Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Summary of Continuing Operations By Reportable Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Summary of Inter-Segment Eliminations Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Area Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Related Party Transactions [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Percentage of common stock owned by related party Percentage of Common Stock Owned By Related Party Percentage of Common Stock Owned By Related Party Aggregate voting power held by related party Aggregate Voting Power Held By Related Party Aggregate Voting Power Held By Related Party Net revenues from related parties Revenue from Related Parties Selling, general and administrative charges from related parties Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Threatened Litigation [Member] Threatened Litigation [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Increase (decrease) in contractual obligations not reflected in the balance sheet Increase (Decrease) In Contractual Obligations Not Reflected In The Balance Sheet The increase (decrease) during the reporting period for the amount of fixed and determinable portion of unrecorded balance sheet arrangements consisting of purchase obligations of long-term program rights obligations that have not yet met the criteria to be recorded on the balance sheet, operating leases and guarantees. Contractual Obligation Contractual Obligation Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Company [Member] Parent Company [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Operating expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) Cost of Revenue Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Impairment and related charges Asset Impairment Charges Restructuring expense Restructuring Charges Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Share of affiliates' income Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Loss on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Miscellaneous, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income from operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income including noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance Vesting Options [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Number of shares vested in period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Shares surrendered to the Company for tax withholding Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation New shares of Company's Class A common stock issued Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units Payments for Repurchase of Other Equity Share-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs, remaining period of recognition (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest, Right to Put Noncontrolling Interest, Right to Put Noncontrolling Interest, Right to Put Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Basic weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Impairment and related charges Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards Share-based Compensation Amortization and write-off of program rights Program Rights Amortization And Write-Offs Noncash amortization and noncash charges for the write-off of unamortized costs for program rights (including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements or owned original productions). Amortization of deferred carriage fees Amortization of Other Deferred Charges Unrealized foreign currency transaction gain Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Unrealized gain on derivative contracts, net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts on indebtedness Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Loss on extinguishment of debt Bad debt expense Provision for Doubtful Accounts Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net) Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Program rights and obligations, net Increase (Decrease) In Program Rights And Obligations Increase (Decrease) In Program Rights And Obligations Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Deferred carriage fees, net Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Charges Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Return of capital from investees Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Investment in and loans to investees Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments Payments for acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired Payments for (Proceeds from) Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Principal payments on long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Payments for financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Purchase of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from stock option exercises Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Principal payments on capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Distributions to noncontrolling interests Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents from operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts Receivable, Net Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Noncurrent Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Noncurrent Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Levity [Member] Levity [Member] Levity [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class B [Member] Series L Preferred Stock [Member] Series L Preferred Stock [Member] Outstanding nonredeemable series L preferred stock or outstanding series A preferred stock. Classified within stockholders' equity if nonredeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Classified within temporary equity if redemption is outside the control of the issuer. Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] National Networks [Member] National Networks [Member] National Networks [Member] used to show information from that operating segment of AMC's operations Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Investments [Abstract] Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Number of Operating Segments Number of Operating Segments Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Accounts receivable, trade, allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Revenue from Contract with Customer Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Consolidation, Policy Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Program Rights, Policy Program Rights [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for rights to programming, including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements, which are amortized over the life of the license period or period of economic utility. Use of Estimates, Policy Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Accumulated earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks Program Rights Write Offs Program Rights Write Offs The write-off of unamortized costs for program rights (including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements or owned original program rights). Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Included In Balance Sheets Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Gains And Losses Related To Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Table Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Other Contract [Member] Other Contract [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value Investment [Table] Investment [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] RLJE Stock Purchase Agreement [Member] RLJE Stock Purchase Agreement [Member] RLJE Stock Purchase Agreement [Member] RLJE [Member] RLJE [Member] RLJE [Member] fuboTV [Member] fuboTV [Member] fuboTV [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Class A [Member] Class A [Member] Class A [Member] Class B [Member] Class B [Member] Class B [Member] Class C [Member] Class C [Member] Class C [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Term Loan Principal Increase [Member] Term Loan Principal Increase [Member] Term Loan Principal Increase [Member] Investments [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments Common Stock Of RLJE Acquired, Number Of Shares Common Stock Of RLJE Acquired, Number Of Shares Common Stock Of RLJE Acquired, Number Of Shares Warrants Received per RLJE Investment Agreement Warrants Received per RLJE Investment Agreement Warrants Received per RLJE Investment Agreement Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Business Acquisition, Share Price Business Acquisition, Share Price Preferred Stock Cash Consideration Per Share of Common Stock Preferred Stock Cash Consideration Per Share of Common Stock Preferred Stock Cash Consideration Per Share of Common Stock Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Cancellation of Tranche B Term Loans Cancellation of Tranche B Term Loans Cancellation of Tranche B Term Loans Additional Term Loans Permitted Additional Term Loans Permitted Additional Term Loans Permitted Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Marketable Securities Marketable Securities Securities Owned Not Readily Marketable Securities Owned Not Readily Marketable Payments to Acquire Loans Receivable Payments to Acquire Loans Receivable Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Secured Debt [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Term-A Facility [Member] Term-A Facility [Member] Term-A Facility [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term Debt, Gross Unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Unamortized deferred financing costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Long-term debt, net Long-term Debt