over the contract term.

In instances where consideration is received prior to performance obligations being satisfied, it is deferred. The majority of the Company’s deferred revenue balance relates to payments for theater systems that have not yet been recognized. The deferred revenue related to an individual theater increases as progress payments are made and is recognized at the time the system obligation is satisfied. Recognition dates are variable and depend on numerous factors, including some outside of the Company’s control.

Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements - Additional Information (Details) ¥ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 CNY (¥)	Oct. 28, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 CNY (¥)	Jul. 05, 2018 USD ($)	Jul. 05, 2018 CNY (¥)	Jun. 28, 2018 USD ($)
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Credit Facility Description	On June 28, 2018, the Company entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as agent, and a syndicate of lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement expands the Company’s revolving borrowing capacity from $200.0 million to $300.0 million, and also contains an uncommitted accordion feature allowing the Company to further expand its borrowing capacity to $440.0 million or greater, depending on the mix of revolving and term loans comprising the incremental facility. The facility (the “Credit Facility”) matures on June 28, 2023.
Credit Facility Maturity Date	Jun. 28, 2023
Line of credit facility covenant terms	The Credit Agreement provides that the Company is required to maintain a Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) as of the last day of any fiscal quarter (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of no greater than 3.25:1.00. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for a transaction of this type, including covenants that limit indebtedness, liens, capital expenditures, asset sales, investments and restricted payments, in each case subject to negotiated exceptions and baskets. The Credit Agreement also contains representations, warranties and event of default provisions customary for a transaction of this type.
Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 280,000,000.0	$ 260,000,000.0
Effective interest rate	3.43%	3.41%
Working Capital Loan [Member]
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Current borrowing capacity							$ 30,000,000.0	¥ 200,000
Credit Facility Description	On July 5, 2018, IMAX (Shanghai) Multimedia Technology Co., Ltd. (“IMAX Shanghai”), one of the Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries in China, entered into an unsecured revolving facility for up to 200.0 million Renminbi (approximately $30.0 million U.S. Dollars) to fund ongoing working capital requirements.
Amounts Drawn	$ 0		¥ 0
Remaining Borrowing Capacity		$ 30,000,000.0				¥ 200,000
Minimum [Member]
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Borrowing capacity under uncommitted accordion feature	440,000,000.0
Maximum [Member]
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Current borrowing capacity	$ 300,000,000.0
Prior Credit Facility [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Current borrowing capacity									$ 200,000,000.0
Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate description	Loans under the Credit Facility will bear interest, at the Company’s option, at (i) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.75% per annum; or (ii) the U.S. base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.00% per annum, in each case depending on the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement).
Compliance with covenants	The Company was in compliance with all of its requirements at December 31, 2019.
Amounts Drawn	$ 20,000,000.0	40,000,000.0
Letters of credit and advance payment guarantees	$ 0	0
Credit Facility [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate margin percentage	1.00%
Credit Facility [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Base Rate [Member]
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate margin percentage	0.25%
Credit Facility [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Debt instrument net leverage ratio	3.25
Credit Facility [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate margin percentage	1.75%
Credit Facility [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Base Rate [Member]
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rate margin percentage	1.00%
Wells Fargo Foreign Exchange Facility [Member]
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Settlement gain on its foreign currency forward contracts	$ 500,000	1,200,000
Notional Amount of arrangements entered into	$ 36,100,000	50,800,000
Bank of Montreal Facility [Member]
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Credit Facility Maturity Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Remaining Borrowing Capacity		$ 10,000,000.0			$ 10,000,000.0
Letters of credit and advance payment guarantees	$ 0
NBC Facility [Member]
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]
Current borrowing capacity				$ 5,000,000.0
Letters of credit and advance payment guarantees	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Operating Activities

Net income

$ 58,571

$ 33,595

$ 12,518

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operations:

Depreciation and amortization (notes 19(c) and 21(a))

63,487

57,437

66,807

Write-downs, net of recoveries (notes 19(d) and 21(a))

6,806

11,770

29,568

Deferred income taxes

^[1]

6,762

(6,923)

(4,017)

Stock and other non-cash compensation

23,570

23,723

24,075

Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss (gain)

631

(502)

Change in fair value of equity securities (note 22(e))

517

Loss from equity-accounted investments

730

306

(Gain) loss on non-cash contribution to equity-accounted investees

(733)

397

Investment in film assets

(23,437)

(23,200)

(34,645)

Changes in other non-cash operating assets and liabilities (note 19(a))

(45,929)

12,447

(9,141)

