Commitments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Total minimum annual rental payments under operating lease
2011, Operating Leases	$ 2,760,000		$ 2,760,000
2011, Capital Leases	12,000		12,000
2012, Operating Leases	5,380,000		5,380,000
2012, Capital Leases	23,000		23,000
2013, Operating Leases	2,089,000		2,089,000
2013, Capital Leases	21,000		21,000
2014, Operating Leases	899,000		899,000
2014, Capital Leases	0		0
2015, Operating Leases	510,000		510,000
2015, Capital Leases	0		0
Thereafter, Operating Leases	1,812,000		1,812,000
Thereafter, Capital Leases	0		0
Operating Leases, Total	13,450,000		13,450,000
Capital Leases, Total	56,000		56,000
Commitments (Textuals) [Abstract]
Rent expense, Total	1,000,000	1,200,000	2,200,000	2,300,000
Rent expense, sublease rental in 2010	0	100,000		200,000
Rent expense, sublease rental in 2011			less than 0.1 million
Accrued rent and lease inducements recognized as an offset to rent expense included in Accrued liabilities	3,800,000		3,800,000		4,200,000
Purchase obligation under long term supplier contracts	18,800,000		18,800,000		13,600,000
Outstanding letter of credit and advance payment guarantees secured	0		0		0
Accrued commission on sale or lease of the theater systems payable in future periods	1,300,000		1,300,000		1,500,000
Commitments (Additional Textuals)
Outstanding letter of credit under the Bank of Montreal Facility	0		0		0
Bank of Montreal Facilities [Member]
Commitments (Textuals) [Abstract]
Outstanding letter of credit and advance payment guarantees secured	1,200,000		1,200,000		2,400,000
Commitments (Additional Textuals)
Outstanding letter of credit under the Bank of Montreal Facility	$ 1,200,000		$ 1,200,000		$ 2,400,000