View Filing Data

Print Document View Excel Document

Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 19, 2013	Jun. 29, 2012
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Entity Registrant Name	AMC Networks Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001514991
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			$ 2,029
Class A [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		60,614,883
Class B [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,784,408

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 610,970	$ 215,836
Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,378 and $3,092)	299,792	286,810
Amounts due from related parties, net	7,686	5,540
Current portion of program rights, net	289,644	288,868
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	17,032	13,673
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	121,403	59,272
Total current assets	1,346,527	869,999
Property and equipment, net	70,890	63,814
Program rights, net	751,119	765,609
Amounts due from related parties, net	3,193	3,214
Deferred carriage fees, net	64,095	47,304
Intangible assets, net	241,183	305,673
Goodwill	79,305	83,173
Other assets	62,543	45,148
Total assets	2,618,855	2,183,934
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	59,077	61,605
Accrued liabilities:
Interest	28,250	31,254
Employee related costs	75,620	57,160
Income taxes payable	116,740	0
Other accrued expenses	21,488	11,385
Amounts due to related parties, net	1,110	5,336
Program rights obligations	157,584	146,339
Deferred Litigation Settlement Proceeds	307,944	0
Deferred revenue	53,116	23,853
Current portion of long-term debt	0	5,950
Current portion of capital lease obligations	1,558	1,314
Total current liabilities	822,487	344,196
Program rights obligations	390,715	472,690
Long-term debt	2,153,315	2,285,330
Capital lease obligations	14,104	14,363
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net, Noncurrent	29,141	51,905
Other liabilities	91,445	52,445
Total liabilities	3,501,207	3,220,929
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' deficiency:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 45,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Paid-in capital	36,454	5,942
Accumulated deficit	(893,424)	(1,029,954)
Treasury stock, at cost (656,013 and 194,060 shares Class A Common Stock, respectively)	(17,666)	(1,677)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(8,446)	(12,027)
Total stockholders’ deficiency	(882,352)	(1,036,995)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficiency	2,618,855	2,183,934
Class A [Member]
Stockholders' deficiency:
Common stock	612	586
Class B [Member]
Stockholders' deficiency:
Common stock	$ 118	$ 135

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounts receivable, trade, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1,378	$ 3,092
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	656,013	194,060
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	61,247,043	58,628,764
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	60,591,030	58,434,704
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	11,784,408	13,534,408
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	11,784,408	13,534,408

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues, net (including revenues, net from related parties of $32,195, $31,885 and $29,203, respectively)	$ 1,352,577	$ 1,187,741	$ 1,078,300
Operating expenses
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below and including charges from related parties of $620, $5,040 and $3,971, respectively)	507,436	425,961	366,093
Selling, general and administrative (including charges (credits) from related parties of $(206), $57,004 and $100,230, respectively)	396,926	335,656	328,134
Restructuring credit	(3)	(240)	(2,218)
Depreciation and amortization	85,380	99,848	106,455
Total Operating Expenses	989,739	861,225	798,464
Operating Income	362,838	326,516	279,836
Other income (expense)
Interest expense	(127,778)	(95,870)	(75,800)
Interest income	502	1,074	2,388
Write-off Of Deferred Financing Costs	(1,862)	(6,247)	0
Loss On Extinguishment Of Debt	(10,774)	(14,726)	0
Miscellaneous, net	(652)	(137)	(162)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	(140,564)	(115,906)	(73,574)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	222,274	210,610	206,262
Income Tax Expense	(86,058)	(84,248)	(88,073)
Income From Continuing Operations	136,216	126,362	118,189
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	314	92	(38,090)
Net Income	$ 136,530	$ 126,454	$ 80,099
Basic net income (loss) per share
Income From Continuing Operations	$ 1.94	$ 1.82	$ 1.71
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations	0.00	0.00	(0.55)
Net Income	1.94	1.83	1.16
Diluted net income (loss) per share
Income From Continuing Operations	1.89	1.79	1.71
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0.00	0.00	(0.55)
Net Income	$ 1.89	$ 1.79	$ 1.16
Weighted average common shares
Basic Weighted Average Common Shares	70,374,000	69,283,000	69,161,000
Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares	72,236,000	70,731,000	69,161,000

Consolidated Statements Of Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues, Net From Related Parties	$ 32,195	$ 31,885	$ 29,203
Technical And Operating Charges From Related Parties	620	5,040	3,971
Selling, General And Administrative Charges (Credits) From Related Parties	$ (206)	$ 57,004	$ 100,230

- Definition

Revenues arising from transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiaries; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) an entity and trusts for the benefit of employees, such as pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of the entity's' management; (d) an entity and its principal, owners, management, or members of their immediate families; and (e) affiliates.

+ References + Details

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 136,530	$ 126,454	$ 80,099
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps	5,693	(19,091)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes	5,693	(19,091)	0
Income tax (expense) benefit	(2,112)	7,064	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	3,581	(12,027)	0
Comprehensive income	$ 140,111	$ 114,427	$ 80,099

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 30
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A5
-Appendix A

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e557-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e540-108580

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508144

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 10, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28, 29, 30
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 19

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 20
-Article 9

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

+ Details

- Definition

Pre-tax change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of reclassifications into earnings during the period, attributable to the parent entity. A cash flow hedge is a hedge of the exposure to variability in the cash flows of a recognized asset or liability or a forecasted transaction that is attributable to a particular risk. Includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 30
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 20
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921628&loc=SL4569643-111683

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 19
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921628&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (c)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921930&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

This element represents Other Comprehensive Income or Loss, Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains or losses on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains or losses on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a credit balance consistent with its label.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e599-108580

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Tax effect of the change in accumulated other comprehensive income, that is, the tax effect on items included in other comprehensive income during the period that is attributable to the parent entity. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a credit balance consistent with its label.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

Pre tax change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. A cash flow hedge is a hedge of the exposure to variability in the cash flows of a recognized asset or liability or a forecasted transaction that is attributable to a particular risk. Includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 46
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 24
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 17, 20
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e653-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920433&loc=d3e998-108581

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Consolidated Statement of Stockholder's Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Class A [Member]	Class B [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Balance at at Dec. 31, 2009	$ (236,992)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (236,992)	$ 0	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	80,099	0	0	0	80,099	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0
Cash capital contribution from related party	204,018	0	0	204,018	0	0	0
Cash capital distributions to related party	(53,754)	0	0	(53,754)	0	0	0
Non-cash capital contribution related to the utilization of Cablevision tax losses	52,824	0	0	52,824	0	0	0
Distribution of net assets to Cablevision (see Note 1)	(41,273)	0	0	(41,273)	0	0	0
Non-cash capital contribution related to the allocation of Cablevision share-based compensation expense	20,559	0	0	20,559	0	0	0
Other noncash capital contributions (distributions), net	(650)	0	0	(650)	0	0	0
Balance at at Dec. 31, 2010	24,831	0	0	181,724	(156,893)	0	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	126,454	0	0	0	126,454	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,027)	0	0	0	0	0	(12,027)
Cash capital contribution from related party	20,813	0	0	20,813	0	0	0
Cash capital distributions to related party	(20,813)	0	0	(20,813)	0	0	0
Non-cash capital distribution to Cablevision related to employee benefit plans as a result of the Distribution (see Note 15)	(6,313)	0	0	(6,313)	0	0	0
Non-cash capital distribution associated with the issuance of debt to Cablevision (see Note 1)	(1,250,000)	0	0	(250,485)	(999,515)	0	0
Non-cash capital contribution, net related to adjustments to the liability for uncertain tax positions and net deferred tax assets as a result of the Distribution	44,598	0	0	44,598	0	0	0
Non-cash capital contribution related to the utilization of Cablevision tax losses	36,867	0	0	36,867	0	0	0
Non-cash capital distribution related to tax credits utilized by Cablevision	(2,586)	0	0	(2,586)	0	0	0
Non-cash capital distribution of a promissory note receivable to related party	(17,113)	0	0	(17,113)	0	0	0
Non-cash capital contribution related to the allocation of Cablevision share-based compensation expense	8,343	0	0	8,343	0	0	0
Reclassification of common stock in connection with the Distribution	0	578	135	(713)	0	0	0
Share-based compensation expense subsequent to the Distribution	7,669	0	0	7,669	0	0	0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	3,622	8	0	3,614	0	0	0
Treasury stock acquired from forfeitures and acquisition of restricted shares	(1,677)	0	0	0	0	(1,677)	0
Other noncash capital contributions (distributions), net	337	0	0	337	0	0	0
Balance at at Dec. 31, 2011	(1,036,995)	586	135	5,942	(1,029,954)	(1,677)	(12,027)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	136,530	0	0	0	136,530	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,581	0	0	0	0	0	3,581
Non-cash capital contribution, net related to adjustments to the liability for uncertain tax positions and net deferred tax assets as a result of the Distribution	(1,148)	0	0	(1,148)	0	0	0
Non-cash capital contribution related to the utilization of Cablevision tax losses	(1,794)	0	0	(1,794)	0	0	0
Non-cash capital distribution related to tax credits utilized by Cablevision	(2,942)
Share-based compensation expense subsequent to the Distribution	17,202	0	0	17,202	0	0	0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	8,777	9	0	8,768	0	0	0
Treasury stock acquired from forfeitures and acquisition of restricted shares	(15,989)	0	0	0	0	(15,989)	0
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock	0	17	(17)	0	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits on share-based awards	7,484	0	0	7,484	0	0	0
Balance at at Dec. 31, 2012	$ (882,352)	$ 612	$ 118	$ 36,454	$ (893,424)	$ (17,666)	$ (8,446)

