SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 17,786	$ 15,710	$ 13,508
Provision for bad debt	57,330	63,574	64,307
Deductions/ write-offs and other charges	(60,209)	(61,498)	(62,105)
Additions through acquisitions	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	14,907	17,786	15,710
CSC Holdings, LLC [Member]
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	17,786	15,710	13,508
Provision for bad debt	57,330	63,574	64,307
Deductions/ write-offs and other charges	(60,209)	(61,498)	(62,105)
Additions through acquisitions	0	0	0
Balance, end of period	$ 14,907	$ 17,786	$ 15,710