Granted in period (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Miscellaneous, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) 5.00% Notes due April 2024 5.00% Senior Notes [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes [Member] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Reporting Unit [Axis] Reporting Unit [Axis] Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Number of national programming networks Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks Investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Level III Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Contractual obligation Contractual Obligation Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Amount Credit facilities Line of Credit [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Distributions to noncontrolling member Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units Payments for Repurchase of Other Equity Deferred tax liability, net Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Intangible assets, net Total intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Majority-owned equity investees AOI Equity Investees Adjusted Operating Income Equity investees (>50%) adjusted operating Income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit, impairment charges, and restructuring expense or credit. Total lease liabilities, current Lease, Liability, Current Lease, Liability, Current Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable [Table Text Block] PRSUs Performance Shares [Member] Write-down of non-marketable equity securities and note receivable Write-down of Non-Marketable Equity Security and Note Receivable Write-down of Non-Marketable Equity Security and Note Receivable Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Licensed originals Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Originals, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Originals, Capitalized Cost Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Restricted stock units converted to shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Purchase of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Vesting period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Program Rights Entertainment [Text Block] Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Number of shares vested in period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Cover page. Cover [Abstract] Advances and content versioning costs Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Advances and Content Versioning Costs, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Advances and Content Versioning Costs, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Document Type Document Type Accumulated earnings Decrease to retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Operating lease right-of-use asset Operating lease asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Foreign currency derivative liabilities Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value Unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Loss on extinguishment of debt Loss on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Completed Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost, Released Number of shares repurchased Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Class B Common Stock Common Class B [Member] Trademarks Indefinite-Lived Trademarks Treasury stock not yet settled Temporary Equity, Other Changes 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] Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Total licensed program rights, net Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost Gain on derivative instrument Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 45,000 shares authorized; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Distribution Entertainment [Member] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Investments in marketable equity securities Marketable Securities Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred tax asset, net Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2022 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2022 Completed Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost, Released Share-based compensation expense APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents United States North America [Member] Revenues, net Revenues, net Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Entity File Number Entity File Number Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Interest Interest Payable, Current Statement [Table] Intangible Assets [Table] Statement [Table] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Other debt Other Debt [Member] Other Debt [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] In-production and in-development Film, Capitalized Cost, Development and Preproduction Film, Capitalized Cost, Development and Preproduction Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Predominantly Monetized as a Group Film, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Program rights, net (long-term) Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material and Film, Capitalized Cost, Net of Current Portion Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material and Film, Capitalized Cost, Net of Current Portion National Networks National Networks National Networks [Member] National Networks [Member] used to show information from that operating segment of AMC's operations Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Advertising Advertising [Member] Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Unamortized deferred financing costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] International and Other International And Other [Member] International and Other [Member] used to show information from that operating segment of AMC's operations Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) Cost of Revenue Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Total licensed program rights, net Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Capitalized Cost Restructuring and other related charges Total restructuring and other related charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Leases Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Restructuring and Other Related Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Program rights obligations Program Rights Obligations, Noncurrent Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Carrying Values and Fair Values of the Company's Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] 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). Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Cash Flows Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Tax expense (benefit) from change in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Predominantly Monetized as a Group Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Total Film, Monetized on Its Own, and Film, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Licensed originals Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Originals, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Originals, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost Licensed film and acquired series Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Film and Acquired Series, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Film and Acquired Series, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Accounts receivable, trade, allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Average purchase price (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Notional amounts Derivative, Notional Amount Aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Area Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] Other Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Other Noncontrolling Interests, Redeemable Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] 2016 Employee Stock Plan 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets Assets Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Amortization of deferred carriage fees Amortization of Other Deferred Charges Schedule of Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Reporting Unit [Domain] Reporting Unit [Domain] Current portion of lease obligations Operating and Finance Lease, Liability, Current Operating and Finance Lease, Liability, Current Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Licensed film and acquired series Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Film and Acquired Series, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Film and Acquired Series, Capitalized Cost Predominantly Monetized Individually Film, Monetized on Its Own, Amortization Expense Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Total lease assets Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Interest expense Interest Expense Summary of Inter-Segment Eliminations Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Other amortizable intangible assets Other Intangible Assets [Member] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Total liabilities Liabilities Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs, remaining period of recognition Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities: Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Claim for damages Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value 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 Other exit costs Other Restructuring [Member] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Level I Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in OCI Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Predominantly Monetized Individually Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized on Its Own, Amortization Expense Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized on Its Own, Amortization Expense Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Operating segments Operating Segments [Member] Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Treasury stock acquired Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Valuation allowance Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance 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] Derivatives Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Equity method investments Equity Method Investments Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] State and local income tax expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Revolving credit facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Income from operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Entertainment [Abstract] Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Effect of dilution (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Proceeds from stock option exercises Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised 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. Summary of Continuing Operations by Reportable Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Licensed film and acquired series Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Film and Acquired Series, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Film and Acquired Series, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Treasury stock not yet settled Treasury Stock Not Yet Settled Treasury Stock Not Yet Settled Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Estimated Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Derivatives Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Deferred carriage fees, net Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Charges Operating lease liability, noncurrent Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Four Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets 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] Participations and residuals Accrued Royalties, Current Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Interest income Investment Income, Interest Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Available for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Licensed originals Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Originals, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Originals, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Amount authorized under Stock Repurchase Program Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Net income including noncontrolling interests Net income including noncontrolling interests Net income including noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Trading Symbol Trading Symbol 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. Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] 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). Accumulated impairment charges Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense 4.75% Notes due December 2022 4.75% Senior Notes [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes [Member] Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] New shares of Company's Class A common stock issued Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Program rights, net Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost Summary of Accrued Restructuring Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] 4.75% Notes due August 2025 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] Non-cash adjustments Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment 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] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Long-term debt, net Principal amount Long-term Debt Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] In-production and in-development Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost, Development and Preproduction Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] City Area Code City Area Code Affiliate and customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Marketable securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Program rights, net Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost Total licensed program rights, net Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost Principal amount redeemed Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $235,687 and $347,302 Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Operating lease liability, current Operating Lease, Liability, Current Interest rate swap contracts liabilities Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Asset at Fair Value Europe Europe [Member] Summary of Non-Cash Activities and Other Supplemental Data Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Program rights, net Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Capitalized Cost Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Capitalized Cost Advertiser relationships Advertiser Relationships [Member] Advertiser Relationships [Member] Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Summary of Derivative Instruments by Hedge Designation [Abstract] Current portion of program rights, net Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material and Film, Capitalized Cost, Current Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material and Film, Capitalized Cost, Current Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Gains and Losses Related to Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Contract assets, long-term (included in Other assets) Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Included in Balance Sheets Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurement Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Remainder of Fiscal Year Cumulative effects of adoption of accounting standards Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] Paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Currency translation Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Summary of Leases Included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Summary of Lessee Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Summary of Lessee Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Subsidiary credit facilities Subsidiary Credit Facilities [Member] Subsidiary Credit Facilities Impairment charges Impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Inter-segment eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Total intangible assets, gross Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Effect of dilution: Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities [Member] Impairment charge Impairment charge related to goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Investments [Abstract] Investments [Abstract] Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,440 and $5,733) Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] December 31, 2019 Balance, June 30, 2020 Restructuring Reserve Term Loan A Facility Term-A Facility [Member] Term-A Facility [Member] Non-cash restructuring and other related charges Restructuring Costs Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Accrued Liabilities Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] Cash payments Payments for Restructuring Goodwill Beginning balance Ending balance Goodwill Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Total lease liabilities Lease Liability Lease Liability Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Total Film, Capitalized Cost [Abstract] Film, Capitalized Cost Total credit facilities Debt Instrument, Face Amount Level II Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] 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. Selling, general and administrative charges from related parties Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Deferred revenue Contract liabilities (Deferred revenue) Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List] Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List] Other liabilities Other Liabilities [Member] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Diluted (in shares) Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts on indebtedness Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Licensed program rights Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized on Its Own, and Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense [Abstract] Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized on Its Own, and Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Principal payments on long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Predominantly Monetized as a Group Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost [Abstract] Total Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized on Its Own, and Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized on Its Own, and Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Share-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Weighted average common shares Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Impairment charge related to intangible assets Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Net loss attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Two