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Income From Continuing Operations	$ 136,216	$ 126,362	$ 118,189
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	85,380	99,848	106,455
Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards	17,202	16,012	16,267
Amortization and write-off of program rights	355,477	278,728	219,859
Amortization of deferred carriage fees	9,211	23,962	25,213
Unrealized loss on derivative contracts, net	8,739	0	0
Amortization and write-off of deferred financing costs and discounts on indebtedness	10,406	12,159	3,773
Loss On Extinguishment Of Debt	10,774	14,726	0
(Recovery of) provision for doubtful accounts	(1,265)	338	1,484
Deferred Income Taxes	(88,514)	69,160	80,744
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	(7,484)	0	0
Other, net	(100)	(240)	0
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade	(11,717)	(44,750)	(36,422)
Amounts due from/to related parties, net	(6,001)	(9,602)	5,049
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(24,842)	(3,439)	3,962
Program rights and obligations, net	(412,493)	(358,929)	(288,319)
Income taxes payable	116,740	(52)	(164)
Deferred revenue and deferred litigation settlement proceeds	337,207	6,039	1,631
Deferred carriage fees and deferred carriage fees payable, net	(3,894)	(3,640)	(3,031)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	38,090	28,551	11,305
Net cash provided by operating activities	569,132	255,233	265,995
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital Expenditures	(18,557)	(15,371)	(17,243)
Acquisition of investment securities	(750)	0	0
Payment for acquisition of a business	(185)	(320)	(320)
Proceeds from sale of equipment, net of costs of disposal	100	0	406
Net cash used in investing activities	(19,392)	(15,691)	(17,157)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Capital contributions from related party	0	20,813	204,018
Capital distributions to related party	0	20,813	53,754
Repayment of credit facility debt	(742,025)	(877,975)	(105,000)
Redemption of senior notes	0	(300,000)	0
Redemption of senior subordinated notes, including tender premium and fees	0	(338,365)	0
Payments for financing costs	(1,421)	(27,414)	0
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	589,500	1,442,364	0
Purchase of treasury stock	(15,989)	(1,677)	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises	8,777	3,622	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	7,484	0	0
Repayment of note payable to related party	0	0	(190,000)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(1,413)	(4,612)	(4,080)
Net cash used in financing activities	(155,087)	(104,057)	(148,816)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations	394,653	135,485	100,022
Cash flows from discontinued operations:
Net cash used in operating activities	(82)	(359)	(30,870)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	563	750	(10,183)
Effect of change in cash related to net assets distributed to Related Party	0	0	(8,837)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations	481	391	(49,890)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	215,836	79,960	29,828
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 610,970	$ 215,836	$ 79,960

Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

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 collectively with its subsidiaries (the “Company”) own and operate entertainment businesses and assets. The Company is comprised of two reportable segments:

•

National Networks: Includes four nationally distributed programming networks: AMC, WE tv, IFC and Sundance Channel. These programming networks are distributed throughout the United States (“U.S.”) via cable and other multichannel video programming distribution platforms, including direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) and platforms operated by telecommunications providers (we refer collectively to these cable and other multichannel video programming distributors as “multichannel video programming distributors” or “distributors”); and

•

International and Other: Principally includes AMC/Sundance Channel Global, the Company’s international programming business; IFC Films, the Company’s independent film distribution business; and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, the Company’s network technical services business, which primarily services the programming networks of the Company. AMC and Sundance Channel are distributed in Canada and Sundance Channel and WE tv are distributed in other countries throughout Europe and Asia. The International and Other reportable segment also includes VOOM HD Holdings LLC (“VOOM HD”), which the Company is winding down, and which continues to sell certain limited amounts of programming through program license agreements.

