| Cover | Nov. 18, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 18, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | AMC Networks Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001514991 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-35106 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 27-5403694 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 11 Penn Plaza |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10001 |
| City Area Code | 212 |
| Local Phone Number | 324-8500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | AMCX |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