Current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Total owned original program rights, net Film, Capitalized Cost Principal payments on finance lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Principal payment received on loan to investee Repayment of Notes Receivable from Related Parties Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Program Rights by Predominant Monetization Strategy Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material [Table Text Block] Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued 2011 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors 2011 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors [Member] 2011 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors [Member] Foreign currency derivatives Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] AMCNI AMCNI [Member] AMCNI Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Accounts receivable (including long-term, included in Other assets) Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Interest expense Interest Expense [Member] Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net) Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Total AMC Networks stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Tax benefit from foreign operations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Amortization of "second component" goodwill Reduction in carrying amount of goodwill Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Employee related costs Employee-related Liabilities, Current Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Restricted stock units RSUs Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] AMC Networks Stockholders’ Equity Parent [Member] Program Rights Entertainment Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Other assets Other Assets [Member] Advances and content versioning costs Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Advances and Content Versioning Costs, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Advances and Content Versioning Costs, Capitalized Cost Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Proceeds from sale of investments Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments Predominantly Monetized as a Group Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Estimated useful lives (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Three Unrealized gain on marketable securities Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Equity Plans Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Finance lease liability, noncurrent Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Distributions to noncontrolling interests Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Trade names Trade Names [Member] Leases [Abstract] Leases [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Total current assets Assets, Current Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Charges Restructuring Charges Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Unrealized foreign currency transaction loss (gain) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Amortization of Owned and Licensed Program Rights Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Amortization Expense Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Advances and content versioning costs Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Advances and Content Versioning Costs, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Advances and Content Versioning Costs, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Supplemental Data: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Net earnings Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Return of capital from investees Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital In-production and in-development Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost, Development and Preproduction Secured debt Secured Debt [Member] Total owned original program rights, net Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost Remaining undrawn capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Income tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Total owned original program rights, net Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Miscellaneous, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Finance lease additions Lease Obligation Incurred Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Predominantly Monetized Individually Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost [Abstract] Bad debt expense Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Foreign tax credit carry forwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Class A Common Stock Common Class A [Member] Contract assets, short-term (included in Other current assets) Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Completed Film, Capitalized Cost, Released Film, Capitalized Cost, Released Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Total other (expense) income Nonoperating Income (Expense) Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Finance lease asset Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Stock options Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Basic (in shares) Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Debt, basis spread on rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Accrued restructuring costs Restructuring Reserve, Current Other Other Geographic Locations [Member] Other Geographic Locations [Member] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Severance and employee-related costs Employee Severance [Member] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Cash interest paid Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Lease obligations Total lease liabilities, noncurrent Operating and Finance Lease Liability, Noncurrent Operating and Finance Lease Liability, Noncurrent 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. Investments in non-marketable equity securities Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Total stockholders' equity Beginning Balance Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year One Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Income tax (expense) benefit Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income taxes paid, net Income Taxes Paid, Net Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Impairment and related charges Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges Reclassified from Non-marketable Security to Marketable Security Reclassified from Non-marketable Security to Marketable Security [Member] Reclassified from Non-marketable Security to Marketable Security New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Accrued liabilities Total accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Finance lease liability, current Finance Lease, Liability, Current Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Current portion of program rights obligations Program Rights Obligations, Current Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche One [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Gross Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Prime rate Prime Rate [Member] Threatened Litigation Threatened Litigation [Member] Proceeds from the exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Program rights and obligations, net Increase (Decrease) In Program Rights And Obligations Increase (Decrease) In Program Rights And Obligations Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign currency derivative assets Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Maximum Maximum [Member] Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Accumulated Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Predominantly Monetized Individually Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized on Its Own, Amortization Expense Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized on Its Own, Amortization Expense Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent 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] Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Acquisition of investment securities Payments to Acquire Investments Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Owned original program rights Film, Monetized on Its Own, and Film, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense [Abstract] Net revenues from related parties Revenue from Related Parties Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Treasury stock, at cost (23,790 and 19,808 shares Class A Common Stock, respectively) Treasury Stock, Value Net Income per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Tax expense from foreign operations Effective Income Tax Reconciliation Undistributed Foreign Earnings Effective Income Tax Reconciliation Undistributed Foreign Earnings Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Redeemable noncontrolling interests Beginning balance Ending balance Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Federal statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Amortization Expense Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Amortization Expense Shares surrendered to the Company for tax withholding Share-based Payment Arrangement, Shares Withheld for Tax Withholding Obligation Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Distributions Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Distributions Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Distributions Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]