Net cash provided by operating activities

90,376

109,972

85,366

Investing Activities

Investment in joint revenue sharing equipment

(7,421)

(13,368)

(24,143)

(40,489)

(34,810)

(42,634)

Acquisition of other intangible assets

(2,931)

(8,696)

(5,214)

Investment in equity securities (note 22(e))

(15,153)

(1,606)

Net cash used in investing activities

(65,994)

(56,874)

(73,597)

Financing Activities

Increase in bank indebtedness (note 13)

35,000

65,000

Repayment of bank indebtedness (note 13)

(55,000)

(50,667)

(2,000)

Treasury stock repurchased for future settlement of restricted share units (note 16)

(4,038)

(916)

(5,133)

Settlement of restricted share units and options (note 16)

(9,795)

(5,249)

(20,331)

Repurchase of common shares

(2,659)

(71,479)

(46,140)

Taxes withheld and paid on employee stock awards vested

(590)

(1,437)

(600)

Common shares issued - stock options exercised

2,404

1,017

16,668

Issuance of subsidiary shares to non-controlling interests (net of return on capital)

1,106

7,796

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(4,384)

(6,934)

Credit facility amendment fees paid

(1,909)

Net cash used in financing activities

(57,118)

(70,862)

(57,536)

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash

630

629

(267)

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents during year

(32,106)

(17,135)

(46,034)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

141,590

158,725

204,759

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

109,484

141,590

$ 158,725

IMAX China

Financing Activities

Repurchase of common shares

$ (19,162)

$ (6,084)

[1]

Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 109,484

$ 141,590

Net financed sales receivables

15,685

1,022

112,432

117,990

Net investment in sales-type leases

15,606

9,442

Convertible loan receivable

1,500

Foreign exchange contracts — designated forwards

530

(1,202)

Borrowings under the Credit Facility

(20,000)

(40,000)

Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Cash and cash equivalents

^[1]

109,484

141,590

Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

^[2]

15,685

1,022

Net financed sales receivables

^[1]

1,000

^[3]

112,432

117,990

Net investment in sales-type leases

^[3]

15,606

9,442

Convertible loan receivable

^[3]

1,500

Borrowings under the Credit Facility

^[1]

(20,000)

(40,000)

Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Foreign exchange contracts — designated forwards

^[2]

530

(1,202)

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Cash and cash equivalents

^[1]

109,484

141,590

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

^[2]

15,685

1,022

Net financed sales receivables

^[1]

1,000

^[3]

111,441

117,428

Net investment in sales-type leases

^[3]

15,309

9,529

Convertible loan receivable

^[3]

1,500

Borrowings under the Credit Facility

^[1]

(20,000)

(40,000)

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Foreign exchange contracts — designated forwards

^[2]

$ 530

$ (1,202)

[1]	Recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
[2]	Value determined using quoted prices in active markets.
[3]	Estimated based on discounting future cash flows at currently available interest rates with comparable terms.

Adoption of ASC Topic 842, Leases, Effective January 1, 2019 (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Impacts of Adoption of Standard Related to Leases

The following table presents the impact from the adoption of ASC Topic 842 on the Company’s assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet:

	Balance at					Balance at
	December 31,		ASC Topic 842			January 1,
	2018		Adjustments			2019
Assets
Property, plant and equipment	$	280,658	$	17,462		$	298,120
Prepaid expenses		10,294		(36	)		10,258

Liabilities
Accrued and other liabilities		97,724		17,426			115,150

Financial Instruments - Derivatives in Foreign Currency Hedging Relationships (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative Gain (Loss)Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	$ 552	$ (2,219)	$ 2,545
Location of Derivative (Loss) Gain Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	(1,183)	408	824
Derivative (Loss) Gain Recognized In and Out of OCI (Effective Portion)	(22)	21	0
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative Gain (Loss)Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	552	(2,219)	2,545
Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Location of Derivative (Loss) Gain Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	(1,109)	408	824
Inventory [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Location of Derivative (Loss) Gain Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	(42)	0	0
Property, plant and equipment [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Location of Derivative (Loss) Gain Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$ (32)	$ 0	$ 0

Capital Stock - Summary of Expense and Accrued Liability Related to Award Type (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense	$ 22,800	$ 22,600	$ 23,000
China Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense	320	217	1,034
China RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense	$ 1,664	$ 1,229	1,124
CSSBPs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense			$ 353

Executive Transition Costs

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Executive Transition Costs

25. Executive Transition Costs

In 2018, the Company recognized executive transition costs of $3.0 million associated with the separation of the former CEO of IMAX Entertainment and Senior Executive Vice President of the Company. The costs include $1.9 million of accelerated costs related to retirement benefits which became vested in full. Additional expenses of $1.1 million have been recorded for severance, bonus and stock-based compensation which relate to the exit of the executive and other executives. No such charges were incurred in the year ended December 31, 2019.

