Commitments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Decrease in contractual obligations not reflected in the balance sheet	$ (96,700)
Contractual obligations not reflected in the balance sheet	$ 309,100	$ 405,800

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.

No definition available.

Name:	amcx_IncreaseDecreaseInContractualObligationsNotReflectedInBalanceSheet
Namespace Prefix:	amcx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration