Monitronics International (SCTY) 10-K 6 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 06, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	MONITRONICS INTERNATIONAL INC
Entity Central Index Key	1265107
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		0
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$0

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,953	$4,355
Restricted cash	18	40
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,120 in 2014 and $1,937 in 2013	13,796	13,019
Deferred income tax assets, net	6,567	8,530
Prepaid and other current assets	7,559	6,319
Total current assets	29,893	32,263
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $24,254 in 2014 and $17,514 in 2013	23,280	24,561
Subscriber accounts, net of accumulated amortization of $736,824 in 2014 and $503,497 in 2013	1,373,630	1,340,954
Dealer network and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $54,077 in 2014 and $34,297 in 2013	44,855	64,635
Goodwill	527,502	527,502
Other assets, net	25,487	29,611
Total assets	2,024,647	2,019,526
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	6,710	6,895
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	3,604	3,179
Other accrued liabilities	31,094	33,454
Deferred revenue	14,945	14,379
Holdback liability	19,046	19,758
Current portion of long-term debt	9,166	9,166
Total current liabilities	84,565	86,831
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	1,640,542	1,597,627
Long-term holdback liability	5,156	6,698
Derivative financial instruments	5,780	2,013
Deferred income tax liability, net	15,771	17,632
Other liabilities	15,267	16,065
Total liabilities	1,767,081	1,726,866
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholder’s equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value. 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding both at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	336,540	337,038
Accumulated deficit	-74,169	-44,452
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-4,805	74
Total stockholder’s equity	257,566	292,660
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity	$2,024,647	$2,019,526

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$2,120	$1,937
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation (in dollars)	24,254	17,514
Subscriber accounts, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	736,824	503,497
Dealer network and other intangible assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$54,077	$34,297
Par value of shares issued as a consideration (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, authorized shares	1,000	1,000
Common stock, issued shares	1,000	1,000
Common stock, outstanding shares	1,000	1,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenue	$539,449	$451,033	$344,953
Operating expenses:
Cost of services	94,713	74,136	49,978
Selling, general, and administrative, including stock-based compensation	87,943	77,162	60,054
Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets	253,403	208,760	163,468
Depreciation	9,019	7,327	5,286
Restructuring charges	952	1,111	0
Gain on disposal of operating assets, net	-71	-2	0
Total operating expenses	445,959	368,494	278,786
Operating income	93,490	82,539	66,167
Other expense:
Interest expense	119,607	96,145	71,405
Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments	0	0	2,044
Refinancing expense	0	0	6,245
Other income, net	0	0	630
Total other expense	119,607	96,145	80,324
Loss before income taxes	-26,117	-13,606	-14,157
Income tax expense (benefit)	3,600	3,081	2,619
Net loss	-29,717	-16,687	-16,776
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net	-4,879	12,317	-12,243
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-4,879	12,317	-12,243
Comprehensive loss	($34,596)	($4,370)	($29,019)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	($29,717)	($16,687)	($16,776)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets	253,403	208,760	163,468
Depreciation	9,019	7,327	5,286
Stock-based compensation	2,068	1,779	1,384
Deferred income tax expense	74	254	421
Gain on disposal of operating assets, net	-71	-2	0
Long-term debt amortization	1,081	883	4,473
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments	0	0	-6,793
Refinancing expense	0	0	6,245
Other non-cash activity, net	11,954	11,085	8,677
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables	-8,926	-8,165	-5,778
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-1,306	8,361	-4,289
Payables and other liabilities	-3,713	1,054	10,966
Net cash provided by operating activities	233,866	214,649	167,284
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-7,769	-9,925	-5,868
Cost of subscriber accounts acquired	-268,160	-234,914	-304,665
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired	0	-478,738	0
Increase in restricted cash	22	2,600	48,780
Proceeds from disposal of operating assets	241	2	0
Other investing activities	-436	-100	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-276,102	-721,075	-261,753
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	169,000	630,575	1,277,900
Payments on long-term debt	-127,166	-133,048	-1,133,387
Payments of financing costs	0	-8,179	-46,721
Contribution from Ascent Capital	0	20,000	0
Dividend to Ascent Capital	-2,000	-2,000	-2,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	39,834	507,348	95,792
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	-2,402	922	1,323
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	4,355	3,433	2,110
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,953	4,355	3,433
Supplemental cash flow information:
State taxes paid	2,734	2,365	2,125
Interest paid	$111,409	$88,250	$52,327

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional paid-in capital	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Accumulated deficit
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)		USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$288,624		$299,613	$0	($10,989)
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		1,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
Net loss	-16,776				-16,776
Other comprehensive loss	-12,243			-12,243
Stock-based compensation	1,384		1,384
Value of shares withheld for tax liability	-65		-65
Dividends	-2,000		-2,000
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	258,924		298,932	-12,243	-27,765
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		1,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
Net loss	-16,687				-16,687
Other comprehensive loss	12,317			12,317
Equity Impact from Contributions from Parent	38,723		38,723
Stock-based compensation	1,779		1,779
Value of shares withheld for tax liability	-396		-396
Dividends	-2,000		-2,000
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	292,660		337,038	74	-44,452
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	1,000	1,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
Net loss	-29,717				-29,717
Other comprehensive loss	-4,879			-4,879
Stock-based compensation	1,918		1,918
Value of shares withheld for tax liability	-416		-416
Dividends	-2,000		-2,000
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$257,566		$336,540	($4,805)	($74,169)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	1,000	1,000

