AMC Networks (AMCX) 10-K 1 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 15, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Entity Registrant Name	AMC Networks Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,514,991
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 2.8
Common Class A [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		49,239,999
Common Class B [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,484,408

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 558,783	$ 481,389
Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,691 and $6,064)	775,891	701,163
Current portion of program rights, net	453,450	441,130
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	91,726	72,661
Total current assets	1,879,850	1,696,343
Property and equipment, net	183,514	166,636
Program rights, net	1,319,279	1,108,586
Deferred carriage fees, net	29,924	43,886
Intangible assets, net	457,242	485,809
Goodwill	695,158	657,708
Deferred tax assets, net	20,081	8,598
Other assets	447,937	313,029
Total assets	5,032,985	4,480,595
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	102,197	88,677
Accrued liabilities	263,076	284,429
Current portion of program rights obligations	327,549	300,845
Deferred revenue	46,433	53,643
Current portion of long-term debt	0	222,000
Current portion of capital lease obligations	4,847	4,584
Total current liabilities	744,102	954,178
Program rights obligations	534,980	398,175
Long-term debt, net	3,099,257	2,597,263
Capital lease obligations	26,277	35,282
Deferred tax liability, net	109,698	145,791
Other liabilities	136,122	132,219
Total liabilities	4,650,436	4,262,908
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	218,604	219,331
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 45,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Paid-in capital	191,303	142,798
Accumulated earnings	766,725	295,409
Treasury stock, at cost (13,120 and 5,330 shares Class A Common Stock, respectively)	(709,440)	(275,230)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(114,386)	(193,798)
Total AMC Networks stockholders' equity (deficiency)	134,944	(30,082)
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	29,001	28,438
Total stockholders' equity (deficiency)	163,945	(1,644)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficiency)	5,032,985	4,480,595
Common Class A [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	627	624
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 115	$ 115

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts receivable, trade, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 9,691	$ 6,064
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	45,000,000	45,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Treasury stock, shares	13,119,961	5,329,829
Common Class A [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	360,000,000	360,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	62,721,145	62,408,868
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	49,601,184	57,079,039
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	90,000,000	90,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	11,484,408	11,484,408
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	11,484,408	11,484,408

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues, net (including revenues, net from related parties of $6,168, $15,873 and $27,508, respectively)	$ 2,805,691	$ 2,755,654	$ 2,580,935
Operating Expenses
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)	1,341,076	1,279,984	1,137,133
Selling, general and administrative (including charges from related parties of $1,524, $3,086 and $4,903, respectively)	613,342	636,028	636,580
Depreciation and amortization	94,638	84,778	83,031
Impairment and related charges	28,148	67,805	0
Restructuring expense	6,128	29,503	14,998
Total operating expenses	2,083,332	2,098,098	1,871,742
Operating income	722,359	657,556	709,193
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(134,001)	(123,632)	(128,135)
Interest income	14,704	5,064	2,427
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(3,004)	(50,639)	0
Miscellaneous, net	40,320	(33,524)	(691)
Total other income (expense)	(81,981)	(202,731)	(126,399)
Income from operations before income taxes	640,378	454,825	582,794
Income tax expense	(150,741)	(164,862)	(201,090)
Net income including noncontrolling interests	489,637	289,963	381,704
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(18,321)	(19,453)	(14,916)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	$ 471,316	$ 270,510	$ 366,788
Basic net income (loss) per share
Basic	$ 7.26	$ 3.77	$ 5.06
Diluted net income (loss) per share
Diluted	$ 7.18	$ 3.74	$ 5.01
Weighted average common shares
Basic	64,905	71,746	72,420
Diluted	65,625	72,410	73,190

Consolidated Statements of Inc5

Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues, Net From Related Parties	$ 6.2	$ 15.9	$ 27.5
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 1.5	$ 3.1	$ 4.9

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 148,544	$ 90,836	$ 107,626	$ 142,631	$ 19,043	$ 67,469	$ 83,387	$ 120,064	$ 489,637	$ 289,963	$ 381,704
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment									76,023	(45,426)	(55,852)
Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate swaps									(35)	22	3,365
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities									5,398	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes									81,386	(45,404)	(52,487)
Income tax expense									(1,974)	(12,337)	(4,322)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes									79,412	(57,741)	(56,809)
Comprehensive income									569,049	232,222	324,895
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests									(21,430)	(16,491)	(13,123)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders									$ 547,619	$ 215,731	$ 311,772

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficiency) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	AOCI Attributable to Parent	Parent	Noncontrolling Interest	Common Class A [Member]Common Stock	Common Class B [Member]Common Stock
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014								618	115
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ (351,909)	$ 100,642	$ (341,889)	$ (51,993)	$ (79,248)	$ (371,755)	$ 19,846
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	366,788		366,788			366,788
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests changes	6,587						6,587
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	4,677						4,677
Contribution from noncontrolling member	1,322						1,322
Treasury stock not yet settled and other	(19)		(19)			(19)
Other comprehensive income	(56,809)				(56,809)	(56,809)
Other comprehensive income	(58,602)						(1,793)
Share-based compensation expense	31,020	31,020				31,020
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,340	1,339				1,340		$ 1
Restricted stock units converted to shares	(14,452)	(14,454)				(14,452)		$ 2
Excess tax benefits on share-based awards	4,610	4,610				4,610
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015								621	115
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	(8,638)	123,157	24,880	(51,993)	(136,057)	(39,277)	30,639
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	270,510		270,510			270,510
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests changes	(97)						(97)
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	2,784						2,784
Contribution from noncontrolling member	0
Treasury stock not yet settled and other	(10,435)	(10,454)	19			(10,435)
Other comprehensive income	(57,741)				(57,741)	(57,741)
Other comprehensive income	(60,703)						(2,962)
Share-based compensation expense	38,897	38,897				38,897
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,228	1,227				1,228		$ 1
Restricted stock units converted to shares	(10,822)	(10,824)				(10,822)		$ 2
Excess tax benefits on share-based awards	795	795				795
Distribution to noncontrolling member	1,926						1,926
Treasury stock acquired	223,237			223,237		223,237
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016								624	115
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	(1,644)	142,798	295,409	(275,230)	(193,798)	(30,082)	28,438
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	471,316		471,316			471,316
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	524						524
Contribution from noncontrolling member	0
Treasury stock not yet settled and other	(995)	(995)				(995)
Other comprehensive income	79,412				79,412	79,412
Other comprehensive income	82,521						3,109
Share-based compensation expense	53,545	53,545				53,545
Restricted stock units converted to shares	(14,496)	(14,499)				(14,496)		$ 3
Distribution to noncontrolling member	3,070						3,070
Settlement of treasury stock	10,454	10,454				10,454
Treasury stock acquired	434,210			434,210		434,210
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017								627	115
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 163,945	$ 191,303	$ 766,725	$ (709,440)	$ (114,386)	$ 134,944	$ 29,001

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 489,637	$ 289,963	$ 381,704
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	94,638	84,778	83,031
Impairment and related charges	17,112	67,805	0
Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards	53,545	38,897	31,020
Amortization and write-off of program rights	954,238	862,302	748,545
Amortization of deferred carriage fees	17,605	16,990	16,018
Unrealized foreign currency transaction (gain) loss	(15,258)	37,770	26,775
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative contracts, net	(27,233)	(1,920)	2,015
Amortization and write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts on indebtedness	8,436	9,341	9,003
Loss on extinguishment of debt	3,004	50,639	0
Provision for doubtful accounts	3,567	1,924	1,705
Deferred income taxes	(48,665)	11,642	19,616
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	0	(789)	(4,610)
Gain on investments	0	0	(16,632)
Other, net	(11,014)	(6,383)	857
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net)	(74,561)	(26,496)	(110,964)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(59,979)	(4,981)	(24,355)
Program rights and obligations, net	(996,816)	(973,193)	(839,123)
Income taxes payable	(21,966)	43,153	(4,796)
Deferred revenue	(11,553)	(9,836)	27,495
Deferred carriage fees, net	(4,617)	(10,396)	(19,616)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	15,609	33,115	42,351
Net cash provided by operating activities	385,729	514,325	370,039
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(80,049)	(79,220)	(68,321)
Return of capital from investees	2,447	0	0
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(354)	(24,199)
Investments in and loans to investees	(53,000)	(95,000)	(24,250)
Net cash used in investing activities	(130,602)	(174,574)	(116,770)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	1,536,000	982,500	0
Repayment of long-term debt	(1,257,965)	(848,000)	(74,000)
Payment of promissory note	0	0	(40,000)
Premium and fees paid on extinguishment of debt	0	(40,954)	0
Payments for financing costs	(10,405)	(2,070)	0
Deemed repurchase of restricted stock/units	(14,496)	(10,822)	(14,452)
Purchase of treasury stock	(434,210)	(223,237)	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises	0	1,228	1,340
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	0	789	4,610
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(4,573)	(4,288)	(2,945)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(18,561)	(9,010)	(3,154)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	0	0	1,322
Net cash used in financing activities	(204,210)	(153,864)	(127,279)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents from operations	50,917	185,887	125,990
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	26,477	(20,819)	(11,036)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	481,389	316,321	201,367
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 558,783	$ 481,389	$ 316,321

Description Of Business And Bas

Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation	Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Description of Business AMC Networks Inc. ("AMC Networks") and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company") own and operate entertainment businesses and assets. The Company is comprised of two operating segments: • National Networks: Includes activities of our five national programming networks, AMC Studios operations and AMC Broadcasting & Technology. Our national programming networks are AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC, and SundanceTV in the U.S.; and AMC, IFC and Sundance Channel in Canada. Our AMC Studios operations produces original programming for our programming networks and also licenses such program rights worldwide. AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology is our technical services business, which primarily services most of the national programming networks. • International and Other : Principally includes AMC Networks International (AMCNI), the Company's international programming businesses consisting of a portfolio of channels in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Asia and Africa; IFC Films, the Company's independent film distribution business; AMCNI – DMC, the broadcast solutions unit of certain networks of AMCNI and third-party networks (the AMCNI – DMC business was sold on July 12, 2017); and our subscription streaming services, Sundance Now and Shudder. Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMC Networks and its majority owned or controlled subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include derivative assets and liabilities, certain stock compensation awards, the useful lives and methodologies used to amortize and assess recoverability of program rights, the estimated useful lives of intangible assets, valuation and recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets and income tax assets and liabilities.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, delivery occurs or services are rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue recognition for each source of the Company's revenue is based on the following policies: Distribution Subscription revenue is recognized from cable and other multichannel video programming distribution platforms, including direct broadcast satellite ("DBS"), platforms operated by telecommunications providers and virtual multichannel video programming distributors (collectively "distributors") that carry the Company's programming services under multi-year contracts, commonly referred to as "affiliation agreements." The programming services are delivered throughout the terms of the agreements and the Company recognizes revenue as programming is provided. Subscription revenue from the Company's subscription streaming services (i.e. Sundance Now and Shudder) is recognized as programming is provided to customers. Content licensing revenue is recognized from the licensing of original programming for distribution upon availability or distribution by the licensee. Revenue from video on demand and similar pay-per-view arrangements is recognized as programming is exhibited based on end-customer purchases as reported by the distributor. Revenue derived from other sources is recognized when delivery occurs or the services are rendered. Advertising Advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, when commercials are aired. In most advertising sales arrangements, the Company's programming businesses guarantee specified viewer ratings for their programming. For these types of transactions, a portion of such revenue is deferred if the guaranteed viewer ratings are not met and is subsequently recognized either when the Company provides the required additional advertising time or the guarantee obligation contractually expires. Multiple-Element Transactions For multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements, the Company uses the relative selling price method to allocate the arrangement consideration. Under the relative selling price method, the Company determines its best estimate of selling price in a manner consistent with that used to determine the price to sell the deliverable on a stand-alone basis. For multiple-element deliverable arrangements that include elements other than revenue, if there is objective and reliable evidence of fair value for all elements of accounting, the arrangement consideration is allocated to the separate elements of accounting based on relative fair values. There may be cases in which there is objective and reliable evidence of fair value of undelivered items in an arrangement but no such evidence for the delivered items. In those cases, the total fair value of the undelivered elements, as indicated by vendor-specific objective evidence, is deferred and the remainder of the arrangement consideration is allocated to the delivered elements. Technical and Operating Expenses Costs of revenues, including but not limited to programming expense, primarily consisting of amortization or write-offs of programming rights, such as those for original programming, feature films and licensed series, participation and residual costs, distribution and production related costs and program delivery operating costs, such as origination, transmission, uplinking and encryption, are classified as technical and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Advertising and Distribution Expenses Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Advertising costs were $200.4 million , $222.1 million and $210.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Marketing, distribution and general and administrative costs related to the exploitation of owned original programming are expensed as incurred and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Share-Based Compensation The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity-based instruments based on the grant date fair value of the portion of awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The cost is recognized in earnings over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award using a straight-line amortization method, except for restricted stock units granted to non-employee directors which vest 100% , and are expensed, at the date of grant. Share-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Foreign Currency The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of most of the Company's international subsidiaries is the local currency. Assets and liabilities, including intercompany balances for which settlement is anticipated in the foreseeable future, are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Foreign currency equity balances are translated at historical rates. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at average exchange rates for the respective periods. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income ("OCI") in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity (deficiency). Transactions denominated in currencies other than subsidiaries' functional currencies are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Changes in exchange rates with respect to amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets related to these items will result in unrealized foreign currency transaction gains and losses based upon period-end exchange rates. The Company also records realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses upon settlement of the transactions. The Company recognized foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (realized and unrealized) of $15.0 million , $(39.0) million and $(22.0) million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, which are included in miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statements of income. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company's cash investments are placed with money market funds and financial institutions that are investment grade as rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service. The Company selects money market funds that predominantly invest in marketable, direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies, commercial paper, fully collateralized repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, and time deposits. The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value. Accounts Receivable, Trade The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of valuation allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable by evaluating the collectability of outstanding receivables and general factors such as length of time individual receivables are past due, historical collection experience, and the economic and competitive environment. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had $150.2 million and $114.3 million , respectively, of accounts receivable contractually due in excess of one-year, which are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Program Rights Rights to programming, including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements are stated at the lower of unamortized cost or net realizable value. Such licensed rights along with the related obligations are recorded at the contract value when a license agreement is executed, unless there is uncertainty with respect to either cost, acceptability or availability. If such uncertainty exists, those rights and obligations are recorded at the earlier of when the uncertainty is resolved or the license period begins. Costs are amortized to technical and operating expense on a straight-line basis over a period not to exceed the respective license periods. The Company's owned original programming is primarily produced by production companies, with the remainder produced by the Company. Owned original programming costs, including estimated participation and residual costs, qualifying for capitalization as program rights are amortized to technical and operating expense over their estimated useful lives, commencing upon the first airing, based on attributable revenue for airings to date as a percentage of total projected attributable revenue, or ultimate revenue (film-forecast-computation method). Projected attributable revenue is based on previously generated revenues for similar content in established markets, primarily consisting of distribution and advertising revenues, and projected program usage. Projected program usage is based on the Company's current expectation of future exhibitions taking into account historical usage of similar content. Projected attributable revenue can change based upon programming market acceptance, levels of distribution and advertising revenue and decisions regarding planned program usage. These calculations require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment regarding revenue and planned usage. Accordingly, the Company periodically reviews revenue estimates and planned usage and revises its assumptions if necessary, which could impact the timing of amortization expense or result in a write-down to fair value. The Company periodically reviews the programming usefulness of its licensed and owned original program rights based on a series of factors, including expected future revenue generation from airings on the Company's networks and other exploitation opportunities, ratings, type and quality of program material, standards and practices, and fitness for exhibition through various forms of distribution. If it is determined that film or other program rights have limited, or no, future programming usefulness, a write-off of the unamortized cost is included in technical and operating expense. See Note 5 for further discussion regarding program rights write-offs. Investments The Company holds investments in equity method and cost method investees and other marketable securities. Investments in equity method investees are those for which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary. Significant influence typically exists if the Company has a 20% to 50% ownership interest in a venture unless persuasive evidence to the contrary exists. Under this method of accounting, the Company records its proportionate share of the net earnings or losses of equity method investees and a corresponding increase or decrease to the investment balances. Cash payments to equity method investees such as additional investments, loans and advances and expenses incurred on behalf of investees, as well as payments from equity method investees such as dividends, distributions and repayments of loans and advances are recorded as adjustments to investment balances. The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. Investments in entities or other securities in which the Company has no control or significant influence and is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for at fair value or cost. Investments in equity securities with readily determinable fair values are accounted for at fair value, based on quoted market prices, and classified as either trading securities or available-for-sale securities. For investments classified as trading securities, unrealized and realized gains and losses related to the investment and corresponding liability are recorded in earnings as a component of miscellaneous, net, in the consolidated statements of income. For investments classified as available-for-sale securities, which include investments in common stock, unrealized gains and losses are recorded net of income taxes in other comprehensive (loss) income until the security is sold or considered impaired. If declines in the value of available-for-sale securities are determined to be other-than-temporary, a loss is recorded in earnings in the current period as a component of miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statements of income. Impairments are determined based on, among other factors, the length of time the fair value of the investment has been less than the carrying value, future business prospects for the investee, and information regarding market and industry trends for the investee's business, if available. For purposes of computing realized gains and losses, the Company determines cost on a specific identification basis. Cost method investments are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. If declines in the value of cost method investments are determined to be other-than-temporary, a loss is recorded in earnings in the current period as a component of miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statements of income. Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets Property and equipment are carried at cost. Equipment under capital leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets' useful lives and reported in depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of income. Amortizable intangible assets established in connection with business combinations primarily consist of affiliate and customer relationships, advertiser relationships and tradenames. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives. The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property and equipment, and amortizable intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. See Note 3 for further discussion regarding impairment charges incurred related to long-lived assets associated with the Company's AMCNI – DMC asset group. Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Goodwill Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are tested annually for impairment and upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. The annual goodwill impairment test allows for the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. An entity may choose to perform the qualitative assessment on none, some or all of its reporting units or an entity may bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit and proceed directly to step one of the quantitative impairment test. If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of a reporting unit is, more likely than not, less than its carrying value, the quantitative impairment test is required. For impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017, the Company adopted the guidance in Accounting Standards Update 2017-04 Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which removes step 2 of the goodwill impairment test and replaces it with a simplified model. Under the simplified model, the Company calculates any goodwill impairment as the difference between the carrying amount of a reporting unit and its fair value, but not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. For impairment tests performed before January 1, 2017, the quantitative impairment test is a two-step process. The first step compares the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with its fair value utilizing an enterprise-value based approach. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of the goodwill impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill that would be recognized in a business combination. See Note 3 for further discussion regarding impairment charges incurred relating to goodwill associated with the Company's AMCNI – DMC reporting unit. Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Indefinite-lived intangible assets established in connection with business combinations primarily consist of trademarks. The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Deferred Carriage Fees Deferred carriage fees represent amounts principally paid to multichannel video programming distributors to obtain additional subscribers and/or guarantee carriage of certain programming services and are amortized as a reduction of revenue over the period of the related affiliation arrangement (up to 13 years). Derivative Financial Instruments The Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet based on their fair values. The Company's embedded derivative financial instruments which are clearly and closely related to the host contracts are not accounted for on a stand-alone basis. Changes in the fair values are reported in earnings or other comprehensive income depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. Derivative instruments are designated and accounted for as either a hedge of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge) or a hedge of a forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge). For derivatives not designated as hedges, changes in fair values are recognized in earnings and included in interest expense, for interest rate swap contracts and miscellaneous, net, for foreign currency and other derivative contracts. For derivatives designated as effective cash flow hedges, changes in fair values are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Changes in fair values related to fair value hedges as well as the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged item of a fair value hedge are also recognized in earnings. See Note 12 for a further discussion of the Company's derivative financial instruments. Income Taxes The Company's provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and estimates with regard to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions. Deferred tax assets are evaluated quarterly for expected future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent management believes it is more likely than not that a portion will not be realized. The Company provides deferred taxes for the outside basis difference for its investment in partnerships. Interest and penalties, if any, associated with uncertain tax positions are included in income tax expense. Commitments and Contingencies Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. Cash is invested in money market funds and bank time deposits. The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution. The Company's emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the yield on its investments. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , one customer accounted for 20% and 19% , respectively, of the combined balances of consolidated accounts receivable, trade and receivables due in excess of one-year (included in other assets). Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling interest with redemption features, such as put options, that are not solely within the Company's control are considered redeemable noncontrolling interests. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are considered to be temporary equity and are reported in the mezzanine section between total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficiency) in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at the greater of the initial carrying amount, increased or decreased for the noncontrolling interest's share of net income or loss, or its redemption value. Net Income per Share The consolidated statements of income present basic and diluted net income per share ("EPS"). Basic EPS is based upon net income divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the dilutive effects of AMC Networks outstanding equity-based awards. The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding: (In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 64,905 71,746 72,420 Effect of dilution: Stock options 1 13 148 Restricted stock units 719 651 622 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 65,625 72,410 73,190 Common Stock of AMC Networks Each holder of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock has one vote per share while holders of AMC Networks Class B Common Stock have ten votes per share. AMC Networks Class B shares can be converted to AMC Networks Class A Common Stock at any time with a conversion ratio of one AMC Networks Class A common share for one AMC Networks Class B common share. The AMC Networks Class A stockholders are entitled to elect 25% of the Company's Board of Directors. AMC Networks Class B stockholders have the right to elect the remaining members of the Company's Board of Directors. In addition, AMC Networks Class B stockholders are parties to an agreement which has the effect of causing the voting power of these AMC Networks Class B stockholders to be cast as a block. Stock Repurchase Program On March 7, 2016, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $500 million of its outstanding shares of common stock (the "2016 Stock Repurchase Program"). On June 6, 2017, the Board of Directors approved an increase of $500 million in the amount authorized for a total of $1.0 billion authorized under the 2016 Stock Repurchase Program. The 2016 Stock Repurchase Program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company repurchased 7.8 million shares of its Class A common stock at an average purchase price of $55.74 per share. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company has $342.6 million available for repurchase under the 2016 Stock Repurchase Program. Shares Outstanding (In thousands) Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock Balance at December 31, 2014 60,553 11,484 Employee and non-employee director stock transactions* 357 — Balance at December 31, 2015 60,910 11,484 Share repurchases (4,120 ) — Employee and non-employee director stock transactions* 289 — Balance at December 31, 2016 57,079 11,484 Share repurchases (7,790 ) — Employee and non-employee director stock transactions* 312 — Balance at December 31, 2017 49,601 11,484 *Reflects common stock activity in connection with restricted stock units and stock options granted to employees, as well as in connection with the fulfillment of employees' statutory tax withholding obligations for applicable income and other employment taxes and forfeited employee restricted stock units. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2017-09 Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) . ASU 2017-09 addresses changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award, specifically regarding which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award would require an entity to apply modification accounting. The guidance does not change the accounting for modifications but clarifies that an entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification of the modified award are the same immediately before the original award is modified. ASU 2017-09 is effective in the first quarter of 2018, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2017-09 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes – Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory . ASU 2016-16 simplifies the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory and includes requirements to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs; therefore, eliminating the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. ASU 2016-16 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018, with early adoption permitted. Any adjustments as a result of adoption are to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The adoption of ASU 2016-16 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments . The guidance clarifies the way in which certain cash receipts and cash payments should be classified on the statement of cash flows and also how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective in the first quarter of 2018 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to record most of their leases on the balance sheet, which will be recognized as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. The Company will be required to classify each separate lease component as an operating or finance lease at the lease commencement date. Initial measurement of the right-of-use asset and lease liability is the same for operating and finance leases, however, expense recognition and amortization of the right-of-use asset differs. Operating leases will reflect lease expense on a straight-line basis similar to current operating leases. The straight-line expense will reflect the interest expense on the lease liability (effective interest method) and amortization of the right-of-use asset, which will be presented as a single line item in the operating expense section of the income statement. Finance leases will reflect a front-loaded expense pattern similar to the pattern for current capital leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective in the first quarter of 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently determining its implementation approach and assessing the impact the adoption will have on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . ASU 2014-09 provides new guidance related to how an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard also expands the required disclosures to include the disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers into categories that depict how the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. Since its issuance, the FASB has issued additional interpretive guidance relating to the standard which included the topics of principal versus agent considerations and identifying performance obligations and licensing. We have reviewed each of our revenue streams and identified the required changes to our revenue recognition policies. We have substantially completed our evaluation of the impact of the standard and we do not expect the adoption of the standard will have a material impact to our consolidated revenues. However, as a result of applying the standard, there are certain components of our distribution revenues where the standard generally results in earlier recognition of revenue compared to our historical policies due to: (i) the requirement to estimate and recognize variable consideration prior to such amounts becoming fixed and determinable, (ii) recognition of royalties in the period of usage, and (iii) recognition of certain arrangements with minimum guarantees on a time-based (straight-line) basis. The Company will adopt the standard as of January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. Accordingly, we expect to record a net increase in opening retained earnings upon adoption resulting from the acceleration of revenue recognized under the standard.

