Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Total stockholders' equity Beginning Balance Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other assets Other Assets [Member] 5.00% Notes due April 2024 5.00% Senior Notes [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes [Member] Level III Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax Number of national programming networks Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks Share-based compensation expense APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Investments in marketable equity securities Marketable Securities Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Granted in period (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Adoption of New Lease Standard and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Number of shares vested in period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Currency translation Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] 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 Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Diluted (in shares) Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Net income (loss) attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] 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 Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Licensed originals Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Originals, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Originals, Capitalized Cost Total owned original program rights, net Film Costs Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Total assets Assets Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company 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 Document Type Document Type Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Principal payments on long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Number of shares repurchased Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Valuation allowance Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net) Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Finance lease liability, current Finance Lease, Liability, Current Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] 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 Redeemable noncontrolling interests Beginning balance Ending balance Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Total owned original program rights, net Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Foreign Exchange Forward Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Remaining undrawn capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Principal payment received on loan to investee Proceeds from Collection of Advance to Affiliate Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] ASU No. 2016-13 Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] 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 Loss on extinguishment of debt Loss on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Total Film, Monetized on Its Own, and Film, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Film, Monetized on Its Own, and Film, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Available for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Predominantly Monetized Individually Film, Monetized on Its Own, Amortization Expense Film, Monetized on Its Own, Amortization Expense Current portion of program rights obligations Program Rights Obligations, Current Accrued restructuring costs, accrued liabilities Restructuring Reserve, Current New shares of Company's Class A common stock issued Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Accounts receivable (including long-term, included in Other assets) Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Entity File Number Entity File Number Vesting period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Adoption of ASU 2016-13, credit losses Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other liabilities Other Liabilities [Member] Treasury stock, at cost (23,102 and 19,808 shares Class A Common Stock, respectively) Treasury Stock, Value Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Other debt Other Debt [Member] Other Debt [Member] Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Completed Film, Capitalized Cost, Development and Preproduction Film, Capitalized Cost, Development and Preproduction Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] 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 Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] National Networks National Networks [Member] National Networks [Member] used to show information from that operating segment of AMC's operations Effect of dilution: Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Secured debt Secured Debt [Member] Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Restructuring and other related charges Total restructuring and other related charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Goodwill Beginning balance Ending balance Goodwill Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Revenues, net Revenues, net Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] International & Other International And Other [Member] International and Other [Member] used to show information from that operating segment of AMC's operations Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Summary of Accrued Restructuring Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] 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 flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Schedule of Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Level I Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Interest rate swap contracts liabilities Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Asset at Fair Value Interest expense Interest Expense Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Interest expense Interest Expense [Member] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [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). Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Accrued Liabilities Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] 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 Other amortizable intangible assets Other Intangible Assets [Member] Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,610 and $5,733) Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets 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 Total other (expense) income Nonoperating Income (Expense) Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Other Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Other Noncontrolling Interests, Redeemable Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Summary of Derivative Instruments by Hedge Designation [Abstract] Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Total current assets Assets, Current Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] 2016 Employee Stock Plan 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] Severance and employee-related costs Employee Severance [Member] Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from operations Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Proceeds from stock option exercises Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Program rights obligations Program Rights Obligations, Noncurrent Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Leases [Abstract] Leases [Abstract] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] In-production and in-development Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost, Development and Preproduction Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost, Development and Preproduction Current portion of lease obligations Operating and Finance Lease, Liability, Current Operating and Finance Lease, Liability, Current Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts on indebtedness Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Weighted average common shares Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Net income including noncontrolling interests Net income including noncontrolling interests Net income including noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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 Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Total lease assets Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Reduction in carrying amount of goodwill Amortization of "second component" goodwill Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Share-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Entertainment [Abstract] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Total owned original program rights, net Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost Schedule of Gains and Losses Related to Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] 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 Derivatives Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Operating lease liability, noncurrent Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Basis of Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Carrying Values and Fair Values of the Company's Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Cash Flows Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Total intangible assets, gross Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Estimated useful lives (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Federal statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent 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 Accounts receivable, trade, allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Shares surrendered to the Company for tax withholding Share-based Payment Arrangement, Shares Withheld for Tax Withholding Obligation Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) Cost of Revenue Average purchase price (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Miscellaneous, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Foreign currency derivative liabilities Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value Total licensed program rights, net Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Capitalized Cost Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] United States North America [Member] Accumulated Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] 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. New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] 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 Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Statement [Table] Intangible Assets [Table] Statement [Table] Treasury stock not yet settled Treasury Stock Not Yet Settled Treasury Stock Not Yet Settled Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Summary of Non-Cash Activities and Other Supplemental Data Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] State and local income tax expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $352,655 and $347,302 Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Net earnings Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest 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] Maximum Maximum [Member] Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Class B Common Stock Common Class B [Member] Claim for damages Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Completed Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost, Released Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost, Released Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Marketable securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Accumulated earnings Decrease to operating earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Purchase of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock 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 Total credit facilities Debt Instrument, Face Amount Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Deferred carriage fees, net Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Charges Miscellaneous, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Tax expense for excess tax deficiencies related to stock compensation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Amount Current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Minimum Minimum [Member] 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. Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Return of capital from investees Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital 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). Class A Common Stock Common Class A [Member] 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] 4.75% Notes due December 2022 4.75% Senior Notes [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes [Member] Non-cash adjustments Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Finance lease liability, noncurrent Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] 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] 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 4.75% Notes due August 2025 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] Unrealized 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 Unamortized deferred financing costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Distribution Entertainment [Member] Income tax expense Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Equity Plans Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Trademarks Indefinite-Lived Trademarks Affiliate and customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Predominantly Monetized Individually Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost [Abstract] Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost City Area Code City Area Code Trade names Trade Names [Member] In-production and in-development Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost, Development and Preproduction Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost, Development and Preproduction Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Intangible assets, net Total intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) 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 Leases Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] Estimated Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Distributions to noncontrolling member Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Program rights, net Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Capitalized Cost Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Capitalized Cost Income tax benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Advertiser relationships Advertiser Relationships [Member] Advertiser Relationships [Member] Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Deferred tax asset, net Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net 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 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] Income from operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Gross Predominantly Monetized as a Group Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost [Abstract] Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units Payments for Repurchase of Other Equity ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Capital lease additions Lease Obligation Incurred Participations and residuals Accrued Royalties, Current 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 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] Subsidiary Credit Facilities Subsidiary Credit Facilities [Member] Subsidiary Credit Facilities Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] PRSUs Performance Shares [Member] Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Predominantly Monetized as a Group Film, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Film, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Europe Europe [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Summary of Continuing Operations by Reportable Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from the exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Other exit costs Other Restructuring [Member] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Restructuring and Other Related Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Supplemental Data: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Term Loan A Facility Term-A Facility [Member] Term-A Facility [Member] Advertising Advertising [Member] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Notional amounts Derivative, Notional Amount Foreign tax credit carry forwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Income taxes paid, net Income Taxes Paid, Net Total lease liabilities Lease Liability Lease Liability December 31, 2019 Balance, March 31, 2020 Restructuring Reserve Total Film, Capitalized Cost [Abstract] Film, Capitalized Cost Summary of Inter-Segment Eliminations Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] 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. Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Other comprehensive loss, before income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Operating lease liability, current Operating Lease, Liability, Current Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Distributions to noncontrolling interests Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Tax expense from foreign operations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Employee related costs Employee-related Liabilities, Current Level II Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] 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 Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax 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 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] Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Contract assets, long-term (included in Other assets) Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Noncurrent LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Long-term debt, net Principal amount Long-term Debt 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 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 Amortization of deferred carriage fees Amortization of Other Deferred Charges Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Investments in non-marketable equity securities Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Interest Interest Payable, Current Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Included in Balance Sheets Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Owned original program rights Film, Monetized on Its Own, and Film, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense [Abstract] Film, Monetized on Its Own, and Film, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Bad debt expense Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) AMC Networks Stockholders’ Equity Parent [Member] Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs, remaining period of recognition Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities [Member] Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Interest income Investment Income, Interest 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 Deferred tax liability, net Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net 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 Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Proceeds from sale of investments Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Restricted stock units converted to shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Charges Restructuring Charges Operating segments Operating Segments [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche One [Member] Inter-segment eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Principal amount redeemed Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current 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 Finance lease asset Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Accrued liabilities Total accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Selling, general and administrative charges from related parties Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party 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 Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Cash payments Payments for Restructuring Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Threatened Litigation Threatened Litigation [Member] Net Income per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Net revenues from related parties Revenue from Related Parties Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Revolving credit facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Derivatives Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Restricted stock units RSUs Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Tax expense (benefit) from change in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value 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] Total liabilities Liabilities Completed Film, Capitalized Cost, Released Film, Capitalized Cost, Released Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Geographic Locations Other Geographic Locations [Member] Other Geographic Locations [Member] Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Area Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] Program Rights Entertainment [Text Block] Effect of dilution (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Unrealized foreign currency transaction loss (gain) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized 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. Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Basic (in shares) Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Investments [Abstract] Investments [Abstract] Operating lease right-of-use asset Operating lease asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Total AMC Networks stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Foreign currency derivative assets Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Deferred revenue Contract liabilities (Deferred revenue) Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Gain on derivative instrument Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Fair Value Measurement Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Program Rights Entertainment Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Contract assets, short-term (included in Other current assets) Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current Program rights and obligations, net Increase (Decrease) In Program Rights And Obligations Increase (Decrease) In Program Rights And Obligations Non-cash restructuring and other related charges Restructuring Costs Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Cash interest paid Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 45,000 shares authorized; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Treasury stock acquired Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Completed Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost, Released Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost, Released Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] 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 Equity method investments Equity Method Investments Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Treasury stock not yet settled Settlement of Treasury Stock Settlement of Treasury Stock Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Stock options Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Amount authorized under Stock Repurchase Program Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Principal payments on finance lease obligations Finance Lease, Principal Payments Credit facilities Line of Credit [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Contractual obligation Contractual Obligation Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Total Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Amortization Expense Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Amortization Expense Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Distributions Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Distributions Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Distributions Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis]