Summary of Activity for Each of Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments, beginning balance				$ 77,658
Equity in income		$ (11,047)	$ (10,328)	(20,372)	$ (17,548)
Equity in comprehensive loss		72	$ (466)	3,010	$ (862)
Investments, ending balance		89,059		89,059
Other Affiliates
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments, beginning balance				77,658
Cash contributions, net of cash distributions received				1,635
Equity in income				13,700
Equity in comprehensive loss				(276)
Unrealized holding loss				(2,678)
Sale of investment in Taiwan	[1]			(1,383)
Other				403
Investments, ending balance		89,059		89,059
Digital Cinema Implementation Partners LLC | Other Affiliates
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments, beginning balance				51,277
Cash contributions, net of cash distributions received				1,635
Equity in income				12,552
Equity in comprehensive loss				(276)
Investments, ending balance		65,188		65,188
RealD
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments, beginning balance				14,429
Investments, ending balance		11,751		11,751
RealD | Other Affiliates
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments, beginning balance				14,429
Unrealized holding loss				(2,678)
Investments, ending balance		11,751		11,751
AC JV, LLC | Other Affiliates
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments, beginning balance				7,899
Equity in income				1,024
Investments, ending balance		8,923		8,923
Digital Cinema Distribution Coalition | Other Affiliates
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments, beginning balance				2,438
Equity in income				124
Investments, ending balance		2,562		2,562
Other Investment | Other Affiliates
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments, beginning balance				1,615
Sale of investment in Taiwan	[1]			(1,383)
Other				403
Investments, ending balance		$ 635		$ 635

[1] The Company sold its investment in a Taiwan joint venture for approximately $2,634, resulting in a gain of $1,251, which is included in (gain) loss on sale of assets and other for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.