Impairment and Related Charges

Impairment and Related Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Income Statement Elements [Abstract]
Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]	Impairment and Related Charges In 2016, management revised its outlook for the growth potential of the Amsterdam-based media logistics facility, AMCNI – DMC, resulting in lower expected future cash flows due to increased competition and evolving broadcast technologies. In connection with the preparation of the Company's 2016 fourth quarter financial information, the Company performed a recoverability test of the long-lived asset group of the AMCNI – DMC business and determined that certain long-lived assets, primarily identifiable intangible assets and analog equipment, were not recoverable. In addition, the Company determined that sufficient indicators of potential impairment of goodwill existed and in connection with the preparation of the Company's 2016 fourth quarter financial information, the Company performed the two-step impairment evaluation. The fair value of the AMCNI – DMC asset group was measured based on an income approach (discounted cash flow valuation methodology). Impairment and related charges included in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 reflect impairment charges of $22.9 million related to property and equipment, $17.7 million related to intangible assets and $27.2 million for the write-down of all AMCNI – DMC related goodwill. On July 12, 2017, the Company completed the sale AMCNI – DMC. In connection with the sale, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss of $11.0 million and an impairment charge of $17.1 million to reflect the AMCNI – DMC assets held for sale at fair value less estimated sale costs, which are included in impairment and related charges in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Restructuring

Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring	Restructuring In 2017, the Company incurred restructuring expense related to corporate headquarter severance costs and charges incurred at AMCNI related to costs associated with the termination of distribution in certain territories. In 2016, the Company launched a restructuring initiative that involved modifications to the organizational structure of the Company which resulted in reduced employee costs and operating expenses primarily through a voluntary buyout program offered to certain employees. The year ended December 31, 2016 also included the impact of elimination of distribution of certain channels in certain territories. Restructuring activities in 2015 primarily related to severance and other exit costs associated with the elimination of certain positions across the Company and the elimination of distribution in certain territories. The following table summarizes the restructuring expense (credit) recognized by operating segment: (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2015 National Networks $ (53 ) $ 8,516 $ 3,194 International & Other 6,181 20,987 11,804 Total restructuring expense $ 6,128 $ 29,503 $ 14,998 Restructuring expense in the International and Other segment includes corporate headquarter related charges. The following table summarizes the accrued restructuring costs: (In thousands) Severance and Employee-Related Costs Other Exit Costs Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 9,498 $ 512 $ 10,010 Charges 23,557 5,946 29,503 Cash payments (20,871 ) (935 ) (21,806 ) Non-cash adjustments 12 (5,315 ) (5,303 ) Currency translation (90 ) (3 ) (93 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 12,106 $ 205 $ 12,311 Charges 2,543 3,585 6,128 Cash payments (13,440 ) (152 ) (13,592 ) Non-cash adjustments 2 (3,585 ) (3,583 ) Currency translation 1 (29 ) (28 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 1,212 $ 24 $ 1,236 Accrued liabilities for restructuring costs are included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017 .

Program Rights and Obligations

Program Rights and Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Film Cost Disclosures [Abstract]
Programs Rights and Obligations	Program Rights and Obligations Program Rights Owned original program rights, net is comprised of $329.4 million of completed programming and $235.2 million of in-production programming at December 31, 2017 and is included as a component of long-term program rights, net in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company estimates that approximately 90% of unamortized owned original programming costs, as of December 31, 2017 , will be amortized within the next three years. The Company expects to amortize approximately $196.0 million of unamortized owned original programming costs during the next twelve months. Program rights write-offs of $49.4 million , $26.2 million and $43.2 million were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Program Rights Obligations Amounts payable subsequent to December 31, 2017 related to program rights obligations included in the consolidated balance sheet are as follows: (In thousands) Years Ending December 31, 2018 $ 327,549 2019 217,457 2020 163,640 2021 74,796 2022 48,941 Thereafter 30,146 $ 862,529

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Cost and Equity Method Investments Disclosure	Investments The Company holds several investments and loans in non-consolidated entities. Equity method investments were $61.3 million and $28.2 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Cost method investments were $46.8 million and $32.8 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Equity and cost method investments are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. RLJE On October 14, 2016, Digital Entertainment Holdings LLC ("DEH"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and RLJ Entertainment, Inc. ("RLJE") entered into a Credit and Guaranty agreement (the "RLJE Credit Agreement") pursuant to which DEH provided senior secured term loans totaling $65 million to RLJE, consisting of a $5 million Tranche A term loan (the "Tranche A Loan") and a $60 million Tranche B term loan (the "Tranche B Loan"), and DEH received warrants to purchase at least 20 million shares of RLJE's common stock, at a price of $3.00 per share (the "RLJE Warrants"). On January 30, 2017, the Company and RLJE amended the terms of the Tranche A Loan to increase the principal amount to $13 million . On June 16, 2017, DEH and RLJE entered into a second amendment to the RLJE Credit Agreement (the "Second Amendment") pursuant to which DEH provided an additional tranche of the term loan debt to RLJE in the principal amount of $10 million (the "Tranche A-2 Loan"). Both the Tranche A Loan and the Tranche A-2 Loan bear interest at a rate of 7.00% per annum, to be paid in shares of common stock of RLJE. The Tranche A Loan has a maturity date of June 30, 2020. The Tranche A-2 Loan has a maturity date of June 30, 2021. The Tranche B Loan bears interest at a rate of 6.00% per annum, to be paid in shares of Common Stock of RLJE. Principal payments on the Tranche B loan are $15 million due on October 14, 2021, $30 million due on October 14, 2022 and the remaining balance due on October 14, 2023. For the purposes of calculating the interest to be paid in shares of RLJE common stock, the value of such shares is based on a fixed $3.00 per share. Interest on the Tranche A Loan, the Tranche A-2 Loan and the Tranche B Loan is due in arrears on a quarterly basis. The RLJE Warrants entitle DEH to purchase at least 20 million shares of Common Stock of RLJE (the “Warrant Shares”) with an initial exercise date of October 14, 2016. The first RLJE Warrant for 5 million Warrant Shares expires on October 14, 2021, the second RLJE Warrant for 10 million Warrant Shares expires on October 14, 2022, and the third RLJE Warrant for 5 million Warrant Shares expires on October 14, 2023. The exercise price of the RLJE Warrants is $3.00 per share, subject to certain adjustments. The RLJE Warrants include customary anti-dilution provisions. In addition, the third RLJE Warrant also provides that the number of Warrant Shares shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that upon the full exercise of the RLJE Warrant, DEH shall hold at least 50.1% of the outstanding equity securities of RLJE on a fully diluted basis. On June 20, 2017, in connection with the Second Amendment, DEH exercised a portion of its RLJE Class A warrants at $3.00 per share to acquire 1,667,000 shares of RLJE common stock in exchange for the cancellation of $5 million of the Tranche B Loan. Following the cancellation, the outstanding balance of the Tranche B Loan is $55 million . The increased ownership interest from the warrant exercise, as well as the existing representation on RLJE's board of directors and the terms of the RLJE Credit Agreement were deemed, for accounting purposes, to provide DEH with the ability to exert significant influence over RLJE. As a result, the RLJE common stock investment held by the Company qualified for the use of the equity method of accounting. The Company has elected the fair value option for its investment in RLJE common stock based on the availability of a quoted market price. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company recognized a gain of $2.2 million in the fair value of its investment in RLJE common stock, which is included in miscellaneous, net in the consolidated income statement. The RLJE term loans are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company accounts for the portion of interest on the RLJE term loans payable in RLJE common stock as an embedded derivative. In addition, the RLJE Warrants are accounted for as derivatives. Both the RLJE Warrants and the embedded derivative for the interest payable in RLJE common stock are remeasured at the end of each period with changes in fair value included in miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statement of income. Subsequent Event On February 26, 2018, the Company delivered a letter to RLJE pursuant to which the Company proposed to acquire the outstanding shares of RLJE not currently owned by the Company or entities affiliated with Robert L. Johnson for a purchase price of $4.25 per share in cash. Through this offer, the Company intends for RLJE to become a privately owned subsidiary of the Company, with a minority stake held by Mr. Johnson. The board of directors of RLJE has formed a special committee of independent directors to consider the proposal. There can be no assurance that the proposal made by the Company to RLJE will result in a transaction or the terms upon which any transaction may occur. Other Investments The Company holds a minority investment in Funny or Die, Inc. which is accounted for as a cost method investment. The agreement contains certain provisions under which the Company may be obligated to increase its investment over time.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) consists of the following: (In thousands) December 31, Estimated Useful Lives 2017 2016 Program, service and test equipment $ 212,357 $ 223,847 2 to 5 years Satellite equipment 46,315 51,423 13 years Furniture and fixtures 21,067 21,471 5 to 8 years Transmission equipment 56,035 51,954 5 years Leasehold improvements 107,659 90,089 Term of lease Property and equipment 443,433 438,784 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (259,919 ) (272,148 ) Property and equipment, net $ 183,514 $ 166,636 Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment (including capital leases) amounted to $47.6 million , $46.2 million and $41.0 million , for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the gross amount of equipment and related accumulated amortization recorded under capital leases were as follows: (In thousands) December 31, 2017 2016 Satellite equipment $ 46,315 $ 51,423 Less accumulated amortization (22,783 ) (19,031 ) $ 23,532 $ 32,392

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment is as follows: (In thousands) National Networks International and Other Total December 31, 2015 $ 244,849 $ 491,426 $ 736,275 Purchase accounting adjustments — (6,040 ) (6,040 ) Impairment charges (see Note 3) — (27,244 ) (27,244 ) Amortization of "second component" goodwill (2,546 ) — (2,546 ) Foreign currency translation — (42,737 ) (42,737 ) December 31, 2016 $ 242,303 $ 415,405 $ 657,708 Amortization of "second component" goodwill (2,544 ) — (2,544 ) Foreign currency translation — 39,994 39,994 December 31, 2017 $ 239,759 $ 455,399 $ 695,158 The reduction of $2.5 million in the carrying amount of goodwill for the National Networks is due to the realization of a tax benefit for the amortization of "second component" goodwill at SundanceTV. Second component goodwill is the amount of tax deductible goodwill in excess of goodwill for financial reporting purposes. In accordance with the authoritative guidance at the time of the SundanceTV acquisition, the tax benefits associated with this excess are applied to first reduce the amount of goodwill, and then other intangible assets for financial reporting purposes, if and when such tax benefits are realized in the Company's tax returns. Annual Impairment Test of Goodwill Based on the Company's annual impairment test for goodwill as of December 1, 2017, no impairment charge was required for any of the reporting units. The Company performed a qualitative assessment for all reporting units, with the exception of the International Programming Networks reporting unit. The qualitative assessments included, but were not limited to, consideration of the historical significant excesses of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over its carrying value (including allocated goodwill), macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors and historical and projected cash flows. The Company performed a quantitative assessment for the International Programming Networks reporting unit. Based on the quantitative assessment, if the fair value of the International Programming Networks reporting unit decreased by 2% , the Company would be required to record an impairment of goodwill. In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, the Company must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment charge is recognized and also the magnitude of any such charge. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant information. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. Estimates of fair value for goodwill impairment testing are primarily determined using discounted cash flows and comparable market transactions methods. These valuation methods are based on estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, discount rate and determination of appropriate market comparables and determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables. Projected future cash flows also include assumptions for renewals of affiliation agreements, the projected number of subscribers and the projected average rates per basic and viewing subscribers and growth in fixed price contractual arrangements used to determine affiliation fee revenue, access to program rights and the cost of such program rights, amount of programming time that is advertiser supported, number of advertising spots available and the sell through rates for those spots, average fee per advertising spot and operating margins, among other assumptions. If these estimates or material related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record impairment charges related to goodwill. For example, if our future revenue growth is lower than expected, or if programming costs exceed amounts currently expected, and the Company is unable to mitigate the impact of these factors, an impairment charge related to the goodwill associated with its International Programming Networks reporting unit may be required. The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's identifiable intangible assets: (In thousands) December 31, 2017 Estimated Useful Lives Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 527,713 $ (167,911 ) $ 359,802 6 to 25 years Advertiser relationships 46,282 (13,405 ) 32,877 11 years Trade names 53,761 (14,420 ) 39,341 20 years Other amortizable intangible assets 11,401 (6,079 ) 5,322 2 to 15 years Total amortizable intangible assets 639,157 (201,815 ) 437,342 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 19,900 — 19,900 Total intangible assets $ 659,057 $ (201,815 ) $ 457,242 (In thousands) December 31, 2016 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 509,992 $ (133,932 ) $ 376,060 Advertiser relationships 46,282 (9,198 ) 37,084 Trade names 49,720 (6,307 ) 43,413 Other amortizable intangible assets 10,002 (791 ) 9,211 Total amortizable intangible assets 615,996 (150,228 ) 465,768 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 20,041 — 20,041 Total intangible assets $ 636,037 $ (150,228 ) $ 485,809 Aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $47.1 million , $38.6 million and $42.0 million , respectively. Amortization expense in 2017 includes a $9.0 million charge from the accelerated amortization of certain identifiable intangible assets at AMCNI. Estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the following five years is: (In thousands) Years Ending December 31, 2018 $ 37,212 2019 37,197 2020 37,194 2021 36,821 2022 36,816 Impairment Test of Identifiable Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Based on the Company's 2017 annual impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, no impairment charge was required. The Company's indefinite-lived intangible assets relate to SundanceTV trademarks, which were valued using a relief-from-royalty method in which the expected benefits are valued by discounting estimated royalty revenue over projected revenues covered by the trademarks. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations for the Company's identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company applied a hypothetical 20% decrease to the estimated fair value of the identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets. This hypothetical decrease in estimated fair value would not result in an impairment. Significant judgments inherent in estimating the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets include the selection of appropriate discount and royalty rates, estimating the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and identification of appropriate continuing growth rate assumptions. The discount rates used in the analysis are intended to reflect the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the respective intangible assets.

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities consist of the following: (In thousands) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Interest $ 30,262 $ 15,770 Employee related costs 117,850 122,590 Income taxes payable 19,558 43,083 Other accrued expenses 95,406 102,986 Total accrued liabilities $ 263,076 $ 284,429

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Long-term Debt The Company's long-term debt consists of: (In thousands) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Senior Secured Credit Facility: Term Loan A Facility $ 750,000 $ 1,258,000 Senior Notes: 4.75% Notes due August 2025 800,000 — 5.00% Notes due April 2024 1,000,000 1,000,000 4.75% Notes due December 2022 600,000 600,000 Total long-term debt 3,150,000 2,858,000 Unamortized discount (33,776 ) (23,675 ) Unamortized deferred financing costs (16,967 ) (15,062 ) Long-term debt, net 3,099,257 2,819,263 Current portion of long-term debt — 222,000 Noncurrent portion of long-term debt $ 3,099,257 $ 2,597,263 Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Facility On July 28, 2017, AMC Networks entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") among AMC Networks and its subsidiary, AMC Network Entertainment LLC, as the Initial Borrowers, certain of AMC Networks' subsidiaries, as restricted subsidiaries, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and an L/C Issuer, Bank of America, as an L/C Issuer, and the lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement amends and restates AMC Networks' prior credit agreement dated December 16, 2013 in its entirety. The Credit Agreement provides the Initial Borrowers with senior secured credit facilities consisting of (a) a $750 million Term Loan A (the "Term Loan A Facility") after giving effect to the approximate $400 million payment from the proceeds of the 4.75% Notes due 2025 described below and (b) a $500 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility") that was not drawn upon initially. Under the Credit Agreement, the maturity date of the Term Loan A Facility was extended to July 28, 2023 and the maturity date of the Revolving Facility was extended to July 28, 2022. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a floating rate, which at the option of the Initial Borrowers may be either (a) a base rate plus an additional rate ranging from 0.25% to 1.25% per annum (determined based on a cash flow ratio) (the "Base Rate"), or (b) a Eurodollar rate plus an additional rate ranging from 1.25% to 2.25% per annum (determined based on a cash flow ratio) (the "Eurodollar Rate"), provided that for the six month period following the closing date, the additional rate used in calculating both floating rates was (i) 0.50% per annum for borrowings bearing the Base Rate, and (ii) 1.50% per annum for borrowings bearing the Eurodollar Rate. The Credit Agreement requires the Initial Borrowers to pay a commitment fee of between 0.25% and 0.50% (determined based on a cash flow ratio) in respect of the average daily unused commitments under the Revolving Facility. The Initial Borrowers also are required to pay customary letter of credit fees, as well as fronting fees, to banks that issue letters of credit pursuant to the Credit Agreement. All obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Initial Borrowers' existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries in accordance with the Credit Agreement. All obligations under the Credit Agreement, including the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by certain assets of the Initial Borrowers and certain of their subsidiaries (collectively, the "Loan Parties"). The Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants applicable to the Loan Parties. These include restrictions on the Loan Parties' ability to incur indebtedness, make investments, place liens on assets, dispose of assets, enter into certain affiliate transactions and make certain restricted payments, including restrictions on AMC Networks' ability to pay dividends on and to repurchase its common stock. The Credit Agreement also requires the Initial Borrowers to comply with the following financial covenants: (i) a maximum ratio of net debt to annual operating cash flow (each defined in the Credit Agreement) of 6.00 :1 initially and decreasing in steps down to 5.00 :1 on and after January 1, 2022, subject to increase if AMC Networks consummates any leveraging acquisition; and (ii) a minimum ratio of annual operating cash flow to annual total interest expense (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of 2.50 :1. The revolving credit facility was not drawn upon at December 31, 2017 . The total undrawn revolver commitment is available to be drawn for our general corporate purposes. AMC Networks was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2017. In connection with the issuance of the 4.75% Notes due 2025 and the amendment to the Credit Agreement, AMC Networks incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt of $3.0 million for the write-off of a portion of unamortized deferred financing costs, and incurred financing costs of $10.4 million , of which $9.4 million were deferred and are being amortized, using the effective interest method, to interest expense over the term of the related borrowing, and $1.0 million were expensed when incurred. 4.75% Notes due 2025 On July 28, 2017, AMC Networks issued, and certain of AMC Networks' subsidiaries (hereinafter, the "Guarantors") guaranteed $800 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due August 1, 2025 (the "4.75% Notes due 2025") in a registered public offering. The 4.75% Notes due 2025 were issued net of a $14.0 million underwriting discount. AMC Networks used approximately $400 million of the net proceeds to repay loans under AMC Networks' Term Loan A Facility and to pay fees and expenses related to the issuance. The remaining proceeds are for general corporate purposes. The 4.75% Notes due 2025 were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of March 30, 2016, as amended by the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 28, 2017. The 4.75% Notes due 2025 bear interest at a rate of 4.75% per annum and mature on August 1, 2025. Interest is payable semiannually on February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing on February 1, 2018. The 4.75% Notes due 2025 are AMC Networks' general senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of AMC Networks' and the Guarantors' existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, but are effectively subordinated to all of AMC Networks' and the guarantors' existing and future secured indebtedness, including all borrowings and guarantees under the Credit Agreement referred to above, to the extent of the assets securing that indebtedness. The 4.75% Notes due 2025 are subject to redemption on the terms set forth in the Second Supplemental Indenture. The 4.75% Notes due 2025 may be redeemed, at AMC Networks' option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after August 1, 2021, at a redemption price equal to 102.375% of the principal amount thereof (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of such redemption), declining annually to 100% of the principal amount thereof (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of such redemption) beginning on August 1, 2023. In addition to the optional redemption of the 4.75% Notes due 2025 described above, at any time prior to August 1, 2020, AMC Networks may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4.75% Notes due 2025 at a redemption price equal to 104.750% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, using the net proceeds of certain equity offerings. Finally, at any time prior to August 1, 2021, AMC Networks may redeem the 4.75% Notes due 2025, at its option in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed plus the "Applicable Premium" calculated as described in the Second Supplemental Indenture at the rate of T+50 basis points, and accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. The indenture governing the 4.75% Notes due 2025 contains certain affirmative and negative covenants applicable to AMC Networks and its restricted subsidiaries including restrictions on their ability to incur additional indebtedness, consummate certain assets sales, make investments in entities that are not restricted subsidiaries, create liens on their assets, enter into certain affiliate transactions and make certain restricted payments, including restrictions on AMC Networks' ability to pay dividends on, or repurchase, its common stock. 5.00% Notes due 2024 On March 30, 2016, the Company issued $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.00% senior notes due 2024 (the "5.00% Notes due 2024"), net of an issuance discount of $17.5 million . AMC Networks used $703 million of the net proceeds of this offering to make a cash tender ("Tender Offer") for its outstanding 7.75% Notes due 2021 (the "7.75% Notes"). In addition, $45.6 million of the proceeds from the issuance of the 5.00% Notes due 2024 was used for the redemption of the 7.75% Notes not tendered. The remaining proceeds are for general corporate purposes. The 5.00% Notes due 2024 were issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of March 30, 2016. In connection with the issuance of the 5.00% Notes due 2024, AMC Networks incurred deferred financing costs of $2.1 million , which are being amortized, using the effective interest method, to interest expense over the term of the 5.00% Notes due 2024. Interest on the 5.00% Notes due 2024 is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The 5.00% Notes due 2024 may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time on or after April 1, 2020, at a redemption price equal to 102.5% of the principal amount thereof (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of such redemption), declining annually to 100% of the principal amount thereof (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of such redemption) beginning on April 1, 2022. The 5.00% Notes due 2024 are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Guarantors, in accordance with the indenture governing the 5.00% Notes due 2024. The guarantees under the 5.00% Notes due 2024 are full and unconditional and joint and several. The indenture governing the 5.00% Notes due 2024 contains certain affirmative and negative covenants applicable to AMC Networks and its restricted subsidiaries including restrictions on their ability to incur additional indebtedness, consummate certain assets sales, make investments in entities that are not restricted subsidiaries, create liens on their assets, enter into certain affiliate transactions and make certain restricted payments, including restrictions on AMC Networks' ability to pay dividends on, or repurchase, its common stock. 4.75% Senior Notes due 2022 On December 17, 2012, AMC Networks issued $600 million in aggregate principal amount of its 4.75% senior notes, net of an issuance discount of $10.5 million , due December 15, 2022 (the "4.75% Notes due 2022"). AMC Networks used the net proceeds of this offering to repay the outstanding amount under its term loan B facility of approximately $587.6 million , with the remaining proceeds used for general corporate purposes. The 4.75% Notes due 2022 were issued pursuant to an indenture, and first supplemental indenture, each dated as of December 17, 2012. In connection with the issuance of the 4.75% Notes due 2022, AMC Networks incurred deferred financing costs of $1.5 million , which are being amortized, using the effective interest method, to interest expense over the term of the 4.75% Notes due 2022. Interest on the 4.75% Notes due 2022 accrues at the rate of 4.75% per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year. The 4.75% Notes due 2022 may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 102.375% of the principal amount thereof (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of such redemption), declining annually to 100% of the principal amount thereof (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of such redemption) beginning on December 15, 2020. The 4.75% Notes due 2022 are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Guarantors, in accordance with the indenture governing the 4.75% Notes due 2022. The guarantees under the 4.75% Notes due 2022 are full and unconditional and joint and several. The indenture governing the 4.75% Notes due 2022 contains certain affirmative and negative covenants applicable to AMC Networks and its restricted subsidiaries including restrictions on their ability to incur additional indebtedness, consummate certain assets sales, make investments in entities that are not restricted subsidiaries, create liens on their assets, enter into certain affiliate transactions and make certain restricted payments, including restrictions on AMC Networks' ability to pay dividends on, or repurchase, its common stock. Summary of Debt Maturities Total amounts payable by the Company under its various debt obligations (excluding capital leases) outstanding as of December 31, 2017 are as follows: (In thousands) Years Ending December 31, 2018 $ — 2019 18,750 2020 56,250 2021 775,000 2022 75,000 Thereafter 2,225,000

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity's pricing based upon their own market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels: • Level I—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. • Level II—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable. • Level III—Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable. The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : (In thousands) Level I Level II Level III Total At December 31, 2017: Assets: Cash equivalents $ 100,615 $ — $ — $ 100,615 Available for sale securities 10,709 — — 10,709 Interest rate swap contracts — 1,444 — 1,444 Investments 9,948 — — 9,948 Foreign currency derivatives — 3,801 — 3,801 Other derivatives — 6,174 30,891 37,065 Liabilities: Foreign currency derivatives $ — $ 4,475 $ — $ 4,475 At December 31, 2016: Assets: Cash equivalents $ 65,384 $ — $ — $ 65,384 Interest rate swap contracts — 1,471 — 1,471 Foreign currency derivatives — 6,096 — 6,096 Other derivatives — — 12,308 12,308 Liabilities: Interest rate swap contracts $ — $ 762 $ — $ 762 Foreign currency derivatives — 3,147 — 3,147 The Company's cash equivalents and available for sale securities are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices. The Company's interest rate swap contracts, foreign currency derivatives and the embedded derivative for the interest on the RLJE Term Loans to be paid in shares of RLJE common stock (see Note 12 ) are classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy and their fair values are determined based on a market approach valuation technique that uses readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk. The RLJE Warrants held by the Company are classified within Level III of the fair value hierarchy and the Company determines the value of the RLJE Warrants using a Black Scholes option pricing model. Inputs to the model are stock price volatility, contractual warrant terms (remaining life of the warrants), exercise price, risk-free interest rate, and the RLJE stock price. The equity volatility used is based on the equity volatility of RLJE with an adjustment for the changes in the capital structure of RLJE. In arriving at the concluded value of the warrants, a discount for the lack of marketability (DLOM) of 32% was applied. The DLOM, which is unobservable, is determined using the Finnerty Average-Strike Put Option Marketability Discount Model (Finnerty Model), which was applied with a security-specific volatility for the warrants. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a gain of $20.2 million related to the RLJE Warrants which is included in Miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statement of income. At December 31, 2017 , the Company does not have any other assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis that would be considered Level III. Fair value measurements are also used in nonrecurring valuations performed in connection with acquisition accounting. These nonrecurring valuations primarily include the valuation of affiliate and customer relationships intangible assets, advertiser relationship intangible assets and property and equipment. All of our nonrecurring valuations use significant unobservable inputs and therefore fall under Level III of the fair value hierarchy. Credit Facility Debt and Senior Notes The fair values of each of the Company's debt instruments are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for instruments of the same remaining maturities. The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are summarized as follows: (In thousands) December 31, 2017 Carrying Amount Estimated Fair Value Debt instruments: Term Loan A Facility $ 737,140 $ 748,125 4.75% Notes due August 2025 784,757 793,000 5.00% Notes due April 2024 984,056 1,012,500 4.75% Notes due December 2022 593,304 612,750 $ 3,099,257 $ 3,166,375 (In thousands) December 31, 2016 Carrying Estimated Debt instruments: Term loan A facility $ 1,245,175 $ 1,254,855 5.00% Notes due April 2024 981,949 1,002,500 4.75% Notes due December 2022 592,139 606,000 $ 2,819,263 $ 2,863,355 Fair value estimates related to the Company's debt instruments presented above are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments Interest Rate Risk To manage interest rate risk, the Company enters into interest rate swap contracts to adjust the amount of total debt that is subject to variable interest rates. Such contracts effectively fix the borrowing rates on floating rate debt to limit the exposure against the risk of rising interest rates. The Company does not enter into interest rate swap contracts for speculative or trading purposes and it has only entered into interest rate swap contracts with financial institutions that it believes are creditworthy counterparties. The Company monitors the financial institutions that are counterparties to its interest rate swap contracts and to the extent possible diversifies its swap contracts among various counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution. The Company's risk management objective and strategy with respect to interest rate swap contracts is to protect the Company against adverse fluctuations in interest rates by reducing its exposure to variability in cash flows relating to interest payments on a portion of its outstanding debt. The Company is meeting its objective by hedging the risk of changes in its cash flows (interest payments) attributable to changes in the LIBOR index rate, the designated benchmark interest rate being hedged (the "hedged risk"), on an amount of the Company's debt principal equal to the then-outstanding swap notional. The forecasted interest payments are deemed to be probable of occurring. The Company assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, hedge effectiveness based on the overall changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap contracts. Hedge effectiveness of the interest rate swap contracts is based on a hypothetical derivative methodology. Any ineffective portion of an interest rate swap contract which is designated as a hedging instrument is recorded in current-period earnings. Changes in fair value of interest rate swap contracts not designated as hedging instruments are also recognized in earnings and included in interest expense. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company had interest rate swap contracts outstanding with notional amounts aggregating $200.0 million that are not designated as hedging instruments. The Company's outstanding interest rate swap contracts mature in October 2018. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk We are exposed to foreign currency risk to the extent that we enter into transactions denominated in currencies other than our subsidiaries' respective functional currencies (non-functional currency risk), such as affiliation agreements, programming contracts, certain trade receivables and accounts payable (including intercompany amounts) that are denominated in a currency other than the applicable functional currency. To manage foreign currency exchange rate risk, the Company may enter into foreign currency contracts from time to time with financial institutions to limit the exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company does not enter into foreign currency contracts for speculative or trading purposes. In certain circumstances, the Company enters into contracts that are settled in currencies other than the functional or local currencies of the contracting parties. Accordingly, these contracts consist of the underlying operational contract and an embedded foreign currency derivative element. Hedge accounting is not applied to the embedded foreign currency derivative element and changes in their fair values are included in miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statement of income. Other Derivatives The RLJE Warrants held by the Company meet the definition of a derivative and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. In addition, the interest on the RLJE Term Loans to be paid in shares of RLJE common stock is an embedded derivative. Both the RLJE Warrants and the embedded derivative for the future interest to be paid in shares of RLJE common stock are remeasured at the end of each period with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statement of income. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company recorded a gain of $24.2 million related to these derivatives, which is included in miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statements of income. The fair values of the Company's derivative financial instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows: (In thousands) Balance Sheet Location December 31, 2017 2016 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Assets: Interest rate swap contracts Other assets $ — $ 1,471 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Assets: Foreign currency derivatives Prepaid expenses and other current assets 943 1,684 Foreign currency derivatives Other assets 2,858 4,412 Interest rate swap contracts Other assets 1,444 — Other derivatives Other assets 37,065 12,308 Liabilities: Interest rate swap contracts Accrued liabilities — 762 Foreign currency derivatives Accrued liabilities 1,223 952 Foreign currency derivatives Other liabilities 3,252 2,195 The amount of the gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are as follows: (In thousands) Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings Gain or (Loss) Reclassified Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: Interest rate swap contracts $ 565 $ (565 ) Interest expense $ 600 $ (587 ) (a) There were no gains or losses recognized in earnings related to any ineffective portion of the hedging relationship or related to any amount excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . The amount of the gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments are as follows: (In thousands) Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Derivatives not designated as hedging relationships: Interest rate swap contracts Interest expense $ 3 $ (238 ) Foreign currency derivatives Miscellaneous, net (2,958 ) 3,234 Other derivatives Miscellaneous, net 24,223 (892 ) Total $ 21,268 $ 2,104

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases Operating Leases Certain subsidiaries of the Company lease office space and equipment under long-term non-cancelable operating lease agreements which expire at various dates through 2027 . The leases generally provide for fixed annual rentals plus certain other costs or credits. Costs associated with such operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term. The difference between rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 amounted to $31.7 million , $29.4 million and $25.8 million , respectively. The future minimum annual payments for the Company's operating leases (with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year) during the next five years and thereafter, at rates now in force are as follows: (In thousands) 2018 $ 28,895 2019 27,167 2020 25,539 2021 23,135 2022 24,852 Thereafter 105,153 Capital Leases Future minimum capital lease payments as of December 31, 2017 are as follows: (In thousands) 2018 $ 7,901 2019 7,033 2020 5,983 2021 4,511 2022 4,539 Thereafter 14,447 Total minimum lease payments 44,414 Less amount representing interest (at 8.2%-12%) (13,290 ) Present value of net minimum future capital lease payments 31,124 Less principal portion of current installments (4,847 ) Long-term portion of obligations under capital leases $ 26,277

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") was enacted on December 22, 2017. The TCJA introduces significant changes in tax law, for example, a reduction in the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% , the requirement for companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and the creation of new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings. Companies are required to recognize the effect of tax law changes in the period of enactment, however, due to the complexities involved in accounting for the enactment of TCJA, SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 allows us to record provisional amounts to reflect the impacts of the TCJA during a one-year "measurement period". The Company has recorded the following amounts as provisional due to on-going regulatory guidance, additional analysis and changes in interpretations and assumptions expected over the next twelve months. The Company recorded a tax benefit of $67.9 million which represents the one-time impact of the change in the corporate tax rate on deferred tax assets and liabilities. Although the accounting related to the rate change is complete, we are still analyzing certain aspects of the TCJA and refining our calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts. The one-time transition tax is based on total post-1986 earnings and profits ("E&P") which the Company has previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. An estimated amount was recorded for the one-time transition tax liability, net of the foreign taxes deemed paid, resulting in an increase in income tax expense of $11.0 million . The Company has sufficient foreign tax credits to offset the transition tax, however, the Company has not yet completed its calculation of the total post-1986 foreign E&P for these foreign subsidiaries. Further, the transition tax is based in part on the amount of those earnings held in cash and other specified assets. This amount may change when the calculation of post-1986 foreign E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxation and the amounts held in cash or other specified assets are finalized. The Company is still evaluating whether to change its indefinite reinvestment assertion due to certain provisions of the TCJA. Any potential changes to the assertion will be made within the measurement period and accounted for as part of the change in tax law. The Company will continue to analyze the effects of the TCJA on its financial statements and operations. Additional impacts from the enactment of the TCJA will be recorded as they are identified during the measurement period as provided for in SAB 118. Other significant provisions of TCJA that are not yet effective but may impact income taxes in future years include: the inclusion of commissions and performance based compensation in determining the executive compensation limitation, an exemption from U.S. tax on dividends of future foreign earnings, a reduced tax on excess returns of a U.S. corporation from foreign sales (i.e., foreign derived intangibles income or FDII), a minimum tax on certain foreign earnings in excess of 10 percent of the foreign subsidiaries tangible assets (i.e., global intangible low-taxed income or GILTI). The Company is still evaluating whether to make a policy election to treat the GILTI tax as a period expense or to provide U.S. deferred taxes on foreign temporary differences that are expected to generate GILTI income when they reverse in future years. We estimate that the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, enacted on February 9, 2018, will reduce the Company’s current income tax liability and net deferred tax asset from the amounts reported at December 31, 2017 by approximately $28.0 million and $19.0 million , respectively, primarily as a result of the extension of the provision allowing a current tax deduction for the costs of certain television productions and the impact of the one-time change in the corporate tax rate on deferred tax assets and liabilities. Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes consists of the following components: (In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Domestic $ 618,955 $ 500,757 $ 566,444 Foreign 21,423 (45,932 ) 16,350 Total $ 640,378 $ 454,825 $ 582,794 Income tax expense attributable to continuing operations consists of the following components: (In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Current expense (benefit): Federal $ 162,639 $ 120,634 $ 146,915 State 14,301 11,252 15,713 Foreign 17,382 22,946 14,508 194,322 154,832 177,136 Deferred expense (benefit): Federal (38,416 ) 12,140 12,563 State (2,436 ) 2,515 1,300 Foreign (7,813 ) (3,013 ) 5,753 (48,665 ) 11,642 19,616 Tax expense (benefit) relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest 5,084 (1,612 ) 4,338 Income tax expense $ 150,741 $ 164,862 $ 201,090 A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate is as follows: (In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 35 % 35 % 35 % State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 2 2 2 Effect of foreign operations (1 ) (1 ) (2 ) Effect of rate changes on deferred taxes (11 ) — — Transition tax, net of foreign taxes deemed paid 2 — — Nontaxable income attributable to noncontrolling interests (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) Changes in the valuation allowance — 5 1 Domestic production activity deduction (3 ) (3 ) (3 ) Tax expense relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest, net of deferred tax benefits 1 (1 ) 1 Other — — 1 Effective income tax rate 24 % 36 % 34 % The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant components of deferred tax assets or liabilities at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: (In thousands) December 31, 2017 2016 Deferred Tax Asset (Liability) Noncurrent NOLs and tax credit carry forwards $ 69,771 $ 82,636 Compensation and benefit plans 30,880 49,710 Allowance for doubtful accounts 370 421 Fixed assets and intangible assets 24,737 46,595 Interest rate swap contracts 1,893 2,884 Accrued interest expense 13,049 11,567 Other liabilities 12,562 20,811 Deferred tax asset 153,262 214,624 Valuation allowance (57,121 ) (71,563 ) Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent 96,141 143,061 Prepaid liabilities (501 ) (819 ) Fixed assets and intangible assets (61,127 ) (78,616 ) Investments in partnerships (103,474 ) (177,376 ) Other assets (20,657 ) (23,444 ) Deferred tax liability, noncurrent (185,759 ) (280,255 ) Total net deferred tax liability $ (89,618 ) $ (137,194 ) At December 31, 2017 , the Company had foreign tax credit carry forwards of approximately $15.0 million , expiring on various dates from 2024 through 2025 , and net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $302.1 million related primarily to our foreign subsidiaries. Although the net operating loss carry forward periods range from 5 years to unlimited, the deferred tax assets of approximately $54.0 million for these carry forwards have been reduced by a valuation allowance of approximately $52.3 million as it is more likely than not that these carry forwards will not be realized. The remainder of the valuation allowance at December 31, 2017 relates primarily to deferred tax assets attributable to temporary differences of certain foreign subsidiaries for which it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will not be realized. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , $1.6 million relating to amortization of tax deductible second component goodwill was realized as a reduction in tax liability (as determined on a 'with-and-without' approach). At December 31, 2017 , the liability for uncertain tax positions was $21.8 million , excluding the related accrued interest liability of $4.5 million and deferred tax assets of $4.9 million . All of such unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would reduce the Company's income tax expense and effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning to ending amount of the liability for uncertain tax positions (excluding related accrued interest and deferred tax benefit) is as follows: (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 18,065 Increases related to current year tax positions 5,154 Increases related to prior year tax positions 293 Decreases related to prior year tax positions (1,595 ) Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations (120 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 21,797 Interest expense (net of the related deferred tax benefit) of $1.5 million was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2017 and is included in income tax expense in the consolidated statement of income. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the liability for uncertain tax positions and related accrued interest noted above are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Under the Company's Tax Disaffiliation Agreement with Cablevision, Cablevision is liable for all income taxes of the Company for periods prior to the spin-off from Cablevision except for New York City Unincorporated Business Tax. The City of New York is currently auditing the Company's General Corporation Tax Return for years 2011 and 2012 and the State of New York is currently auditing the Company's General Business Corporation Franchise Tax Returns for years 2013 and 2014. The State of Georgia is currently auditing the Company's Corporation Tax Returns for years 2013 through 2015. The State of California is currently auditing the Company's California Corporation Franchise or Income Tax Returns for the years 2011 through 2013. The State of Wisconsin is currently auditing the Company's Combined Corporation Franchise or Income Tax Returns for the years 2011 through 2015. The State of Illinois is currently auditing the Company's Corporation Income and Replacement Tax Returns for years 2014 and 2015.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Commitments (In thousands) Payments due by period Total Year 1 Years 2 - 3 Years 4 - 5 More than 5 years Purchase obligations (1) $ 1,983,967 $ 705,387 $ 621,937 $ 186,377 $ 470,266 Guarantees (2) 160,024 160,024 — — — Total $ 2,143,991 $ 865,411 $ 621,937 $ 186,377 $ 470,266 (1) Purchase obligations consist primarily of program rights obligations, participations and residuals, and transmission and marketing commitments. (2) Consists primarily of a guarantee of payments to a production service company for certain production related costs. Legal Matters On December 17, 2013, Frank Darabont ("Darabont"), Ferenc, Inc., Darkwoods Productions, Inc., and Creative Artists Agency, LLC (together, the "2013 Plaintiffs"), filed a complaint in New York Supreme Court in connection with Darabont's rendering services as a writer, director and producer of the television series entitled The Walking Dead and the agreement between the parties related thereto. The Plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, for an accounting and for declaratory relief. On August 19, 2015, Plaintiffs filed their First Amended Complaint (the "Amended Complaint"), in which they retracted their claims for wrongful termination and failure to apply production tax credits in calculating Plaintiffs' contingent compensation. Plaintiffs also added a claim that Darabont is entitled to a larger share, on a percentage basis, of contingent compensation than he is currently being accorded. On September 26, 2016, Plaintiffs filed their note of issue and certificate of readiness for trial, which included a claim for damages of $280 million or more and indicated that the parties have completed fact and expert discovery. The parties each filed motions for summary judgment. Oral arguments of the summary judgment motions took place on September 15, 2017. The Court has not yet ruled on the summary judgment motions. The Company has opposed Plaintiffs' claims. The Company believes that the asserted claims are without merit, denies the allegations and continues to defend the case vigorously. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company. On August 14, 2017, Robert Kirkman, Robert Kirkman, LLC, Glen Mazzara, 44 Strong Productions, Inc., David Alpert, Circle of Confusion Productions, LLC, New Circle of Confusion Productions, Inc., Gale Anne Hurd, and Valhalla Entertainment, Inc. f/k/a Valhalla Motion Pictures, Inc. (together, the “California Plaintiffs”) filed a complaint in California Superior Court in connection with California Plaintiffs’ rendering of services as writers and producers of the television series entitled The Walking Dead , as well as Fear the Walking Dead and/or Talking Dead , and the agreements between the parties related thereto (the "California Action"). The California Plaintiffs asserted that the Company has been improperly underpaying the California Plaintiffs under their contracts with the Company and they assert claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, inducing breach of contract, and liability for violation of Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200. On August 15, 2017, two of the California Plaintiffs, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert (and their associated production companies), along with Charles Eglee and his production company, United Bongo Drum, Inc., filed a complaint in New York Supreme Court alleging nearly identical claims as the California Action (the "New York Action"). Hurd, Alpert, and Eglee filed the New York Action in connection with their contract claims involving The Walking Dead because their agreements contained exclusive New York jurisdiction provisions. On October 23, 2017, the parties stipulated to discontinuing the New York Action without prejudice and consolidating all of the claims in the California Action. The California Plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages and restitution. While answers and/or responsive motions have yet to be filed, the Company believes that the asserted claims are without merit and will vigorously defend against them. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company. On January 18, 2018, the 2013 Plaintiffs filed a second action in New York Supreme Court in connection with Darabont’s services on The Walking Dead television series and agreements between the parties related thereto. The claims in the action allegedly arise from Plaintiffs' audit of their participation statements covering the accounting period from inception of The Walking Dead through September 30, 2014. Plaintiffs seek no less than $20 million in damages on claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and declaratory relief. Plaintiffs also seek a judicial determination that their contracts with the Company entitle them to an "actual fair market license fee" in connection with AMC Networks telecasting of The Walking Dead , which they allege is "substantially better than" what they received. The Company has not yet responded to the Complaint, and it has not yet been determined to what extent, if any, this action will be consolidated with the action Plaintiffs filed in the New York Supreme Court on December 17, 2013. The Company believes that the asserted claims are without merit, denies the allegations and will defend the case vigorously. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company. The Company is party to various lawsuits and claims in the ordinary course of business, including the matters described above. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty and while the impact of these matters on the Company's results of operations in any particular subsequent reporting period could be material, management does not believe that the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due.

Redeemable Noncontroling Intere

Redeemable Noncontroling Interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests In 2014, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired 49.9% of the limited liability company interests of New Video Channel America L.L.C, that owns the cable channel BBC AMERICA. In connection with acquisition, the terms of the agreement provide BBC Worldwide Americas, Inc. with a right to put all of its 50.1% noncontrolling interest to the Company at the greater of the then fair value or the fair value of the initial equity interest at inception. The put option is exercisable on the fifteenth and twenty-fifth year anniversary of the joint venture agreement. In connection with the creation of another joint venture entity in 2013, the terms of the agreement provide the noncontrolling member with a right to put all of its interest to the Company at the then fair value. Because exercise of these put rights is outside the Company's control, the noncontrolling interest in each entity is presented as redeemable noncontrolling interest outside of stockholders' equity (deficiency) on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The activity reflected within redeemable noncontrolling interest for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is presented below. (In thousands) Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest December 31, 2015 $ 211,691 Net earnings 16,669 Distributions (9,010 ) Other (19 ) December 31, 2016 $ 219,331 Net earnings 17,797 Distributions (18,561 ) Other 37 December 31, 2017 $ 218,604

Equity and Long-Term Incentive

Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Equity And Long-Term Incentive Plans	Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plans In 2011, the Company adopted the AMC Networks Inc. 2011 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "2011 Non-Employee Director Plan") and the AMC Networks Inc. 2011 Cash Incentive Plan (the "2011 Cash Incentive Plan"). All Plans were amended and restated and approved by the Company's shareholders on June 5, 2012. On June 8, 2016, the Company's shareholders approved the AMC Networks Inc. 2016 Employee Stock Plan (the "2016 Employee Stock Plan") and the AMC Networks Inc. 2016 Executive Cash Incentive Plan (the "2016 Cash Incentive Plan"). Upon approval of the 2016 Employee Stock Plan, all remaining available share authorization under the Company's 2011 Employee Stock Plan was canceled, other than those shares subject to outstanding grants of restricted stock units and options. Beginning with awards in 2016, the Company's long-term incentive program was modified and the Company issued performance restricted stock units ("PRSUs") whereas in prior years, long-term cash performance awards were issued. Equity Plans The 2016 Employee Stock Plan provides for the grants of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units and other equity-based awards (collectively, "awards"). Under the 2016 Employee Stock Plan, the Company may grant awards for up to 6,000,000 shares of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock (subject to certain adjustments). Equity-based awards granted under the 2016 Employee Stock Plan must be granted with an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of a share of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock on the date of grant and must expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant. The terms and conditions of awards granted under the 2016 Employee Stock Plan, including vesting and exercisability, are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors ("Compensation Committee") and may include terms or conditions based upon performance criteria. Awards issued to employees under the 2016 Employee Stock Plan will settle in shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock (either from treasury or with newly issued shares), or, at the option of the Compensation Committee, in cash. As of December 31, 2017 , there are 3,814,797 share awards available for future grant under the 2016 Employee Stock Plan. For the purpose of calculating the remaining shares available for issuance under the 2016 Employee Stock Plan, awards containing performance criteria are excluded based on the maximum potential performance target that can be achieved. Under the 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan, the Company is authorized to grant non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units, restricted shares, stock appreciation rights and other equity-based awards. The Company may grant awards for up to 465,000 shares of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock (subject to certain adjustments). Stock options under the 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan must be granted with an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of a share of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock on the date of grant and must expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant. The terms and conditions of awards granted under the 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan, including vesting and exercisability, are determined by the Compensation Committee. Unless otherwise provided in an applicable award agreement, stock options granted under this plan will be fully vested and exercisable, and restricted stock units granted under this plan will be fully vested, upon the date of grant and will settle in shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock (either from treasury or with newly issued shares), or, at the option of the Compensation Committee, in cash, on the first business day after ninety days from the date the director's service on the Board of Directors ceases or, if earlier, upon the director's death. As of December 31, 2017 , there are 188,233 shares available for future grant under the 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan. Restricted Stock Unit Activity The following table summarizes activity relating to Company employees who held AMC Networks restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2017 : Number of Restricted Stock Units Number of Performance Restricted Stock Units Weighted Average Fair Value Per Stock Unit at Date of Grant Unvested award balance, December 31, 2015 853,386 683,393 $ 70.07 Granted 493,659 767,693 $ 60.73 Released/Vested (257,114 ) (79,321 ) $ 61.28 Canceled/Forfeited (107,633 ) (17,304 ) $ 71.19 Unvested award balance, December 31, 2016 982,298 1,354,461 $ 66.23 Granted 586,600 642,139 $ 59.78 Released/Vested (392,892 ) (164,926 ) $ 71.48 Canceled/Forfeited (55,965 ) (15,527 ) $ 68.15 Unvested award balance, December 31, 2017 1,120,041 1,816,147 $ 62.53 During 2017, the Company issued 586,600 restricted stock units and 642,139 performance restricted stock units to certain executive officers and employees under the 2016 Employee Stock Plan. All restricted stock units granted during 2017 vest ratably over a three -year period. The target number of PRSUs granted represents the right to receive a corresponding number of shares, subject to adjustment based on the performance of the Company against target performance criteria for a three year period. The number of shares issuable at the end of the applicable measurement period ranges from 0% to 200% of the target PRSU award. The following table summarizes activity relating to Non-employee Directors who held AMC Networks restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2017 : Number of Restricted Stock Units Weighted Average Vested award balance, December 31, 2015 127,555 $ 51.33 Granted 27,066 $ 61.69 Released/Vested — $ — Vested award balance, December 31, 2016 154,621 $ 53.15 Granted 32,825 $ 53.48 Released/Vested — $ — Vested award balance, December 31, 2017 187,446 $ 53.20 Stock Option Award Activity The following table summarizes activity relating to employees of the Company who held unvested AMC Networks stock options for the year ended December 31, 2017 : Shares Under Option Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value(a) Time Vesting Options Balance, December 31, 2015 — $ — Granted 388,385 $ 48.26 Balance, December 31, 2016 388,385 $ 48.26 9.79 $ 1,585 Granted — $ — Balance, December 31, 2017 388,385 $ 48.26 8.79 $ 2,260 Options exercisable at December 31, 2017 129,462 $ 48.26 8.79 $ 753 Options expected to vest in the future 258,923 $ 48.26 8.79 $ 1,507 (a) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between (i) the exercise price of the underlying award and (ii) the quoted price of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock on December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016 , as indicated. Share-based Compensation Expense The Company recorded share-based compensation expense of $53.5 million , $38.9 million and $31.0 million reduced for forfeitures for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience. To the extent actual results of forfeitures differ from those estimates, such amounts are recorded as an adjustment in the period the estimates are revised. Share-based compensation expense is recognized in the consolidated statements of income as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2017 , there was $94.5 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation costs related to Company employees who held unvested AMC Networks restricted stock units and options. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining period of approximately 2.5 years . There were no costs related to share-based compensation that were capitalized. The Company receives income tax deductions related to restricted stock units, stock options or other equity awards granted to its employees by the Company. The Company uses the 'with-and-without' approach to determine the recognition and measurement of excess tax benefits and deficiencies. Cash flows resulting from excess tax benefits and deficiencies are classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 and as cash flows from financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Excess tax benefits are realized tax benefits from tax deductions for options exercised and restricted shares issued, in excess of the deferred tax asset attributable to stock compensation costs for such awards. Excess tax deficiencies are realized deficiencies from tax deductions being less than the deferred tax asset. Excess tax deficiencies of $2.2 million and excess tax benefits of $0.8 million and $4.6 million were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Long-Term Incentive Plans Under the terms of the 2011 Cash Incentive Plan and 2016 Cash Incentive Plan, the Company is authorized to grant a cash award to certain employees. The terms and conditions of such awards are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors, may include the achievement of certain performance criteria and may extend for a period not to exceed ten years. In 2016, the Company's long-term incentive program was modified and the Company issued PRSUs whereas long-term cash performance awards were issued in prior years. In connection with the long-term incentive awards outstanding, the Company recorded expense of $7.5 million , $15.1 million and $30.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 respectively. Liabilities for long-term incentive awards of $24.3 million and $44.8 million are included in accrued liabilities and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company has accrued the amount earned that it currently believes will ultimately be paid based upon the performance criteria established for these performance-based awards.

Benefit Plans

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	Benefit Plans Certain employees of the Company participate in the AMC Networks 401(k) Savings Plan (the "401(k) Plan"), a qualified defined contribution plan, and the AMC Networks Excess Savings Plan (the "Excess Savings Plan"), a non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Under the 401(k) Plan, participating Company employees may contribute into their plan accounts a percentage of their eligible pay on a before-tax basis as well as a percentage of their eligible pay on an after-tax basis. The Company makes matching contributions on behalf of participating employees in accordance with the terms of the 401(k) Plan. In addition to the matching contribution, the Company may make a discretionary year-end contribution to employee 401(k) Plan accounts up to 4% of eligible compensation, subject to certain conditions. The Company provides a matching contribution to the Excess Savings Plan similar to the 401(k) Plan. Total expense related to all benefit plans was $9.1 million , $10.9 million and $13.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company does not provide postretirement benefits for any of its employees.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions On June 30, 2011, Cablevision spun off the Company (the "Distribution") and the Company became an independent public company. At the time of the Distribution, both Cablevision and AMC Networks were controlled by Charles F. Dolan, certain members of his immediate family and certain family related entities (collectively the "Dolan Family"). Members of the Dolan Family, for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including trusts for the benefit of the Dolan Family, collectively beneficially own all of the Company's outstanding Class B Common Stock and own approximately 2% of the Company's outstanding Class A Common Stock. Such shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, collectively, represent approximately 71% of the aggregate voting power of the Company's outstanding common stock. Members of the Dolan Family are also the controlling stockholders of The Madison Square Garden Company ("MSG") and MSG Networks Inc. ("MSG Networks"). Prior to June 21, 2016, members of the Dolan Family were also the controlling stockholders of Cablevision. On June 21, 2016, Cablevision was acquired by a subsidiary of Altice N.V. and a change in control occurred which resulted in members of the Dolan Family no longer being controlling stockholders of the surviving company, Altice USA. Accordingly, Altice USA is not a related party of AMC Networks. In connection with the Distribution, the Company entered into various agreements with Cablevision that govern certain of the Company's relationships with Cablevision subsequent to the Distribution. These agreements include arrangements with respect to transition services and a number of on-going commercial relationships. The distribution agreement includes an agreement that the Company and Cablevision agree to provide each other with indemnities with respect to liabilities arising out of the businesses Cablevision transferred to the Company. In addition, the Company provides services to and receives services from MSG and MSG Networks. Revenues, net The Company recorded affiliation fee revenues earned under affiliation agreements with subsidiaries of Cablevision. In addition, AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology has entered into agreements with MSG Networks to provide various transponder, technical and support services through 2020. Revenues, net from related parties amounted to $6.2 million , $15.9 million , and $27.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Selling, General and Administrative Amounts charged to the Company, included in selling, general and administrative expenses, pursuant to a transition services agreement and for other transactions with its related parties amounted to $1.5 million , $3.1 million and $4.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. In connection with the Distribution, Cablevision and AMC Networks entered into a transition services agreement under which, in exchange for the fees specified in such agreement, Cablevision agreed to provide transition services with regard to such areas as accounting, information systems, risk management and employee services, compensation and benefits. Under the transition services agreement, AMC Networks also provides certain services to Cablevision and MSG on behalf of Cablevision. This agreement was terminated effective June 21, 2016. On June 16, 2016, AMC Networks entered into an arrangement with the Dolan Family Office, LLC ("DFO"), MSG and MSG Networks providing for the sharing of certain expenses associated with executive office space which will be available to Charles F. Dolan (the Executive Chairman and a director of the Company and a director of MSG and MSG Networks), James L. Dolan (the Executive Chairman and a director of MSG and MSG Networks and a director of the Company), and the DFO which is controlled by Charles F. Dolan. The Company's share of initial set-up costs and office expenses is not material.

Cash Flows

Cash Flows	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash Flows	Cash Flows During 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows: (In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities: Continuing Operations: Increase in capital lease obligations — 10,982 6,191 Treasury stock not yet settled 995 10,454 — Exercise of RLJE Warrants 5,001 — — Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid 5,889 6,988 6,423 Supplemental Data: Cash interest paid—continuing operations 110,650 128,319 120,394 Income taxes paid, net—continuing operations 219,425 106,476 186,725

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table details the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss: (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2017 Currency Translation Adjustment Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges Gains (Losses) on Available for Sale Investments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Beginning Balance $ (194,189 ) $ 391 $ — $ (193,798 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 76,023 565 5,398 81,986 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (600 ) — (600 ) Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, before income taxes 76,023 (35 ) 5,398 81,386 Income tax expense — 13 (1,987 ) (1,974 ) Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes 76,023 (22 ) 3,411 79,412 Ending Balance $ (118,166 ) $ 369 $ 3,411 $ (114,386 ) (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2016 Currency Translation Adjustment Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Beginning Balance $ (136,434 ) $ 377 $ (136,057 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (45,426 ) (565 ) (45,991 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 587 587 Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, before income taxes (45,426 ) 22 (45,404 ) Income tax expense (12,329 ) (8 ) (12,337 ) Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes (57,755 ) 14 (57,741 ) Ending Balance $ (194,189 ) $ 391 $ (193,798 ) Amounts reclassified to net earnings for gains and losses on cash flow hedges designated as hedging instruments are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company classifies its operations into two operating segments: National Networks and International and Other. These operating segments represent strategic business units that are managed separately. The Company generally allocates all corporate overhead costs within operating expenses to the Company's two operating segments based upon their proportionate estimated usage of services, including such costs as executive salaries and benefits, costs of maintaining corporate headquarters, facilities and common support functions (such as human resources, legal, finance, strategic planning and information technology) as well as sales support functions and creative and production services. The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is operating segment adjusted operating income ("AOI"), a non-GAAP measure, defined as operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit, impairment and related charges (including gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses), and restructuring expense or credit. The Company has presented the components that reconcile adjusted operating income to operating income, an accepted GAAP measure, and other information as to the continuing operations of the Company's operating segments below. (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2017 National Networks International and Other Inter-segment eliminations Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 959,551 $ 89,894 $ — $ 1,049,445 Distribution 1,408,064 367,288 (19,106 ) 1,756,246 Consolidated revenues, net $ 2,367,615 $ 457,182 $ (19,106 ) $ 2,805,691 Operating income (loss) $ 817,566 $ (88,894 ) $ (6,313 ) $ 722,359 Share-based compensation expense 43,697 9,848 — 53,545 Restructuring (credit) expense (53 ) 6,181 — 6,128 Impairment and related charges — 28,148 — 28,148 Depreciation and amortization 33,702 60,936 — 94,638 Adjusted operating income $ 894,912 $ 16,219 $ (6,313 ) $ 904,818 Capital expenditures $ 25,333 $ 54,716 $ — $ 80,049 (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2016 National Networks International and Other Inter-segment eliminations Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 990,508 $ 94,467 $ (1,000 ) $ 1,083,975 Distribution 1,320,532 365,529 (14,382 ) 1,671,679 Consolidated revenues, net $ 2,311,040 $ 459,996 $ (15,382 ) $ 2,755,654 Operating income (loss) $ 784,027 $ (120,914 ) $ (5,557 ) $ 657,556 Share-based compensation expense 30,569 8,328 — 38,897 Restructuring expense 8,516 20,987 — 29,503 Impairment and related charges — 67,805 — 67,805 Depreciation and amortization 32,376 52,402 — 84,778 Adjusted operating income $ 855,488 $ 28,608 $ (5,557 ) $ 878,539 Capital expenditures $ 15,947 $ 63,273 $ — $ 79,220 (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2015 National Networks International and Other Inter-segment eliminations Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 945,288 $ 82,972 $ — $ 1,028,260 Distribution 1,190,079 369,606 (7,010 ) 1,552,675 Consolidated revenues, net $ 2,135,367 $ 452,578 $ (7,010 ) $ 2,580,935 Operating income (loss) $ 754,243 $ (42,542 ) $ (2,508 ) $ 709,193 Share-based compensation expense 23,814 7,206 — 31,020 Restructuring expense 3,194 11,804 — 14,998 Depreciation and amortization 29,742 53,289 — 83,031 Adjusted operating income $ 810,993 $ 29,757 $ (2,508 ) $ 838,242 Capital expenditures $ 24,386 $ 43,935 $ — $ 68,321 Inter-segment eliminations are primarily licensing revenues recognized between the National Networks and International and Other segments as well as revenues recognized by AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology for transmission revenues recognized from the International and Other operating segment. (In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Inter-segment revenues National Networks $ (17,634 ) $ (14,963 ) $ (6,719 ) International and Other (1,472 ) (419 ) (291 ) $ (19,106 ) $ (15,382 ) $ (7,010 ) One customer primarily within the National Networks segment accounted for approximately 11% of consolidated revenues, net for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . No customers accounted for more than 10% of revenues, net for the year ended December 31, 2015 . The table below summarizes revenue based on customer location: (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Revenue United States $ 2,244,057 $ 2,215,430 Europe 369,815 384,234 Other 191,819 155,990 $ 2,805,691 $ 2,755,654 The table below summarizes property and equipment based on asset location: (In thousands) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Property and equipment, net United States $ 136,203 $ 104,939 Europe 28,261 39,976 Other 19,050 21,721 $ 183,514 $ 166,636

Condensed Consolidating Financi

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Debt of AMC Networks includes $600.0 million of 4.75% Notes due December 2022 and $1.0 billion of 5.00% Notes due April 2024 and $800.0 million of 4.75% Notes due August 2025. All outstanding senior notes issued by AMC Networks are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of its existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries (the "Guarantor Subsidiaries"). All Guarantor Subsidiaries are owned 100% by AMC Networks. The outstanding notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a joint and several basis. Set forth below are condensed consolidating financial statements presenting the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows of (i) the Parent Company, (ii) the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis (as such guarantees are joint and several), (iii) the direct and indirect non-guarantor subsidiaries of the Parent Company (the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries") on a combined basis and (iv) reclassifications and eliminations necessary to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis. Basis of Presentation In presenting the condensed consolidating financial statements, the equity method of accounting has been applied to (i) the Parent Company's interests in the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and (ii) the Guarantor Subsidiaries' interests in the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, even though all such subsidiaries meet the requirements to be consolidated under GAAP. All intercompany balances and transactions between the Parent Company, the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries have been eliminated, as shown in the column "Eliminations." The accounting basis in all subsidiaries, including goodwill and identified intangible assets, have been allocated to the applicable subsidiaries. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 320 $ 391,248 $ 167,215 $ — $ 558,783 Accounts receivable, trade — 581,270 194,621 — 775,891 Current portion of program rights, net — 304,149 149,301 — 453,450 Prepaid expenses, other current assets and intercompany receivable 3,760 183,815 8,540 (104,389 ) 91,726 Total current assets 4,080 1,460,482 519,677 (104,389 ) 1,879,850 Property and equipment, net — 136,032 47,482 — 183,514 Investment in affiliates 3,443,013 934,612 — (4,377,625 ) — Program rights, net — 1,128,021 191,258 — 1,319,279 Long-term intercompany notes receivable — 489,939 436 (490,375 ) — Deferred carriage fees, net — 29,346 578 — 29,924 Intangible assets, net — 170,554 286,688 — 457,242 Goodwill — 66,609 628,549 — 695,158 Deferred tax asset, net — — 20,081 — 20,081 Other assets — 142,115 305,822 447,937 Total assets $ 3,447,093 $ 4,557,710 $ 2,000,571 $ (4,972,389 ) $ 5,032,985 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 350 $ 50,282 $ 51,565 $ — $ 102,197 Accrued liabilities and intercompany payable 51,692 179,003 136,770 (104,389 ) 263,076 Current portion of program rights obligations — 262,004 65,545 — 327,549 Deferred revenue — 27,530 18,903 — 46,433 Current portion of capital lease obligations — 2,939 1,908 — 4,847 Total current liabilities 52,042 521,758 274,691 (104,389 ) 744,102 Program rights obligations — 511,996 22,984 — 534,980 Long-term debt, net 3,099,257 — — — 3,099,257 Capital lease obligations — 3,745 22,532 — 26,277 Deferred tax liability, net 114,717 — (5,019 ) — 109,698 Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable 46,133 77,198 503,166 (490,375 ) 136,122 Total liabilities 3,312,149 1,114,697 818,354 (594,764 ) 4,650,436 Commitments and contingencies Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — 218,604 — 218,604 Stockholders' equity: AMC Networks stockholders' equity 134,944 3,443,013 934,612 (4,377,625 ) 134,944 Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests — — 29,001 — 29,001 Total stockholders' equity 134,944 3,443,013 963,613 (4,377,625 ) 163,945 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 3,447,093 $ 4,557,710 $ 2,000,571 $ (4,972,389 ) $ 5,032,985 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 565 $ 320,950 $ 159,874 $ — $ 481,389 Accounts receivable, trade — 538,259 162,904 — 701,163 Current portion of program rights, net — 307,050 134,080 — 441,130 Prepaid expenses, other current assets and intercompany receivable 948 151,175 15,961 (95,423 ) 72,661 Total current assets 1,513 1,317,434 472,819 (95,423 ) 1,696,343 Property and equipment, net — 104,272 62,364 — 166,636 Investment in affiliates 3,029,922 784,024 — (3,813,946 ) — Program rights, net — 947,657 160,929 — 1,108,586 Long-term intercompany notes receivable — 432,099 817 (432,916 ) — Deferred carriage fees, net — 42,656 1,230 — 43,886 Intangible assets, net — 180,297 305,512 — 485,809 Goodwill — 69,154 588,554 — 657,708 Deferred tax asset, net — — 8,598 — 8,598 Other assets 1,471 116,608 194,950 — 313,029 Total assets $ 3,032,906 $ 3,994,201 $ 1,795,773 $ (4,342,285 ) $ 4,480,595 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIENCY) EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ — $ 40,033 $ 48,644 $ — $ 88,677 Accrued liabilities and intercompany payable 71,680 182,667 125,505 (95,423 ) 284,429 Current portion of program rights obligations — 226,474 74,371 — 300,845 Deferred revenue — 42,782 10,861 — 53,643 Current portion of long-term debt 222,000 — — — 222,000 Current portion of capital lease obligations — 2,645 1,939 — 4,584 Total current liabilities 293,680 494,601 261,320 (95,423 ) 954,178 Program rights obligations — 365,262 32,913 — 398,175 Long-term debt, net 2,597,263 — — — 2,597,263 Capital lease obligations — 6,647 28,635 — 35,282 Deferred tax liability, net 145,364 — 427 — 145,791 Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable 26,681 97,769 440,685 (432,916 ) 132,219 Total liabilities 3,062,988 964,279 763,980 (528,339 ) 4,262,908 Commitments and contingencies Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — 219,331 — 219,331 Stockholders' deficiency: AMC Networks stockholders' (deficiency) equity (30,082 ) 3,029,922 784,024 (3,813,946 ) (30,082 ) Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests — — 28,438 — 28,438 Total stockholders' (deficiency) equity (30,082 ) 3,029,922 812,462 (3,813,946 ) (1,644 ) Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 3,032,906 $ 3,994,201 $ 1,795,773 $ (4,342,285 ) $ 4,480,595 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income Year Ended December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues, net $ — $ 2,182,867 $ 637,823 $ (14,999 ) $ 2,805,691 Operating expenses: Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) — 991,476 352,788 (3,188 ) 1,341,076 Selling, general and administrative — 447,118 178,332 (12,108 ) 613,342 Depreciation and amortization — 40,923 53,715 — 94,638 Impairment and related charges — — 28,148 — 28,148 Restructuring expense — 2,566 3,562 — 6,128 Total operating expenses — 1,482,083 616,545 (15,296 ) 2,083,332 Operating income — 700,784 21,278 297 722,359 Other income (expense): Interest expense, net (129,971 ) 41,934 (31,260 ) — (119,297 ) Share of affiliates' income (loss) 748,430 13,360 — (761,790 ) — Loss on extinguishment of debt (3,004 ) — — — (3,004 ) Miscellaneous, net (1,530 ) 2,484 39,663 (297 ) 40,320 Total other income (expense) 613,925 57,778 8,403 (762,087 ) (81,981 ) Income from operations before income taxes 613,925 758,562 29,681 (761,790 ) 640,378 Income tax (expense) benefit (142,609 ) (10,132 ) 2,000 — (150,741 ) Net income including noncontrolling interests 471,316 748,430 31,681 (761,790 ) 489,637 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (18,321 ) — (18,321 ) Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders $ 471,316 $ 748,430 $ 13,360 $ (761,790 ) $ 471,316 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income Year Ended December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues, net $ — $ 2,142,325 $ 623,892 $ (10,563 ) $ 2,755,654 Operating expenses: Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) — 947,707 334,888 (2,611 ) 1,279,984 Selling, general and administrative — 460,150 183,597 (7,719 ) 636,028 Depreciation and amortization — 40,230 44,548 — 84,778 Impairment and related charges — — 67,805 — 67,805 Restructuring expense — 24,950 4,553 — 29,503 Total operating expenses — 1,473,037 635,391 (10,330 ) 2,098,098 Operating income (loss) — 669,288 (11,499 ) (233 ) 657,556 Other income (expense): Interest expense, net (119,192 ) 38,137 (37,513 ) — (118,568 ) Share of affiliates' income (loss) 591,395 (103,464 ) — (487,931 ) — Loss on extinguishment of debt (50,639 ) — — — (50,639 ) Miscellaneous, net (273 ) (2,892 ) (30,592 ) 233 (33,524 ) Total other income (expense) 421,291 (68,219 ) (68,105 ) (487,698 ) (202,731 ) Income (loss) from operations before income taxes 421,291 601,069 (79,604 ) (487,931 ) 454,825 Income tax expense (150,781 ) (9,674 ) (4,407 ) — (164,862 ) Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests 270,510 591,395 (84,011 ) (487,931 ) 289,963 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (19,453 ) — (19,453 ) Net income (loss) attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders $ 270,510 $ 591,395 $ (103,464 ) $ (487,931 ) $ 270,510 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Year Ended December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income including noncontrolling interest $ 471,316 $ 748,430 $ 31,681 $ (761,790 ) $ 489,637 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustment 76,023 — 76,023 (76,023 ) 76,023 Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps (35 ) — — — (35 ) Unrealized gain on available for sale securities 5,398 — — — 5,398 Other comprehensive income, before income taxes 81,386 — 76,023 (76,023 ) 81,386 Income tax expense (1,974 ) — — — (1,974 ) Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes 79,412 — 76,023 (76,023 ) 79,412 Comprehensive income 550,728 748,430 107,704 (837,813 ) 569,049 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (21,430 ) — (21,430 ) Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders $ 550,728 $ 748,430 $ 86,274 $ (837,813 ) $ 547,619 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Year Ended December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest $ 270,510 $ 591,395 $ (84,011 ) $ (487,931 ) $ 289,963 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustment (45,426 ) — (45,426 ) 45,426 (45,426 ) Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps 22 — — — 22 Other comprehensive loss, before income taxes (45,404 ) — (45,426 ) 45,426 (45,404 ) Income tax expense (12,337 ) — — — (12,337 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes (57,741 ) — (45,426 ) 45,426 (57,741 ) Comprehensive income (loss) 212,769 591,395 (129,437 ) (442,505 ) 232,222 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (16,491 ) — (16,491 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders $ 212,769 $ 591,395 $ (145,928 ) $ (442,505 ) $ 215,731 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash provided by operating activities $ 454,539 $ 662,123 $ 31,157 $ (762,090 ) $ 385,729 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures — (63,925 ) (16,124 ) — (80,049 ) Return of capital from investees — 1,868 579 — 2,447 Investments in and loans to investees — — (53,000 ) — (53,000 ) (Increase) decrease to investment in affiliates (282,424 ) (2,234,682 ) 2,082,401 434,705 — Net cash used in investing activities (282,424 ) (2,296,739 ) 2,013,856 434,705 (130,602 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt 1,536,000 — — — 1,536,000 Repayment of long-term debt (1,257,965 ) — — — (1,257,965 ) Payments for financing costs (10,405 ) — — — (10,405 ) Deemed repurchases of restricted stock/units (14,496 ) — — — (14,496 ) Purchase of treasury stock (434,210 ) — — — (434,210 ) Principal payments on capital lease obligations — (2,725 ) (1,848 ) — (4,573 ) Distributions to noncontrolling interest — — (18,561 ) — (18,561 ) Net cash used in financing activities (181,076 ) (2,725 ) (20,409 ) — (204,210 ) Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents from operations (8,961 ) (1,637,341 ) 2,024,604 (327,385 ) 50,917 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 8,716 1,707,639 (2,017,263 ) 327,385 26,477 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 565 320,950 159,874 — 481,389 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 320 $ 391,248 $ 167,215 $ — $ 558,783 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash provided by operating activities $ 401,179 $ 548,381 $ 55,450 $ (490,685 ) $ 514,325 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures — (42,064 ) (37,156 ) — (79,220 ) Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — (354 ) — (354 ) Investments in and loans to investees — — (95,000 ) — (95,000 ) (Increase) decrease to investment in affiliates (159,533 ) (69,231 ) — 228,764 — Net cash used in investing activities (159,533 ) (111,295 ) (132,510 ) 228,764 (174,574 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt 982,500 — — — 982,500 Repayment of long-term debt (848,000 ) — — — (848,000 ) Premium and fees paid on extinguishment of debt (40,954 ) — — — (40,954 ) Payments for financing costs (2,070 ) — — — (2,070 ) Deemed repurchases of restricted stock/units (10,822 ) — — — (10,822 ) Purchase of treasury stock (223,237 ) — — — (223,237 ) Proceeds from stock option exercises 1,228 — — — 1,228 Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements 789 — — — 789 Principal payments on capital lease obligations — (2,475 ) (1,813 ) — (4,288 ) Distributions to noncontrolling interest — — (9,010 ) — (9,010 ) Net cash used in financing activities (140,566 ) (2,475 ) (10,823 ) — (153,864 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from operations 101,080 434,611 (87,883 ) (261,921 ) 185,887 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (100,949 ) (261,921 ) 80,130 261,921 (20,819 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 434 148,260 167,627 — 316,321 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 565 $ 320,950 $ 159,874 $ — $ 481,389

Interim Financial Information (

Interim Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Interim Financial Information (Unaudited)	Interim Financial Information (Unaudited) The following is a summary of the Company's selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 : (In thousands) For the three months ended, 2017: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2017 Revenues, net $ 720,189 $ 710,545 $ 648,023 $ 726,934 $ 2,805,691 Operating expenses (488,518 ) (534,755 ) (494,669 ) (565,390 ) (2,083,332 ) Operating income $ 231,671 $ 175,790 $ 153,354 $ 161,544 $ 722,359 Net income including noncontrolling interests $ 142,631 $ 107,626 $ 90,836 $ 148,544 $ 489,637 Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders $ 136,217 $ 102,598 $ 87,002 $ 145,499 $ 471,316 Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders: Basic $ 2.00 $ 1.55 $ 1.37 $ 2.36 $ 7.26 Diluted $ 1.98 $ 1.54 $ 1.35 $ 2.33 $ 7.18 (In thousands) For the three months ended, 2016: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2016 Revenues, net $ 706,579 $ 684,832 $ 634,646 $ 729,597 $ 2,755,654 Operating expenses (447,920 ) (506,800 ) (517,509 ) (625,869 ) (2,098,098 ) Operating income $ 258,659 $ 178,032 $ 117,137 $ 103,728 $ 657,556 Net income including noncontrolling interests $ 120,064 $ 83,387 $ 67,469 $ 19,043 $ 289,963 Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders $ 113,444 $ 77,175 $ 65,393 $ 14,498 $ 270,510 Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders: Basic $ 1.56 $ 1.06 $ 0.91 $ 0.21 $ 3.77 Diluted $ 1.55 $ 1.05 $ 0.91 $ 0.20 $ 3.74 The results for the fourth quarter of 2017 were impacted by the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Specifically, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $56.9 million which represents the one-time impact of the change in the corporate tax rate on deferred tax assets and liabilities, partially offset by the one-time transition tax liability, net of foreign taxes deemed paid.

Schedule II Valuation and Quali

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure	(In thousands) Balance at Beginning of Period Provision for (Recovery of) Bad Debt Deductions/ Write-Offs and Other Charges, Net Balance at End of Period Year Ended December 31, 2017 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 6,064 $ 3,567 $ 60 $ 9,691 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 4,307 $ 1,924 $ (167 ) $ 6,064 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 4,276 $ 1,705 $ (1,674 ) $ 4,307

Description of Business and B34

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMC Networks and its majority owned or controlled subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates, Policy	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include derivative assets and liabilities, certain stock compensation awards, the useful lives and methodologies used to amortize and assess recoverability of program rights, the estimated useful lives of intangible assets, valuation and recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets and income tax assets and liabilities.

Summary of Significant Accoun35

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition, Policy	Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, delivery occurs or services are rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue recognition for each source of the Company's revenue is based on the following policies: Distribution Subscription revenue is recognized from cable and other multichannel video programming distribution platforms, including direct broadcast satellite ("DBS"), platforms operated by telecommunications providers and virtual multichannel video programming distributors (collectively "distributors") that carry the Company's programming services under multi-year contracts, commonly referred to as "affiliation agreements." The programming services are delivered throughout the terms of the agreements and the Company recognizes revenue as programming is provided. Subscription revenue from the Company's subscription streaming services (i.e. Sundance Now and Shudder) is recognized as programming is provided to customers. Content licensing revenue is recognized from the licensing of original programming for distribution upon availability or distribution by the licensee. Revenue from video on demand and similar pay-per-view arrangements is recognized as programming is exhibited based on end-customer purchases as reported by the distributor. Revenue derived from other sources is recognized when delivery occurs or the services are rendered. Advertising Advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, when commercials are aired. In most advertising sales arrangements, the Company's programming businesses guarantee specified viewer ratings for their programming. For these types of transactions, a portion of such revenue is deferred if the guaranteed viewer ratings are not met and is subsequently recognized either when the Company provides the required additional advertising time or the guarantee obligation contractually expires.
Multiple-Element Transactions, Policy	Multiple-Element Transactions For multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements, the Company uses the relative selling price method to allocate the arrangement consideration. Under the relative selling price method, the Company determines its best estimate of selling price in a manner consistent with that used to determine the price to sell the deliverable on a stand-alone basis. For multiple-element deliverable arrangements that include elements other than revenue, if there is objective and reliable evidence of fair value for all elements of accounting, the arrangement consideration is allocated to the separate elements of accounting based on relative fair values. There may be cases in which there is objective and reliable evidence of fair value of undelivered items in an arrangement but no such evidence for the delivered items. In those cases, the total fair value of the undelivered elements, as indicated by vendor-specific objective evidence, is deferred and the remainder of the arrangement consideration is allocated to the delivered elements.
Techincal and Operating Expenses, Policy	Technical and Operating Expenses Costs of revenues, including but not limited to programming expense, primarily consisting of amortization or write-offs of programming rights, such as those for original programming, feature films and licensed series, participation and residual costs, distribution and production related costs and program delivery operating costs, such as origination, transmission, uplinking and encryption, are classified as technical and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Advertising and Distribution Expenses, Policy	Advertising and Distribution Expenses Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Advertising costs were $200.4 million , $222.1 million and $210.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Marketing, distribution and general and administrative costs related to the exploitation of owned original programming are expensed as incurred and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Share-based Compensation, Policy	Share-Based Compensation The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity-based instruments based on the grant date fair value of the portion of awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The cost is recognized in earnings over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award using a straight-line amortization method, except for restricted stock units granted to non-employee directors which vest 100% , and are expensed, at the date of grant. Share-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Foreign Currency, Policy	Foreign Currency The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of most of the Company's international subsidiaries is the local currency. Assets and liabilities, including intercompany balances for which settlement is anticipated in the foreseeable future, are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Foreign currency equity balances are translated at historical rates. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at average exchange rates for the respective periods. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income ("OCI") in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity (deficiency). Transactions denominated in currencies other than subsidiaries' functional currencies are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Changes in exchange rates with respect to amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets related to these items will result in unrealized foreign currency transaction gains and losses based upon period-end exchange rates. The Company also records realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses upon settlement of the transactions. The Company recognized foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (realized and unrealized) of $15.0 million , $(39.0) million and $(22.0) million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, which are included in miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statements of income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company's cash investments are placed with money market funds and financial institutions that are investment grade as rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service. The Company selects money market funds that predominantly invest in marketable, direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies, commercial paper, fully collateralized repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, and time deposits. The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value.
Accounts Receivable, Trade, Policy	Accounts Receivable, Trade The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of valuation allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable by evaluating the collectability of outstanding receivables and general factors such as length of time individual receivables are past due, historical collection experience, and the economic and competitive environment. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had $150.2 million and $114.3 million , respectively, of accounts receivable contractually due in excess of one-year, which are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
Program Rights, Policy	Program Rights Rights to programming, including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements are stated at the lower of unamortized cost or net realizable value. Such licensed rights along with the related obligations are recorded at the contract value when a license agreement is executed, unless there is uncertainty with respect to either cost, acceptability or availability. If such uncertainty exists, those rights and obligations are recorded at the earlier of when the uncertainty is resolved or the license period begins. Costs are amortized to technical and operating expense on a straight-line basis over a period not to exceed the respective license periods. The Company's owned original programming is primarily produced by production companies, with the remainder produced by the Company. Owned original programming costs, including estimated participation and residual costs, qualifying for capitalization as program rights are amortized to technical and operating expense over their estimated useful lives, commencing upon the first airing, based on attributable revenue for airings to date as a percentage of total projected attributable revenue, or ultimate revenue (film-forecast-computation method). Projected attributable revenue is based on previously generated revenues for similar content in established markets, primarily consisting of distribution and advertising revenues, and projected program usage. Projected program usage is based on the Company's current expectation of future exhibitions taking into account historical usage of similar content. Projected attributable revenue can change based upon programming market acceptance, levels of distribution and advertising revenue and decisions regarding planned program usage. These calculations require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment regarding revenue and planned usage. Accordingly, the Company periodically reviews revenue estimates and planned usage and revises its assumptions if necessary, which could impact the timing of amortization expense or result in a write-down to fair value. The Company periodically reviews the programming usefulness of its licensed and owned original program rights based on a series of factors, including expected future revenue generation from airings on the Company's networks and other exploitation opportunities, ratings, type and quality of program material, standards and practices, and fitness for exhibition through various forms of distribution. If it is determined that film or other program rights have limited, or no, future programming usefulness, a write-off of the unamortized cost is included in technical and operating expense. See Note 5 for further discussion regarding program rights write-offs.
Investments, Policy	Investments The Company holds investments in equity method and cost method investees and other marketable securities. Investments in equity method investees are those for which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary. Significant influence typically exists if the Company has a 20% to 50% ownership interest in a venture unless persuasive evidence to the contrary exists. Under this method of accounting, the Company records its proportionate share of the net earnings or losses of equity method investees and a corresponding increase or decrease to the investment balances. Cash payments to equity method investees such as additional investments, loans and advances and expenses incurred on behalf of investees, as well as payments from equity method investees such as dividends, distributions and repayments of loans and advances are recorded as adjustments to investment balances. The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. Investments in entities or other securities in which the Company has no control or significant influence and is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for at fair value or cost. Investments in equity securities with readily determinable fair values are accounted for at fair value, based on quoted market prices, and classified as either trading securities or available-for-sale securities. For investments classified as trading securities, unrealized and realized gains and losses related to the investment and corresponding liability are recorded in earnings as a component of miscellaneous, net, in the consolidated statements of income. For investments classified as available-for-sale securities, which include investments in common stock, unrealized gains and losses are recorded net of income taxes in other comprehensive (loss) income until the security is sold or considered impaired. If declines in the value of available-for-sale securities are determined to be other-than-temporary, a loss is recorded in earnings in the current period as a component of miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statements of income. Impairments are determined based on, among other factors, the length of time the fair value of the investment has been less than the carrying value, future business prospects for the investee, and information regarding market and industry trends for the investee's business, if available. For purposes of computing realized gains and losses, the Company determines cost on a specific identification basis. Cost method investments are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. If declines in the value of cost method investments are determined to be other-than-temporary, a loss is recorded in earnings in the current period as a component of miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statements of income.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Policy	Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets Property and equipment are carried at cost. Equipment under capital leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets' useful lives and reported in depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of income. Amortizable intangible assets established in connection with business combinations primarily consist of affiliate and customer relationships, advertiser relationships and tradenames. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives. The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property and equipment, and amortizable intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. See Note 3 for further discussion regarding impairment charges incurred related to long-lived assets associated with the Company's AMCNI – DMC asset group. Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Goodwill Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are tested annually for impairment and upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. The annual goodwill impairment test allows for the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. An entity may choose to perform the qualitative assessment on none, some or all of its reporting units or an entity may bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit and proceed directly to step one of the quantitative impairment test. If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of a reporting unit is, more likely than not, less than its carrying value, the quantitative impairment test is required. For impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017, the Company adopted the guidance in Accounting Standards Update 2017-04 Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which removes step 2 of the goodwill impairment test and replaces it with a simplified model. Under the simplified model, the Company calculates any goodwill impairment as the difference between the carrying amount of a reporting unit and its fair value, but not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. For impairment tests performed before January 1, 2017, the quantitative impairment test is a two-step process. The first step compares the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with its fair value utilizing an enterprise-value based approach. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of the goodwill impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill that would be recognized in a business combination. See Note 3 for further discussion regarding impairment charges incurred relating to goodwill associated with the Company's AMCNI – DMC reporting unit. Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Indefinite-lived intangible assets established in connection with business combinations primarily consist of trademarks. The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Deferred Carriage Fees, Policy	Deferred Carriage Fees Deferred carriage fees represent amounts principally paid to multichannel video programming distributors to obtain additional subscribers and/or guarantee carriage of certain programming services and are amortized as a reduction of revenue over the period of the related affiliation arrangement (up to 13 years).
Derivative Financial Instruments, Policy	Derivative Financial Instruments The Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet based on their fair values. The Company's embedded derivative financial instruments which are clearly and closely related to the host contracts are not accounted for on a stand-alone basis. Changes in the fair values are reported in earnings or other comprehensive income depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. Derivative instruments are designated and accounted for as either a hedge of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge) or a hedge of a forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge). For derivatives not designated as hedges, changes in fair values are recognized in earnings and included in interest expense, for interest rate swap contracts and miscellaneous, net, for foreign currency and other derivative contracts. For derivatives designated as effective cash flow hedges, changes in fair values are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Changes in fair values related to fair value hedges as well as the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged item of a fair value hedge are also recognized in earnings. See Note 12 for a further discussion of the Company's derivative financial instruments.
Income Taxes, Policy	Income Taxes The Company's provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and estimates with regard to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions. Deferred tax assets are evaluated quarterly for expected future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent management believes it is more likely than not that a portion will not be realized. The Company provides deferred taxes for the outside basis difference for its investment in partnerships. Interest and penalties, if any, associated with uncertain tax positions are included in income tax expense.
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy	Commitments and Contingencies Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated.
Concentration of Credit Risk, Policy	Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. Cash is invested in money market funds and bank time deposits. The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution. The Company's emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the yield on its investments. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , one customer accounted for 20% and 19% , respectively, of the combined balances of consolidated accounts receivable, trade and receivables due in excess of one-year (included in other assets).
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests, Policy	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling interest with redemption features, such as put options, that are not solely within the Company's control are considered redeemable noncontrolling interests. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are considered to be temporary equity and are reported in the mezzanine section between total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficiency) in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at the greater of the initial carrying amount, increased or decreased for the noncontrolling interest's share of net income or loss, or its redemption value.
Net Income per Share, Policy	Net Income per Share The consolidated statements of income present basic and diluted net income per share ("EPS"). Basic EPS is based upon net income divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the dilutive effects of AMC Networks outstanding equity-based awards. The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding: (In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 64,905 71,746 72,420 Effect of dilution: Stock options 1 13 148 Restricted stock units 719 651 622 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 65,625 72,410 73,190
Common Stock of AMC Networks, Policy	Common Stock of AMC Networks Each holder of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock has one vote per share while holders of AMC Networks Class B Common Stock have ten votes per share. AMC Networks Class B shares can be converted to AMC Networks Class A Common Stock at any time with a conversion ratio of one AMC Networks Class A common share for one AMC Networks Class B common share. The AMC Networks Class A stockholders are entitled to elect 25% of the Company's Board of Directors. AMC Networks Class B stockholders have the right to elect the remaining members of the Company's Board of Directors. In addition, AMC Networks Class B stockholders are parties to an agreement which has the effect of causing the voting power of these AMC Networks Class B stockholders to be cast as a block. Stock Repurchase Program On March 7, 2016, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $500 million of its outstanding shares of common stock (the "2016 Stock Repurchase Program"). On June 6, 2017, the Board of Directors approved an increase of $500 million in the amount authorized for a total of $1.0 billion authorized under the 2016 Stock Repurchase Program. The 2016 Stock Repurchase Program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company repurchased 7.8 million shares of its Class A common stock at an average purchase price of $55.74 per share. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company has $342.6 million available for repurchase under the 2016 Stock Repurchase Program. Shares Outstanding (In thousands) Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock Balance at December 31, 2014 60,553 11,484 Employee and non-employee director stock transactions* 357 — Balance at December 31, 2015 60,910 11,484 Share repurchases (4,120 ) — Employee and non-employee director stock transactions* 289 — Balance at December 31, 2016 57,079 11,484 Share repurchases (7,790 ) — Employee and non-employee director stock transactions* 312 — Balance at December 31, 2017 49,601 11,484 *Reflects common stock activity in connection with restricted stock units and stock options granted to employees, as well as in connection with the fulfillment of employees' statutory tax withholding obligations for applicable income and other employment taxes and forfeited employee restricted stock units.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2017-09 Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) . ASU 2017-09 addresses changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award, specifically regarding which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award would require an entity to apply modification accounting. The guidance does not change the accounting for modifications but clarifies that an entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification of the modified award are the same immediately before the original award is modified. ASU 2017-09 is effective in the first quarter of 2018, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2017-09 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes – Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory . ASU 2016-16 simplifies the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory and includes requirements to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs; therefore, eliminating the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. ASU 2016-16 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018, with early adoption permitted. Any adjustments as a result of adoption are to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The adoption of ASU 2016-16 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments . The guidance clarifies the way in which certain cash receipts and cash payments should be classified on the statement of cash flows and also how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective in the first quarter of 2018 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to record most of their leases on the balance sheet, which will be recognized as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. The Company will be required to classify each separate lease component as an operating or finance lease at the lease commencement date. Initial measurement of the right-of-use asset and lease liability is the same for operating and finance leases, however, expense recognition and amortization of the right-of-use asset differs. Operating leases will reflect lease expense on a straight-line basis similar to current operating leases. The straight-line expense will reflect the interest expense on the lease liability (effective interest method) and amortization of the right-of-use asset, which will be presented as a single line item in the operating expense section of the income statement. Finance leases will reflect a front-loaded expense pattern similar to the pattern for current capital leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective in the first quarter of 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently determining its implementation approach and assessing the impact the adoption will have on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . ASU 2014-09 provides new guidance related to how an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard also expands the required disclosures to include the disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers into categories that depict how the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. Since its issuance, the FASB has issued additional interpretive guidance relating to the standard which included the topics of principal versus agent considerations and identifying performance obligations and licensing. We have reviewed each of our revenue streams and identified the required changes to our revenue recognition policies. We have substantially completed our evaluation of the impact of the standard and we do not expect the adoption of the standard will have a material impact to our consolidated revenues. However, as a result of applying the standard, there are certain components of our distribution revenues where the standard generally results in earlier recognition of revenue compared to our historical policies due to: (i) the requirement to estimate and recognize variable consideration prior to such amounts becoming fixed and determinable, (ii) recognition of royalties in the period of usage, and (iii) recognition of certain arrangements with minimum guarantees on a time-based (straight-line) basis. The Company will adopt the standard as of January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. Accordingly, we expect to record a net increase in opening retained earnings upon adoption resulting from the acceleration of revenue recognized under the standard.

Summary of Significant Accoun36

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding: (In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 64,905 71,746 72,420 Effect of dilution: Stock options 1 13 148 Restricted stock units 719 651 622 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 65,625 72,410 73,190
Schedule of Stock by Class	Shares Outstanding (In thousands) Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock Balance at December 31, 2014 60,553 11,484 Employee and non-employee director stock transactions* 357 — Balance at December 31, 2015 60,910 11,484 Share repurchases (4,120 ) — Employee and non-employee director stock transactions* 289 — Balance at December 31, 2016 57,079 11,484 Share repurchases (7,790 ) — Employee and non-employee director stock transactions* 312 — Balance at December 31, 2017 49,601 11,484 *Reflects common stock activity in connection with restricted stock units and stock options granted to employees, as well as in connection with the fulfillment of employees' statutory tax withholding obligations for applicable income and other employment taxes and forfeited employee restricted stock units.

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	The following table summarizes the restructuring expense (credit) recognized by operating segment: (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2015 National Networks $ (53 ) $ 8,516 $ 3,194 International & Other 6,181 20,987 11,804 Total restructuring expense $ 6,128 $ 29,503 $ 14,998
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	The following table summarizes the accrued restructuring costs: (In thousands) Severance and Employee-Related Costs Other Exit Costs Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 9,498 $ 512 $ 10,010 Charges 23,557 5,946 29,503 Cash payments (20,871 ) (935 ) (21,806 ) Non-cash adjustments 12 (5,315 ) (5,303 ) Currency translation (90 ) (3 ) (93 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 12,106 $ 205 $ 12,311 Charges 2,543 3,585 6,128 Cash payments (13,440 ) (152 ) (13,592 ) Non-cash adjustments 2 (3,585 ) (3,583 ) Currency translation 1 (29 ) (28 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 1,212 $ 24 $ 1,236

Program Rights and Obligations

Program Rights and Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Film Cost Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Amounts Payable For Program Rights Obligations	Amounts payable subsequent to December 31, 2017 related to program rights obligations included in the consolidated balance sheet are as follows: (In thousands) Years Ending December 31, 2018 $ 327,549 2019 217,457 2020 163,640 2021 74,796 2022 48,941 Thereafter 30,146 $ 862,529

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) consists of the following: (In thousands) December 31, Estimated Useful Lives 2017 2016 Program, service and test equipment $ 212,357 $ 223,847 2 to 5 years Satellite equipment 46,315 51,423 13 years Furniture and fixtures 21,067 21,471 5 to 8 years Transmission equipment 56,035 51,954 5 years Leasehold improvements 107,659 90,089 Term of lease Property and equipment 443,433 438,784 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (259,919 ) (272,148 ) Property and equipment, net $ 183,514 $ 166,636
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets	At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the gross amount of equipment and related accumulated amortization recorded under capital leases were as follows: (In thousands) December 31, 2017 2016 Satellite equipment $ 46,315 $ 51,423 Less accumulated amortization (22,783 ) (19,031 ) $ 23,532 $ 32,392

Goodwill and Other Intangible40

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment is as follows: (In thousands) National Networks International and Other Total December 31, 2015 $ 244,849 $ 491,426 $ 736,275 Purchase accounting adjustments — (6,040 ) (6,040 ) Impairment charges (see Note 3) — (27,244 ) (27,244 ) Amortization of "second component" goodwill (2,546 ) — (2,546 ) Foreign currency translation — (42,737 ) (42,737 ) December 31, 2016 $ 242,303 $ 415,405 $ 657,708 Amortization of "second component" goodwill (2,544 ) — (2,544 ) Foreign currency translation — 39,994 39,994 December 31, 2017 $ 239,759 $ 455,399 $ 695,158
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's identifiable intangible assets: (In thousands) December 31, 2017 Estimated Useful Lives Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 527,713 $ (167,911 ) $ 359,802 6 to 25 years Advertiser relationships 46,282 (13,405 ) 32,877 11 years Trade names 53,761 (14,420 ) 39,341 20 years Other amortizable intangible assets 11,401 (6,079 ) 5,322 2 to 15 years Total amortizable intangible assets 639,157 (201,815 ) 437,342 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 19,900 — 19,900 Total intangible assets $ 659,057 $ (201,815 ) $ 457,242 (In thousands) December 31, 2016 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 509,992 $ (133,932 ) $ 376,060 Advertiser relationships 46,282 (9,198 ) 37,084 Trade names 49,720 (6,307 ) 43,413 Other amortizable intangible assets 10,002 (791 ) 9,211 Total amortizable intangible assets 615,996 (150,228 ) 465,768 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 20,041 — 20,041 Total intangible assets $ 636,037 $ (150,228 ) $ 485,809
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's identifiable intangible assets: (In thousands) December 31, 2017 Estimated Useful Lives Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 527,713 $ (167,911 ) $ 359,802 6 to 25 years Advertiser relationships 46,282 (13,405 ) 32,877 11 years Trade names 53,761 (14,420 ) 39,341 20 years Other amortizable intangible assets 11,401 (6,079 ) 5,322 2 to 15 years Total amortizable intangible assets 639,157 (201,815 ) 437,342 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 19,900 — 19,900 Total intangible assets $ 659,057 $ (201,815 ) $ 457,242 (In thousands) December 31, 2016 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 509,992 $ (133,932 ) $ 376,060 Advertiser relationships 46,282 (9,198 ) 37,084 Trade names 49,720 (6,307 ) 43,413 Other amortizable intangible assets 10,002 (791 ) 9,211 Total amortizable intangible assets 615,996 (150,228 ) 465,768 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 20,041 — 20,041 Total intangible assets $ 636,037 $ (150,228 ) $ 485,809
Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense	Estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the following five years is: (In thousands) Years Ending December 31, 2018 $ 37,212 2019 37,197 2020 37,194 2021 36,821 2022 36,816