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	Monitronics International, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Monitronics”) provide security alarm monitoring and related services to residential and business subscribers throughout the United States and parts of Canada. The Company monitors signals arising from burglaries, fires, medical alerts, and other events through security systems installed by independent dealers at subscribers’ premises.
	On December 17, 2010, Ascent Capital Group, Inc. (“Ascent Capital”) acquired 100% of the outstanding capital stock of the Company through the merger of Mono Lake Merger Sub, Inc. (“Merger Sub”), a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Ascent Capital established to consummate the merger, with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving corporation in the merger (the “Monitronics Acquisition”). The Monitronics Acquisition was accounted for in accordance with accounting guidance for business combinations, and accordingly has resulted in the recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value as of the acquisition date.  On August 16, 2013, Monitronics acquired all of the equity interests of Security Networks LLC (“Security Networks”) and certain affiliated entities (the “Security Networks Acquisition”).
	The consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for all periods presented.
	The Company has reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period's presentation.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Consolidation Principles
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers investments with original purchased maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash is cash that is restricted for a specific purpose and cannot be included in the cash and cash equivalents account.
	Trade Receivables
	Trade receivables consist primarily of amounts due from customers for recurring monthly monitoring services over a wide geographical base.  The Company performs extensive credit evaluations on the portfolios of subscriber accounts prior to acquisition and requires no collateral on the accounts that are acquired.  The Company has established an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of subscribers to make required payments.  Factors such as historical-loss experience, recoveries and economic conditions are considered in determining the sufficiency of the allowance to cover potential losses.  The allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $2,120,000 and $1,937,000, respectively.
	A summary of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Balance		Charged	Write-Offs		Balance
		Beginning		to Expense	and Other		End of
		of Year					Year
	2014	$	1,937	8,149	(7,966	)	2,120
	2013	$	1,436	7,342	(6,841	)	1,937
	2012	$	1,815	5,860	(6,239	)	1,436
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of trade accounts receivable.  The Company performs extensive credit evaluations on the portfolios of subscriber accounts prior to acquisition and requires no collateral on the subscriber accounts that are acquired.  Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are generally limited due to the large number of subscribers comprising the Company's customer base.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair values of cash equivalents, current accounts receivable and current accounts payable approximate the carrying amounts because of their short-term nature.  The Company’s debt instruments are recorded at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheet.  See note 10, Fair Value Measurements, for further fair value information around the Company’s debt instruments.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are carried at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the underlying lease. Estimated useful lives by class of asset are as follows:
	Leasehold improvements		15 years or lease term, if shorter
	Machinery and equipment		5 - 7 years
	Computer systems and software (included in Machinery and Equipment in note 5, Property and Equipment)		3 - 5 years
	Management reviews the realizability of its property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In evaluating the value and future benefits of long-term assets, their carrying value is compared to management’s best estimate of undiscounted future cash flows over the remaining economic life. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.  If necessary, the Company would use both the income approach and market approach to estimate fair value.
	Subscriber Accounts
	Subscriber accounts relate to the cost of acquiring monitoring service contracts from independent dealers.  The subscriber accounts from the Monitronics and the Security Networks Acquisitions were recorded at fair value under the acquisition method of accounting.  All other acquired subscriber accounts not accounted for as part of a business combination are recorded at cost.  All direct external costs associated with the creation of subscriber accounts, including new subscriber contracts obtained in connection with a subscriber move, are capitalized.  Internal costs, including all personnel and related support costs, incurred solely in connection with subscriber account acquisitions and transitions are expensed as incurred.
	The subscriber accounts from the Monitronics and the Security Networks Acquisitions, as well as certain accounts acquired in bulk purchases, are amortized using the 14-year 235% declining balance method.  The costs of all other subscriber accounts are amortized using the 15-year 220% declining balance method, beginning in the month following the date of acquisition.  The amortization methods were selected to provide an approximate matching of the amortization of the subscriber accounts intangible asset to estimated future subscriber revenues based on the projected lives of individual subscriber contracts.  Amortization of subscriber accounts was $233,327,000, $195,010,000 and $153,388,000 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Based on subscriber accounts held at December 31, 2014, estimated amortization of subscriber accounts in the succeeding five fiscal years ending December 31 is as follows (amounts in thousands):
	2015	$	217,469
	2016	$	182,768
	2017	$	153,602
	2018	$	129,063
	2019	$	108,549
	The Company reviews the subscriber accounts for impairment or a change in amortization method and period whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable or the life should be shortened.  For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, the Company views subscriber accounts as a single pool because of the assets’ homogeneous characteristics, and the pool of subscriber accounts is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of the other assets and liabilities.
	Dealer Network and Other Intangible Assets
	Dealer network is an intangible asset that relates to the dealer relationships that were acquired as part of the Monitronics Acquisition and the Security Networks Acquisition.  Other intangible assets consist of non-compete agreements signed by the seller of Security Networks and certain key Security Networks executives.  These intangible assets will be amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of five years.  Amortization of dealer network and other intangible assets was $19,780,000, $13,717,000 and $10,080,000 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company reviews the dealer network and other intangible assets for impairment or a change in amortization period whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable or the lives should be shortened.
	Goodwill
	The Company accounts for its goodwill pursuant to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“FASB ASC Topic 350”).  In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment at least annually.
	The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill during the fourth quarter of its fiscal year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill of a reporting unit may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability is measured at the reporting unit level based on the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 350.
	To the extent necessary, recoverability of goodwill at a reporting unit level is measured using a discounted cash flow model incorporating discount rates commensurate with the risks involved, which is classified as a Level 3 measurement under FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include discount rates, growth rates, cash flow projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment. If the calculated fair value is less than the current carrying value, impairment of the reporting unit may exist. When the recoverability test indicates potential impairment, the Company will calculate an implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to how goodwill is calculated in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded to write down the carrying value. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit but may indicate certain long-lived and amortizable intangible assets associated with the reporting unit may require additional impairment testing.
	Deferred Financing Costs
	Deferred financing costs are capitalized when the related debt is issued or when revolving credit lines increase the borrowing capacity of the Company.  Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method.
	Holdback Liability
	The Company typically withholds payment of a designated percentage of the acquisition cost when it acquires subscriber accounts from dealers.  The withheld funds are recorded as a liability until the guarantee period provided by the dealer has expired.  The holdback is used as a reserve to cover any terminated subscriber accounts that are not replaced by the dealer during the guarantee period.  At the end of the guarantee period, the dealer is responsible for any deficit or is paid the balance of the holdback.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to movement in interest rates. The use of these financial instruments modifies the exposure of these risks with the intention of reducing the risk or cost. The Company does not use derivatives for speculative or trading purposes. The Company recognizes the fair value of all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Fair value is based on market quotes for similar instruments with the same duration. For derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, unrealized gains and losses on the derivative instruments are reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), to the extent the hedges are effective, until the underlying transactions are recognized in earnings.  Derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are marked to market at the end of each accounting period with the change in fair value recorded in earnings.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue is generated from security alarm monitoring and related services provided by the Company and its subsidiaries.  Revenue related to alarm monitoring services is recognized ratably over the life of the contract.  Revenue related to maintenance and other services is recognized as the services are rendered.  Deferred revenue includes payments for monitoring services to be provided in future periods.
	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“FASB ASC Topic 740”), which prescribes an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, the Company generally considers all expected future events other than proposed changes in the tax law or rates. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.  Income tax expense is the tax payable or refundable for the period plus or minus the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities.
	FASB ASC Topic 740 specifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  In instances where the Company has taken or expects to take a tax position in its tax return and the Company believes it is more likely than not that such tax position will be upheld by the relevant taxing authority, the Company records the benefits of such tax position in its consolidated financial statements.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company accounts for stock-based awards pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“FASB ASC Topic 718”), which requires companies to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments (such as stock options and restricted stock) based on the grant-date fair value of the award, and to recognize that cost over the period during which the employee is required to provide service (usually the vesting period of the award).
	The grant-date fair value of the Ascent Capital stock options granted to the Company’s employees was calculated using the Black-Scholes model. The expected term of the awards was calculated using the simplified method included in FASB ASC Topic 718. The volatility used in the calculation is based on the historical volatility of peer companies and the risk-free rate is based on Treasury Bonds with a term similar to that of the subject options.  A dividend rate of zero was utilized for all granted stock options.
	Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for each reporting period.  The significant estimates made in preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements primarily relate to valuation of goodwill, other intangible assets, long-lived assets, deferred tax assets, convertible debt arrangements, derivative financial instruments, and the amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts. These estimates are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors and adjusts them when facts and circumstances change. As the effects of future events cannot be determined with any certainty, actual results could differ from the estimates upon which the carrying values were based.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Under the update, revenue will be recognized based on a five-step model. The core principle of the model is that revenue will be recognized when the transfer of promised goods or services to customers is made in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that adopting this ASU will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Security_Networks_Acquisition

Security Networks Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Security Networks Acquisition	Security Networks Acquisition
	On August 16, 2013 (the “Closing Date”), the Company acquired all of the equity interests of Security Networks and certain affiliated entities.  The purchase price (the “Security Networks Purchase Price”) of $500,557,000 consisted of $481,834,000 in cash and 253,333 shares of Ascent Capital’s Series A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, with a Closing Date fair value of $18,723,000.  The Security Networks Purchase Price includes post-closing adjustments of $1,057,000.
	The Security Networks Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination utilizing the acquisition method in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations ("FASB ASC Topic 805").  Under the acquisition method of accounting, the Security Networks Purchase Price has been allocated to Security Networks’ tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimates of fair value. In connection with the Security Networks Acquisition, the Company recognized goodwill of $177,289,000.
	The Company’s 2013 Form 10-K included an initial allocation of the purchase price based on preliminary data. Subsequent to filing the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K, an adjustment was made to increase goodwill by $989,000, which is reflected in the revised December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805. The increase to goodwill was related to adjustments to the deferred income tax liabilities acquired as a result of obtaining Security Networks' final short period federal and state income tax returns for 2013, which were filed in the second quarter of 2014. The increase to the acquired deferred income tax liabilities for this adjustments resulted in a $936,000 reduction in Monitronics' valuation allowance. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805, the corresponding decrease in income tax expense related to the reduction in valuation allowance has been retrospectively applied to the revised year ended December 31, 2013 consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
	The following table includes unaudited pro-forma information for the Company, which includes the historical operating results of Security Networks prior to ownership by the Company. This pro-forma information gives effect to certain adjustments, including increased amortization to reflect the fair value assigned to the subscriber accounts and dealer network and other intangible assets acquired and increased interest expense relating to the debt transactions entered into to fund the Security Networks Acquisition. The pro-forma results assume that the Security Networks Acquisition and the debt transactions had occurred on January 1, 2012 for all periods presented. They are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the acquisition had been made at the beginning of the periods presented or that may be obtained in the future.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
		(amounts in thousands,
		except per share amounts)
	As reported:
	Net revenue (a)	$	451,033		$	344,953
	Net loss (c)	(16,687		)	(16,776		)
	Supplemental pro-forma:
	Net revenue (b)	$	515,792		$	420,716
	Net loss (c)	(30,871		)	(70,491		)
	(a)	As reported net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 reflects the negative impact of a $2,715,000 fair value adjustment that reduced deferred revenue acquired in the Security Networks Acquisition.
	(b)	Pro-forma net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012 reflects the negative impact of a $2,715,000 fair value adjustment that reduced deferred revenue acquired in the Security Networks Acquisition.
	(c)	As reported net loss and the pro-forma net loss for the year ended December 31, 2013 include non-recurring acquisition costs incurred by Monitronics of $2,470,000.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consist of the following (amounts in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
	Property and equipment, net:
	Land	$	—		172
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	3,359			3,338
	Machinery and equipment	44,175			38,565
		47,534			42,075
	Accumulated depreciation	(24,254		)	(17,514	)
		$	23,280		24,561
	Depreciation expense for property and equipment was $9,019,000, $7,327,000 and $5,286,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	350,213
	Security Networks Acquisition	177,289
	Balance at December 31, 2013	527,502
	Period activity	—
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	527,502
	In connection with the Company’s 2014 annual goodwill impairment analysis, the Company did not record an impairment loss related to goodwill as the estimated fair value the Company’s reporting unit exceeded the carrying value of the underlying assets.

