Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 182,788	$ 255,198
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	3,448	0
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	50,220	46,588
Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards	21,569	15,049
Amortization and write-off of program rights	458,176	313,140
Amortization of Other Deferred Charges	8,148	7,793
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized	14,997	(50)
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative contracts, net	(2,417)	(2,602)
Amortization and write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts on indebtedness	6,436	5,544
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts	2,357	1,478
Deferred income taxes	(23,926)	144,228
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	(5,662)	(4,920)
Other, net	(2,113)	(1,344)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade	7,712	(18,523)
Amounts due from/to related parties, net	3,301	2,817
Prepaid expenses and other assets	600	(31,674)
Program rights and obligations, net	(510,384)	(358,129)
Income taxes payable	18,553	(112,341)
Deferred revenue and deferred litigation settlement proceeds	16,219	(329,358)
Deferred carriage fees and deferred carriage fees payable, net	(13,234)	(10,472)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	25,042	3,517
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	261,830	(74,061)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(24,340)	(18,336)
Payment for acquisition of a business	(1,024,427)	(2,500)
Payments to Acquire Investments	(3,984)	0
Proceeds from insurance settlements	654	657
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(1,052,097)	(20,179)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	600,000	0
Payments for financing costs	(9,266)	(542)
Deemed repurchase of restricted stock	(17,804)	(12,000)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	1,070	1,722
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	5,662	4,920
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(2,707)	(1,154)
Proceeds from (Payments to) Noncontrolling Interests	835	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	577,790	(7,054)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations	(212,477)	(101,294)
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations	(2,955)	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations	(2,955)	0
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(9,897)	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	521,951	610,970
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 296,622	$ 509,676