Capital Stock - Stock Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 22,830	$ 22,585	$ 23,010
Cost and Expenses Applicable to Revenues [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	1,709	1,657	1,704
Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	20,750	20,102	20,393
Research and Development [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 371	452	556
Executive Transition Costs [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		320
Exit Costs, Restructuring Charges and Associated Impairments [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 54	$ 357

Income Taxes - Schedule of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes by Jurisdiction (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ 75,336	$ 43,605	$ 30,011
Canada [Member]
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes	884	(14,749)	(17,261)
United States [Member]
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes	(234)	(6,079)	(11,895)
China [Member]
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes	51,809	50,446	50,410
Ireland [Member]
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes	17,630	8,071	3,632
Other [Member]
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ 5,247	$ 5,916	$ 5,125

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information - Summary of Depreciation and Amortization (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Summary of Depreciation and amortization

Film assets

^[1]

$ 19,176

$ 15,679

$ 31,031

Joint revenue sharing arrangements

23,153

20,739

18,112

Other property, plant and equipment

12,477

13,164

11,803

Other intangible assets

6,290

5,507

4,319

1,882

1,242

980

Deferred financing costs

509

1,106

562

Change In Contract With Customer Asset [Abstract]

$ 63,487

$ 57,437

$ 66,807

[1]	Included in film asset amortization is a charge of $nil (2018 — $nil; 2017 — $1.5 million) relating to changes in estimates based on the ultimate recoverability of future films.

Variable Consideration Receivable from Contracts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Summary of Variable Consideration Receivable From Contracts

The following table sets forth a summary of activities in variable consideration receivable from contracts for the year ended December 31:

	Variable Consideration Receivable from Contracts

Balance as at December 31, 2018	$	35,985
Recognition of variable consideration		9,948
Accretion to finance income		1,936
True-up of variable consideration receivable		979
Payments received		(8,808	)
Balance as at December 31, 2019	$	40,040

Film Assets - Film Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Film Costs [Abstract]
Completed and released films, net of accumulated amortization of $192,999 (2018 - $173,812)	$ 7,193	$ 5,958
Films in production	4,250	4,500
Films in development	6,478	5,909
Film Costs, Total	$ 17,921	$ 16,367

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Allowance for Net Investment in Leases [Member]
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 155	$ 155	$ 672
Additions/ (recoveries) charged to expenses			(517)
Balance at end of year	155	155	155
Allowance for Financed Sale Receivables [Member]
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	839	922	494
Additions/ (recoveries) charged to expenses	76	(83)	428
Balance at end of year	915	839	922
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Member]
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	3,174	1,613	1,250
Additions/ (recoveries) charged to expenses	2,354	3,030	1,967
Other additions/ (deductions)	(390)	(1,469)	(1,604)
Balance at end of year	5,138	3,174	1,613
Inventories Valuation Allowance [Member]
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	3,885	3,886	3,342
Additions/ (recoveries) charged to expenses	446	250	500
Other additions/ (deductions)	(1,115)	(251)	44
Balance at end of year	3,216	3,885	3,886
Deferred Income Tax Valuation Allowance [Member]
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	197	197	197
Balance at end of year	$ 197	$ 197	$ 197

Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Estimated Amortization Expenses (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Other Intangible Assets Additional Textuals [Abstract]
2020	$ 6,553
2021	6,553
2022	6,553
2023	6,553
2024	$ 6,553

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - VIEs Total Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Total Assets	$ 889,069	$ 873,600
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Total Liabilities	245,974	274,243
Variable Interest Entity, Non-consolidated, Carrying Amount, Total Assets	448	447
Variable Interest Entity, Non-consolidated, Carrying Amount, Total Liabilities	372	362
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Total Assets	9,677	12,203
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Total Liabilities	$ 15,528	$ 11,573

Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements - Bank Indebtedness (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit Facility	$ 20,000	$ 40,000
Deferred charges on debt financing	(1,771)	(2,247)
Total bank indebtedness	$ 18,229	$ 37,753

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References + Details

Subsequent Event

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Event

29. Subsequent event

Subsequent to December 31, 2019, in response to the public health risks associated with an outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan, China, Chinese exhibitors temporarily closed more than 70,000 movie theaters, including all of the approximately 700 IMAX theaters in mainland China. The theaters have been closed since late January 2020, including over the Lunar New Year holiday, and have not yet reopened as of the date of this report. Chinese movie studios also postponed the release of multiple films, including those originally scheduled to be released over this holiday, five of which were scheduled to be shown in IMAX theaters. The repercussions of this health crisis in China will have a material adverse impact on the revenues generated by IMAX theatre systems in the first quarter of 2020.