Other_Accrued_Liabilities

Other Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Other Accrued Liabilities	Other Accrued Liabilities
	Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Interest payable	$	18,251	$	17,258
	Income taxes payable	3,494		2,647
	Legal accrual	222		705
	Other	9,127		12,844
	Total Other accrued liabilities	$	31,094	$	33,454

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	9.125% Senior Notes due April 1, 2020	$	585,000		$	585,000
	9.868% Promissory Note to Ascent Capital due October 1, 2020	100,000			100,000
	Term loans, mature March 23, 2018, LIBOR plus 3.25%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% (a)	894,208			902,293
	$225 million revolving credit facility, matures December 22, 2017, LIBOR plus 3.75%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% (a)	70,500			19,500
		1,649,708			1,606,793
	Less current portion of long-term debt	(9,166		)	(9,166		)
	Long-term debt	$	1,640,542		$	1,597,627
	(a)	The interest rate on the term loan and the revolving credit facility was LIBOR plus 4.25%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.25%, until March 25, 2013.
	Senior Notes
	On July 17, 2013, the Company closed on a $175,000,000 privately placed debt offering of 9.125% Senior Notes (the “New Senior Notes”).  In December 2013, the Company completed an exchange of the New Senior Notes for identical securities in a registered offering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
	The New Senior Notes, together with the existing $410,000,000 of 9.125% Senior Notes due 2020 (collectively, the “Senior Notes”), total $585,000,000 in principal, mature on April 1, 2020 and bear interest at 9.125% per annum.  Interest payments are due semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year.
	The Senior Notes are guaranteed by all of the Company’s existing domestic subsidiaries.  Ascent Capital has not guaranteed any of the Company’s obligations under the Senior Notes.
	Ascent Intercompany Loan
	On August 16, 2013, in connection with the Security Networks Acquisition, the Company executed and delivered a Promissory Note to Ascent Capital in a principal amount of $100,000,000 (the “Ascent Intercompany Loan”).  The entire principal amount under the Ascent Intercompany Loan is due on October 1, 2020.  The Company may prepay any portion of the balance of the Ascent Intercompany Loan at any time from time to time without fee, premium or penalty (subject to certain financial covenants associated with the Company’s other indebtedness).  Any unpaid balance of the Ascent Intercompany Loan bears interest at a rate equal to 9.868% per annum, payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on January 12 and July 12 of each year, commencing on January 12, 2014.  Borrowings under the Ascent Intercompany Loan constitute unsecured obligations of the Company and are not guaranteed by any of the Company’s subsidiaries.
	Credit Facility
	On March 25, 2013, the Company entered into an amendment (“Amendment No. 2”) with the lenders of its existing senior secured credit agreement dated March 23, 2012, and as amended and restated on November 7, 2012 (the “Existing Credit Agreement”).  Pursuant to Amendment No. 2, the Company repriced the interest rates applicable to the Existing Credit Agreement’s facility (the “Repricing”), which is comprised of the term loans and revolving credit facility noted in the table above. Concurrently with the Repricing, the Company extended the maturity of the revolving credit facility by nine months to December 22, 2017.
	On August 16, 2013, in connection with the Security Networks Acquisition, the Company entered into a third amendment (“Amendment No. 3”) to the Existing Credit Agreement to provide for, among other things, (i) an increase in the commitments under the revolving credit facility in a principal amount of $75,000,000, resulting in an aggregate principal amount of $225,000,000, (ii) new term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $225,000,000 (the “Incremental Term Loans”) at a 0.5% discount and (iii) certain other amendments to the Existing Credit Agreement, each as set forth in Amendment No. 3 (the Existing Credit Agreement together with Amendment No. 2 and Amendment No. 3, the “Credit Facility”).
	The Credit Facility term loans bear interest at LIBOR plus 3.25%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00%, and mature on March 23, 2018.  Principal payments of approximately $2,292,000 and interest on the term loans are due quarterly.  The Credit Facility revolver bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.75%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00%, and matures on December 22, 2017.  There is an annual commitment fee of 0.50% on unused portions of the Credit Facility revolver.  As of December 31, 2014, $154,500,000 is available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility.
	At any time after the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Facility, the lenders may, among other options, declare any amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility immediately due and payable and terminate any commitment to make further loans under the Credit Facility.  In addition, failure to comply with restrictions contained in the Senior Notes could lead to an event of default under the Credit Facility.
	The Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of all of the outstanding stock of the Company and all of its existing subsidiaries and is guaranteed by all of the Company’s existing domestic subsidiaries.  Ascent Capital has not guaranteed any of the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company has deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization, of $20,918,000 related to the Senior Notes and the Credit Facility. These costs are included in Other assets, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and will be amortized over the remaining term of the respective debt instruments using the effective-interest method.
	In March of 2012, as a result of retiring the Company's former credit facility and securitization debt, and settling the derivative contracts related to this prior debt (the "2012 Refinancing"), the Company accelerated amortization of the securitization debt premium and certain deferred financing costs, and expensed certain other refinancing costs.  The components of the Refinancing expense, reflected in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as a component of Other income (expense) for the year ended December 31, 2012, are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs	$	389
	Accelerated amortization of securitization debt discount	6,679
	Other refinancing costs	7,628
	Gain on early termination of derivative instruments	(8,451		)
	Total refinancing expense	$	6,245
	In order to reduce the financial risk related to changes in interest rates associated with the floating rate term loans under the Credit Facility, the Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements with terms similar to the Credit Facility term loans.  On March 25, 2013, the Company negotiated amendments to the terms of its existing swap agreements to coincide with the Repricing.  In the third quarter of 2013, the Company entered into additional interest rate swap agreements in conjunction with the Incremental Term Loans (all outstanding interest rate swap agreements are collectively referred to as the “Swaps”).
	The Swaps have a maturity date of March 23, 2018 to match the term of the Credit Facility term loans.  The Swaps have been designated as effective hedges of the Company’s variable rate debt and qualify for hedge accounting.  See note 9, Derivatives, for further disclosures related to these derivative instruments.  As a result of the Swaps, the interest rate on the borrowings under the Credit Facility term loans have been effectively converted from a variable rate to a weighted average fixed rate of 5.06%.
	The terms of the Senior Notes and Credit Facility provide for certain financial and nonfinancial covenants.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all required covenants.
	Principal payments scheduled to be made on the Company’s debt obligations are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	2015	$	9,166
	2016	9,166
	2017	79,667
	2018	870,800
	2019	—
	2020	685,000
	Thereafter	—
	Total principal payments	1,653,799
	Less:
	Unamortized discount on the Credit Facility term loans	4,091
	Total debt on consolidated balance sheet	$	1,649,708

Derivatives

Derivatives	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	Derivatives
	The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements to reduce the interest rate risk inherent in Monitronics’ variable rate Credit Facility term loans.  The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatility. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.  See note 10, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information about the credit valuation adjustments.
	At December 31, 2014, derivative financial instruments include one interest rate swap with a fair value of $1,123,000, that constitutes an asset of the Company and three interest rate swaps with a fair value of $5,780,000 that constitute a liability of the Company.  At December 31, 2013, derivative financial instruments include one interest rate swap with a fair value of $2,495,000, that constitute an asset of the Company and three interest rate swaps with a fair value $2,013,000 that constitute a liability of the Company.  The Swaps are included in Other assets, net and Derivative financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013 no amounts were offset for certain derivatives' fair value that were recognized under a master netting agreement with the same counterparty.
	The objective of the swap derivative instruments was to reduce the risk associated with Monitronics’ term loan variable interest rates.  In effect, the swap derivative instruments convert variable interest rates into fixed interest rates on the Company’s term loan borrowings.
	All of the Swaps are designated and qualify as cash flow hedging instruments, with the effective portion of the Swaps' change in fair value recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  Any ineffective portions of the Swaps' change in fair value are recognized in current earnings in Interest expense.  Changes in the fair value of the Swaps recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to Interest expense when the hedged interest payments on the underlying debt are recognized.  Amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized in Interest expense in the coming 12 months total approximately $7,297,000.
	The Swaps’ outstanding notional balance as of December 31, 2014 and terms are noted below:
	Notional				Effective Date	Fixed		Variable Rate Received
						Rate Paid
	$	534,875,000			March 28, 2013	1.88%		3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
	141,737,500				March 28, 2013	1.38%		3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
	110,804,020				September 30, 2013	1.96%		3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
	110,804,020				September 30, 2013	1.85%		3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
	(a)	On March 25, 2013, the Company negotiated amendments to the terms of these interest rate swap agreements, which were entered into in March 2012 (the "Existing Swap Agreements") to coincide with the Repricing (as amended, the “Amended Swaps”).  The Amended Swaps are held with the same counterparties as the Existing Swap Agreements.  Upon entering into the Amended Swaps, the Company simultaneously dedesignated the Existing Swap Agreements and redesignated the Amended Swaps as cash flow hedges for the underlying change in the swap terms.  The amounts previously recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) relating to the dedesignation will be recognized in Interest expense over the remaining life of the Amended Swaps.
	The impact of the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on the consolidated financial statements is depicted below (amounts in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Effective portion of gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(12,560	)	7,014			(15,715	)
	Effective portion of loss reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into Net loss (a)		$	(7,681	)	(5,303	)		(3,472	)
	Ineffective portion of amount of gain recognized into Net loss on interest rate swaps (a)		$	46		24			—
	(a)         Amounts are included in Interest expense in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
	On March 23, 2012, in connection with the 2012 Refinancing, the Company terminated all of its previously outstanding derivative financial instruments and recorded a gain of $8,451,000.  These derivative financial instruments were not designated as hedges.  For the year ended December 31, 2012, the realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments includes settlement payments of $8,837,000 partially offset by a $6,793,000 unrealized gain related to the change in the fair value of these derivatives prior to their termination in March 2012.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	According to the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification, fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants and requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in the following three categories:
	•	Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	•	Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active or inactive markets and valuations derived from models where all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
	•	Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable in any market.
	The following summarizes the fair value level of assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (amounts in thousands):
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3	Total
	31-Dec-14
	Derivative financial instruments — assets (a)	$	—	1,123		—	1,123
	Derivative financial instruments - liabilities	—		(5,780	)	—	(5,780	)
	Total	$	—	(4,657	)	—	(4,657	)
	31-Dec-13
	Derivative financial instruments - assets (a)	$	—	2,495		—	2,495
	Derivative financial instruments - liabilities	—		(2,013	)	—	(2,013	)
	Total	$	—	482		—	482
	(a)	Included in Other assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value the Swaps fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  The credit valuation adjustments associated with the derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by their counterparties.  As the counterparties have publicly available credit information, the credit spreads over LIBOR used in the calculations represent implied credit default swap spreads obtained from a third-party credit data provider.  As of December 31, 2014, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of the Swaps.  As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Long term debt, including current portion:
	Carrying value	$	1,649,708	$	1,606,793
	Fair value (a)	1,605,255		1,656,797
	(a)	T he fair value is based on valuations from third party financial institutions and is classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy.
	The Company’s other financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value because of their short-term maturity.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	Restructuring Charges
	In connection with the Security Networks Acquisition, management approved a restructuring plan to transition Security Networks’ operations in West Palm Beach and Kissimmee, Florida to Dallas, Texas (the “2013 Restructuring Plan”).  The 2013 Restructuring Plan provides certain employees with a severance package that entitles them to receive benefits upon completion of the transition in 2014.  Severance costs related to the 2013 Restructuring Plan were recognized ratably over the future service period.  During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded $952,000 of restructuring charges related to employee termination benefits under the 2013 Restructuring Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded $1,111,000 of restructuring charges related to employee termination benefits under the 2013 Restructuring Plan. The transition of Security Networks' operations to Dallas was completed in the second quarter of 2014.
	The following tables provide the activity and balance of the Company’s 2013 restructuring plan (amounts in thousands):
		31-Dec-13		Additions	Payments		Other		31-Dec-14
	2013 Restructuring Plan
	Severance and retention	$	1,570	952	(2,388	)	—		134
		31-Dec-12		Additions	Payments		Other		31-Dec-13
	2013 Restructuring Plan
	Severance and retention	$	—	1,111	(33	)	492	(a)	1,570
	(a)        Amount was recorded upon the acquisition of Security Networks.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company’s income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following (amounts in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	—		—			—
	State	3,526			2,827			2,198
		3,526			2,827			2,198
	Deferred:
	Federal	3,292			(3,343	)		406
	State	(3,218		)	3,597			15
		74			254			421
	Total income tax expense	$	3,600		3,081			2,619
	Income tax expense differs from the amounts computed by applying the United States federal income tax rate of 35% as a result of the following (amounts in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Computed expected tax benefit	$	(9,141	)	(4,762	)		(4,955	)
	State and local income taxes, net of federal income taxes	200			4,176			1,438
	Change in valuation allowance affecting tax expense	9,322			1,760			5,538
	Expense (income) not resulting in tax impact	(73		)	426			191
	Amortization of indefinite-lived assets	3,292			1,481			431
	Other, net	—			—			(24	)
	Income tax expense	$	3,600		3,081			2,619
	Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
	Current assets:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,130		$	1,072
	Accrued liabilities	7,293			8,921
	Total current deferred tax assets	8,423			9,993
	Valuation allowance	(1,856		)	(1,463		)
	Current deferred tax assets, net	6,567			8,530
	Noncurrent assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	134,485			108,192
	Derivative financial instruments	1,682			—
	Business credits	1,466			1,495
	Other	3,579			2,464
	Total noncurrent deferred tax assets	141,212			112,151
	Valuation allowance	(30,926		)	(15,225		)
	Noncurrent deferred tax asset, net	110,286			96,926
	Total deferred tax assets, net	116,853			105,456
	Noncurrent liabilities:
	Intangible assets	(123,068		)	(110,654		)
	Property, plant and equipment	(2,989		)	(3,878		)
	Other	—			(26		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(126,057		)	(114,558		)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(9,204	)	$	(9,102	)
	The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows (amounts in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
	Current deferred tax assets, net	$	6,567		$	8,530
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net	(15,771		)	(17,632		)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(9,204	)	$	(9,102	)
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, the valuation allowance increased by $16,094,000.  The change in the valuation allowance is attributable to an increase of $9,322,000 related to federal income tax expense, an increase of $1,708,000 related to changes in the derivative fair values recorded in other comprehensive income and $5,064,000 of other adjustments to deferred taxes.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $371,847,000 of federal net operating loss carryforwards, which begin to expire, if unused, in 2024. Approximately $129,521,000 of the Company’s federal net operating losses are subject to IRC Section 382 limitations.  In addition, the Company had available for federal income tax purposes an alternative minimum tax credit carryforward of $426,000, which is available for an indefinite period. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had available for state income tax purposes net operating loss carryforwards of $117,378,000 and state tax credits of $1,040,000, the latter of which will expire in 2026.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s federal income tax returns for the 2011 through 2014 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS and state authorities.  The Company’s state income tax returns subsequent to 2009 are subject to examination by state tax authorities.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions, which is recorded in other long term liabilities, is as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	As of the beginning of the year	$	247		247			247
	Increases for tax positions of current years	4			—			—
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(60		)	—			—
	As of the end of the year	$	191		247			247
	When the tax law requires interest to be paid on an underpayment of income taxes, the Company recognizes interest expense from the first period the interest would begin accruing according to the relevant tax law. Any accrual of interest and penalties related to underpayment of income taxes on uncertain tax positions is included in Income tax expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2014 accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions were approximately $65,000.  The Company does not expect a significant change in uncertain tax positions in the next twelve months.

Stockbased_and_LongTerm_Compen

Stock-based and Long-Term Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based and Long-Term Compensation	Stock-based and Long-Term Compensation
	During 2014, 2013 and 2012, certain employees of Monitronics were granted restricted shares of Ascent Capital Series A common stock under Ascent Capital’s 2008 Incentive Plan.  The restricted shares of Ascent Capital Series A common stock vest over periods ranging from four to five years. The fair values for the restricted stock awards were the closing prices of the Ascent Capital Series A common stock on the applicable dates of grant.
	The fair value of each option granted to the Company's employees was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing method. There were no options granted in 2014 and 2013. The weighted average assumptions used in the model for 2012 grants are as follows:
		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	0.89	%
	Estimated life in years	4.76
	Dividend yield	—	%
	Volatility	43	%
	The following table presents the number and weighted average exercise price (“WAEP”) of options to purchase Ascent Capital Series A common stock granted to certain Monitronics employees:
		Series A		WAEP
		common stock
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	229,967		$	49.39
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(4,557	)	50.06
	Forfeited	(3,000	)	50.47
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	222,410		49.36
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	91,645		$	48.49
	The intrinsic value of outstanding stock option awards and exercisable stock option awards at December 31, 2014 was $890,000 and $407,000, respectively.  The weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding and exercisable awards at December 31, 2014 was 3.5 years and 3.3 years, respectively.
	The following table presents the number and weighted average fair value (“WAFV”) of unvested restricted stock awards granted to certain Monitronics employees:
		Series A		WAFV
		common stock
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	66,677		$	48.36
	Granted	17,639		63.99
	Vested	(21,866	)	48.81
	Canceled	(900	)	50.47
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	61,550		$	52.64
	As of December 31, 2014, the total compensation cost related to unvested equity awards was approximately $3,236,000.  Such amount will be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations over a period of approximately 4 years.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholder's Equity
	Common Stock
	Pursuant to the Monitronics Acquisition, the Company deauthorized all shares of Class A and Class B common stock upon its merger with Merger Sub on December 17, 2010. The newly formed entity has one thousand shares of common stock issued and outstanding to Ascent Capital as of December 31, 2010.  There have been no changes to the common stock issued and outstanding since the Monitronics Acquisition.
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statement of stockholder’s equity reflect the aggregate fair market value adjustments to the Swaps.
	The change in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, is summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Unrealized			Accumulated
		Gains and Losses on			Other
		Derivative			Comprehensive
		Instruments, net (a)			Income (Loss)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	—		$	—
	Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(15,715		)	(15,715		)
	Reclassifications into net income	3,472			3,472
	Balance at December 31, 2012	(12,243		)	(12,243		)
	Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	7,014			7,014
	Reclassifications into net income	5,303			5,303
	Balance at December 31, 2013	74			74
	Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(12,560		)	(12,560		)
	Reclassifications into net income	7,681			7,681
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(4,805	)	$	(4,805	)
	(a)     No income taxes were recorded on the unrealized loss on derivative instrument amounts for 2014, 2013 and 2012 because the Company is subject to a full valuation allowance.  Amounts reclassified into net income are included in Interest expense on the consolidated statement of operations.  See note 9, Derivatives, for further information.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company offers a 401(k) defined contribution plan covering most of its full-time domestic employees. The plan is funded by employee and employer contributions.  Total 401(k) plan expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $71,000, $116,000 and $106,000, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Contractual Obligations
	Future minimum lease payments under scheduled operating leases, which are primarily for buildings and equipment, having initial or remaining noncancelable terms in excess of one year are as follows (in thousands):
	Year ended December 31:
	2015	$	2,775
	2016	2,898
	2017	2,759
	2018	2,655
	2019	2,689
	Thereafter	30,785
	Minimum lease commitments	$	44,561
	Rent expense was approximately $3,230,000, $2,262,000 and $1,855,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Legal
	The Company is involved in litigation and similar claims incidental to the conduct of its business, including from time to time, contractual disputes, claims related to alleged security system failures and claims related to alleged violations of the U.S. Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Matters that are probable of unfavorable outcome to the Company and which can be reasonably estimated are accrued. Such accruals are based on information known about the matters, management’s estimate of the outcomes of such matters and experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters.  In management’s opinion, none of the pending actions is likely to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.  The Company accrues and expenses legal fees related to loss contingency matters as incurred.

