Segments (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Selected financial information by geographic area
Revenues	$ 620,593	$ 539,369	$ 1,103,729	$ 1,056,000
Theatre Properties and Equipment - net	1,218,221		1,218,221		1,215,446
U.S. [Member]
Selected financial information by geographic area
Revenues	444,479	410,964	775,345	799,579
Theatre Properties and Equipment - net	948,118		948,118		972,358
Brazil [Member]
Selected financial information by geographic area
Revenues	91,602	69,999	178,443	139,217
Theatre Properties and Equipment - net	142,888		142,888		129,361
Mexico [Member]
Selected financial information by geographic area
Revenues	21,575	17,715	37,492	35,097
Theatre Properties and Equipment - net	48,335		48,335		43,127
Other foreign countries [Member]
Selected financial information by geographic area
Revenues	65,543	41,927	117,256	84,598
Theatre Properties and Equipment - net	78,880		78,880		70,600
Eliminations [Member]
Selected financial information by geographic area
Revenues	$ (2,606)	$ (1,236)	$ (4,807)	$ (2,491)