On June 30, 2011, Cablevision Systems Corporation (Cablevision Systems Corporation and its subsidiaries are referred to as “Cablevision”) spun off the Company (the “Distribution”) and the Company became an independent public company. In connection with the Distribution, Cablevision contributed all of the membership interests of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC (“RMH”) to the Company. RMH owned, directly or indirectly, the businesses included in Cablevision’s Rainbow Media segment. On June 30, 2011, Cablevision effected the Distribution of all of AMC Networks’ outstanding common stock. In the Distribution, each holder of Cablevision NY Group (“CNYG”) Class A Common Stock of record on June 16, 2011 received one share of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock for every four shares of CNYG Class A Common Stock held on the record date, which resulted in the issuance of approximately 57,813,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. Each record holder of CNYG Class B Common Stock received one share of AMC Networks Class B Common Stock for every four shares of CNYG Class B Common Stock held on the record date, which resulted in the issuance of approximately 13,534,000 shares of Class B Common Stock. Immediately prior to the Distribution, the Company was an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision. Both Cablevision and AMC Networks continue to be controlled by Charles F. Dolan, certain members of his immediate family and certain family related entities (collectively the “Dolan Family”).

As part of the Distribution, the Company incurred $2,425,000 of debt (the “Distribution Debt”), consisting of $1,725,000 aggregate principal amount of senior secured term loans and $700,000 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes (see Note 6). Approximately $1,063,000 of the proceeds of the Distribution Debt was used to repay all pre-Distribution outstanding Company debt (excluding capital leases), including principal and accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repayment, and, as partial consideration for Cablevision’s contribution of the membership interests in RMH to the Company, $1,250,000, net of discount, of Distribution Debt was issued to CSC Holdings, LLC (“CSC Holdings”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision, which is reflected as a deemed capital distribution in the consolidated statement of stockholders’ deficiency for the year ended December 31, 2011. CSC Holdings used such Distribution Debt to satisfy and discharge outstanding CSC Holdings debt, which ultimately resulted in such Distribution Debt being held by third party investors.

Basis of Presentation

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMC Networks and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements for periods prior to the Distribution have been derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Cablevision and reflect certain assumptions and allocations. The results of operations and cash flows of the Company for those periods could differ from those that might have resulted had the Company been operated autonomously or as an entity independent of Cablevision. The Company’s consolidated financial statements after the Distribution reflect certain revenues and expenses related to transactions with or charges from Cablevision and The Madison Square Garden Company and its subsidiaries (“MSG”) as described in Note 14.

Use of Estimates

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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 the determination of ultimate revenues as it relates to accounting for amortization and assessing recoverability of owned original programming costs, valuation and recoverability of long-lived assets, income taxes and contingencies and litigation matters.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2011 and 2010 amounts to conform to the 2012 presentation. Specifically, the prepaid portion of program rights of $53,697 previously included in "prepaid expenses and other current assets" has been reclassified to "program rights, net" within current assets in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011. Similar reclassifications were made from "prepaid expenses and other assets" to "program rights and obligations, net" of $27,491 and $13,426 in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Discontinued Operations

On December 31, 2010, RMH transferred its membership interests in News 12 (regional news programming services), Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation (a cable television advertising company) and certain other businesses to wholly-owned subsidiaries of Cablevision in contemplation of the Distribution. The net assets distributed amounted to $41,273 and were recorded as a deemed capital distribution in the consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2010. No gain or loss was recognized in connection with this distribution between entities under common control. The operating results of these transferred entities through the date of the transfer have been presented in the consolidated statement of income as discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2010. Additionally, the net operating results following the sale of our ownership interests in the Lifeskool and Sportskool video-on-demand services in September and October 2008, respectively, which were recorded under the installment sales method, have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Operating results of discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are summarized below:



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Revenues, net	$	—		$	—		$	79,768

Income (loss) before income taxes	$	498		$	822		$	(63,311	)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(184		)	(730		)	25,221
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	314		$	92		$	(38,090	)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 2-6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Publisher AICPA
-Number 94-6
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Publisher FASB
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6359553&loc=d3e288-107754

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197480

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921930&loc=d3e5614-111684

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 915
-SubTopic 235
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472506&loc=d3e38932-110933

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 852
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2209116

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 272
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6373374&loc=d3e70478-108055

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6970148&loc=SL6228881-111685

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2122150

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6359566&loc=d3e326-107755

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 720
-SubTopic 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2122524

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 275
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2134480

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4/FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph 8, C1, C7
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

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

The Company recognizes revenue from 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. Revenue from the licensing of original programming for digital and foreign distribution is recognized upon availability for 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.

