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Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation	Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Description of Business AMC Networks Inc. ("AMC Networks") and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company") own and operate entertainment businesses and assets. The Company is comprised of two operating segments: •National Networks: Includes activities of our five national programming networks, AMC Studios operations and AMC Broadcasting & Technology. Our national programming networks are AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC, and SundanceTV in the U.S.; and AMC and IFC in Canada. Our AMC Studios operation produces original programming for our programming networks and also licenses such programming worldwide. AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology is our technical services business, which primarily services most of the national programming networks. •International and Other: Includes AMCNI, the Company's international programming businesses consisting of a portfolio of channels around the world; AMC Networks SVOD consisting of the Company's targeted subscription streaming services: Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, and UMC; Levity, our production services and comedy venues business; and IFC Films, the Company's independent film distribution business. Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMC Networks and its subsidiaries in which a controlling voting interest is maintained or variable interest entities ("VIE's") in which the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in business entities in which the Company lacks control but does have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include the useful lives and methodologies used to amortize and assess recoverability of program rights, the estimated useful lives of intangible assets and the valuation and recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications were made to the prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation.