Supplemental Data: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Amount authorized under stock repurchase program Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Number of shares vested in period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Number of national programming networks Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks Operating lease right-of-use asset Operating lease asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Employee related costs Employee-related Liabilities, Current Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Area Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] Foreign currency derivative liabilities Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value Cash paid on distribution of business Cash Divested from Deconsolidation Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Schedule of Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable [Table Text Block] Paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Transfer to noncontrolling interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Transfer Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Transfer Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent 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. Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Contributions from noncontrolling interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Total lease liabilities, current Lease, Liability, Current Lease, Liability, Current Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Total Film, Monetized on Its Own, and Film, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Redemption price (as a percentage) Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Share-based compensation expense APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Derivatives Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Impairment and Other Charges Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Licensed originals Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Originals, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Originals, Capitalized Cost Litigation settlement, charge Settlement Payment Litigation Settlement, Expense Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount 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 Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Title of Individual [Domain] Title of Individual [Domain] Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] 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 Current portion of program rights obligations Program Rights Obligations, Current Accumulated impairment charges Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Other liabilities Other Liabilities [Member] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Granted in period (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Disposal Group, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Not Discontinued Operations, Spinoff Disposal Group, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Not Discontinued Operations, Spinoff [Member] Non-cash restructuring and other related charges Restructuring Costs Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 45,000 shares authorized; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Distributions to noncontrolling member Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Loss contingency Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Accumulated Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] 4.75% Notes due December 2022 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2022 Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Total licensed program rights, net Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Capitalized Cost Secured debt Secured Debt [Member] Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net) Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid 2011 Stock Plan 2011 Stock Plan [Member] 2011 Stock Plan Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Shares surrendered to the company for tax withholding (in shares) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Shares Withheld for Tax Withholding Obligation Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Principal payments on finance lease obligations Finance Lease, Principal Payments Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Prime rate Prime Rate [Member] Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Remaining undrawn capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Other debt Other Debt [Member] Other Debt [Member] Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Miscellaneous, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic In-production and in-development Film, Capitalized Cost, Development and Preproduction Film, Capitalized Cost, Development and Preproduction 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 Total owned original program rights, net Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Document Type Document Type Unamortized deferred financing costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Completed Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost, Released Reporting Unit [Domain] Reporting Unit [Domain] 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 [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status 4.75% Notes due December 2022 4.75% Senior Notes Due December 2022 [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes Due December 2022 Program Rights Entertainment Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block] International & Other International and Other International And Other [Member] International and Other [Member] used to show information from that operating segment of AMC's operations Adoption of ASU 2016-13, credit losses Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] 5.00% Notes due April 2024 5.00% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives  Recognized in OCI Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Bad debt expense Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Gross Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Reporting Unit [Axis] Reporting Unit [Axis] Non-cash adjustments Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Finance lease asset Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Amortization Long-term debt, net Long-term Debt Total owned original program rights, net Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost Return of capital from investees Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Level I Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Unrealized foreign currency transaction (gain) loss Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Impairment charge related to goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Weighted average common shares: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] 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). Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts receivable (including long-term, included in Other assets) Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche One [Member] Deferred revenue Contract liabilities (Deferred revenue) Contract with Customer, Liability, Current 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 Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities: Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Interest rate swap contracts Interest Rate Swap [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Foreign currency derivatives Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure 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 Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] 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 Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net Income per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Treasury stock acquired Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Equity method investment, ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage 2025 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Four Proceeds from the exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Minimum Minimum [Member] Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Amortization of "second component" goodwill Reduction in carrying amount of goodwill Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] 2016 Employee Stock Plan 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Amortization of deferred carriage fees Amortization of Other Deferred Charges Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Leases Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] Beginning Balance Ending Balance Restructuring Reserve Other Restructuring Reserve, Translation and Other Adjustment Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Current portion of lease obligations Operating and Finance Lease, Liability, Current Operating and Finance Lease, Liability, Current Deferred tax asset, net Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Licensed film and acquired series Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Film and Acquired Series, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Film and Acquired Series, Capitalized Cost Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Total lease assets Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Cash Flows Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Payments for acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Total owned original program rights, net Film, Capitalized Cost Other exit costs Other Restructuring [Member] Credit facilities Line of Credit [Member] Equity Plans Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Level III Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Selling, general and administrative charges from related parties Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Contractual obligation Contractual Obligation Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] 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 Redeemable noncontrolling interests Beginning balance Ending balance Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Total other expense Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs, remaining period of recognition Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Additions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Unaudited Interim Financial Statements Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] PRSUs Performance Shares [Member] Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Schedule of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Schedule of Carrying Values and Fair Values of the Company's Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Program Rights Entertainment [Text Block] Accounts receivable, trade, allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Contribution from noncontrolling member Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Predominantly Monetized Individually Film, Monetized on Its Own, Amortization Expense Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Summary of Derivative Instruments by Hedge Designation [Abstract] 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 Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Unrealized gain Equity Securities, FV-NI, Unrealized Gain Effect of dilution (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Treasury stock, shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Distribution and other Entertainment [Member] Net revenues from related parties Revenue from Related Parties Accrued liabilities Total accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Revenues, net Revenues, net Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax 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. Program rights obligations Program Rights Obligations, Noncurrent Foreign currency derivative assets Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value 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 Stock options Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Cash payments Payments for Restructuring Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Interest income Investment Income, Interest Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Operating income Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Interest rate swap contracts liabilities Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Asset at Fair Value Operating lease liability, current Operating Lease, Liability, Current 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Two Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Restructuring and Other Related Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Impairment and other charges Asset Impairment Charges Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Notional amounts Derivative, Notional Amount Other assets Other Assets [Member] Completed Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost, Released Miscellaneous, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value 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 Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Valuation allowance Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance Maximum Maximum [Member] Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] A M C N I Reporting Unit A M C N I Reporting Unit [Member] A M C N I Reporting Unit Total liabilities Liabilities Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] 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. Schedule of Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year One Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Program rights write-offs Program Rights Write Offs The write-off of unamortized costs for program rights (including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements or owned original program rights). Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Total AMC Networks stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities 4.75% Notes due August 2025 4.75% Notes due August 2025 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] Schedule of Summary of Non-Cash Activities and Other Supplemental Data Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [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 In-production and in-development Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost, Development and Preproduction Loss on extinguishment of debt Loss on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Purchase of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Plaintiffs Plaintiffs [Member] Plaintiffs Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Redemption of principal amount Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Deferred carriage fees, net Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Charges Operating lease liability, noncurrent Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities [Member] Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Interest expense Interest Expense 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 City Area Code City Area Code 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 Accumulated earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Operating segments Operating Segments [Member] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Restricted stock units RSUs Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Gain on investments Gain (Loss) on Investments Schedule of Gains and Losses Related to Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Program rights, net Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Capitalized Cost Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Capitalized Cost Equity method investments Equity Method Investments Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Advertiser relationships Advertiser Relationships [Member] Advertiser Relationships [Member] 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 Estimated Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units Payments for Repurchase of Other Equity Proceeds from stock option exercises Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised New shares of company's class A common stock issued (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Income tax expense Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total stockholders' equity Beginning Balance Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 4.25% Notes due February 2029 4.25% Senior Notes Due 2029 [Member] 4.25% Senior Notes Due 2029 Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,732 and $11,234) Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Schedule of 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] Gain related to step-up fair value Equity Method Investment, Gain (Loss) Related to Step-Up Fair Value Equity Method Investment, Gain (Loss) Related to Step-Up Fair Value Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Subsidiary Credit Facilities Subsidiary Credit Facilities [Member] Subsidiary Credit Facilities Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Total current assets Assets, Current Contract assets, long-term (included in Other assets) Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent Schedule of Summary of Continuing Operations by Reportable Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Entity File Number Entity File Number 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] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Schedule of Summary of Inter-Segment Eliminations Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Investments in non-marketable equity securities Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer [Member] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Term Loan A Facility Term-A Facility [Member] Term-A Facility [Member] Investments [Abstract] Investments [Abstract] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $284,351 and $261,082 Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Acquisition of investment securities Payments to Acquire Investments Trademarks Indefinite-Lived Trademarks Restructuring and other related charges Total restructuring and other related charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Net share issuances under employee stock plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Marketable securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale 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 Total lease liabilities Lease Liability Lease Liability Proceeds from sale of investments Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments Total Film, Capitalized Cost [Abstract] Film, Capitalized Cost Total intangible assets, gross Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Finance lease liability, current Finance Lease, Liability, Current Income from operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Level II Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] 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. Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Estimated useful lives (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Owned original program rights Film, Monetized on Its Own, and Film, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense [Abstract] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Goodwill written off related to spin-off of a business unit Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Predominantly Monetized as a Group Film, Monetized in Film Group, Amortization Expense Foreign tax credit carry forwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Income tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Total assets Assets Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Distributions to noncontrolling interests Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Cash interest paid Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] 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 Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Accrued Liabilities Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] 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 Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Loss on disposal Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Predominantly Monetized as a Group Film, Monetized in Film Group, Capitalized Cost [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Revolving credit facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number In-production and in-development Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost, Development and Preproduction Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Basic (in shares) Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Effect of dilution: Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts on indebtedness Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Principal payment received on loan to investee Repayment of Notes Receivable from Related Parties Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Schedule of 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 Net earnings Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Income taxes paid, net Income Taxes Paid, Net Interest expense Interest Expense [Member] Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List] Accounting Standards Update [Extensible Enumeration] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Intangible assets, net Total intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Severance and employee-related costs Employee Severance [Member] Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) Cost of Revenue Accrued restructuring costs Restructuring Reserve, Current Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Treasury stock, at cost (34,593 and 34,593 shares Class A Common Stock, respectively) Treasury Stock, Value Deferred tax liability, net Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Vesting period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Fair Value Measurement Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Restructuring charges Charges Restructuring Charges Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization AMC Networks Stockholders’ Equity Parent [Member] Advances and content versioning costs Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Advances and Content Versioning Costs, Capitalized Cost Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Advances and Content Versioning Costs, Capitalized Cost Schedule of 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] 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Three 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 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Remainder of Fiscal Year Participations and residuals Accrued Royalties, Current Schedule of Summary of Accrued Restructuring Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Impairment and other charges Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges Cloud computing amortization Hosting Arrangement, Service Contract, Implementation Cost, Expense, Amortization Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Class B Common Stock Common Class B [Member] Distribution related to spin-off transaction Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Distributions Related to Spin-off Transaction Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Distributions Related to Spin-off Transaction Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Domestic Operations Domestic Operations Domestic Operations Domestic Operations [Member] Domestic Operations [Member] used to show information from that operating segment of AMC's operations Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Transfer from redeemable noncontrolling interests Reclassifications of Temporary to Permanent Equity Affiliate and customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Schedule of 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 Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Number of shares repurchased (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Investments in marketable equity securities Marketable Securities Principal payments on long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt 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 Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Predominantly Monetized Individually Film, Monetized on Its Own, Capitalized Cost [Abstract] Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Management Changes Management Changes [Member] Management Changes Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets Trade Names and Other [Member] Trade Names and Other Loss contingency accrual Loss Contingency Accrual Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Long-term debt Noncurrent portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Share-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Europe Europe [Member] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Net income including noncontrolling interests Net income including noncontrolling interests Net income including noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Number of defendants eliminated Loss Contingency, Number Of Defendants Eliminated Loss Contingency, Number Of Defendants Eliminated Sale of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Class A Common Stock Common Class A [Member] Contract assets, short-term (included in Other current assets) Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current 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 Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Completed Film, Capitalized Cost, Released Film, Capitalized Cost, Released Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Entertainment [Abstract] Leases [Abstract] Leases [Abstract] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Write-down of non-marketable equity securities and note receivable Write Down of Non-Marketable Equity Security and Note Receivable, Net of Unrealized Gain Write Down of Non-Marketable Equity Security and Note Receivable, Net of Unrealized Gain Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] Diluted (in shares) Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Other Other Geographic Locations [Member] Other Geographic Locations [Member] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Interest Interest Payable, Current Number of legal matters Number Of Legal Matters Number Of Legal Matters Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Lease obligations Total lease liabilities, noncurrent Operating and Finance Lease Liability, Noncurrent Operating and Finance Lease Liability, Noncurrent Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date 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. Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List] Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Debt, basis spread on rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Realized loss Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Payments to acquire equity method investments Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Corporate / Inter-segment eliminations Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Finance lease additions Lease Obligation Incurred Foreign currency derivatives Foreign currency derivatives Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Program rights and obligations, net Increase (Decrease) In Program Rights And Obligations Increase (Decrease) In Program Rights And Obligations Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recently Adopted Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Predominantly Monetized Individually Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized on Its Own, Amortization Expense Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Monetized on Its Own, Amortization Expense Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount 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] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] United States North America [Member] Cover page. Cover [Abstract] Finance lease liability, noncurrent Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Goodwill Beginning balance Ending balance Goodwill Gain or (Loss) Reclassified  from Accumulated OCI  into Earnings Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax Advertising Advertising [Member] Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest California Action California Action [Member] California Action Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] 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] Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Included in Balance Sheets Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Total Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Amortization Expense Film and Entertainment, License Agreement for Program Material, Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Distributions Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Distributions Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Distributions Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]