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
		1st			2nd		3rd		4th
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
		Amounts in thousands
	2014:00:00
	Net Revenue	$	132,864		134,696		136,027		135,862
	Operating income	$	23,092		22,826		23,989		23,583
	Net loss	$	(7,851	)	(8,525	)	(8,332	)	(5,009	)
	2013:00:00
	Net Revenue	$	100,158		102,273		115,844		132,758
	Operating income	$	23,250		20,849		17,663		20,777
	Net income (loss)	$	1,349		592		(4,487	)	(14,141	)

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	On February 17, 2015, Monitronics entered into an amendment (“Amendment No. 4”) with the lenders of its senior secured credit agreement dated March 23, 2012, and as amended and restated on August 16, 2013, March 25, 2013 and November 7, 2012.  Amendment No. 4 provided for, among other things, an increase in the commitments under the revolving credit facility in a principal amount of $90,000,000.
	On February 23, 2015, Monitronics acquired LiveWatch Security, LLC, a Do-It-Yourself (“DIY”) home security provider offering interactive and home automation services for approximately $67,000,000 which includes $6,000,000 of retention bonuses to be paid on the second anniversary of the closing (the "LiveWatch Acquisition"). The transaction was financed with debt under Monitronics' expanded revolver and approximately $23,000,000 in cash contributions from Ascent Capital.
	In connection with the LiveWatch Acquisition, Monitronics entered into employment agreements with certain key members of the LiveWatch management team which provide for a performance based bonus arrangement estimated to yield an aggregate payout of approximately $8,500,000 assuming certain performance metrics are met by LiveWatch during the first four years following the acquisition date and assuming the continued employment by the bonus recipient during such time.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation Principles	Consolidation Principles
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers investments with original purchased maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash is cash that is restricted for a specific purpose and cannot be included in the cash and cash equivalents account.
Trade Receivables	Trade Receivables
	Trade receivables consist primarily of amounts due from customers for recurring monthly monitoring services over a wide geographical base.  The Company performs extensive credit evaluations on the portfolios of subscriber accounts prior to acquisition and requires no collateral on the accounts that are acquired.  The Company has established an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of subscribers to make required payments.  Factors such as historical-loss experience, recoveries and economic conditions are considered in determining the sufficiency of the allowance to cover potential losses.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of trade accounts receivable.  The Company performs extensive credit evaluations on the portfolios of subscriber accounts prior to acquisition and requires no collateral on the subscriber accounts that are acquired.  Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are generally limited due to the large number of subscribers comprising the Company's customer base.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair values of cash equivalents, current accounts receivable and current accounts payable approximate the carrying amounts because of their short-term nature.  The Company’s debt instruments are recorded at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheet.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are carried at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the underlying lease. Estimated useful lives by class of asset are as follows:
	Leasehold improvements		15 years or lease term, if shorter
	Machinery and equipment		5 - 7 years
	Computer systems and software (included in Machinery and Equipment in note 5, Property and Equipment)		3 - 5 years
	Management reviews the realizability of its property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In evaluating the value and future benefits of long-term assets, their carrying value is compared to management’s best estimate of undiscounted future cash flows over the remaining economic life. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.  If necessary, the Company would use both the income approach and market approach to estimate fair value.
Subscriber Accounts	Subscriber Accounts
	Subscriber accounts relate to the cost of acquiring monitoring service contracts from independent dealers.  The subscriber accounts from the Monitronics and the Security Networks Acquisitions were recorded at fair value under the acquisition method of accounting.  All other acquired subscriber accounts not accounted for as part of a business combination are recorded at cost.  All direct external costs associated with the creation of subscriber accounts, including new subscriber contracts obtained in connection with a subscriber move, are capitalized.  Internal costs, including all personnel and related support costs, incurred solely in connection with subscriber account acquisitions and transitions are expensed as incurred.
	The subscriber accounts from the Monitronics and the Security Networks Acquisitions, as well as certain accounts acquired in bulk purchases, are amortized using the 14-year 235% declining balance method.  The costs of all other subscriber accounts are amortized using the 15-year 220% declining balance method, beginning in the month following the date of acquisition.  The amortization methods were selected to provide an approximate matching of the amortization of the subscriber accounts intangible asset to estimated future subscriber revenues based on the projected lives of individual subscriber contracts.  Amortization of subscriber accounts was $233,327,000, $195,010,000 and $153,388,000 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Based on subscriber accounts held at December 31, 2014, estimated amortization of subscriber accounts in the succeeding five fiscal years ending December 31 is as follows (amounts in thousands):
	2015	$	217,469
	2016	$	182,768
	2017	$	153,602
	2018	$	129,063
	2019	$	108,549
	The Company reviews the subscriber accounts for impairment or a change in amortization method and period whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable or the life should be shortened.  For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, the Company views subscriber accounts as a single pool because of the assets’ homogeneous characteristics, and the pool of subscriber accounts is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of the other assets and liabilities.
Dealer Networks and Other Intangible Assets	Dealer Network and Other Intangible Assets
	Dealer network is an intangible asset that relates to the dealer relationships that were acquired as part of the Monitronics Acquisition and the Security Networks Acquisition.  Other intangible assets consist of non-compete agreements signed by the seller of Security Networks and certain key Security Networks executives.  These intangible assets will be amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of five years.  Amortization of dealer network and other intangible assets was $19,780,000, $13,717,000 and $10,080,000 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company reviews the dealer network and other intangible assets for impairment or a change in amortization period whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable or the lives should be shortened.
Goodwill	Goodwill
	The Company accounts for its goodwill pursuant to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“FASB ASC Topic 350”).  In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment at least annually.
	The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill during the fourth quarter of its fiscal year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill of a reporting unit may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability is measured at the reporting unit level based on the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 350.
	To the extent necessary, recoverability of goodwill at a reporting unit level is measured using a discounted cash flow model incorporating discount rates commensurate with the risks involved, which is classified as a Level 3 measurement under FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include discount rates, growth rates, cash flow projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment. If the calculated fair value is less than the current carrying value, impairment of the reporting unit may exist. When the recoverability test indicates potential impairment, the Company will calculate an implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to how goodwill is calculated in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded to write down the carrying value. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit but may indicate certain long-lived and amortizable intangible assets associated with the reporting unit may require additional impairment testing.
Deferred Financing Costs	Deferred Financing Costs
	Deferred financing costs are capitalized when the related debt is issued or when revolving credit lines increase the borrowing capacity of the Company.  Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method.
Holdback Liability	Holdback Liability
	The Company typically withholds payment of a designated percentage of the acquisition cost when it acquires subscriber accounts from dealers.  The withheld funds are recorded as a liability until the guarantee period provided by the dealer has expired.  The holdback is used as a reserve to cover any terminated subscriber accounts that are not replaced by the dealer during the guarantee period.  At the end of the guarantee period, the dealer is responsible for any deficit or is paid the balance of the holdback.
Derivatives Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to movement in interest rates. The use of these financial instruments modifies the exposure of these risks with the intention of reducing the risk or cost. The Company does not use derivatives for speculative or trading purposes. The Company recognizes the fair value of all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Fair value is based on market quotes for similar instruments with the same duration. For derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, unrealized gains and losses on the derivative instruments are reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), to the extent the hedges are effective, until the underlying transactions are recognized in earnings.  Derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are marked to market at the end of each accounting period with the change in fair value recorded in earnings.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue is generated from security alarm monitoring and related services provided by the Company and its subsidiaries.  Revenue related to alarm monitoring services is recognized ratably over the life of the contract.  Revenue related to maintenance and other services is recognized as the services are rendered.  Deferred revenue includes payments for monitoring services to be provided in future periods.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“FASB ASC Topic 740”), which prescribes an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, the Company generally considers all expected future events other than proposed changes in the tax law or rates. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.  Income tax expense is the tax payable or refundable for the period plus or minus the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities.
	FASB ASC Topic 740 specifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  In instances where the Company has taken or expects to take a tax position in its tax return and the Company believes it is more likely than not that such tax position will be upheld by the relevant taxing authority, the Company records the benefits of such tax position in its consolidated financial statements.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company accounts for stock-based awards pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“FASB ASC Topic 718”), which requires companies to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments (such as stock options and restricted stock) based on the grant-date fair value of the award, and to recognize that cost over the period during which the employee is required to provide service (usually the vesting period of the award).
	The grant-date fair value of the Ascent Capital stock options granted to the Company’s employees was calculated using the Black-Scholes model. The expected term of the awards was calculated using the simplified method included in FASB ASC Topic 718. The volatility used in the calculation is based on the historical volatility of peer companies and the risk-free rate is based on Treasury Bonds with a term similar to that of the subject options.  A dividend rate of zero was utilized for all granted stock options.
Estimates	Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for each reporting period.  The significant estimates made in preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements primarily relate to valuation of goodwill, other intangible assets, long-lived assets, deferred tax assets, convertible debt arrangements, derivative financial instruments, and the amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts. These estimates are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors and adjusts them when facts and circumstances change. As the effects of future events cannot be determined with any certainty, actual results could differ from the estimates upon which the carrying values were based.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables	A summary of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Balance			Charged		Write-Offs		Balance
		Beginning			to Expense		and Other		End of
		of Year							Year
	2014	$	1,937		8,149		(7,966	)	2,120
	2013	$	1,436		7,342		(6,841	)	1,937
	2012	$	1,815		5,860		(6,239	)	1,436
Property, Plant and Equipment	Estimated useful lives by class of asset are as follows:
	Leasehold improvements		15 years or lease term, if shorter
	Machinery and equipment		5 - 7 years
	Computer systems and software (included in Machinery and Equipment in note 5, Property and Equipment)		3 - 5 years
	Property and equipment consist of the following (amounts in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
	Property and equipment, net:
	Land	$	—		172
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	3,359			3,338
	Machinery and equipment	44,175			38,565
		47,534			42,075
	Accumulated depreciation	(24,254		)	(17,514	)
		$	23,280		24,561
Future Amortization Expense	Based on subscriber accounts held at December 31, 2014, estimated amortization of subscriber accounts in the succeeding five fiscal years ending December 31 is as follows (amounts in thousands):
	2015	$	217,469
	2016	$	182,768
	2017	$	153,602
	2018	$	129,063
	2019	$	108,549