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	Accrued liabilities consist of the following: (In thousands) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Interest $ 30,262 $ 15,770 Employee related costs 117,850 122,590 Income taxes payable 19,558 43,083 Other accrued expenses 95,406 102,986 Total accrued liabilities $ 263,076 $ 284,429

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	The Company's long-term debt consists of: (In thousands) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Senior Secured Credit Facility: Term Loan A Facility $ 750,000 $ 1,258,000 Senior Notes: 4.75% Notes due August 2025 800,000 — 5.00% Notes due April 2024 1,000,000 1,000,000 4.75% Notes due December 2022 600,000 600,000 Total long-term debt 3,150,000 2,858,000 Unamortized discount (33,776 ) (23,675 ) Unamortized deferred financing costs (16,967 ) (15,062 ) Long-term debt, net 3,099,257 2,819,263 Current portion of long-term debt — 222,000 Noncurrent portion of long-term debt $ 3,099,257 $ 2,597,263
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Total amounts payable by the Company under its various debt obligations (excluding capital leases) outstanding as of December 31, 2017 are as follows: (In thousands) Years Ending December 31, 2018 $ — 2019 18,750 2020 56,250 2021 775,000 2022 75,000 Thereafter 2,225,000

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis	The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : (In thousands) Level I Level II Level III Total At December 31, 2017: Assets: Cash equivalents $ 100,615 $ — $ — $ 100,615 Available for sale securities 10,709 — — 10,709 Interest rate swap contracts — 1,444 — 1,444 Investments 9,948 — — 9,948 Foreign currency derivatives — 3,801 — 3,801 Other derivatives — 6,174 30,891 37,065 Liabilities: Foreign currency derivatives $ — $ 4,475 $ — $ 4,475 At December 31, 2016: Assets: Cash equivalents $ 65,384 $ — $ — $ 65,384 Interest rate swap contracts — 1,471 — 1,471 Foreign currency derivatives — 6,096 — 6,096 Other derivatives — — 12,308 12,308 Liabilities: Interest rate swap contracts $ — $ 762 $ — $ 762 Foreign currency derivatives — 3,147 — 3,147
Carrying Values And Fair Values Of The Company's Financial Instruments	The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are summarized as follows: (In thousands) December 31, 2017 Carrying Amount Estimated Fair Value Debt instruments: Term Loan A Facility $ 737,140 $ 748,125 4.75% Notes due August 2025 784,757 793,000 5.00% Notes due April 2024 984,056 1,012,500 4.75% Notes due December 2022 593,304 612,750 $ 3,099,257 $ 3,166,375 (In thousands) December 31, 2016 Carrying Estimated Debt instruments: Term loan A facility $ 1,245,175 $ 1,254,855 5.00% Notes due April 2024 981,949 1,002,500 4.75% Notes due December 2022 592,139 606,000 $ 2,819,263 $ 2,863,355

Derivative Financial Instrume44

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value Of Derivative Instruments Included In Balance Sheets	The fair values of the Company's derivative financial instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows: (In thousands) Balance Sheet Location December 31, 2017 2016 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Assets: Interest rate swap contracts Other assets $ — $ 1,471 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Assets: Foreign currency derivatives Prepaid expenses and other current assets 943 1,684 Foreign currency derivatives Other assets 2,858 4,412 Interest rate swap contracts Other assets 1,444 — Other derivatives Other assets 37,065 12,308 Liabilities: Interest rate swap contracts Accrued liabilities — 762 Foreign currency derivatives Accrued liabilities 1,223 952 Foreign currency derivatives Other liabilities 3,252 2,195
Schedule Of Gains And Losses Related To Derivative Instruments	The amount of the gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are as follows: (In thousands) Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings Gain or (Loss) Reclassified Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: Interest rate swap contracts $ 565 $ (565 ) Interest expense $ 600 $ (587 ) (a) There were no gains or losses recognized in earnings related to any ineffective portion of the hedging relationship or related to any amount excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 .
Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The amount of the gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments are as follows: (In thousands) Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Derivatives not designated as hedging relationships: Interest rate swap contracts Interest expense $ 3 $ (238 ) Foreign currency derivatives Miscellaneous, net (2,958 ) 3,234 Other derivatives Miscellaneous, net 24,223 (892 ) Total $ 21,268 $ 2,104

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	The future minimum annual payments for the Company's operating leases (with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year) during the next five years and thereafter, at rates now in force are as follows: (In thousands) 2018 $ 28,895 2019 27,167 2020 25,539 2021 23,135 2022 24,852 Thereafter 105,153
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases	Future minimum capital lease payments as of December 31, 2017 are as follows: (In thousands) 2018 $ 7,901 2019 7,033 2020 5,983 2021 4,511 2022 4,539 Thereafter 14,447 Total minimum lease payments 44,414 Less amount representing interest (at 8.2%-12%) (13,290 ) Present value of net minimum future capital lease payments 31,124 Less principal portion of current installments (4,847 ) Long-term portion of obligations under capital leases $ 26,277

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes consists of the following components: (In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Domestic $ 618,955 $ 500,757 $ 566,444 Foreign 21,423 (45,932 ) 16,350 Total $ 640,378 $ 454,825 $ 582,794
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Income tax expense attributable to continuing operations consists of the following components: (In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Current expense (benefit): Federal $ 162,639 $ 120,634 $ 146,915 State 14,301 11,252 15,713 Foreign 17,382 22,946 14,508 194,322 154,832 177,136 Deferred expense (benefit): Federal (38,416 ) 12,140 12,563 State (2,436 ) 2,515 1,300 Foreign (7,813 ) (3,013 ) 5,753 (48,665 ) 11,642 19,616 Tax expense (benefit) relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest 5,084 (1,612 ) 4,338 Income tax expense $ 150,741 $ 164,862 $ 201,090
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate is as follows: (In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 35 % 35 % 35 % State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 2 2 2 Effect of foreign operations (1 ) (1 ) (2 ) Effect of rate changes on deferred taxes (11 ) — — Transition tax, net of foreign taxes deemed paid 2 — — Nontaxable income attributable to noncontrolling interests (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) Changes in the valuation allowance — 5 1 Domestic production activity deduction (3 ) (3 ) (3 ) Tax expense relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest, net of deferred tax benefits 1 (1 ) 1 Other — — 1 Effective income tax rate 24 % 36 % 34 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant components of deferred tax assets or liabilities at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: (In thousands) December 31, 2017 2016 Deferred Tax Asset (Liability) Noncurrent NOLs and tax credit carry forwards $ 69,771 $ 82,636 Compensation and benefit plans 30,880 49,710 Allowance for doubtful accounts 370 421 Fixed assets and intangible assets 24,737 46,595 Interest rate swap contracts 1,893 2,884 Accrued interest expense 13,049 11,567 Other liabilities 12,562 20,811 Deferred tax asset 153,262 214,624 Valuation allowance (57,121 ) (71,563 ) Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent 96,141 143,061 Prepaid liabilities (501 ) (819 ) Fixed assets and intangible assets (61,127 ) (78,616 ) Investments in partnerships (103,474 ) (177,376 ) Other assets (20,657 ) (23,444 ) Deferred tax liability, noncurrent (185,759 ) (280,255 ) Total net deferred tax liability $ (89,618 ) $ (137,194 )
Schedule Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reconciliation	A reconciliation of the beginning to ending amount of the liability for uncertain tax positions (excluding related accrued interest and deferred tax benefit) is as follows: (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 18,065 Increases related to current year tax positions 5,154 Increases related to prior year tax positions 293 Decreases related to prior year tax positions (1,595 ) Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations (120 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 21,797

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule	Commitments (In thousands) Payments due by period Total Year 1 Years 2 - 3 Years 4 - 5 More than 5 years Purchase obligations (1) $ 1,983,967 $ 705,387 $ 621,937 $ 186,377 $ 470,266 Guarantees (2) 160,024 160,024 — — — Total $ 2,143,991 $ 865,411 $ 621,937 $ 186,377 $ 470,266 (1) Purchase obligations consist primarily of program rights obligations, participations and residuals, and transmission and marketing commitments. (2) Consists primarily of a guarantee of payments to a production service company for certain production related costs.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Inter

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	The activity reflected within redeemable noncontrolling interest for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is presented below. (In thousands) Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest December 31, 2015 $ 211,691 Net earnings 16,669 Distributions (9,010 ) Other (19 ) December 31, 2016 $ 219,331 Net earnings 17,797 Distributions (18,561 ) Other 37 December 31, 2017 $ 218,604

Equity and Long-Term Incentiv49

Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	The following table summarizes activity relating to Company employees who held AMC Networks restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2017 : Number of Restricted Stock Units Number of Performance Restricted Stock Units Weighted Average Fair Value Per Stock Unit at Date of Grant Unvested award balance, December 31, 2015 853,386 683,393 $ 70.07 Granted 493,659 767,693 $ 60.73 Released/Vested (257,114 ) (79,321 ) $ 61.28 Canceled/Forfeited (107,633 ) (17,304 ) $ 71.19 Unvested award balance, December 31, 2016 982,298 1,354,461 $ 66.23 Granted 586,600 642,139 $ 59.78 Released/Vested (392,892 ) (164,926 ) $ 71.48 Canceled/Forfeited (55,965 ) (15,527 ) $ 68.15 Unvested award balance, December 31, 2017 1,120,041 1,816,147 $ 62.53 During 2017, the Company issued 586,600 restricted stock units and 642,139 performance restricted stock units to certain executive officers and employees under the 2016 Employee Stock Plan. All restricted stock units granted during 2017 vest ratably over a three -year period. The target number of PRSUs granted represents the right to receive a corresponding number of shares, subject to adjustment based on the performance of the Company against target performance criteria for a three year period. The number of shares issuable at the end of the applicable measurement period ranges from 0% to 200% of the target PRSU award. The following table summarizes activity relating to Non-employee Directors who held AMC Networks restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2017 : Number of Restricted Stock Units Weighted Average Vested award balance, December 31, 2015 127,555 $ 51.33 Granted 27,066 $ 61.69 Released/Vested — $ — Vested award balance, December 31, 2016 154,621 $ 53.15 Granted 32,825 $ 53.48 Released/Vested — $ — Vested award balance, December 31, 2017 187,446 $ 53.20
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	The following table summarizes activity relating to employees of the Company who held unvested AMC Networks stock options for the year ended December 31, 2017 : Shares Under Option Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value(a) Time Vesting Options Balance, December 31, 2015 — $ — Granted 388,385 $ 48.26 Balance, December 31, 2016 388,385 $ 48.26 9.79 $ 1,585 Granted — $ — Balance, December 31, 2017 388,385 $ 48.26 8.79 $ 2,260 Options exercisable at December 31, 2017 129,462 $ 48.26 8.79 $ 753 Options expected to vest in the future 258,923 $ 48.26 8.79 $ 1,507 (a) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between (i) the exercise price of the underlying award and (ii) the quoted price of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock on December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016 , as indicated.

Cash Flows (Tables)

Cash Flows (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary Of Non-Cash Activities And Other Supplemental Data	During 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows: (In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities: Continuing Operations: Increase in capital lease obligations — 10,982 6,191 Treasury stock not yet settled 995 10,454 — Exercise of RLJE Warrants 5,001 — — Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid 5,889 6,988 6,423 Supplemental Data: Cash interest paid—continuing operations 110,650 128,319 120,394 Income taxes paid, net—continuing operations 219,425 106,476 186,725

Accumulated Other Comprehensi51

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table details the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss: (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2017 Currency Translation Adjustment Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges Gains (Losses) on Available for Sale Investments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Beginning Balance $ (194,189 ) $ 391 $ — $ (193,798 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 76,023 565 5,398 81,986 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (600 ) — (600 ) Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, before income taxes 76,023 (35 ) 5,398 81,386 Income tax expense — 13 (1,987 ) (1,974 ) Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes 76,023 (22 ) 3,411 79,412 Ending Balance $ (118,166 ) $ 369 $ 3,411 $ (114,386 )

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	(In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2017 National Networks International and Other Inter-segment eliminations Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 959,551 $ 89,894 $ — $ 1,049,445 Distribution 1,408,064 367,288 (19,106 ) 1,756,246 Consolidated revenues, net $ 2,367,615 $ 457,182 $ (19,106 ) $ 2,805,691 Operating income (loss) $ 817,566 $ (88,894 ) $ (6,313 ) $ 722,359 Share-based compensation expense 43,697 9,848 — 53,545 Restructuring (credit) expense (53 ) 6,181 — 6,128 Impairment and related charges — 28,148 — 28,148 Depreciation and amortization 33,702 60,936 — 94,638 Adjusted operating income $ 894,912 $ 16,219 $ (6,313 ) $ 904,818 Capital expenditures $ 25,333 $ 54,716 $ — $ 80,049 (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2016 National Networks International and Other Inter-segment eliminations Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 990,508 $ 94,467 $ (1,000 ) $ 1,083,975 Distribution 1,320,532 365,529 (14,382 ) 1,671,679 Consolidated revenues, net $ 2,311,040 $ 459,996 $ (15,382 ) $ 2,755,654 Operating income (loss) $ 784,027 $ (120,914 ) $ (5,557 ) $ 657,556 Share-based compensation expense 30,569 8,328 — 38,897 Restructuring expense 8,516 20,987 — 29,503 Impairment and related charges — 67,805 — 67,805 Depreciation and amortization 32,376 52,402 — 84,778 Adjusted operating income $ 855,488 $ 28,608 $ (5,557 ) $ 878,539 Capital expenditures $ 15,947 $ 63,273 $ — $ 79,220 (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2015 National Networks International and Other Inter-segment eliminations Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 945,288 $ 82,972 $ — $ 1,028,260 Distribution 1,190,079 369,606 (7,010 ) 1,552,675 Consolidated revenues, net $ 2,135,367 $ 452,578 $ (7,010 ) $ 2,580,935 Operating income (loss) $ 754,243 $ (42,542 ) $ (2,508 ) $ 709,193 Share-based compensation expense 23,814 7,206 — 31,020 Restructuring expense 3,194 11,804 — 14,998 Depreciation and amortization 29,742 53,289 — 83,031 Adjusted operating income $ 810,993 $ 29,757 $ (2,508 ) $ 838,242 Capital expenditures $ 24,386 $ 43,935 $ — $ 68,321
Summary Of Inter-segment Eliminations	Inter-segment eliminations are primarily licensing revenues recognized between the National Networks and International and Other segments as well as revenues recognized by AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology for transmission revenues recognized from the International and Other operating segment. (In thousands) Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Inter-segment revenues National Networks $ (17,634 ) $ (14,963 ) $ (6,719 ) International and Other (1,472 ) (419 ) (291 ) $ (19,106 ) $ (15,382 ) $ (7,010 )
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area	The table below summarizes revenue based on customer location: (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Revenue United States $ 2,244,057 $ 2,215,430 Europe 369,815 384,234 Other 191,819 155,990 $ 2,805,691 $ 2,755,654
Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas	The table below summarizes property and equipment based on asset location: (In thousands) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Property and equipment, net United States $ 136,203 $ 104,939 Europe 28,261 39,976 Other 19,050 21,721 $ 183,514 $ 166,636

Condensed Consolidating Finan53

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	The accounting basis in all subsidiaries, including goodwill and identified intangible assets, have been allocated to the applicable subsidiaries. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 320 $ 391,248 $ 167,215 $ — $ 558,783 Accounts receivable, trade — 581,270 194,621 — 775,891 Current portion of program rights, net — 304,149 149,301 — 453,450 Prepaid expenses, other current assets and intercompany receivable 3,760 183,815 8,540 (104,389 ) 91,726 Total current assets 4,080 1,460,482 519,677 (104,389 ) 1,879,850 Property and equipment, net — 136,032 47,482 — 183,514 Investment in affiliates 3,443,013 934,612 — (4,377,625 ) — Program rights, net — 1,128,021 191,258 — 1,319,279 Long-term intercompany notes receivable — 489,939 436 (490,375 ) — Deferred carriage fees, net — 29,346 578 — 29,924 Intangible assets, net — 170,554 286,688 — 457,242 Goodwill — 66,609 628,549 — 695,158 Deferred tax asset, net — — 20,081 — 20,081 Other assets — 142,115 305,822 447,937 Total assets $ 3,447,093 $ 4,557,710 $ 2,000,571 $ (4,972,389 ) $ 5,032,985 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 350 $ 50,282 $ 51,565 $ — $ 102,197 Accrued liabilities and intercompany payable 51,692 179,003 136,770 (104,389 ) 263,076 Current portion of program rights obligations — 262,004 65,545 — 327,549 Deferred revenue — 27,530 18,903 — 46,433 Current portion of capital lease obligations — 2,939 1,908 — 4,847 Total current liabilities 52,042 521,758 274,691 (104,389 ) 744,102 Program rights obligations — 511,996 22,984 — 534,980 Long-term debt, net 3,099,257 — — — 3,099,257 Capital lease obligations — 3,745 22,532 — 26,277 Deferred tax liability, net 114,717 — (5,019 ) — 109,698 Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable 46,133 77,198 503,166 (490,375 ) 136,122 Total liabilities 3,312,149 1,114,697 818,354 (594,764 ) 4,650,436 Commitments and contingencies Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — 218,604 — 218,604 Stockholders' equity: AMC Networks stockholders' equity 134,944 3,443,013 934,612 (4,377,625 ) 134,944 Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests — — 29,001 — 29,001 Total stockholders' equity 134,944 3,443,013 963,613 (4,377,625 ) 163,945 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 3,447,093 $ 4,557,710 $ 2,000,571 $ (4,972,389 ) $ 5,032,985 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 565 $ 320,950 $ 159,874 $ — $ 481,389 Accounts receivable, trade — 538,259 162,904 — 701,163 Current portion of program rights, net — 307,050 134,080 — 441,130 Prepaid expenses, other current assets and intercompany receivable 948 151,175 15,961 (95,423 ) 72,661 Total current assets 1,513 1,317,434 472,819 (95,423 ) 1,696,343 Property and equipment, net — 104,272 62,364 — 166,636 Investment in affiliates 3,029,922 784,024 — (3,813,946 ) — Program rights, net — 947,657 160,929 — 1,108,586 Long-term intercompany notes receivable — 432,099 817 (432,916 ) — Deferred carriage fees, net — 42,656 1,230 — 43,886 Intangible assets, net — 180,297 305,512 — 485,809 Goodwill — 69,154 588,554 — 657,708 Deferred tax asset, net — — 8,598 — 8,598 Other assets 1,471 116,608 194,950 — 313,029 Total assets $ 3,032,906 $ 3,994,201 $ 1,795,773 $ (4,342,285 ) $ 4,480,595 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIENCY) EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ — $ 40,033 $ 48,644 $ — $ 88,677 Accrued liabilities and intercompany payable 71,680 182,667 125,505 (95,423 ) 284,429 Current portion of program rights obligations — 226,474 74,371 — 300,845 Deferred revenue — 42,782 10,861 — 53,643 Current portion of long-term debt 222,000 — — — 222,000 Current portion of capital lease obligations — 2,645 1,939 — 4,584 Total current liabilities 293,680 494,601 261,320 (95,423 ) 954,178 Program rights obligations — 365,262 32,913 — 398,175 Long-term debt, net 2,597,263 — — — 2,597,263 Capital lease obligations — 6,647 28,635 — 35,282 Deferred tax liability, net 145,364 — 427 — 145,791 Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable 26,681 97,769 440,685 (432,916 ) 132,219 Total liabilities 3,062,988 964,279 763,980 (528,339 ) 4,262,908 Commitments and contingencies Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — 219,331 — 219,331 Stockholders' deficiency: AMC Networks stockholders' (deficiency) equity (30,082 ) 3,029,922 784,024 (3,813,946 ) (30,082 ) Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests — — 28,438 — 28,438 Total stockholders' (deficiency) equity (30,082 ) 3,029,922 812,462 (3,813,946 ) (1,644 ) Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 3,032,906 $ 3,994,201 $ 1,795,773 $ (4,342,285 ) $ 4,480,595
Condensed Consolidating Income Statement	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income Year Ended December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues, net $ — $ 2,182,867 $ 637,823 $ (14,999 ) $ 2,805,691 Operating expenses: Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) — 991,476 352,788 (3,188 ) 1,341,076 Selling, general and administrative — 447,118 178,332 (12,108 ) 613,342 Depreciation and amortization — 40,923 53,715 — 94,638 Impairment and related charges — — 28,148 — 28,148 Restructuring expense — 2,566 3,562 — 6,128 Total operating expenses — 1,482,083 616,545 (15,296 ) 2,083,332 Operating income — 700,784 21,278 297 722,359 Other income (expense): Interest expense, net (129,971 ) 41,934 (31,260 ) — (119,297 ) Share of affiliates' income (loss) 748,430 13,360 — (761,790 ) — Loss on extinguishment of debt (3,004 ) — — — (3,004 ) Miscellaneous, net (1,530 ) 2,484 39,663 (297 ) 40,320 Total other income (expense) 613,925 57,778 8,403 (762,087 ) (81,981 ) Income from operations before income taxes 613,925 758,562 29,681 (761,790 ) 640,378 Income tax (expense) benefit (142,609 ) (10,132 ) 2,000 — (150,741 ) Net income including noncontrolling interests 471,316 748,430 31,681 (761,790 ) 489,637 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (18,321 ) — (18,321 ) Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders $ 471,316 $ 748,430 $ 13,360 $ (761,790 ) $ 471,316 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income Year Ended December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues, net $ — $ 2,142,325 $ 623,892 $ (10,563 ) $ 2,755,654 Operating expenses: Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) — 947,707 334,888 (2,611 ) 1,279,984 Selling, general and administrative — 460,150 183,597 (7,719 ) 636,028 Depreciation and amortization — 40,230 44,548 — 84,778 Impairment and related charges — — 67,805 — 67,805 Restructuring expense — 24,950 4,553 — 29,503 Total operating expenses — 1,473,037 635,391 (10,330 ) 2,098,098 Operating income (loss) — 669,288 (11,499 ) (233 ) 657,556 Other income (expense): Interest expense, net (119,192 ) 38,137 (37,513 ) — (118,568 ) Share of affiliates' income (loss) 591,395 (103,464 ) — (487,931 ) — Loss on extinguishment of debt (50,639 ) — — — (50,639 ) Miscellaneous, net (273 ) (2,892 ) (30,592 ) 233 (33,524 ) Total other income (expense) 421,291 (68,219 ) (68,105 ) (487,698 ) (202,731 ) Income (loss) from operations before income taxes 421,291 601,069 (79,604 ) (487,931 ) 454,825 Income tax expense (150,781 ) (9,674 ) (4,407 ) — (164,862 ) Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests 270,510 591,395 (84,011 ) (487,931 ) 289,963 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (19,453 ) — (19,453 ) Net income (loss) attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders $ 270,510 $ 591,395 $ (103,464 ) $ (487,931 ) $ 270,510
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Year Ended December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income including noncontrolling interest $ 471,316 $ 748,430 $ 31,681 $ (761,790 ) $ 489,637 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustment 76,023 — 76,023 (76,023 ) 76,023 Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps (35 ) — — — (35 ) Unrealized gain on available for sale securities 5,398 — — — 5,398 Other comprehensive income, before income taxes 81,386 — 76,023 (76,023 ) 81,386 Income tax expense (1,974 ) — — — (1,974 ) Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes 79,412 — 76,023 (76,023 ) 79,412 Comprehensive income 550,728 748,430 107,704 (837,813 ) 569,049 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (21,430 ) — (21,430 ) Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders $ 550,728 $ 748,430 $ 86,274 $ (837,813 ) $ 547,619 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Year Ended December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest $ 270,510 $ 591,395 $ (84,011 ) $ (487,931 ) $ 289,963 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustment (45,426 ) — (45,426 ) 45,426 (45,426 ) Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps 22 — — — 22 Other comprehensive loss, before income taxes (45,404 ) — (45,426 ) 45,426 (45,404 ) Income tax expense (12,337 ) — — — (12,337 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes (57,741 ) — (45,426 ) 45,426 (57,741 ) Comprehensive income (loss) 212,769 591,395 (129,437 ) (442,505 ) 232,222 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (16,491 ) — (16,491 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders $ 212,769 $ 591,395 $ (145,928 ) $ (442,505 ) $ 215,731
Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statement	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash provided by operating activities $ 454,539 $ 662,123 $ 31,157 $ (762,090 ) $ 385,729 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures — (63,925 ) (16,124 ) — (80,049 ) Return of capital from investees — 1,868 579 — 2,447 Investments in and loans to investees — — (53,000 ) — (53,000 ) (Increase) decrease to investment in affiliates (282,424 ) (2,234,682 ) 2,082,401 434,705 — Net cash used in investing activities (282,424 ) (2,296,739 ) 2,013,856 434,705 (130,602 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt 1,536,000 — — — 1,536,000 Repayment of long-term debt (1,257,965 ) — — — (1,257,965 ) Payments for financing costs (10,405 ) — — — (10,405 ) Deemed repurchases of restricted stock/units (14,496 ) — — — (14,496 ) Purchase of treasury stock (434,210 ) — — — (434,210 ) Principal payments on capital lease obligations — (2,725 ) (1,848 ) — (4,573 ) Distributions to noncontrolling interest — — (18,561 ) — (18,561 ) Net cash used in financing activities (181,076 ) (2,725 ) (20,409 ) — (204,210 ) Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents from operations (8,961 ) (1,637,341 ) 2,024,604 (327,385 ) 50,917 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 8,716 1,707,639 (2,017,263 ) 327,385 26,477 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 565 320,950 159,874 — 481,389 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 320 $ 391,248 $ 167,215 $ — $ 558,783 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Parent Company Guarantor Subsidiaries Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash provided by operating activities $ 401,179 $ 548,381 $ 55,450 $ (490,685 ) $ 514,325 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures — (42,064 ) (37,156 ) — (79,220 ) Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — (354 ) — (354 ) Investments in and loans to investees — — (95,000 ) — (95,000 ) (Increase) decrease to investment in affiliates (159,533 ) (69,231 ) — 228,764 — Net cash used in investing activities (159,533 ) (111,295 ) (132,510 ) 228,764 (174,574 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt 982,500 — — — 982,500 Repayment of long-term debt (848,000 ) — — — (848,000 ) Premium and fees paid on extinguishment of debt (40,954 ) — — — (40,954 ) Payments for financing costs (2,070 ) — — — (2,070 ) Deemed repurchases of restricted stock/units (10,822 ) — — — (10,822 ) Purchase of treasury stock (223,237 ) — — — (223,237 ) Proceeds from stock option exercises 1,228 — — — 1,228 Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements 789 — — — 789 Principal payments on capital lease obligations — (2,475 ) (1,813 ) — (4,288 ) Distributions to noncontrolling interest — — (9,010 ) — (9,010 ) Net cash used in financing activities (140,566 ) (2,475 ) (10,823 ) — (153,864 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from operations 101,080 434,611 (87,883 ) (261,921 ) 185,887 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (100,949 ) (261,921 ) 80,130 261,921 (20,819 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 434 148,260 167,627 — 316,321 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 565 $ 320,950 $ 159,874 $ — $ 481,389