Commitments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Summary of Company's Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following table presents a summary of the Company’s contractual obligations and commitments as at December 31, 2019:

	Payments Due by Fiscal Year
	Total
	Obligations		2020		2021		2022		2023		2024		Thereafter
Purchase obligations	$	41,779	$	41,440	$	339	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Pension obligations		20,298		—		—		—		20,298		—		—
Operating lease obligations		22,170		4,215		3,260		2,318		2,203		2,158		8,016
Credit Facility		20,000		—		—		—		20,000		—		—
Postretirement benefits obligations		2,246		108		114		113		123		123		1,665
	$	106,493	$	45,763	$	3,713	$	2,431	$	42,624	$	2,281	$	9,681

Summary of Information About Total Rental Expenses Under Operating Leases

The following table summarizes information about the Company’s total rental expenses under operating leases:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Total rent expense	$	3,753	$	4,303	$	5,685

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Selected Quarterly Financial Information

(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)		2019
	Q1			Q2		Q3		Q4
Revenues		$	80,198	$	104,797	$	86,390	$	124,279
Costs and expenses applicable to revenues			35,058		45,244		39,270		61,920
Gross margin		$	45,140	$	59,553	$	47,120	$	62,359
Net income		$	12,487	$	13,836	$	10,896	$	21,352
Net income attributable to common shareholders		$	8,265	$	11,397	$	9,033	$	18,171

Net income per share attributable to common shareholders:
Net income per share - basic & diluted		$	0.13	$	0.19	$	0.15	$	0.29

		2018
	Q1			Q2		Q3		Q4
Revenues		$	84,984	$	98,345	$	82,108	$	108,964
Costs and expenses applicable to revenues			34,292		37,941		39,917		54,322
Gross margin		$	50,692	$	60,404	$	42,191	$	54,642
Net income		$	12,067	$	10,255	$	7,502	$	3,771
Net income attributable to common shareholders		$	8,505	$	7,625	$	5,020	$	1,694

Net income per share attributable to common shareholders:
Net income per share - basic & diluted		$	0.13	$	0.12	$	0.08	$	0.03

Employee's Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Summary of Net Cost Components Related to Continuing Operation of Post Retirement Benefits Other than Pension (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Postretirement Benefits Executives [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	$ 26	$ 24	$ 26
Pension expense	26	24	26
Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	49	53	65
Pension expense	$ 49	$ 53	$ 65

Capital Stock - Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity (Details) - Employee Stock Option [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding, beginning of year	5,465,046	5,082,100	5,190,542
Granted	1,016,882	1,082,123	854,764
Exercised	(86,928)	(12,750)	(668,341)
Forfeited	(336,493)	(69,332)	(108,551)
Expired	(299,134)	(507,977)	(89,958)
Cancelled	(27,164)	(109,118)	(96,356)
Options outstanding, end of year	5,732,209	5,465,046	5,082,100
Options exercisable, end of year	4,801,272	3,990,970	3,913,088
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price per share, beginning of period	$ 27.63	$ 29.31	$ 28.35
Granted, weighted average exercise price per share	20.66	21.95	30.07
Exercised, weighted average exercise price per share	20.16	17.08	21.92
Forfeited, weighted average exercise price per share	23.63	29.99	32.42
Expired, weighted average exercise price per share	25.82	31.69	32.29
Cancelled, weighted average exercise price per share	31.13	30.44	29.28
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price per share, end of period	26.82	27.63	29.31
Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price per share, end of period	$ 27.40	$ 28.48	$ 28.96