Security_Networks_Acquisition_

Security Networks Acquisition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of unaudited pro forma information	The following table includes unaudited pro-forma information for the Company, which includes the historical operating results of Security Networks prior to ownership by the Company. This pro-forma information gives effect to certain adjustments, including increased amortization to reflect the fair value assigned to the subscriber accounts and dealer network and other intangible assets acquired and increased interest expense relating to the debt transactions entered into to fund the Security Networks Acquisition. The pro-forma results assume that the Security Networks Acquisition and the debt transactions had occurred on January 1, 2012 for all periods presented. They are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the acquisition had been made at the beginning of the periods presented or that may be obtained in the future.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
		(amounts in thousands,
		except per share amounts)
	As reported:
	Net revenue (a)	$	451,033		$	344,953
	Net loss (c)	(16,687		)	(16,776		)
	Supplemental pro-forma:
	Net revenue (b)	$	515,792		$	420,716
	Net loss (c)	(30,871		)	(70,491		)
	(a)	As reported net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 reflects the negative impact of a $2,715,000 fair value adjustment that reduced deferred revenue acquired in the Security Networks Acquisition.
	(b)	Pro-forma net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012 reflects the negative impact of a $2,715,000 fair value adjustment that reduced deferred revenue acquired in the Security Networks Acquisition.
	(c)	As reported net loss and the pro-forma net loss for the year ended December 31, 2013 include non-recurring acquisition costs incurred by Monitronics of $2,470,000.

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Estimated useful lives by class of asset are as follows:
	Leasehold improvements		15 years or lease term, if shorter
	Machinery and equipment		5 - 7 years
	Computer systems and software (included in Machinery and Equipment in note 5, Property and Equipment)		3 - 5 years
	Property and equipment consist of the following (amounts in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
	Property and equipment, net:
	Land	$	—		172
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	3,359			3,338
	Machinery and equipment	44,175			38,565
		47,534			42,075
	Accumulated depreciation	(24,254		)	(17,514	)
		$	23,280		24,561

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	350,213
	Security Networks Acquisition	177,289
	Balance at December 31, 2013	527,502
	Period activity	—
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	527,502

Other_Accrued_Liabilities_Tabl

Other Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of other accrued liabilities	Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Interest payable	$	18,251	$	17,258
	Income taxes payable	3,494		2,647
	Legal accrual	222		705
	Other	9,127		12,844
	Total Other accrued liabilities	$	31,094	$	33,454

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	9.125% Senior Notes due April 1, 2020	$	585,000		$	585,000
	9.868% Promissory Note to Ascent Capital due October 1, 2020	100,000			100,000
	Term loans, mature March 23, 2018, LIBOR plus 3.25%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% (a)	894,208			902,293
	$225 million revolving credit facility, matures December 22, 2017, LIBOR plus 3.75%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% (a)	70,500			19,500
		1,649,708			1,606,793
	Less current portion of long-term debt	(9,166		)	(9,166		)
	Long-term debt	$	1,640,542		$	1,597,627
	(a)	The interest rate on the term loan and the revolving credit facility was LIBOR plus 4.25%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.25%, until March 25, 2013.
Schedule of Refinancing Costs	The components of the Refinancing expense, reflected in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as a component of Other income (expense) for the year ended December 31, 2012, are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs	$	389
	Accelerated amortization of securitization debt discount	6,679
	Other refinancing costs	7,628
	Gain on early termination of derivative instruments	(8,451		)
	Total refinancing expense	$	6,245
Schedule of maturities of long-term debt including short term borrowings	Principal payments scheduled to be made on the Company’s debt obligations are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	2015	$	9,166
	2016	9,166
	2017	79,667
	2018	870,800
	2019	—
	2020	685,000
	Thereafter	—
	Total principal payments	1,653,799
	Less:
	Unamortized discount on the Credit Facility term loans	4,091
	Total debt on consolidated balance sheet	$	1,649,708

Derivatives_Tables

Derivatives (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Swaps' outstanding notional balance and terms
	Notional				Effective Date	Fixed		Variable Rate Received
						Rate Paid
	$	534,875,000			March 28, 2013	1.88%		3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
	141,737,500				March 28, 2013	1.38%		3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
	110,804,020				September 30, 2013	1.96%		3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
	110,804,020				September 30, 2013	1.85%		3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
	(a)	On March 25, 2013, the Company negotiated amendments to the terms of these interest rate swap agreements, which were entered into in March 2012 (the "Existing Swap Agreements") to coincide with the Repricing (as amended, the “Amended Swaps”).  The Amended Swaps are held with the same counterparties as the Existing Swap Agreements.  Upon entering into the Amended Swaps, the Company simultaneously dedesignated the Existing Swap Agreements and redesignated the Amended Swaps as cash flow hedges for the underlying change in the swap terms.  The amounts previously recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) relating to the dedesignation will be recognized in Interest expense over the remaining life of the Amended Swaps.
Schedule of impact of the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on the condensed consolidated financial statements	The impact of the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on the consolidated financial statements is depicted below (amounts in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Effective portion of gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		$	(12,560	)	7,014			(15,715	)
	Effective portion of loss reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into Net loss (a)		$	(7,681	)	(5,303	)		(3,472	)
	Ineffective portion of amount of gain recognized into Net loss on interest rate swaps (a)		$	46		24			—
	(a)         Amounts are included in Interest expense in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of fair value level of assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis	The following summarizes the fair value level of assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (amounts in thousands):
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3	Total
	31-Dec-14
	Derivative financial instruments — assets (a)	$	—	1,123		—	1,123
	Derivative financial instruments - liabilities	—		(5,780	)	—	(5,780	)
	Total	$	—	(4,657	)	—	(4,657	)
	31-Dec-13
	Derivative financial instruments - assets (a)	$	—	2,495		—	2,495
	Derivative financial instruments - liabilities	—		(2,013	)	—	(2,013	)
	Total	$	—	482		—	482
	(a)	Included in Other assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets.
Schedule of Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value	Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Long term debt, including current portion:
	Carrying value	$	1,649,708	$	1,606,793
	Fair value (a)	1,605,255		1,656,797
	(a)	T he fair value is based on valuations from third party financial institutions and is classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of activity and balance of the restructuring plan	The following tables provide the activity and balance of the Company’s 2013 restructuring plan (amounts in thousands):
		31-Dec-13		Additions	Payments		Other		31-Dec-14
	2013 Restructuring Plan
	Severance and retention	$	1,570	952	(2,388	)	—		134
		31-Dec-12		Additions	Payments		Other		31-Dec-13
	2013 Restructuring Plan
	Severance and retention	$	—	1,111	(33	)	492	(a)	1,570
	(a)        Amount was recorded upon the acquisition of Security Networks.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The Company’s income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following (amounts in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	—		—			—
	State	3,526			2,827			2,198
		3,526			2,827			2,198
	Deferred:
	Federal	3,292			(3,343	)		406
	State	(3,218		)	3,597			15
		74			254			421
	Total income tax expense	$	3,600		3,081			2,619
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	Income tax expense differs from the amounts computed by applying the United States federal income tax rate of 35% as a result of the following (amounts in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Computed expected tax benefit	$	(9,141	)	(4,762	)		(4,955	)
	State and local income taxes, net of federal income taxes	200			4,176			1,438
	Change in valuation allowance affecting tax expense	9,322			1,760			5,538
	Expense (income) not resulting in tax impact	(73		)	426			191
	Amortization of indefinite-lived assets	3,292			1,481			431
	Other, net	—			—			(24	)
	Income tax expense	$	3,600		3,081			2,619
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
	Current assets:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,130		$	1,072
	Accrued liabilities	7,293			8,921
	Total current deferred tax assets	8,423			9,993
	Valuation allowance	(1,856		)	(1,463		)
	Current deferred tax assets, net	6,567			8,530
	Noncurrent assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	134,485			108,192
	Derivative financial instruments	1,682			—
	Business credits	1,466			1,495
	Other	3,579			2,464
	Total noncurrent deferred tax assets	141,212			112,151
	Valuation allowance	(30,926		)	(15,225		)
	Noncurrent deferred tax asset, net	110,286			96,926
	Total deferred tax assets, net	116,853			105,456
	Noncurrent liabilities:
	Intangible assets	(123,068		)	(110,654		)
	Property, plant and equipment	(2,989		)	(3,878		)
	Other	—			(26		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(126,057		)	(114,558		)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(9,204	)	$	(9,102	)
	The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows (amounts in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
	Current deferred tax assets, net	$	6,567		$	8,530
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net	(15,771		)	(17,632		)
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(9,204	)	$	(9,102	)
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions, which is recorded in other long term liabilities, is as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	As of the beginning of the year	$	247		247			247
	Increases for tax positions of current years	4			—			—
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(60		)	—			—
	As of the end of the year	$	191		247			247