Interim Financial Information54

Interim Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	The following is a summary of the Company's selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 : (In thousands) For the three months ended, 2017: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2017 Revenues, net $ 720,189 $ 710,545 $ 648,023 $ 726,934 $ 2,805,691 Operating expenses (488,518 ) (534,755 ) (494,669 ) (565,390 ) (2,083,332 ) Operating income $ 231,671 $ 175,790 $ 153,354 $ 161,544 $ 722,359 Net income including noncontrolling interests $ 142,631 $ 107,626 $ 90,836 $ 148,544 $ 489,637 Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders $ 136,217 $ 102,598 $ 87,002 $ 145,499 $ 471,316 Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders: Basic $ 2.00 $ 1.55 $ 1.37 $ 2.36 $ 7.26 Diluted $ 1.98 $ 1.54 $ 1.35 $ 2.33 $ 7.18 (In thousands) For the three months ended, 2016: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2016 Revenues, net $ 706,579 $ 684,832 $ 634,646 $ 729,597 $ 2,755,654 Operating expenses (447,920 ) (506,800 ) (517,509 ) (625,869 ) (2,098,098 ) Operating income $ 258,659 $ 178,032 $ 117,137 $ 103,728 $ 657,556 Net income including noncontrolling interests $ 120,064 $ 83,387 $ 67,469 $ 19,043 $ 289,963 Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders $ 113,444 $ 77,175 $ 65,393 $ 14,498 $ 270,510 Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders: Basic $ 1.56 $ 1.06 $ 0.91 $ 0.21 $ 3.77 Diluted $ 1.55 $ 1.05 $ 0.91 $ 0.20 $ 3.74

Description Of Business And B55

Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017segmentnetwork
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of Operating Segments | segment	2
Number of Nationally Distributed Programming Networks | network	5

Summary of Significant Accoun56

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 06, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 07, 2016USD ($)
Advertising Expense	$ 200.4	$ 222.1	$ 210.9
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax	15	39	$ 22
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	$ 150.2	$ 114.3
Stockholders entitled election of Board of Directors	25.00%
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 1,000			$ 500	$ 500
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share | $ / shares	$ 55.74
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 342.6
Common Class A [Member]
Common Stock, Voting Rights	1
Common Stock, Conversion Basis	1
Share repurchases | shares	(7,800)	(4,120)
Common Class B [Member]
Common Stock, Voting Rights	10
Common Stock, Conversion Basis	1
Share repurchases | shares	0	0
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Number of Customers	1
Concentration Risk, Percentage	20.00%	19.00%
Maximum [Member]
Deferred Carriage Fees Contractual Period	13 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	100.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun57

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Net Income Per Share) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	64,905	71,746	72,420
Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	65,625	72,410	73,190
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	1	13	148
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	719	651	622

Summary of Significant Accoun58

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Stock by Class) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Common Class A [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance (in shares)	57,079,039	60,910,000	60,553,000
Employee and non-employee director stock transactions	312,000	289,000	357,000
Share repurchases	(7,800,000)	(4,120,000)
Ending Balance (in shares)	49,601,184	57,079,039	60,910,000
Common Class B [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance (in shares)	11,484,408	11,484,000	11,484,000
Employee and non-employee director stock transactions	0	0	0
Share repurchases	0	0
Ending Balance (in shares)	11,484,408	11,484,408	11,484,000

Impairment and Related Charges

Impairment and Related Charges (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Income Statement Elements [Abstract]
Impairment of Real Estate			$ 22,900
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived			17,700
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			27,244
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges	$ (11,000)	$ (28,148)	(67,805)	$ 0
Impairment and related charges	$ 17,100	$ 17,112	$ 67,805	$ 0

Restructuring (Restructuring an

Restructuring (Restructuring and Related Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expense	$ 6,128	$ 29,503	$ 14,998
National Networks [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expense	(53)	8,516	3,194
International And Other [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expense	$ 6,181	$ 20,987	$ 11,804

Restructuring (Schedule of Rest

Restructuring (Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	$ 12,311	$ 10,010
Charges	6,128	29,503	$ 14,998
Cash payments	(13,592)	(21,806)
Non-cash adjustments	(3,583)	(5,303)
Currency translation	(28)	(93)
Restructuring Reserve	1,236	12,311	10,010
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	12,106	9,498
Charges	2,543	23,557
Cash payments	(13,440)	(20,871)
Non-cash adjustments	2	12
Currency translation	1	(90)
Restructuring Reserve	1,212	12,106	9,498
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	205	512
Charges	3,585	5,946
Cash payments	(152)	(935)
Non-cash adjustments	(3,585)	(5,315)
Currency translation	(29)	(3)
Restructuring Reserve	$ 24	$ 205	$ 512

Program Rights and Obligation62

Program Rights and Obligations (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Film Cost Disclosures [Abstract]
Program rights, completed programming	$ 329.4
Program rights, in production programming	$ 235.2
Owned original program rights expected to be amortized within three years	90.00%
Program rights expected to be paid within twelve months	$ 196
Program rights write offs	$ 49.4	$ 26.2	$ 43.2

Program Rights and Obligation63

Program Rights and Obligations (Schedule of Future Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Program Rights Obligations [Abstract]
2,018	$ 327,549
2,019	217,457
2,020	163,640
2,021	74,796
2,022	48,941
Thereafter	30,146
Program Rights Obligations, Total Future Payments Due	$ 862,529

Investments (Details)

Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 26, 2018	Jun. 20, 2017	Jun. 16, 2017	Jan. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 14, 2016
Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	$ 61.3					$ 28.2
Cost Method Investments	$ 46.8					$ 32.8
RLJE [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							$ 65
Investment Warrants, Exercise Price	$ 3
Ownership Interest In Investment Upon Full Exercise Of Warrants	100.00%
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Investment Transferred from Available-for-sale to Equity Method, before Tax	$ 2.2
RLJE [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Share Price		$ 4.25
RLJE [Member] | Expire On The Fifth Anniversary Of Closing Date [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Warrants Received per RLJE Investment Agreement							5,000,000
RLJE [Member] | Expire On The Sixth Anniversary Of Closing Date [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Warrants Received per RLJE Investment Agreement							10,000,000
RLJE [Member] | Expire On The Seventh Anniversary Of Closing Date [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Warrants Received per RLJE Investment Agreement							5,000,000
RLJE [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Warrants Received per RLJE Investment Agreement							20,000,000
RLJE [Member] | Tranche A Loan [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					$ 13		$ 5
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.00%
Shares Acquired from Exercise of Warrants			1,667,000
RLJE [Member] | Tranche B Loan [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 55				60
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.00%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount, Due on Fifth Anniversary							15
Debt Instrument, Face Amount, Due on Sixth Anniversary							$ 30
Loan Forgiven in Lieu of Exercise Price for Warrants Exercised			$ 5
RLJE [Member] | Tranche A-2 Loan [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 10

Property and Equipment (Narrati

Property and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ 47.6	$ 46.2	$ 41

Propert and Equipment (Property

Propert and Equipment (Property, Plant, Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	$ 443,433	$ 438,784
Accumulated Depreciation And Amortization	(259,919)	(272,148)
Property and equipment, net	183,514	166,636
Program, Service and Test Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	212,357	223,847
Satellite Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	$ 46,315	51,423
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	13 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	$ 21,067	21,471
Transmission Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	$ 56,035	51,954
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	$ 107,659	$ 90,089
Minimum [Member] | Program, Service and Test Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Program, Service and Test Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	8 years

Property and Equipment (Schedul

Property and Equipment (Schedule of Capital Leased Assets) (Details) - Satellite Equipment [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Satellite equipment	$ 46,315	$ 51,423
Less accumulated amortization	(22,783)	(19,031)
Satellite equipment, net	$ 23,532	$ 32,392

Goodwill and Other Intangible68

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset	$ 2,544	$ 2,546
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 47,100	38,600	$ 42,000
Percentage Of Hypothetical Decrease	20.00%
National Networks [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset	$ 2,544	2,546
International And Other [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset	$ 0	$ 0
Hypothetical Decrease, Fair Value of Reporting Unit	2.00%
Accelerated Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 9,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible69

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
December 31, 2015	$ 657,708	$ 736,275
Purchase accounting adjustments		(6,040)
Impairment charges (see Note 3)		(27,244)
December 31, 2016	657,708	736,275
Amortization of second component goodwill	(2,544)	(2,546)
Foreign currency translation	39,994	(42,737)
December 31, 2017	695,158	657,708
National Networks [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
December 31, 2015	242,303	244,849
Purchase accounting adjustments		0
Impairment charges (see Note 3)		0
December 31, 2016	242,303	244,849
Amortization of second component goodwill	(2,544)	(2,546)
Foreign currency translation	0	0
December 31, 2017	239,759	242,303
International And Other [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
December 31, 2015	415,405	491,426
Purchase accounting adjustments		(6,040)
Impairment charges (see Note 3)		(27,244)
December 31, 2016	415,405	491,426
Amortization of second component goodwill	0	0
Foreign currency translation	39,994	(42,737)
December 31, 2017	$ 455,399	$ 415,405

Goodwill and Other Intangible70

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Summary Of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 639,157	$ 615,996
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(201,815)	(150,228)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	437,342	465,768
Indefinite-Lived Trademarks	19,900	20,041
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	659,057	636,037
Total intangible assets	457,242	485,809
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	527,713	509,992
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(167,911)	(133,932)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 359,802	376,060
Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	6 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	25 years
Advertiser Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 46,282	46,282
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(13,405)	(9,198)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 32,877	37,084
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	11 years
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 53,761	49,720
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(14,420)	(6,307)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 39,341	43,413
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	20 years
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 11,401	10,002
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(6,079)	(791)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 5,322	$ 9,211
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	2 years
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	15 years

Goodwill and Other Intangible71

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 37,212
2,019	37,197
2,020	37,194
2,021	36,821
2,022	$ 36,816

Accrued Liabilities (Details)

Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Interest	$ 30,262	$ 15,770
Employee related costs	117,850	122,590
Income taxes payable	19,558	43,083
Other accrued expenses	95,406	102,986
Total accrued liabilities	$ 263,076	$ 284,429

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jul. 28, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 15, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 17, 2012USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 3,150,000	$ 2,858,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross						$ 10,400
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense		16,967	15,062			9,400
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs	$ 1,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	3,000	(3,004)	(50,639)	$ 0
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount		33,776	23,675
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 500,000
Term-A Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Insturment, Covenant, Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio		2.50
Term-A Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		0.50%
Term-A Facility [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.50%
Term-A Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.25%
Debt instrument, covenant, cash flow ratio		5
Term-A Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		0.25%
Term-A Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.25%
Term-A Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.50%
Debt instrument, covenant, cash flow ratio		6
Term-A Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.25%
Term-A Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		2.25%
Term-A Facility [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 750,000	$ 1,258,000			750,000
Repayments of Debt	$ 400,000
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						800,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net						$ 14,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.75%
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		104.75%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed		35.00%
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		100.00%
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		102.375%
5.00% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount								$ 1,000,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross								2,100
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount								17,500
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.00%
5.00% Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		102.50%
5.00% Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		100.00%
7.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		7.75%
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount							$ 45,600
Debt extinguishment including principal interest and fees								$ 703,000
4.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount									$ 600,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross									1,500
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount									$ 10,500
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.75%
4.75% Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		102.375%
4.75% Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		100.00%
Term-B Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt					$ 587,600

Debt (Summary Of Long-Term Debt

Debt (Summary Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Jul. 28, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 30, 2016	Dec. 17, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 3,150,000		$ 2,858,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	(33,776)		(23,675)
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	(16,967)	$ (9,400)	(15,062)
Long-term Debt, Net	3,099,257		2,819,263
Current portion of long-term debt	0		222,000
Long-term debt, net	3,099,257		2,597,263
Term-A Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Net	737,140		1,245,175
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Net	784,757
5.00% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount				$ (17,500)
Long-term Debt, Net	984,056		981,949
4.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount					$ (10,500)
Long-term Debt, Net	593,304		592,139
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	800,000		0
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.00% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	1,000,000		1,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	600,000		600,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Term-A Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 750,000	$ 750,000	$ 1,258,000

Debt (Schedule of Debt Maturiti

Debt (Schedule of Debt Maturities) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 0
2,019	18,750
2,020	56,250
2,021	775,000
2,022	75,000
Thereafter	$ 2,225,000

Fair Value Measurement (Narrati

Fair Value Measurement (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ 21,268	$ 2,104
Other Contract [Member] | Other Expense [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ (20,200)
Level III [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability	32.00%

Fair Value Measurement (Financi

Fair Value Measurement (Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	$ 100,615	$ 65,384
Available for sale securities	10,709
Investments	9,948
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swap contracts	1,444	1,471
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swap contracts		762
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Foreign currency derivatives	3,801	6,096
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Foreign currency derivatives	4,475	3,147
Other Contract [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other derivatives	37,065	12,308
Level I [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	100,615	65,384
Available for sale securities	10,709
Investments	9,948
Level II [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swap contracts	1,444	1,471
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swap contracts		762
Level II [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Foreign currency derivatives	3,801	6,096
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Foreign currency derivatives	4,475	3,147
Level II [Member] | Other Contract [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other derivatives	6,174
Level III [Member] | Other Contract [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other derivatives	$ 30,891	$ 12,308

Fair Value Measurement (Carryin

Fair Value Measurement (Carrying Values And Fair Values Of The Company's Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 3,099,257	$ 2,819,263
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	3,166,375	2,863,355
Term-A Facility [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	737,140	1,245,175
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	748,125	1,254,855
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	784,757
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	793,000
5.00% Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	984,056	981,949
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	1,012,500	1,002,500
4.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	593,304	592,139
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 612,750	$ 606,000

Derivative Financial Instrume79

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ 21,268	$ 2,104
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	200,000
Other Contract [Member] | Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ 24,200	$ (892)

Derivative Financial Instrume80

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Derivative Instruments Included In Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Cash Flow Hedges Derivative Instruments at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value	$ 0	$ 1,471
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract]
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	1,444	0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract]
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	0	762
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	2,858	4,412
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	1,223	952
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	943	1,684
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value	3,252	2,195
Other Contract [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	$ 37,065	$ 12,308

Derivative Financial Instrume81

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Gains And Losses Related To Derivative Instruments) (Details) - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	[1]	$ 600	$ (587)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net		$ 565	$ (565)
[1]	There were no gains or losses recognized in earnings related to any ineffective portion of the hedging relationship or related to any amount excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Derivative Financial Instrume82

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Gains And Losses Related To Derivative Instruments Not Designated) (Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ 21,268	$ 2,104
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	3	(238)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	(2,958)	3,234
Other Contract [Member] | Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ 24,200	$ (892)

Leases (Narrative) (Details)

Leases (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 31.7	$ 29.4	$ 25.8

Leases (Schedule of Future Mini

Leases (Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2,018	$ 28,895
2,019	27,167
2,020	25,539
2,021	23,135
2,022	24,852
Thereafter	$ 105,153

Leases (Schedule of Future Mi85

Leases (Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
2,018	$ 7,901
2,019	7,033
2,020	5,983
2,021	4,511
2,022	4,539
Thereafter	14,447
Total minimum lease payments	44,414
Less amount representing interest (at 8.2%-12%)	(13,290)
Present value of net minimum future capital lease payments	31,124
Less principal portion of current installments	(4,847)	$ (4,584)
Capital lease obligations	$ 26,277	$ 35,282
Minimum [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital Lease Obligations, Effective Interest Rate	8.20%
Maximum [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital Lease Obligations, Effective Interest Rate	12.00%

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount	$ 67.9
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Transition tax, Net of Foreign Taxes Deemed Paid, Amount	11
Estimated Reduction, Income Tax Liability	28
Estimated Reduction, Net Deferred Tax Assets	19
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign	15
Operating Loss Carryforwards	302.1
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	54
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	52.3
Second component of tax deductible goodwill, net of tax	1.6
Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Noncurrent	21.8
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense	4.5
Deferred tax asset, Uncertain tax position	4.9
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense	$ 1.5

Income Taxes (Schedule of Earni

Income Taxes (Schedule of Earnings Before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	$ 618,955	$ 500,757	$ 566,444
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	21,423	(45,932)	16,350
Income from operations before income taxes	$ 640,378	$ 454,825	$ 582,794

Income Taxes (Schedule of Compo

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 162,639	$ 120,634	$ 146,915
Current State Tax Expense (Benefit)	14,301	11,252	15,713
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	17,382	22,946	14,508
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	194,322	154,832	177,136
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(38,416)	12,140	12,563
Deferred State Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(2,436)	2,515	1,300
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(7,813)	(3,013)	5,753
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(48,665)	11,642	19,616
Tax expense (benefit) relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest	5,084	(1,612)	4,338
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 150,741	$ 164,862	$ 201,090

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effec

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Effect of foreign operations	(1.00%)	(1.00%)	(2.00%)
Effect of rate changes on deferred taxes	(11.00%)	0.00%	0.00%
Transition tax, net of foreign taxes deemed paid	2.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Nontaxable income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1.00%)	(1.00%)	(1.00%)
Changes in the valuation allowance	0.00%	5.00%	1.00%
Domestic production activity deduction	(3.00%)	(3.00%)	(3.00%)
Tax expense relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest, net of deferred tax benefits	1.00%	(1.00%)	1.00%
Other	0.00%	0.00%	1.00%
Effective income tax rate	24.00%	36.00%	34.00%

Income Taxes (Schedule of Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Asset (Liability)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards	$ 69,771	$ 82,636
Compensation and benefit plans	30,880	49,710
Allowance for doubtful accounts	370	421
Fixed assets and intangible assets	24,737	46,595
Interest rate swap contracts	1,893	2,884
Accrued interest expense	13,049	11,567
Other liabilities	12,562	20,811
Deferred tax asset	153,262	214,624
Valuation allowance	(57,121)	(71,563)
Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent	96,141	143,061
Prepaid liabilities	(501)	(819)
Fixed assets and intangible assets	(61,127)	(78,616)
Investments in partnerships	(103,474)	(177,376)
Other assets	(20,657)	(23,444)
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent	185,759	280,255
Total net deferred tax liability	$ (89,618)	$ (137,194)

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning of Period	$ 18,065
Increases Related To Current Period Tax Positions	5,154
Increases Related To Prior Period Tax Positions	293
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	(1,595)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting From Payments for Prior Period Tax Positions	(120)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, End of Period	$ 21,797

Commitments and Contingencies92

Commitments and Contingencies (Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Purchase Obligation	$ 1,983,967	[1]
Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months	705,387
Purchase Obligation, Due in Second and Third Year	621,937
Purchase Obligation, Due in Fourth and Fifth Year	186,377
Purchase Obligation, Due after Fifth Year	470,266
Other Commitment	160,024	[2]
Other Commitment, Due in Next Twelve Months	160,024	[2]
Other Commitment, Due in Second and Third Year	0	[2]
Other Commitment, Due in Fourth and Fifth Year	0	[2]
Other Commitment, Due after Fifth Year	0	[2]
Contractual Obligation, Total	2,143,991
Contractual Obligation, Due in Fiscal Year	865,411
Contractual Obligation, Due in Second and Third Year	621,937
Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth and Fifth Year	186,377
Contractual Obligation, Due After Fifth Year	$ 470,266
[1]	(1)
[2]	(2)Consists primarily of a guarantee of payments to a production service company for certain production related costs.