Employee's Pension and Postretirement Benefits - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense (Textual) [Abstract]
Expenses recorded in executive transition costs			$ 1,900,000
Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense (Textual) [Abstract]
Companies contribution and expenses		$ 2,600	500
Deferred compensation plan description		The Company maintained a nonqualified deferred compensation benefit plan (the “Retirement Plan”) covering the former CEO of IMAX Entertainment and Senior Executive Vice President of the Company. Under the terms of his agreement with the Company, the plan will vest in full if he incurs a separation of service (as defined therein).
Unfunded benefit obligation recorded		$ 3,600	3,600
Expenses recorded to selling, general and administrative expenses		700,000
Expenses recorded in executive transition costs		1,900
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Textual [Abstract]
Companies contribution and expenses		$ 2,600	500
Richard L. Gelfond
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit payable	$ 20,300
Remaining employment agreement term	36 months
SERP Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan		The Company has an unfunded U.S. defined benefit pension plan, the SERP, covering Richard L. Gelfond, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company. The SERP provides for a lifetime retirement benefit from age 55 determined as 75% of Mr. Gelfond’s best average 60 consecutive months of earnings over his employment history. The benefits were 50% vested as at July 2000, the SERP initiation date. The vesting percentage increased on a straight-line basis from inception until age 55. The benefits of Mr. Gelfond are 100% vested. Upon a termination for cause, prior to a change of control, Mr. Gelfond shall forfeit any and all benefits to which he may have been entitled, whether or not vested.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense (Textual) [Abstract]
Benefit Obligation		$ 18,840,000	17,977,000	$ 19,003,000
Companies contribution and expenses		0
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Textual [Abstract]
Companies contribution and expenses		0
Expected interest costs in the remainder of the year		$ 600,000
Defined Contribution Plan [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense (Textual) [Abstract]
Defined contribution pension plans for employees		The Company also maintains defined contribution pension plans for its employees, including its executive officers. The Company makes contributions to these plans on behalf of employees in an amount up to 5% of their base salary subject to certain prescribed maximums.
Maximum percentage of base salary contributed to Defined Contribution Pension Plan by Company		5.00%
Canadian Plan [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense (Textual) [Abstract]
Companies contribution and expenses		$ 1,200,000	1,200,000	1,200,000
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Textual [Abstract]
Companies contribution and expenses		1,200,000	1,200,000	1,200,000
Us Internal Revenue Code [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense (Textual) [Abstract]
Companies contribution and expenses		600,000	500,000	700,000
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Textual [Abstract]
Companies contribution and expenses		600,000	500,000	700,000
Postretirement Benefits Canadian Employees [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense (Textual) [Abstract]
Benefit Obligation		1,581,000	$ 1,487,000	$ 1,678,000
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Textual [Abstract]
Expected interest costs in the remainder of the year		$ 100,000

New Accounting Standards and Accounting Changes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]

New Accounting Standards and Accounting Changes

3. New Accounting Standards and Accounting Changes

Adoption of New Accounting Policies

The Company adopted several standards including the following on January 1, 2019.

Recently Issued FASB Accounting Standard Codification Updates Not Yet Adopted

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

IMAX CORPORATION

Schedule II

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

	Balance at beginning of year		Additions/ (recoveries) charged to expenses			Other additions/ (deductions)⁽¹⁾			Balance at end of year
Allowance for net investment in leases
Year ended December 31, 2017	$	672	$	(517	)	$	—		$	155
Year ended December 31, 2018	$	155	$	—		$	—		$	155
Year ended December 31, 2019	$	155	$	—		$	—		$	155

Allowance for financed sale receivables
Year ended December 31, 2017	$	494	$	428		$	—		$	922
Year ended December 31, 2018	$	922	$	(83	)	$	—		$	839
Year ended December 31, 2019	$	839	$	76		$	—		$	915

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
Year ended December 31, 2017	$	1,250	$	1,967		$	(1,604	)	$	1,613
Year ended December 31, 2018	$	1,613	$	3,030		$	(1,469	)	$	3,174
Year ended December 31, 2019	$	3,174	$	2,354		$	(390	)	$	5,138

Inventories valuation allowance
Year ended December 31, 2017	$	3,342	$	500		$	44		$	3,886
Year ended December 31, 2018	$	3,886	$	250		$	(251	)	$	3,885
Year ended December 31, 2019	$	3,885	$	446		$	(1,115	)	$	3,216

Deferred income tax valuation allowance
Year ended December 31, 2017	$	197	$	—		$	—		$	197
Year ended December 31, 2018	$	197	$	—		$	—		$	197
Year ended December 31, 2019	$	197	$	—		$	—		$	197

(1)	Deductions represent write-offs of amounts previously charged to the provision.