Advertising

Advertising revenues are recognized when commercials are aired. In certain 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, the guarantee obligation contractually expires or performance requirements become remote.

Other Revenue

Revenue derived from other sources is recognized when delivery occurs or the services are rendered.

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 and impairments 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 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 are recorded to selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Advertising costs were $154,371, $105,068 and $92,184 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Marketing, distribution and general and administrative costs related to the exploitation of owned original programming are expensed as incurred and are recorded to 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. For stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), the Company recognizes expense based on the estimated fair value at each reporting period using the Black-Scholes valuation model.

For periods prior to the Distribution date, Cablevision charged the Company its proportionate share of expenses or benefits related to Cablevision’s employee stock plans and Cablevision’s long-term incentive plans (see Note 14). Share-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses 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 substantially 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, 2012, the Company had $41,983 of accounts receivable due in excess of one-year, which are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.

Program Rights

Rights to programming, including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements are stated at the lower of amortized 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 independent 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. Projected program usage is based on the historical usage of similar content. Estimated attributable revenue can change based upon programming market acceptance, levels of distribution and advertising revenue and 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 net realizable 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 no future programming usefulness based on actual demand or market conditions, a write-off of the unamortized cost is recorded in technical and operating expense. See Note 3 for further discussion regarding program rights write-offs.

Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived 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.

Intangible assets established in connection with business acquisitions primarily consist of affiliation agreements and affiliate relationships, advertiser relationships, trademarks and goodwill. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives. Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized.

Impairment of Long-Lived and Indefinite Lived Assets

The Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets at December 31, 2012 include property and equipment, net of $70,890, amortizable intangible assets, net of $221,283, identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, which consist of Sundance Channel trademarks of $19,900, and goodwill of $79,305. These assets accounted for approximately 15% of the Company’s consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2012.

The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property and equipment, and intangible assets subject to amortization that arose from acquisitions) 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.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment during the first quarter (“annual impairment test date”) and upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances.

Deferred Carriage Fees

Deferred carriage fees represent amounts principally paid or payable to multichannel video 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 guarantee 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 are clearly and closely related to the host contracts; therefore, such derivative financial instruments 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 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 8 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.

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 stock options (including those held by directors and employees of related parties of the Company) and AMC Networks restricted shares/units (including those held by employees of related parties of the Company).

The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012	2011	2010
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	70,374,000	69,283,000	69,161,000
Effect of dilution:
Stock options	783,000	510,000	—
Restricted shares/units	1,079,000	938,000	—
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	72,236,000	70,731,000	69,161,000

For the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately 527 restricted shares/units have been excluded from diluted weighted average common shares outstanding since they would have been anti-dilutive.

The number of shares used to compute basic and diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2010 of approximately 69,161,000, represents the number of shares of AMC Networks common stock issued to Cablevision shareholders on the Distribution date, and excludes unvested outstanding restricted shares, based on a distribution ratio of one share of AMC Networks common stock for every four shares of Cablevision common stock outstanding. The dilutive effect of the Company’s share-based awards that were issued in connection with the adjustment or conversion of Cablevision’s share-based awards upon the Distribution (including Cablevision stock options and restricted share awards granted prior to the Distribution) and subsequent Company grants, are included in the computation of diluted EPS in periods subsequent to the Distribution.

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 anytime 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.



	Shares Outstanding
	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock
Balance at June 30, 2011 (date of Distribution)	57,813,267	13,534,408
Employee and non-employee director stock transactions*	621,437	—
Balance at December 31, 2011	58,434,704	13,534,408
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock	1,750,000	(1,750,000	)
Employee and non-employee director stock transactions*	406,326	—
Balance at December 31, 2012	60,591,030	11,784,408