Current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Summary Of Non-Cash Activities And Other Supplemental Data Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Interest Interest Payable, Current Employee related costs Employee-related Liabilities, Current Income taxes payable Taxes Payable, Current Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States North America [Member] Europe Europe [Member] Other Geographic Locations Other Geographic Locations [Member] Other Geographic Locations [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Accrued Liabilities Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Treasury stock not yet settled Treasury Stock Not Yet Settled Treasury Stock Not Yet Settled Exercise of RLJE Warrants Exercise of RLJE Warrants Exercise of RLJE Warrants Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Cash interest paid Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities Income taxes paid, net Income Taxes Paid, Net Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurement Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Net revenues from related parties Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Affiliate and Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Advertiser Relationships [Member] Advertiser Relationships [Member] Advertiser Relationships [Member] Trade Names [Member] Trade Names [Member] Other Amortizable Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Gross Carrying Amount of Amortizable Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Trademarks Indefinite-Lived Trademarks Intangible Assets, Gross, Excluding Goodwill Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Total intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net, less allowance for doubtful accounts) Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Current portion of program rights, net Program Rights Net Current Rights to programming, including feature film and episodic series acquired under license agreements which will be amortized within the next twelve months. Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Total current assets Assets, Current Investment in affiliates Investments In Consolidated Subsidiaries Represents total investments in consolidated segments and subsidiaries, which are eliminated in the Corporate parent consolidation. Program rights, net Program Rights Net Noncurrent Noncurrent portion of rights to programming, including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements, which are amortized over the life of the license period or period of economic utility. Long-term intercompany notes receivable Intercompany Receivable, Noncurrent Amounts due from a subsidiary of the Company. Deferred carriage fees, net Other Deferred Costs, Net Intangible assets, net Goodwill Goodwill Deferred tax asset, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities and intercompany payable Current portion of program rights obligations Program Rights Obligations, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Current portion of capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Program rights obligations Program Rights Obligations, Noncurrent Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Deferred tax liability, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Redeemable noncontrolling interests Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] AMC Networks stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Revenues, net Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax Net income per share, basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income per share, diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] December 31, 2017 Acquired Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Net earnings Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Distributions Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Distributions Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Distributions September 30, 2018 Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Capital expenditures Investment in and loans to investees Increase (decrease) to investment in affiliates (Increase) Decrease in Consolidated Subsidiaries (Increase) Decrease in investments in consolidated segments and subsidiaries, which are eliminated in the Corporate parent consolidation. Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level I [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level II [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level III [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Marketable securities Available-for-sale Securities Investments Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Interest rate swap contracts Derivative Asset Foreign currency derivatives Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Other derivatives Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Foreign currency derivatives Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Long-term Line of Credit Long-term Line of Credit Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input, Discount for Lack of Marketability [Member] Measurement Input, Discount for Lack of Marketability [Member] Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability (Deprecated 2018-01-31) Warrants and Rights Outstanding, Measurement Input Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $12,949 and $9,691) Total current assets Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $290,229 and $259,919 Intangible assets, net Total assets Accrued liabilities Total current liabilities Other liabilities Total liabilities Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 45,000 shares authorized; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Treasury stock, at cost (18,210 and 13,120 shares Class A Common Stock, respectively) Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total AMC Networks stockholders' equity Total stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Advertising [Member] Advertising [Member] Entertainment [Member] Entertainment [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] International And Other [Member] International And Other [Member] International and Other [Member] used to show information from that operating segment of AMC's operations Operating income Adjusted operating income Segment Reporting Information, Adjusted Operating Income Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit, impairment charges, and restructuring expense or credit. Capital expenditures Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Carrying Values And Fair Values Of The Company's Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Cash paid for controlling interest Redeemable noncontrolling interest Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Cash Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Other noncurrent assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Noncurrent liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities Noncontrolling interests acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest Fair value of net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Goodwill Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] December 31, 2017 Additions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Amortization of second component goodwill Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) September 30, 2018 Business Combination Disclosure Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Equity Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Parent Percentage of Ownership in Guarantor Subsidiaries Parent Percentage of Ownership in Guarantor Subsidiaries Parent Percentage of Ownership in Guarantor Subsidiaries Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Federal statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Amount of deferred tax attributable to taxable temporary differences from undistributed earnings of subsidiaries and other recognized entities not within the country of domicile of the entity. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Second component of tax deductible goodwill, net of tax Second component of tax deductible goodwill, net of tax Second component of tax deductible goodwill, net of tax Net Income Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Unrealized gain on available for sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Other comprehensive income, before income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Income tax expense Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] Current assets Current liabilities Total liabilities Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income, before income taxes Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes Comprehensive income Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Revenues, net (including revenues, net from related parties of $1,605, $1,515, $4,779 and $4,594, respectively) Operating expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) Selling, general and administrative (including charges from related parties of $232, $216, $900 and $1,205, respectively) Total operating expenses Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Total other income (expense) Income from operations before income taxes Net income including noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders: Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average common shares Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Basic Diluted Condensed Balance Sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Income Statement Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Condensed Cash Flow Statement Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Cash Flows Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]