Lease Arrangements And Financing Receivables - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) Lease	Jan. 01, 2019 USD ($)
Leases [Line Items]
Lessor, sales-type lease description	Several of the Company’s leases are classified as sales-type leases for transactions related to the lease of IMAX theater systems. Certain arrangements that are legal sales are also classified as sales-type leases as certain clauses within the arrangements limit transfer of title or provide the Company with conditional rights to the system.
Sales-type lease, option to purchase asset description	the Company’s leases generally do not contain an automatic transfer of title at the end of the lease term
Lessee, operating lease description	The Company mainly leases office and warehouse storage space and office equipment is generally purchased outright. Leases with an initial term of less than 12 months are not recorded on the balance sheet; the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Lessee, operating lease, existence of option to extend term	true
Lessee, operating lease, existence of option to extend description	The Company determined that it was reasonably certain that the renewal options on its warehouse leases would be exercised based on previous history and knowledge, current understanding of future business needs and level of investment in leasehold improvements, among other considerations.
Lessee, operating lease, assumptions for discount rate	The incremental borrowing rate used in the calculation of the lease liability is based on the location of each leased property.
Leases include options to purchase leased property \| Lease	0
Lessee, operating lease, existence of residual value	false
Lessee, operating lease, sublease options	The Company rents or subleases certain office space to third parties, which have a remaining term of less than 12 months and are not expected to be renewed.
Operating Lease liability	$ 18,677	$ 20,000
ASC Topic 842 Leases [Member] \| As Adjusted [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Operating Lease liability		20,000
Unamortized lease inducements and other accruals		$ (2,500)
Minimum [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Sales-type lease, lease term	10 years
Non-cancellable term of joint revenue sharing arrangements	10 years
Lessee, operating lease, renewal term	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Sales-type lease, lease term	20 years
Non-cancellable term of joint revenue sharing arrangements	or longer
Lessee, operating lease, renewal term	5 years

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) Lease	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of variable interest entities	ten
Period of revenue estimation from initial film release	10 years
Commission recognized as cost and expenses	$ 2.0	$ 2.0	$ 2.7
Cost of equipment and product sales prior to direct selling costs	63.6	52.9	45.5
Deferred direct selling costs and direct advertising and marketing included in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-rentals	2.0	2.4	2.9
Direct advertising and marketing costs included in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-rentals	3.0	2.1	2.6
Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing included in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services	$ 22.9	21.2	14.7
Lessee, operating lease, existence of option to extend term	true
Lessee, operating lease, existence of option to extend description	The Company determined that it was reasonably certain that the renewal options on its warehouse leases would be exercised based on previous history and knowledge, current understanding of future business needs and level of investment in leasehold improvements, among other considerations.
Lessee, operating lease, assumptions for discount rate	The incremental borrowing rate used in the calculation of the lease liability is based on the location of each leased property.
Leases include options to purchase leased property \| Lease	0
Lessee, operating lease, existence of residual value	false
Lessee, operating lease, sublease options	The Company rents or subleases certain office space to third parties, which have a remaining term of less than 12 months and are not expected to be renewed.
Pension policy details	10.00%
Remaining weighted average service life of employee	3.0 year
IMAX DMR [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing included in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services	$ 22.5	16.5	15.4
Film Distribution [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Film exploitation costs, including advertising and marketing included in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services	0.4	2.2	(0.7)
Rental [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred direct selling costs and direct advertising and marketing included in costs and expenses applicable to revenues-rentals	$ 0.4	$ 0.9	$ 1.6
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	4 years
Lessee, operating lease, renewal term	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	10 years
Lessee, operating lease, renewal term	5 years
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of variable interest entities not a primary beneficiary	five
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of variable interest entities primary beneficiary	five

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information - Summary of Depreciation and Amortization (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Charge recorded in film asset amortization relating to changes in estimates based on ultimate recoverability of future films	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,500

Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Employees Pension and Postretirement Benefits

23. Employee's Pension and Postretirement Benefits

(a)

Defined Benefit Plan

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

Under the terms of the SERP, if Mr. Gelfond’s employment terminated other than for cause (as defined in his employment agreement), he is entitled to receive SERP benefits in the form of a lump sum payment. SERP benefit payments to Mr. Gelfond are subject to a deferral for six months after the termination of his employment, at which time Mr. Gelfond will be entitled to receive interest on the deferred amount credited at the applicable federal rate for short-term obligations. Pursuant to an amendment dated November 1, 2019 to the existing employment agreement, the term of Mr. Gelfond’s employment was extended through December 31, 2022, although Mr. Gelfond has not informed the Company that he intends to retire at that time. Under the terms of the amendment to his employment agreement, the total amount of benefit payable to Mr. Gelfond under the SERP has been fixed at $20.3 million. The increase in SERP obligation under the amendment was accounted for as prior service costs arising the during the year and recognized in other comprehensive income. The prior service costs arising from the amendment are amortized over the remaining employment agreement term of 36 months on a straight-line basis. The amortization expenses of prior service costs are recorded within the retirement benefits non-service expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

The following assumptions were used to determine the obligation and cost of the Company’s SERP at the plan measurement dates:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Discount rate		2.00	%		3.14	%		2.22	%
Lump sum interest rate:
First 25 years		2.12	%		—			—
First 20 years		—			3.09	%		2.39	%
Thereafter		2.26	%		2.84	%		2.60	%
Cost of living adjustment on benefits		1.20	%		1.20	%		1.20	%

The amounts accrued for the SERP are determined as follows:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018
Obligation, beginning of period	$	17,977		$	19,003
Prior service cost		456			—
Interest cost		564			422
Actuarial gain		(157	)		(1,448	)
Obligation, end of period and unfunded status	$	18,840		$	17,977

The following table provides disclosure of the pension benefit obligation recorded in the consolidated balance sheets:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018
Accrued benefits cost	$	(18,840	)	$	(17,977	)
Accumulated other comprehensive gain		(988	)		(1,287	)
Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets	$	(19,828	)	$	(19,264	)

The following table provides disclosure of pension expense for the SERP for the years ended December 31:

	Years ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Interest cost	$	564	$	422	$	427
Pension expense	$	564	$	422	$	427

The accumulated benefit obligation for the SERP was $18.8 million at December 31, 2019 (2018 — $18.0 million).

The following amounts were included in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods:

		As at December 31,
	2019				2018				2017
Unrealized actuarial (gain) loss	$		(1,444	)	$	(1,287	)	$		161
Unamortized prior service cost			456			—				—
Net periodic benefit costs to be recognized in future periods	$		(988	)	$	(1,287	)	$		161

No contributions were made for the SERP during 2019. The Company expects interest costs of $0.6 million to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2020.

The following benefit payments are expected to be made as per the current SERP assumptions and the terms of the SERP in each of the next five years, and in the aggregate:

2020	$	—
2021		—
2022		—
2023		20,298
2024		—
Thereafter		—
	$	20,298

(b)

Defined Contribution Pension Plan

The Company also maintains defined contribution pension plans for its employees, including its executive officers. The Company makes contributions to these plans on behalf of employees in an amount up to 5% of their base salary subject to certain prescribed maximums. During 2019, the Company contributed and expensed an aggregate of $1.2 million (2018 — $1.2 million; 2017 — $1.2 million) to its Canadian plan and an aggregate of $0.6 million (2018 —$0.5 million; 2017 —$0.7 million) to its defined contribution employee pension plan under Section 401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

(c)

Postretirement Benefits - Executives

The Company has an unfunded postretirement plan for Messrs. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler, Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. The plan provides that the Company will maintain health benefits for Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler until they become eligible for Medicare and, thereafter, the Company will provide Medicare supplemental coverage as selected by Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler.

The amounts accrued for the plan are determined as follows:

	As at December 31,
	2019		2018
Obligation, beginning of year	$	639	$	698
Interest cost		26		24
Benefits paid		—		(24	)
Actuarial gain		—		(59	)
Obligation, end of year	$	665	$	639

The following details the net cost components, all related to continuing operations, and underlying assumptions of postretirement benefits other than pensions:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Interest cost	$	26	$	24	$	26
Pension expense	$	26	$	24	$	26

The following amounts were included in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Unrealized actuarial (gain) loss	$	(50	)	$	(50	)	$	9

Weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation are:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Discount rate		3.13	%		4.15	%		3.55	%

Weighted average assumption used to determine the net postretirement benefit expense are:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Discount rate		4.15	%		3.55	%		4.10	%

The following benefit payments are expected to be made as per the current plan assumptions in each of the next five years:

2020	$	8
2021		9
2022		9
2023		19
2024		20
Thereafter		600
Total	$	665

(d)

Postretirement Benefits – Canadian Employees

The Company has an unfunded postretirement plan for its Canadian employees upon meeting specific eligibility requirements. The Company will provide eligible participants, upon retirement, with health and welfare benefits.

The amounts accrued for the plan are determined as follows:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018
Obligation, beginning of year	$	1,487		$	1,678
Interest cost		49			53
Benefits paid		(108	)		(104	)
Actuarial loss (gain)		153			(26	)
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss		0			(114	)
Obligation, end of year	$	1,581		$	1,487

The following details the net cost components, all related to continuing operations, and underlying assumptions of postretirement benefits other than pensions:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Interest cost	$	49	$	53	$	65
Pension expense	$	49	$	53	$	65

The following amounts were included in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in future periods:

	As at December 31,
	2019		2018		2017
Unrealized actuarial loss	$	309	$	156	$	182

The Company expects interest costs of less than $0.1 million to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2020.

Weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation are:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Discount rate		3.05	%		3.35	%		3.35	%

Weighted average assumptions used to determine the net postretirement benefit expense are:

	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Discount rate		3.80	%		3.35	%		3.65	%

The following benefit payments are expected to be made as per the current plan assumptions in each of the next five years:

2020	$	100
2021		105
2022		104
2023		104
2024		103
Thereafter		1,065
Total	$	1,581

(e)

Deferred Compensation Benefit Plan

The Company maintained a nonqualified deferred compensation benefit plan (the “Retirement Plan”) covering the former CEO of IMAX Entertainment and Senior Executive Vice President of the Company. Under the terms of his agreement with the Company, the plan will vest in full if he incurs a separation of service (as defined therein). In the fourth quarter of 2018, he incurred a separation from service, and as such, his Retirement Plan benefits became fully vested in 2018 and the accelerated costs were recognized and reflected in the executive transition costs line on the consolidated statement of operations. As at December 31, 2019, the Company had a funded benefit obligation recorded of $3.6 million (December 31, 2018 — unfunded benefit obligation of $3.6 million). Subsequent to year end, the retirement benefit obligation was fully funded. During 2018, the Company expensed an aggregate of $2.6 million (2017 — $0.5 million), of which $0.7 million was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses as it relates to service performed in 2018, the remaining $1.9 million is recorded in executive transition costs. The Company did not recognize any additional expenses in the year ended December 31, 2019.

Capital Stock - Expenses Related to RSU Grants Issued to Employees and Directors in Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSU expenses	$ 22,800	$ 22,600	$ 23,000
Restricted Share Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSU expenses	$ 12,394	$ 15,189	$ 16,033

Lease Arrangements And Financing Receivables

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Lease Arrangements And Financing Receivables

5. Lease Arrangements and Financing Receivables

IMAX Corporation as a Lessor:

Financing receivables, consisting of net investment in sales-type leases and receivables from financed sales of theater systems are as follows:

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018
Gross minimum lease payments receivable	$	16,766		$	10,499
Unearned finance income		(1,005	)		(902	)
Minimum lease payments receivable		15,761			9,597
Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts		(155	)		(155	)
Net investment in leases		15,606			9,442
Gross financed sales receivables		146,660			155,044
Unearned finance income		(33,313	)		(36,215	)
Financed sales receivables		113,347			118,829
Accumulated allowance for uncollectible amounts		(915	)		(839	)
Net financed sales receivables		112,432			117,990
Total financing receivables	$	128,038		$	127,432

Net financed sales receivables due within one year	$	27,595		$	26,911
Net financed sales receivables due after one year	$	84,837		$	91,079

	As at December 31,
	2019			2018

Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
Sales-type lease arrangements		8.1			7.3

Weighted-average interest rate
Sales-type lease arrangements		6.68	%		8.00	%
Financed sales receivables		9.00	%		9.10	%

IMAX Corporation as a Lessee:

The components of lease expense are as follows:

		Years Ended December 31,
		2019		2018		2017
Operating lease cost ⁽¹⁾	Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	850	$	4,863	$	6,059
Amortization of lease assets	Selling, general and administrative expenses		2,370		—		—
Interest on lease liabilities	Selling, general and administrative expenses		1,102		—		—
Total lease cost		$	4,322	$	4,863	$	6,059

(1) Includes short-term leases and variable lease costs, which are not significant for the December 31, 2019

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$	3,607
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$	17,147

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases are as follows:

		As at December 31,		January 1,
		2019		2019
Assets
Operating Leases	Property, plant and equipment	$	16,262	$	17,462

Liabilities
Operating Leases⁽¹⁾	Accrued and other liabilities	$	18,677	$	19,960

(1)

	As at December 31,			January 1,
	2019			2019
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
Operating Leases		8.1			8.3

Weighted-average discount rate
Operating Leases		5.90	%		5.80	%

Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:

	Operating Leases
2020	$	3,732
2021		3,308
2022		2,387
2023		2,268
2024		2,220
Thereafter		10,060
Total lease payments	$	23,975
Less: interest expense		(5,298	)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	18,677

As of December 31, 2018, under ASC Topic 840, minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases by period were expected to be as follows:

	Operating Leases
2019	$	3,847
2020		2,790
2021		2,491
2022		1,843
2023		1,759
Thereafter		9,657
Total lease payments	$	22,387

Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]