SEGMENT INFORMATION, Reconciliation of Reportable Segments to Consolidated Balances (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes [Abstract]
Operating income for reportable segments	$ 91,292	$ 247,433
Items Excluded from Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Gain on investments, net	99,458	135,325
Loss on equity derivative contracts, net	(71,716)	(111,194)
Loss on interest rate swap contracts, net	0	(1,645)
Miscellaneous, net	379	544
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(33,871)	103,501
Telecommunications Services [Member]
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes [Abstract]
Operating income for reportable segments	191,509	322,117
Other [Member]
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes [Abstract]
Operating income for reportable segments	(100,217)	(74,684)
Reportable Segments [Member]
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes [Abstract]
Operating income for reportable segments	91,292	247,433
CSC Holdings, LLC [Member]
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes [Abstract]
Operating income for reportable segments	91,292	247,433
Items Excluded from Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Interest expense	(96,564)	(121,349)
Gain on investments, net	99,458	135,325
Loss on equity derivative contracts, net	(71,716)	(111,194)
Loss on interest rate swap contracts, net	0	(1,645)
Miscellaneous, net	379	544
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	37,706	164,193
CSC Holdings, LLC [Member] | Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Items Excluded from Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Interest expense	(96,564)	(121,349)
Interest income	87	309
Intercompany interest income	14,770	14,770
Gain on investments, net	99,458	135,325
Loss on equity derivative contracts, net	(71,716)	(111,194)
Loss on interest rate swap contracts, net	0	(1,645)
Miscellaneous, net	379	544
Cablevision Systems Corporation [Member] | Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Items Excluded from Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Interest expense	(56,827)	(45,932)
Intercompany interest expense	(14,770)	(14,770)
Interest income	$ 20	$ 10