Stockbased_and_LongTerm_Compen1

Stock-based and Long-Term Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Option Valuation Assumptions	The weighted average assumptions used in the model for 2012 grants are as follows:
		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	0.89	%
	Estimated life in years	4.76
	Dividend yield	—	%
	Volatility	43	%
Schedule Stock Options Activity	The following table presents the number and weighted average exercise price (“WAEP”) of options to purchase Ascent Capital Series A common stock granted to certain Monitronics employees:
		Series A		WAEP
		common stock
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	229,967		$	49.39
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(4,557	)	50.06
	Forfeited	(3,000	)	50.47
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	222,410		49.36
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	91,645		$	48.49
Schedule of Unvested Restricted Stock Units Roll Forward	The following table presents the number and weighted average fair value (“WAFV”) of unvested restricted stock awards granted to certain Monitronics employees:
		Series A		WAFV
		common stock
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	66,677		$	48.36
	Granted	17,639		63.99
	Vested	(21,866	)	48.81
	Canceled	(900	)	50.47
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	61,550		$	52.64

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The change in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, is summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Unrealized			Accumulated
		Gains and Losses on			Other
		Derivative			Comprehensive
		Instruments, net (a)			Income (Loss)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	—		$	—
	Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(15,715		)	(15,715		)
	Reclassifications into net income	3,472			3,472
	Balance at December 31, 2012	(12,243		)	(12,243		)
	Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	7,014			7,014
	Reclassifications into net income	5,303			5,303
	Balance at December 31, 2013	74			74
	Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(12,560		)	(12,560		)
	Reclassifications into net income	7,681			7,681
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(4,805	)	$	(4,805	)
	(a)     No income taxes were recorded on the unrealized loss on derivative instrument amounts for 2014, 2013 and 2012 because the Company is subject to a full valuation allowance.  Amounts reclassified into net income are included in Interest expense on the consolidated statement of operations.  See note 9, Derivatives, for further information.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule	Future minimum lease payments under scheduled operating leases, which are primarily for buildings and equipment, having initial or remaining noncancelable terms in excess of one year are as follows (in thousands):
	Year ended December 31:
	2015	$	2,775
	2016	2,898
	2017	2,759
	2018	2,655
	2019	2,689
	Thereafter	30,785
	Minimum lease commitments	$	44,561

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
		1st			2nd		3rd		4th
		Quarter			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
		Amounts in thousands
	2014:00:00
	Net Revenue	$	132,864		134,696		136,027		135,862
	Operating income	$	23,092		22,826		23,989		23,583
	Net loss	$	(7,851	)	(8,525	)	(8,332	)	(5,009	)
	2013:00:00
	Net Revenue	$	100,158		102,273		115,844		132,758
	Operating income	$	23,250		20,849		17,663		20,777
	Net income (loss)	$	1,349		592		(4,487	)	(14,141	)

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$2,120	$1,937
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets	253,403	208,760	163,468
Subscriber Accounts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	15 years
Finite Lived Intangible Asset Amortization Rate	220.00%
Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets	233,327	195,010	153,388
Dealer Networks and Other Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets	$19,780	$13,717	$10,080
Security Networks Acquisition | Subscriber Accounts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	14 years
Finite Lived Intangible Asset Amortization Rate	235.00%

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Roll Forward of Receivable Allowance (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance Beginning of Year	$1,937	$1,436	$1,815
Charged to Expense	8,149	7,342	5,860
Write-Offs and Other	-7,966	-6,841	-6,239
Balance End of Year	$2,120	$1,937	$1,436

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Expected Subscriber Fees (Details) (Subscriber Accounts, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Subscriber Accounts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2015	$217,469
2016	182,768
2017	153,602
2018	129,063
2019	$108,549

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property Plant and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leasehold Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	15 years
Machinery and Equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	5 years
Machinery and Equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	7 years
Computer Equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	3 years
Computer Equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	5 years

Security_Networks_Acquisition_1

Security Networks Acquisition - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 16, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Par value of shares issued as a consideration (in dollars per share)	$0.01			$0.01
Goodwill	$527,502			$527,502	$350,213
Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	-16,094
Security Networks Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair value of consideration		500,557
Cash paid for acquisition		481,834
Post Closing Working Capital Adjustments		1,057
Goodwill		177,289
Goodwill adjustment			989
Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance				936
Ascent Capital | Security Networks Acquisition | Common Class A
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity issued for acquisition (in shares)		253,333
Par value of shares issued as a consideration (in dollars per share)		$0.01
Equity issued for acquisition		$18,723

Security_Networks_Acquisition_2

Security Networks Acquisition - Pro Forma (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net revenue	$135,862	$136,027	$134,696	$132,864	$132,758	$115,844	$102,273	$100,158	$539,449	$451,033	$344,953
Net loss									-29,717	-16,687	-16,776
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Net revenue										515,792	420,716
Net loss										-30,871	-70,491
Security Networks Acquisition
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Deferred Revenue Fair Value Adjustment Impact on Net Revenue										2,715
Deferred Revenue Fair Value Adjustment Impact on Pro Forma Net Revenue											2,715
Non-Recurring Acquisition Costs Included in Pro Forma Net Loss										2,470
Non-Recurring Acquisition Costs Included in Net Loss										$2,470

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$47,534	$42,075
Accumulated depreciation	-24,254	-17,514
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	23,280	24,561
Depreciation	9,019	7,327	5,286
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	0	172
Building and Leasehold Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	3,359	3,338
Machinery and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$44,175	$38,565

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning of Period	$527,502,000	$350,213,000
Security Networks Acquisition		177,289,000
Period activity	0
Ending of Period	527,502,000	527,502,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$0

Other_Accrued_Liabilities_Sche

Other Accrued Liabilities - Schedule of other accrued liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Interest payable	$18,251	$17,258
Income taxes payable	3,494	2,647
Legal accrual	222	705
Other	9,127	12,844
Total Other accrued liabilities	$31,094	$33,454

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Long

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 25, 2013	Aug. 16, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 17, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt on consolidated balance sheet			1,649,708	$1,606,793
Less current portion of long-term debt			-9,166	-9,166
Long-term debt			1,640,542	1,597,627
9.125% Senior Notes due April 1, 2020 | Senior Notes 9.125 Percent Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt on consolidated balance sheet			585,000	585,000
Debt interest rate			9.13%		9.13%
Promissory Note | 9.868% Promissory Note to Ascent Capital due October 1, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt interest rate			9.87%
Term Loan | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable debt	4.25%
Floor on variable debt	1.25%
Term Loan | Term Loan Due March, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt on consolidated balance sheet			894,208	902,293
Basis spread on variable debt		3.25%
Floor on variable debt		1.00%
Term Loan | Term Loan Due March, 2018 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable debt			3.25%
Floor on variable debt			1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility Due 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt on consolidated balance sheet			70,500	19,500
Basis spread on variable debt		3.75%
Floor on variable debt		1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility Due 2017 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable debt			3.75%
Floor on variable debt			1.00%
Ascent Capital | Promissory Note | 9.868% Promissory Note to Ascent Capital due October 1, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt on consolidated balance sheet			100,000	$100,000
Debt interest rate		9.87%

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Long1

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long Term Debt Maturity (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$9,166
2016	9,166
2017	79,667
2018	870,800
2019	0
2020	685,000
Thereafter	0
Total principal payments	1,653,799
Unamortized discount on the Credit Facility term loans	4,091
Total debt on consolidated balance sheet	$1,649,708	$1,606,793

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 16, 2013	Jul. 17, 2013	Mar. 23, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt	$169,000,000	$630,575,000	$1,277,900,000
Remaining borrowing on line of credit	154,500,000
Deferred Finance Costs, Net	20,918,000
9.125% Senior Notes due April 1, 2020 | Senior Notes 9.125 Percent Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issue amount	585,000,000				175,000,000	410,000,000
Debt interest rate	9.13%				9.13%
Promissory Note | 9.868% Promissory Note to Ascent Capital due October 1, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	9.87%
Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility Due 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit borrowing capacity				225,000,000
Basis spread on variable debt				3.75%
Floor on variable debt				1.00%
Unused capacity fee for line of credit				0.50%
Term Loan | Term Loan Due March, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable debt				3.25%
Floor on variable debt				1.00%
Periodic payments for line of credit				2,292,000
Security Networks Acquisition | Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility Due 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Increase in borrowing capacity of credit line				75,000,000
Discount rate on line of credit				0.50%
Ascent Capital | Promissory Note | 9.868% Promissory Note to Ascent Capital due October 1, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt interest rate				9.87%
Ascent Capital | Security Networks Acquisition | Promissory Note | 9.868% Promissory Note to Ascent Capital due October 1, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt				$100,000,000
Interest Rate Swap | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed Rate Paid	5.06%

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Refi

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Refinancing Costs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of Financing Costs			$389
Accelerated Amortization of Securitized Refinancing Costs			6,679
Other Refinancing Costs			7,628
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt			-8,451
Refinancing expense	$0	$0	$6,245

Derivatives_Summary_of_Outstan

Derivatives - Summary of Outstanding Swaps (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
1.884 % interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	$534,875,000
Fixed Rate Paid	1.88%	[1]
Variable interest rate base floor	1.00%
Variable interest rate base	3 mo.USD-LIBOR-BBA	[1]
1.384 % interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	141,737,500
Fixed Rate Paid	1.38%	[1]
Variable interest rate base floor	1.00%
Variable interest rate base	3 mo.USD-LIBOR-BBA	[1]
1.959 % interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	110,804,020
Fixed Rate Paid	1.96%
Variable interest rate base floor	1.00%
Variable interest rate base	3 mo.USD-LIBOR-BBA
1.850 % interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	$110,804,020
Fixed Rate Paid	1.85%
Variable interest rate base floor	1.00%
Variable interest rate base	3 mo.USD-LIBOR-BBA
[1]	On March 25, 2013, the Company negotiated amendments to the terms of these interest rate swap agreements, which were entered into in March 2012 (the "Existing Swap Agreements") to coincide with the Repricing (as amended, the “Amended Swaps”). The Amended Swaps are held with the same counterparties as the Existing Swap Agreements. Upon entering into the Amended Swaps, the Company simultaneously dedesignated the Existing Swap Agreements and redesignated the Amended Swaps as cash flow hedges for the underlying change in the swap terms. The amounts previously recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) relating to the dedesignation will be recognized in Interest expense over the remaining life of the Amended Swaps.