Commitments and Contingencies93

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - Minimum [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Pending Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 280
Threatened Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 20

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int94

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017
New Video (BBC AMERICA) [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	50.10%

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int95

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 219,331	$ 211,691
Net earnings	17,797	16,669
Distributions	18,561	9,010
Other	37	(19)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 218,604	$ 219,331

Equity and Long-Term Incentiv96

Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$ 53,545	$ 38,897	$ 31,020
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 94,500
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 6 months
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities	$ 2,200
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	0	789	4,610
Other Labor-related Expenses	7,500	15,100	$ 30,500
Other Employee Related Liabilities	$ 24,283	$ 44,837
2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	586,600
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	642,139
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	200.00%
2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	0.00%
2011 Non-Employee Director Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	32,825	27,066
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	100.00%
Common Class A [Member] | 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	6,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	3,814,797
Common Class A [Member] | 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Common Class A [Member] | 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	465,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	188,233
Common Class A [Member] | 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years

Equity and Long-Term Incentiv97

Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plans (Schedule of Restricted Stock Unit Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
2011 Non-Employee Director Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	32,825	27,066
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 53.48	$ 61.69
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 0	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested, Number	187,446	154,621	127,555
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 53.20	$ 53.15	$ 51.33
Parent Company [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	1,120,041	982,298	853,386
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 62.53	$ 66.23	$ 70.07
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	586,600	493,659
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 59.78	$ 60.73
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	(392,892)	(257,114)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 71.48	$ 61.28
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	(55,965)	(107,633)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 68.15	$ 71.19
Parent Company [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	1,816,147	1,354,461	683,393
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	642,139	767,693
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	(164,926)	(79,321)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	(15,527)	(17,304)

Equity and Long-Term Incentiv98

Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plans (Stock Option Award Activity) (Details) - Parent Company [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 0	$ 48.26
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 48.26	$ 48.26
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years 288 days	9 years 288 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 2,260	$ 1,585
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 48.26
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years 288 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$ 753
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 48.26
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years 288 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 1,507
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	0	388,385
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	388,385	388,385
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	129,462
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	258,923

Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Deta

Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	4.00%
Benefit Plan Expense, Defined Benefit Plans and Defined Contribution Plans	$ 9.1	$ 10.9	$ 13.5

Related Party Transactions (Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aggregate Voting Power Held By Related Party	71.00%
Revenues, Net From Related Parties	$ 6.2	$ 15.9	$ 27.5
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 1.5	$ 3.1	$ 4.9
Maximum [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage Of Common Stock Owned By Related Party	2.00%

Cash Flows (Summary Of Non-Cash

Cash Flows (Summary Of Non-Cash Activities And Other Supplemental Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Increase in capital lease obligations	$ 0	$ 10,982	$ 6,191
Treasury stock not yet settled	995	10,454	0
Exercise of RLJE Warrants	5,001	0	0
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid	5,889	6,988	6,423
Cash interest paid—continuing operations	110,650	128,319	120,394
Income taxes paid, net—continuing operations	$ 219,425	$ 106,476	$ 186,725

Accumulated Other Comprehens102

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details)) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax		$ 3,411	$ 0
Beginning Balance		(193,798)	(136,057)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		76,023	(45,426)	$ (55,852)
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities		5,398	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax		81,986	(45,991)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax		(600)	587
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, before income taxes		81,386	(45,404)	(52,487)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax		5,398
Income tax expense		(1,974)	(12,337)	(4,322)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax		(1,987)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes		79,412	(57,741)	(56,809)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax		3,411
Ending Balance		(114,386)	(193,798)	(136,057)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	[1]	(600)	587
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		565	(565)
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		(194,189)	(136,434)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax		0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, before income taxes		76,023	(45,426)
Income tax expense		0	(12,329)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes		76,023	(57,755)
Ending Balance		(118,166)	(194,189)	(136,434)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		391	377
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, before income taxes		(35)	22
Income tax expense		13	(8)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes		(22)	14
Ending Balance		$ 369	$ 391	$ 377
[1]	There were no gains or losses recognized in earnings related to any ineffective portion of the hedging relationship or related to any amount excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments	2
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Services, Net [Member] | Customer1 [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Customers	1
Concentration Risk, Percentage	11.00%

Segment Information (Summary Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Continuing Operations By Reportable Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising									$ 1,049,445	$ 1,083,975	$ 1,028,260
Distribution									1,756,246	1,671,679	1,552,675
Consolidated revenues, net	$ 726,934	$ 648,023	$ 710,545	$ 720,189	$ 729,597	$ 634,646	$ 684,832	$ 706,579	2,805,691	2,755,654	2,580,935
Operating income	$ 161,544	$ 153,354	175,790	$ 231,671	$ 103,728	$ 117,137	$ 178,032	$ 258,659	722,359	657,556	709,193
Share-based compensation expense									53,545	38,897	31,020
Restructuring expense									6,128	29,503	14,998
Impairment and related charges			$ 11,000						28,148	67,805	0
Depreciation and amortization									(94,638)	(84,778)	(83,031)
Segment Reporting Information, Adjusted Operating Income									904,818	878,539	838,242
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									80,049	79,220	68,321
National Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expense									(53)	8,516	3,194
International And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring expense									6,181	20,987	11,804
Operating Segments [Member] | National Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising									959,551	990,508	945,288
Distribution									1,408,064	1,320,532	1,190,079
Consolidated revenues, net									2,367,615	2,311,040	2,135,367
Operating income									817,566	784,027	754,243
Share-based compensation expense									43,697	30,569	23,814
Restructuring expense									(53)	8,516	3,194
Impairment and related charges									0	0
Depreciation and amortization									(33,702)	(32,376)	(29,742)
Segment Reporting Information, Adjusted Operating Income									894,912	855,488	810,993
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									25,333	15,947	24,386
Operating Segments [Member] | International And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising									89,894	94,467	82,972
Distribution									367,288	365,529	369,606
Consolidated revenues, net									457,182	459,996	452,578
Operating income									(88,894)	(120,914)	(42,542)
Share-based compensation expense									9,848	8,328	7,206
Restructuring expense									6,181	20,987	11,804
Impairment and related charges									28,148	67,805
Depreciation and amortization									(60,936)	(52,402)	(53,289)
Segment Reporting Information, Adjusted Operating Income									16,219	28,608	29,757
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									54,716	63,273	43,935
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising									0	(1,000)	0
Distribution									(19,106)	(14,382)	(7,010)
Consolidated revenues, net									(19,106)	(15,382)	(7,010)
Operating income									(6,313)	(5,557)	(2,508)
Share-based compensation expense									0	0	0
Restructuring expense									0	0	0
Impairment and related charges									0	0
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
Segment Reporting Information, Adjusted Operating Income									(6,313)	(5,557)	(2,508)
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment									0	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | National Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated revenues, net									(17,634)	(14,963)	(6,719)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | International And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated revenues, net									$ (1,472)	$ (419)	$ (291)

Segment Information (Summary105

Segment Information (Summary Of Inter-Segment Eliminations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ 726,934	$ 648,023	$ 710,545	$ 720,189	$ 729,597	$ 634,646	$ 684,832	$ 706,579	$ 2,805,691	$ 2,755,654	$ 2,580,935
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net									(19,106)	(15,382)	(7,010)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | National Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net									(17,634)	(14,963)	(6,719)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | International And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net									$ (1,472)	$ (419)	$ (291)

Segment Information (Schedule o

Segment Information (Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Location) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ 726,934	$ 648,023	$ 710,545	$ 720,189	$ 729,597	$ 634,646	$ 684,832	$ 706,579	$ 2,805,691	$ 2,755,654	$ 2,580,935
North America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net									2,244,057	2,215,430
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net									369,815	384,234
Other Geographic Locations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net									$ 191,819	$ 155,990

Segment Information (Schedul107

Segment Information (Schedule of Fixed Assets by Geographic Location) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 183,514	$ 166,636
North America [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	136,203	104,939
Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	28,261	39,976
Other Geographic Locations [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 19,050	$ 21,721

Condensed Consolidating Fina108

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 3,150,000	$ 2,858,000
Parent Percentage of Ownership in Guarantor Subsidiaries	100.00%
4.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.75%
5.00% Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.00%
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.75%
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 600,000	600,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.00% Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	1,000,000	1,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 800,000	$ 0

Condensed Consolidating Fina109

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 558,783	$ 481,389	$ 316,321	$ 201,367
Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net, less allowance for doubtful accounts)	775,891	701,163
Current portion of program rights, net	453,450	441,130
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	91,726	72,661
Total current assets	1,879,850	1,696,343
Property and equipment, net	183,514	166,636
Investment in affiliates	0	0
Program rights, net	1,319,279	1,108,586
Long-term intercompany notes receivable	0	0
Deferred carriage fees, net	29,924	43,886
Intangible assets, net	457,242	485,809
Goodwill	695,158	657,708	736,275
Deferred tax assets, net	20,081	8,598
Other assets	447,937	313,029
Total assets	5,032,985	4,480,595
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	102,197	88,677
Accrued liabilities and intercompany payable	263,076	284,429
Current portion of program rights obligations	327,549	300,845
Deferred revenue	46,433	53,643
Current portion of long-term debt	0	222,000
Current portion of capital lease obligations	4,847	4,584
Total current liabilities	744,102	954,178
Program rights obligations	534,980	398,175
Long-term debt, net	3,099,257	2,597,263
Capital lease obligations	26,277	35,282
Deferred tax liability, net	109,698	145,791
Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable	136,122	132,219
Total liabilities	4,650,436	4,262,908
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	218,604	219,331	211,691
Stockholders' equity:
AMC Networks stockholders' equity	134,944	(30,082)
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	29,001	28,438
Total stockholders' equity (deficiency)	163,945	(1,644)	(8,638)	$ (351,909)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficiency)	5,032,985	4,480,595
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net, less allowance for doubtful accounts)	0	0
Current portion of program rights, net	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(104,389)	(95,423)
Total current assets	(104,389)	(95,423)
Property and equipment, net	0	0
Investment in affiliates	(4,377,625)	(3,813,946)
Program rights, net	0	0
Long-term intercompany notes receivable	(490,375)	(432,916)
Deferred carriage fees, net	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Deferred tax assets, net	0	0
Other assets		0
Total assets	(4,972,389)	(4,342,285)
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued liabilities and intercompany payable	(104,389)	(95,423)
Current portion of program rights obligations	0	0
Deferred revenue	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt		0
Current portion of capital lease obligations	0	0
Total current liabilities	(104,389)	(95,423)
Program rights obligations	0	0
Long-term debt, net	0	0
Capital lease obligations	0	0
Deferred tax liability, net	0	0
Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable	(490,375)	(432,916)
Total liabilities	(594,764)	(528,339)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Stockholders' equity:
AMC Networks stockholders' equity	(4,377,625)	(3,813,946)
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total stockholders' equity (deficiency)	(4,377,625)	(3,813,946)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficiency)	(4,972,389)	(4,342,285)
Parent Company [Member]
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	320	565	434
Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net, less allowance for doubtful accounts)	0	0
Current portion of program rights, net	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,760	948
Total current assets	4,080	1,513
Property and equipment, net	0	0
Investment in affiliates	3,443,013	3,029,922
Program rights, net	0	0
Long-term intercompany notes receivable	0	0
Deferred carriage fees, net	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Deferred tax assets, net	0	0
Other assets	0	1,471
Total assets	3,447,093	3,032,906
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	350	0
Accrued liabilities and intercompany payable	51,692	71,680
Current portion of program rights obligations	0	0
Deferred revenue	0	0
Current portion of long-term debt		222,000
Current portion of capital lease obligations	0	0
Total current liabilities	52,042	293,680
Program rights obligations	0	0
Long-term debt, net	3,099,257	2,597,263
Capital lease obligations	0	0
Deferred tax liability, net	114,717	145,364
Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable	46,133	26,681
Total liabilities	3,312,149	3,062,988
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Stockholders' equity:
AMC Networks stockholders' equity	134,944	(30,082)
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total stockholders' equity (deficiency)	134,944	(30,082)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficiency)	3,447,093	3,032,906
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	391,248	320,950	148,260
Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net, less allowance for doubtful accounts)	581,270	538,259
Current portion of program rights, net	304,149	307,050
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	183,815	151,175
Total current assets	1,460,482	1,317,434
Property and equipment, net	136,032	104,272
Investment in affiliates	934,612	784,024
Program rights, net	1,128,021	947,657
Long-term intercompany notes receivable	489,939	432,099
Deferred carriage fees, net	29,346	42,656
Intangible assets, net	170,554	180,297
Goodwill	66,609	69,154
Deferred tax assets, net	0	0
Other assets	142,115	116,608
Total assets	4,557,710	3,994,201
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	50,282	40,033
Accrued liabilities and intercompany payable	179,003	182,667
Current portion of program rights obligations	262,004	226,474
Deferred revenue	27,530	42,782
Current portion of long-term debt		0
Current portion of capital lease obligations	2,939	2,645
Total current liabilities	521,758	494,601
Program rights obligations	511,996	365,262
Long-term debt, net	0	0
Capital lease obligations	3,745	6,647
Deferred tax liability, net	0	0
Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable	77,198	97,769
Total liabilities	1,114,697	964,279
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Stockholders' equity:
AMC Networks stockholders' equity	3,443,013	3,029,922
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total stockholders' equity (deficiency)	3,443,013	3,029,922
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficiency)	4,557,710	3,994,201
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	167,215	159,874	$ 167,627
Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net, less allowance for doubtful accounts)	194,621	162,904
Current portion of program rights, net	149,301	134,080
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,540	15,961
Total current assets	519,677	472,819
Property and equipment, net	47,482	62,364
Investment in affiliates	0	0
Program rights, net	191,258	160,929
Long-term intercompany notes receivable	436	817
Deferred carriage fees, net	578	1,230
Intangible assets, net	286,688	305,512
Goodwill	628,549	588,554
Deferred tax assets, net	20,081	8,598
Other assets	305,822	194,950
Total assets	2,000,571	1,795,773
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	51,565	48,644
Accrued liabilities and intercompany payable	136,770	125,505
Current portion of program rights obligations	65,545	74,371
Deferred revenue	18,903	10,861
Current portion of long-term debt		0
Current portion of capital lease obligations	1,908	1,939
Total current liabilities	274,691	261,320
Program rights obligations	22,984	32,913
Long-term debt, net	0	0
Capital lease obligations	22,532	28,635
Deferred tax liability, net	(5,019)	427
Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable	503,166	440,685
Total liabilities	818,354	763,980
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	218,604	219,331
Stockholders' equity:
AMC Networks stockholders' equity	934,612	784,024
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	29,001	28,438
Total stockholders' equity (deficiency)	963,613	812,462
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficiency)	$ 2,000,571	$ 1,795,773

Condensed Consolidating Fina110

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Income Statement) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ 726,934	$ 648,023	$ 710,545	$ 720,189	$ 729,597	$ 634,646	$ 684,832	$ 706,579	$ 2,805,691	$ 2,755,654	$ 2,580,935
Operating expenses
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)									1,341,076	1,279,984	1,137,133
Selling, general and administrative									613,342	636,028	636,580
Restructuring expense									6,128	29,503	14,998
Depreciation and amortization									94,638	84,778	83,031
Impairment and related charges			11,000						28,148	67,805	0
Total operating expenses	565,390	494,669	534,755	488,518	625,869	517,509	506,800	447,920	2,083,332	2,098,098	1,871,742
Operating income	161,544	153,354	175,790	231,671	103,728	117,137	178,032	258,659	722,359	657,556	709,193
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net									(119,297)	(118,568)
Share of affiliates' income (loss)									0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt		3,000							(3,004)	(50,639)	0
Miscellaneous, net									40,320	(33,524)	(691)
Total other income (expense)									(81,981)	(202,731)	(126,399)
Income from operations before income taxes									640,378	454,825	582,794
Income tax expense									(150,741)	(164,862)	(201,090)
Net income including noncontrolling interests	148,544	90,836	107,626	142,631	19,043	67,469	83,387	120,064	489,637	289,963	381,704
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									(18,321)	(19,453)	(14,916)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	$ 145,499	$ 87,002	$ 102,598	$ 136,217	$ 14,498	$ 65,393	$ 77,175	$ 113,444	471,316	270,510	$ 366,788
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues, net									(14,999)	(10,563)
Operating expenses
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)									(3,188)	(2,611)
Selling, general and administrative									(12,108)	(7,719)
Restructuring expense									0	0
Depreciation and amortization									0	0
Impairment and related charges									0	0
Total operating expenses									(15,296)	(10,330)
Operating income									297	(233)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net									0	0
Share of affiliates' income (loss)									(761,790)	(487,931)
Loss on extinguishment of debt									0	0
Miscellaneous, net									(297)	233
Total other income (expense)									(762,087)	(487,698)
Income from operations before income taxes									(761,790)	(487,931)
Income tax expense									0	0
Net income including noncontrolling interests									(761,790)	(487,931)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders									(761,790)	(487,931)
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues, net									0	0
Operating expenses
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)									0	0
Selling, general and administrative									0	0
Restructuring expense									0	0
Depreciation and amortization									0	0
Impairment and related charges									0	0
Total operating expenses									0	0
Operating income									0	0
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net									(129,971)	(119,192)
Share of affiliates' income (loss)									748,430	591,395
Loss on extinguishment of debt									(3,004)	(50,639)
Miscellaneous, net									(1,530)	(273)
Total other income (expense)									613,925	421,291
Income from operations before income taxes									613,925	421,291
Income tax expense									(142,609)	(150,781)
Net income including noncontrolling interests									471,316	270,510
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders									471,316	270,510
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues, net									2,182,867	2,142,325
Operating expenses
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)									991,476	947,707
Selling, general and administrative									447,118	460,150
Restructuring expense									2,566	24,950
Depreciation and amortization									40,923	40,230
Impairment and related charges									0	0
Total operating expenses									1,482,083	1,473,037
Operating income									700,784	669,288
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net									41,934	38,137
Share of affiliates' income (loss)									13,360	(103,464)
Loss on extinguishment of debt									0	0
Miscellaneous, net									2,484	(2,892)
Total other income (expense)									57,778	(68,219)
Income from operations before income taxes									758,562	601,069
Income tax expense									(10,132)	(9,674)
Net income including noncontrolling interests									748,430	591,395
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders									748,430	591,395
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues, net									637,823	623,892
Operating expenses
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)									352,788	334,888
Selling, general and administrative									178,332	183,597
Restructuring expense									3,562	4,553
Depreciation and amortization									53,715	44,548
Impairment and related charges									28,148	67,805
Total operating expenses									616,545	635,391
Operating income									21,278	(11,499)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net									(31,260)	(37,513)
Share of affiliates' income (loss)									0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt									0	0
Miscellaneous, net									39,663	(30,592)
Total other income (expense)									8,403	(68,105)
Income from operations before income taxes									29,681	(79,604)
Income tax expense									2,000	(4,407)
Net income including noncontrolling interests									31,681	(84,011)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									(18,321)	(19,453)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders									$ 13,360	$ (103,464)

Condensed Consolidating Fina111

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 148,544	$ 90,836	$ 107,626	$ 142,631	$ 19,043	$ 67,469	$ 83,387	$ 120,064	$ 489,637	$ 289,963	$ 381,704
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment									76,023	(45,426)	(55,852)
Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate swaps									(35)	22	3,365
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities									5,398	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes									81,386	(45,404)	(52,487)
Income tax expense									(1,974)	(12,337)	(4,322)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes									79,412	(57,741)	(56,809)
Comprehensive income									569,049	232,222	324,895
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests									(21,430)	(16,491)	(13,123)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders									547,619	215,731	$ 311,772
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income including noncontrolling interests									(761,790)	(487,931)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment									(76,023)	45,426
Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate swaps									0	0
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities									0
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes									(76,023)	45,426
Income tax expense									0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes									(76,023)	45,426
Comprehensive income									(837,813)	(442,505)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders									(837,813)	(442,505)
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income including noncontrolling interests									471,316	270,510
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment									76,023	(45,426)
Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate swaps									(35)	22
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities									5,398
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes									81,386	(45,404)
Income tax expense									(1,974)	(12,337)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes									79,412	(57,741)
Comprehensive income									550,728	212,769
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders									550,728	212,769
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income including noncontrolling interests									748,430	591,395
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment									0	0
Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate swaps									0	0
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities									0
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes									0	0
Income tax expense									0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes									0	0
Comprehensive income									748,430	591,395
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders									748,430	591,395
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income including noncontrolling interests									31,681	(84,011)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment									76,023	(45,426)
Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate swaps									0	0
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities									0
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes									76,023	(45,426)
Income tax expense									0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes									76,023	(45,426)
Comprehensive income									107,704	(129,437)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests									(21,430)	(16,491)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders									$ 86,274	$ (145,928)

Condensed Consolidating Fina112

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Cash Flow) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 385,729	$ 514,325	$ 370,039
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(80,049)	(79,220)	(68,321)
Return of capital from investees	2,447	0	0
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(354)	(24,199)
Investments in and loans to investees	(53,000)	(95,000)	(24,250)
(Increase) decrease to investment in affiliates	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(130,602)	(174,574)	(116,770)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	1,536,000	982,500	0
Repayment of long-term debt	(1,257,965)	(848,000)	(74,000)
Premium and fees paid on extinguishment of debt	0	(40,954)	0
Payments for financing costs	(10,405)	(2,070)	0
Deemed repurchase of restricted stock/units	(14,496)	(10,822)	(14,452)
Purchase of treasury stock	(434,210)	(223,237)	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises	0	1,228	1,340
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	0	789	4,610
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(4,573)	(4,288)	(2,945)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(18,561)	(9,010)	(3,154)
Net cash used in financing activities	(204,210)	(153,864)	(127,279)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from operations	50,917	185,887	125,990
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	26,477	(20,819)	(11,036)
Cash and cash equivalents	558,783	481,389	316,321	$ 201,367
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities	(762,090)	(490,685)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	0	0
Return of capital from investees	0
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		0
Investments in and loans to investees	0	0
(Increase) decrease to investment in affiliates	434,705	228,764
Net cash used in investing activities	434,705	228,764
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	0	0
Repayment of long-term debt	0	0
Premium and fees paid on extinguishment of debt		0
Payments for financing costs	0	0
Deemed repurchase of restricted stock/units	0	0
Purchase of treasury stock	0	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises		0
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements		0
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from operations	(327,385)	(261,921)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	327,385	261,921
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Parent Company [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities	454,539	401,179
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	0	0
Return of capital from investees	0
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		0
Investments in and loans to investees	0	0
(Increase) decrease to investment in affiliates	(282,424)	(159,533)
Net cash used in investing activities	(282,424)	(159,533)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	1,536,000	982,500
Repayment of long-term debt	(1,257,965)	(848,000)
Premium and fees paid on extinguishment of debt		(40,954)
Payments for financing costs	(10,405)	(2,070)
Deemed repurchase of restricted stock/units	(14,496)	(10,822)
Purchase of treasury stock	(434,210)	(223,237)
Proceeds from stock option exercises		1,228
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements		789
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(181,076)	(140,566)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from operations	(8,961)	101,080
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	8,716	(100,949)
Cash and cash equivalents	320	565	434
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities	662,123	548,381
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(63,925)	(42,064)
Return of capital from investees	1,868
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		0
Investments in and loans to investees	0	0
(Increase) decrease to investment in affiliates	(2,234,682)	(69,231)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,296,739)	(111,295)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	0	0
Repayment of long-term debt	0	0
Premium and fees paid on extinguishment of debt		0
Payments for financing costs	0	0
Deemed repurchase of restricted stock/units	0	0
Purchase of treasury stock	0	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises		0
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements		0
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(2,725)	(2,475)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(2,725)	(2,475)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from operations	(1,637,341)	434,611
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1,707,639	(261,921)
Cash and cash equivalents	391,248	320,950	148,260
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities	31,157	55,450
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(16,124)	(37,156)
Return of capital from investees	579
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(354)
Investments in and loans to investees	(53,000)	(95,000)
(Increase) decrease to investment in affiliates	2,082,401	0
Net cash used in investing activities	2,013,856	(132,510)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	0	0
Repayment of long-term debt	0	0
Premium and fees paid on extinguishment of debt		0
Payments for financing costs	0	0
Deemed repurchase of restricted stock/units	0	0
Purchase of treasury stock	0	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises		0
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements		0
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(1,848)	(1,813)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(18,561)	(9,010)
Net cash used in financing activities	(20,409)	(10,823)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from operations	2,024,604	(87,883)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(2,017,263)	80,130
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 167,215	$ 159,874	$ 167,627

Interim Financial Informatio113

Interim Financial Information (Unaudited) (Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues, net	$ 726,934	$ 648,023	$ 710,545	$ 720,189	$ 729,597	$ 634,646	$ 684,832	$ 706,579	$ 2,805,691	$ 2,755,654	$ 2,580,935
Operating expenses	(565,390)	(494,669)	(534,755)	(488,518)	(625,869)	(517,509)	(506,800)	(447,920)	(2,083,332)	(2,098,098)	(1,871,742)
Operating income	161,544	153,354	175,790	231,671	103,728	117,137	178,032	258,659	722,359	657,556	709,193
Net income including noncontrolling interests	148,544	90,836	107,626	142,631	19,043	67,469	83,387	120,064	489,637	289,963	381,704
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	$ 145,499	$ 87,002	$ 102,598	$ 136,217	$ 14,498	$ 65,393	$ 77,175	$ 113,444	$ 471,316	$ 270,510	$ 366,788
Basic	$ 2.36	$ 1.37	$ 1.55	$ 2	$ 0.21	$ 0.91	$ 1.06	$ 1.56	$ 7.26	$ 3.77	$ 5.06
Diluted	$ 2.33	$ 1.35	$ 1.54	$ 1.98	$ 0.20	$ 0.91	$ 1.05	$ 1.55	$ 7.18	$ 3.74	$ 5.01

Schedule II Valuation and Qu114

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances And Reserves, Balance At Beginning Of Period	$ 6,064	$ 4,307	$ 4,276
Valuation Allowances And Reserves, Charged To Cost And Expense	3,567	1,924	1,705
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Recoveries	60
Valuation Allowances And Reserves, Deductions		(167)	(1,674)
Valuation Allowances And Reserves, Balance At End Of Period	$ 9,691	$ 6,064	$ 4,307