Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Summary Of Non-Cash Activities And Other Supplemental Data Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] National Networks [Member] National Networks [Member] National Networks [Member] used to show information from that operating segment of AMC's operations Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Interest Interest Payable, Current Employee related costs Employee-related Liabilities, Current Income taxes payable Taxes Payable, Current Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] 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] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,687 and $9,691) Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Current portion of program rights, net Program Rights Net Current Rights to programming, including feature film and episodic series acquired under license agreements which will be amortized within the next twelve months. Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $271,443 and $259,919 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 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 Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Goodwill 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 Current portion of program rights obligations Program Rights Obligations, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Current portion of capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Program rights obligations Program Rights Obligations, Noncurrent 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 (14,767 and 13,120 shares Class A Common Stock, respectively) Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total AMC Networks stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity 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 [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 4.75% Senior Notes [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term Debt, Gross Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Parent Percentage of Ownership in Guarantor Subsidiaries Parent Percentage of Ownership in Guarantor Subsidiaries Parent Percentage of Ownership in Guarantor Subsidiaries Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, 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] 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] 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] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Marketable securities Available-for-sale Securities Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Interest rate swap contracts Derivative Asset Foreign currency derivatives Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Other derivatives Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Foreign currency derivatives Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized 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] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Number of shares vested in period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Shares surrendered to the Company for tax withholding Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation New shares of Company's Class A common stock issued Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Deemed repurchases of restricted stock/units Payments for Repurchase of Other Equity Share-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs, remaining period of recognition (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] 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 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 Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] International And Other [Member] International And Other [Member] International and Other [Member] used to show information from that operating segment of AMC's operations Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Advertising Advertising Revenue Distribution Other Revenue, Net Consolidated revenues, net Revenue, Net Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Restructuring expense Restructuring Charges Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Adjusted operating income (loss) 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 Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs Investments [Abstract] Cost and Equity Method Investments Disclosure Cost and Equity Method Investments Disclosure [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] 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 Schedule of Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] 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 Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Company [Member] Parent Company [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Revenues, net 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 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), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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 Number of Operating Segments Number of Operating Segments Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] 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 Measurement Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] December 31, 2017 Net earnings Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Distributions Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Distributions Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Distributions March 31, 2018 Revenue from Contract with Customer Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] 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] Condensed Balance Sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Income Statement Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Condensed Cash Flow Statement Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues, net (including revenues, net from related parties of $1,627 and $1,567, respectively) Operating expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) Selling, general and administrative (including charges from related parties of $462 and $575, respectively) Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Total other income (expense) Income from operations before income taxes Net income including noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to 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 Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Threatened Litigation [Member] Threatened Litigation [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Increase (decrease) in contractual obligations not reflected in the balance sheet Increase (Decrease) In Contractual Obligations Not Reflected In The Balance Sheet The increase (decrease) during the reporting period for the amount of fixed and determinable portion of unrecorded balance sheet arrangements consisting of purchase obligations of long-term program rights obligations that have not yet met the criteria to be recorded on the balance sheet, operating leases and guarantees. Contractual Obligation Contractual Obligation Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] 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, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount 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, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Second component of tax deductible goodwill, net of tax Second component of tax deductible goodwill, net of tax Second component of tax deductible goodwill, net of tax 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] Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Text Block] Revenues, Net 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 Fair Value Measurement [Abstract] Fair Value Measurement [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] 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 Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Net Income Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Term-A Facility [Member] Term-A Facility [Member] Term-A Facility [Member] Long-term debt Long-term Debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] December 31, 2017 Amortization of second component goodwill Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) March 31, 2018 Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [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 Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Unrealized gain on derivative contracts, net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts on indebtedness Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Bad debt expense Provision for Doubtful Accounts Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net) Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Program rights and obligations, net Increase (Decrease) In Program Rights And Obligations Increase (Decrease) In Program Rights And Obligations Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Deferred carriage fees, net Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Charges Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Capital expenditures Return of capital from investees Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Investment in and loans to investees Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments 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 Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents from operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 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 Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Unrealized gain on 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 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 Equity Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Current assets Total assets Current liabilities Total liabilities Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [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] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category 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 Accrued Liabilities Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] 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] Investment [Table] Investment [Table] Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] RLJE Stock Purchase Agreement [Member] RLJE Stock Purchase Agreement [Member] RLJE Stock Purchase Agreement [Member] fuboTV [Member] fuboTV [Member] fuboTV [Member] Investments [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments Cost Method Investments Cost Method Investments Common Stock Of RLJE Acquired, Number Of Shares Common Stock Of RLJE Acquired, Number Of Shares Common Stock Of RLJE Acquired, Number Of Shares Business Acquisition, Share Price Business Acquisition, Share Price Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] 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. 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 Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Affiliate and Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Advertiser Relationships [Member] Advertiser Relationships [Member] Advertiser Relationships [Member] Trade Names [Member] Trade Names [Member] Other Amortizable Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Gross Carrying Amount of Amortizable Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Trademarks Indefinite-Lived Trademarks Intangible Assets, Gross, Excluding Goodwill Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Total intangible assets, net Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts Receivable, Net Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Noncurrent Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Noncurrent Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value 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 (including amounts due from related parties, net, 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 Current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable AMC Networks stockholders' equity Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Secured Debt [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Unamortized deferred financing costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Long-term debt, net Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks Program Rights Write Offs Program Rights Write Offs The write-off of unamortized costs for program rights (including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements or owned original program rights). Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Cash Flows Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]