Program Rights (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Entertainment [Abstract]
Program rights write-offs	$ 0	$ 7,900,000	$ 0	$ 12,100,000

The write-off of unamortized costs for program rights (including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements or owned original program rights).

No definition available.

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