Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2015 segment	Dec. 26, 2013 segment	Dec. 27, 2012 segment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital leases	$ 112,700,000	$ 109,100,000
Accumulated depreciation on capital leases	80,700,000	78,200,000
Asset impairment charges	0	800,000	0
Lease term low end of range (in years)	15 years
Lease term high end of range (in years)	20 years
Goodwill	7,100,000	7,100,000
Deferred revenue	22,700,000	23,400,000
Proportion of quarterly film expense	0.3333
Settlement of film cost expenses, period minimum (in months)	2 months
Settlement of film cost expenses, period maximum (in months)	3 months
Number of reportable segments	1	1	1
National Cine Media
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Deferred revenue amortization period (in years)	30 years
Deferred revenue	23,200,000	23,900,000
Computer equipment and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Costs capitalized	600,000	600,000
Capital leases included in property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital leases	2,700,000	2,700,000
Accumulated depreciation on capital leases	$ 2,400,000	$ 2,200,000