Summary of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 1,150,811	[1]
Acquisition of U.S. theatres (Note 6)	203,827
Disposition of U.S. theatres (Note 6)	(10,353)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(15,443)
Ending Balance	1,328,842	[1]
U.S. Operating Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	956,997	[1]
Acquisition of U.S. theatres (Note 6)	203,827
Disposition of U.S. theatres (Note 6)	(10,353)
Ending Balance	1,150,471	[1]
International Operating Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	193,814	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(15,443)
Ending Balance	$ 178,371	[1]

[1] Balances are presented net of accumulated impairment losses of $214,031 for the U.S. operating segment and $27,622 for the international operating segment.