Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class B [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Term-A Facility [Member] Term-A Facility [Member] Term-A Facility [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Long-term debt Long-term Debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term Debt, Gross Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] National Networks [Member] National Networks [Member] National Networks [Member] used to show information from that operating segment of AMC's operations International And Other [Member] International And Other [Member] International and Other [Member] used to show information from that operating segment of AMC's operations Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] December 31, 2016 Goodwill Amortization of “second component” goodwill Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) March 31, 2017 Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transactions [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Percentage of common stock owned by related party Percentage of Common Stock Owned By Related Party Percentage of Common Stock Owned By Related Party Aggregate voting power held by related party Aggregate Voting Power Held By Related Party Aggregate Voting Power Held By Related Party Net revenues from related parties Revenue from Related Parties Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Intangible Assets [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Affiliate and Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Advertiser Relationships [Member] Advertiser Relationships [Member] Advertiser Relationships [Member] Trade Names [Member] Trade Names [Member] Other Amortizable Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Gross Carrying Amount of Amortizable Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Trademarks Indefinite-Lived Trademarks Intangible Assets, Gross, Excluding Goodwill Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Total intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States North America [Member] Europe Europe [Member] Other Geographic Locations Other Geographic Locations [Member] Other Geographic Locations [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance Vesting Options [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Number of shares vested in period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Shares surrendered to the Company for tax withholding Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation New shares of Company's Class A common stock issued Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Deemed repurchases of restricted stock/units Payments for Repurchase of Other Equity Share-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs, remaining period of recognition (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Revenues, net Revenue, Net Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Parent Company [Member] Parent Company [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Unrealized gain on available for sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax Other comprehensive income, before income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Income tax expense Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Other Contract [Member] Other Contract [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract] Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract] Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Advertising Advertising Revenue Distribution Other Revenue, Net Consolidated revenues, net Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Restructuring expense (credit) Restructuring Charges Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Adjusted operating income Segment Reporting Information, Adjusted Operating Income Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit, impairment charges, and restructuring expense or credit. Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Operating expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) Cost of Revenue Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Other income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Share of affiliates' income Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Loss on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Miscellaneous, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income including noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Other comprehensive income before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Net current-period other comprehensive income, before income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Ending balance Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accrued Liabilities Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,388 and $6,064) Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Amounts due from related parties, net Due from Related Parties, Current Current portion of program rights, net Program Rights Net Current Rights to programming, including feature film and episodic series acquired under license agreements which will be amortized within the next twelve months. Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $287,422 and $272,148 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. Deferred carriage fees, net Other Deferred Costs, Net Intangible assets, net Goodwill Deferred tax asset, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY) Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Current portion of program rights obligations Program Rights Obligations, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Current portion of capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Program rights obligations Program Rights Obligations, Noncurrent Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Deferred tax liability, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Redeemable noncontrolling interests Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Stockholders' equity (deficiency): Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 45,000 shares authorized; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Treasury stock, at cost (6,945 and 5,330 shares Class A Common Stock, respectively) Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated other comprehensive loss Total AMC Networks stockholders’ equity (deficiency) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders’ equity (deficiency) Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficiency) Liabilities and Equity Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Net Income Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Increase (decrease) in contractual obligations not reflected in the balance sheet Increase (Decrease) In Contractual Obligations Not Reflected In The Balance Sheet The increase (decrease) during the reporting period for the amount of fixed and determinable portion of unrecorded balance sheet arrangements consisting of purchase obligations of long-term program rights obligations that have not yet met the criteria to be recorded on the balance sheet, operating leases and guarantees. Contractual Obligation Contractual Obligation Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Cash Flows Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Other Expense [Member] Other Expense [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Number of Operating Segments Number of Operating Segments Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level I [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level II [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level III [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Available for sale securities Available-for-sale Securities Interest rate swap contracts Derivative Asset Foreign currency derivatives Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Other derivatives Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Interest rate swap contracts Derivative Liability Foreign currency derivatives Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Balance at December 31, 2016 Restructuring Reserve Charges (Credits) Cash payments Payments for Restructuring Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Currency translation Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Balance at March 31, 2017 Restructuring Reserve Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues, Net From Related Parties Accounts receivable, trade, allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Capital expenditures Investment in and loans to investees Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments Increase to investment in affiliates (Increase) Decrease in Consolidated Subsidiaries (Increase) Decrease in investments in consolidated segments and subsidiaries, which are eliminated in the Corporate parent consolidation. Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Principal payments on long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units Purchase of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Principal payments on capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Distributions to noncontrolling interests Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Premium and fees paid on extinguishment of debt Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs Payments for financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Proceeds from stock option exercises Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents from operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Schedule of Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Increase in capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Treasury Stock Not Yet Settled Treasury Stock Not Yet Settled Treasury Stock Not Yet Settled Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Cash interest paid Interest Paid Income taxes paid, net Income Taxes Paid, Net Condensed Balance Sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Income Statement Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Condensed Cash Flow Statement Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Interest Interest Payable, Current Employee related costs Employee-related Liabilities, Current Income taxes payable Taxes Payable, Current Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total accrued liabilities Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income including noncontrolling interests Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile income from operations to net cash from operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards Share-based Compensation Amortization and write-off of program rights Program Rights Amortization And Write-Offs Noncash amortization and noncash charges for the write-off of unamortized costs for program rights (including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements or owned original productions). Amortization of deferred carriage fees Amortization of Other Deferred Charges Unrealized foreign currency transaction (gain) loss Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative contracts, net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts on indebtedness Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Loss on extinguishment of debt Bad debt expense Provision for Doubtful Accounts Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable, trade Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Amounts due from related parties, net Increase (Decrease) in Due from Related Parties, Current Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Program rights and obligations, net Increase (Decrease) In Program Rights And Obligations Increase (Decrease) In Program Rights And Obligations Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Deferred carriage fees, net Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Charges Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Premium and fees paid on extinguishment of debt Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Summary of Continuing Operations By Reportable Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Summary of Inter-Segment Eliminations Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Area Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Included In Balance Sheets Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Gains And Losses Related To Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts) Investment in affiliates Investments In Consolidated Subsidiaries Represents total investments in consolidated segments and subsidiaries, which are eliminated in the Corporate parent consolidation. Long-term intercompany notes receivable Intercompany Receivable, Noncurrent Amounts due from a subsidiary of the Company. Intangible assets, net Accrued liabilities and intercompany payable Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable AMC Networks stockholders’ equity Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Secured Debt [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Unamortized deferred financing costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Long-term debt, net Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Equity Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Revenues, net (including revenues, net from related parties of $1,567 and $6,706, respectively) Operating expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) Selling, general and administrative (including charges from related parties of $575 and $1,069, respectively) Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Total other income (expense) Income from operations before income taxes Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders: Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average common shares Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Basic weighted average common shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted weighted average common shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Summary Of Non-Cash Activities And Other Supplemental Data Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Fair Value Measurement [Abstract] Fair Value Measurement [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] RLJE [Member] RLJE [Member] RLJE [Member] Warrants Received per RLJE Investment Agreement Warrants Received per RLJE Investment Agreement Warrants Received per RLJE Investment Agreement Investment Warrants, Exercise Price Investment Warrants, Exercise Price Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] December 31, 2016 Net earnings Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Distributions Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Distributions Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Distributions March 31, 2017 Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Basic weighted average shares outstanding Diluted weighted average shares outstanding Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Carrying Values And Fair Values Of The Company's Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Consolidation, Policy Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Program Rights, Policy Program Rights [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for rights to programming, including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements, which are amortized over the life of the license period or period of economic utility. Use of Estimates, Policy Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Income tax expense Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Federal statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Amount of deferred tax attributable to taxable temporary differences from undistributed earnings of subsidiaries and other recognized entities not within the country of domicile of the entity. State income tax expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign 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 Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurement Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]