Derivatives_Summary_of_Derivat

Derivatives - Summary of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Details) (Interest Rate Swap, Cash flow hedge, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Interest Rate Swap | Cash flow hedge
Impact of the Swap on the consolidated financial statements
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	$7,297
Effective portion of gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-12,560	7,014	-15,715
Effective portion of gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into Net loss	-7,681	-5,303	-3,472
Ineffective portion of amount of gain (loss) recognized into Net loss on interest rate swaps	$46	$24	$0

Derivatives_Narrative_Details

Derivatives - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 23, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	$8,451,000
Derivative Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Amount Not Offset Against Collateral			0		0
Recurring
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset			1,123,000	[1]	2,495,000	[1]
Derivative Liability			5,780,000		2,013,000
Recurring | Level 2
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset			1,123,000	[1]	2,495,000	[1]
Derivative Liability			5,780,000		2,013,000
Interest Rate Swap | Cash flow hedge
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net			7,297,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Payments for Derivative Instrument, Investing Activities	8,837,000
Unrealized Gains on Derivatives	6,793,000
Monitronics International Inc and Subsidiaries | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt		$8,451,000
[1]	Included in Other assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis (Details) (Recurring, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair value measurements
Derivative Asset	$1,123	[1]	$2,495	[1]
Derivative financial instruments - liabilities	-5,780		-2,013
Total	-4,657		482
Level 1
Fair value measurements
Derivative Asset	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative financial instruments - liabilities	0		0
Total	0		0
Level 2
Fair value measurements
Derivative Asset	1,123	[1]	2,495	[1]
Derivative financial instruments - liabilities	-5,780		-2,013
Total	-4,657		482
Level 3
Fair value measurements
Derivative Asset	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative financial instruments - liabilities	0		0
Total	$0		$0
[1]	Included in Other assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu1

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long term debt, including current portion:
Carrying value	$1,649,708		$1,606,793
Fair value	$1,605,255	[1]	$1,656,797	[1]
[1]	T he fair value is based on valuations from third party financial institutions and is classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

Restructuring_Charges_Summary_

Restructuring Charges - Summary of Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring charges	$952	$1,111		$0
Change in activity of restructuring reserves during the period
Restructuring Charges	952	1,111		0
2013 Restructuring Plan | Severance and retention
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring charges	952	1,111
Change in activity of restructuring reserves during the period
Opening balance	1,570	0
Restructuring Charges	952	1,111
Payments	-2,388	-33
Other	0	492	[1]
Ending balance	$134	$1,570
[1]	Amount was recorded upon the acquisition of Security Networks.

Restructuring_Charges_Narrativ

Restructuring Charges - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	$952	$1,111	$0

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	$16,094
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit Carryforwards	426
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Limitation as Per IRC	129,521
Change in valuation allowance affecting tax expense	9,322	1,760	5,538
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Related to Changes in Derivative Fair Values	1,708
Increase (Decrease) in Other Adjustments in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance	5,064
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	65
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	371,847
State and Local Jurisdiction
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	117,378
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	$1,040

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Compo

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Income Tax (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal	$0	$0	$0
State	3,526	2,827	2,198
Total current tax expense	3,526	2,827	2,198
Deferred:
Federal	3,292	-3,343	406
State	-3,218	3,597	15
Total deferred tax expense	74	254	421
Total income tax expense	$3,600	$3,081	$2,619

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Effec

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Computed expected tax benefit	($9,141)	($4,762)	($4,955)
State and local income taxes, net of federal income taxes	200	4,176	1,438
Change in valuation allowance affecting tax expense	9,322	1,760	5,538
Expense (income) not resulting in tax impact	-73	426	191
Amortization of indefinite-lived assets	3,292	1,481	431
Other, net	0	0	-24
Total income tax expense	$3,600	$3,081	$2,619

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$1,130	$1,072
Accrued liabilities	7,293	8,921
Total current deferred tax assets	8,423	9,993
Valuation allowance	-1,856	-1,463
Current deferred tax assets, net	6,567	8,530
Net operating loss carryforwards	134,485	108,192
Derivative financial instruments	1,682	0
Business credits	1,466	1,495
Other	3,579	2,464
Total noncurrent deferred tax assets	141,212	112,151
Valuation allowance	-30,926	-15,225
Noncurrent deferred tax asset, net	110,286	96,926
Total deferred tax assets, net	116,853	105,456
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets	-123,068	-110,654
Property, plant and equipment	-2,989	-3,878
Other	0	-26
Total deferred tax liabilities	-126,057	-114,558
Net deferred tax liabilities	($9,204)	($9,102)

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer1

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Asset and Liability Presentation (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current deferred tax assets, net	$6,567	$8,530
Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net	-15,771	-17,632
Net deferred tax liabilities	($9,204)	($9,102)

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Unrec

Income Taxes - Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefit Roll-Forward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
As of the beginning of the year	$247	$247	$247
Increases for tax positions of current years	4	0	0
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-60	0	0
As of the end of the year	$191	$247	$247

Stockbased_and_LongTerm_Compen2

Stock-based and Long-Term Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	0	0
Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$3,236
Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	4 years
Common Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	0
Employee Stock Option | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award Expiration Period	4 years
Employee Stock Option | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award Expiration Period	5 years
Employee Stock Option | Common Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	890
Options Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$407
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 6 months
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 3 months 18 days

Stockbased_and_LongTerm_Compen3

Stock-based and Long-Term Compensation - Schedule of Valuation Assumptions (Details) (Employee Stock Option, Common Class A)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Stock Option | Common Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.89%
Estimated life in years	4 years 9 months 4 days
Dividend yield	0.00%
Volatility	43.00%

Stockbased_and_LongTerm_Compen4

Stock-based and Long-Term Compensation - Schedule of Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)	0	0
Common Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Granted	229,967
Granted (in shares)	0
Exercised (in shares)	-4,557
Forfeited (in shares)	-3,000
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	222,410
Exercisable at December 31, 2014	91,645
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Beginning of Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in USD per share)	49.39
Granted (in USD per share)	0
Exercised (in USD per share)	50.06
Forfeited (in USD per share)	50.47
Ending of Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in USD per share)	49.36
Exercisable (in USD per share)	48.49

Stockbased_and_LongTerm_Compen5

Stock-based and Long-Term Compensation - Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity (Details) (Restricted Stock, Common Class A, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock | Common Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at January 1, 2014	66,677
Granted (in shares)	17,639
Vested (in shares)	-21,866
Canceled (in shares)	-900
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	61,550
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning of Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in USD per share)	$48.36
Granted (in USD per share)	$63.99
Vested (in USD per share)	$48.81
Canceled (in USD per share)	$50.47
Ending of Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in USD per share)	$52.64

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning of Period, net of Tax	$74	($12,243)	$0
Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-12,560	7,014	-15,715
Reclassifications into net income	7,681	5,303	3,472
Ending of Period, net of Tax	-4,805	74	-12,243
Unrealized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments, net
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning of Period, net of Tax	74	-12,243	0
Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-12,560	7,014	-15,715
Reclassifications into net income	7,681	5,303	3,472
Ending of Period, net of Tax	($4,805)	$74	($12,243)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
401(k) plan expenses	$71	$116	$106

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$2,775
2016	2,898
2017	2,759
2018	2,655
2019	2,689
Thereafter	30,785
Minimum lease commitments	44,561
Rent Expense	$3,230	$2,262	$1,855

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Revenue	$135,862	$136,027	$134,696	$132,864	$132,758	$115,844	$102,273	$100,158	$539,449	$451,033	$344,953
Operating income	23,583	23,989	22,826	23,092	20,777	17,663	20,849	23,250	93,490	82,539	66,167
Net income (loss)	($5,009)	($8,332)	($8,525)	($7,851)	($14,141)	($4,487)	$592	$1,349

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 17, 2015	Feb. 23, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Contribution from Ascent Capital	$0	$20,000,000	$0
Revolving Credit Facility Due 2017 | Revolving Credit Facility | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Increase in borrowing capacity of credit line				90,000,000
LiveWatch Security, LLC | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Fair value of consideration					67,000,000
Retention Metric | LiveWatch Security, LLC | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Contingent consideration liability					6,000,000
Performance Metric | LiveWatch Security, LLC | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Estimated maximum contingent consideration					8,500,000
Contingent consideration term					4 years
Ascent Capital | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Contribution from Ascent Capital					$23,000,000