*Primarily includes issuances of common stock in connection with employee stock option exercises and restricted shares/units granted to employees, partially offset by shares acquired by the Company in connection with the fulfillment of employees’ statutory tax withholding obligations for applicable income and other employment taxes and forfeited employee restricted shares.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2012-07, Accounting for Fair Value Information That Arises after the Measurement Date and Its Inclusion in the Impairment Analysis of Unamortized Film Costs (ASU 2012-07), which eliminates the rebuttable presumption that the conditions leading to the write-off of unamortized film costs after the balance sheet date existed as of the balance sheet date. ASU 2012-07 also eliminates the requirement that an entity incorporate into fair value measurements used in the impairment tests the effects of any changes in estimates resulting from the consideration of subsequent evidence if the information would not have been considered by market participants at the measurement date. ASU 2012-07 does not change an entity's responsibility to analyze and consider any relevant subsequent events and information to assess whether the fair value measurement reflects all relevant information and assumptions that market participants would have considered under the current conditions at the measurement date. The Company adopted ASU 2012-07 effective December 31, 2012. The adoption of this authoritative guidance did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment (ASU 2011-08), which allows entities to use a qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment. ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is concluded that this is the case, it is necessary to perform the prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The Company adopted ASU 2011-08 effective January 1, 2012 and applied it to the Company’s annual impairment test as of the end of February 2012.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU 2011-05). The provisions of ASU 2011-05 provide that an entity that reports items of other comprehensive income has the option to present comprehensive income as (i) a single statement that presents the components of net income and total net income, the components of other comprehensive income and total other comprehensive income and a total for comprehensive income or (ii) in a two-statement approach, whereby an entity must present the components of net income and total net income in the first statement and that statement is immediately followed by a financial statement that presents the components of other comprehensive income, a total for other comprehensive income and a total for comprehensive income. The previous option under GAAP that permitted the presentation of other comprehensive income in the statement of stockholders’ equity has been eliminated. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassification of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 (ASU 2011-12). ASU 2011-12 defers the requirement in ASU 2011-05 to present reclassification adjustments for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) in both other comprehensive income and net income on the face of the financial statements, and the presentation of reclassification adjustments is not required in interim periods. The Company adopted ASU 2011-05 and ASU 2011-12 effective January 1, 2012 and presents comprehensive income using the two-statement approach.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in GAAP and IFRSs (ASU 2011-04). ASU 2011-04 provides amendments to Topic 820 that change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The Company adopted ASU 2011-04 effective January 1, 2012. The adoption of this authoritative guidance did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2013-02). The amendments in ASU 2013-02 do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 is effective in the first quarter of 2013 and is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (ASU 2012-02), to allow entities to use a qualitative approach to test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. ASU 2012-02 permits an entity to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If it is concluded that this is the case, an entity is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount in accordance with Subtopic 350-30. Otherwise, the quantitative impairment test is not required. This authoritative guidance will be effective for the Company’s 2013 annual impairment test and earlier adoption is permitted. The Company will evaluate performing a qualitative assessment in 2013.

Program Rights

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Program Rights [Abstract]

Programs And Program Licenses [Text Block]

Program Rights and Obligations

Program Rights

Owned original program rights, net of $80,826 at December 31, 2012 is included as a component of long-term program rights, net in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company estimates that approximately 94% of unamortized owned original programming costs, as of December 31, 2012, will be amortized within the next three years. The Company expects to amortize $48,294 of unamortized owned original programming costs, during the next twelve months. Program rights write-offs of $9,990, $18,332 and $1,222 were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Program Rights Obligations

Amounts payable subsequent to December 31, 2012 related to program rights obligations included in the consolidated balance sheet are as follows:



Years Ending December 31,
2013	$	157,584
2014	141,276
2015	126,134
2016	82,379
2017	25,338
Thereafter	15,588
	$	548,299

Property and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) consists of the following:



	December 31,						Estimated Useful Lives
	2012			2011			Estimated Useful Lives
Program, service and test equipment	$	103,169		$	92,080		2 to 5 years
Satellite equipment	16,580			15,530			13 years
Furniture and fixtures	15,386			14,286			5 to 8 years
Transmission equipment	37,518			34,441			5 years
Leasehold improvements	45,321			40,222			Term of lease
	217,974			196,559
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(147,084		)	(132,745		)
	$	70,890		$	63,814

During 2012, the Company retired $6,332 of fully depreciated assets that were no longer in use.

Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment (including capital leases) amounted to $20,891, $20,739 and $19,805, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the gross amount of equipment and related accumulated amortization recorded under capital leases were as follows:



	December 31,
	2012			2011
Satellite equipment	$	16,580		$	15,530
Less accumulated amortization	(7,474		)	(6,221		)
	$	9,106		$	9,309

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References + Details

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting unit and reportable segment is as follows:



	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Reporting Unit and Segment
AMC	$	34,251	$	34,251
WE tv	5,214		5,214
IFC	13,582		13,582
Sundance Channel	25,062		28,930
Total National Networks	78,109		81,977
AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology	1,196		1,196
Total International and Other	1,196		1,196
	$	79,305	$	83,173

The reduction of $3,868 in the carrying amount of goodwill for Sundance Channel is due to the realization of a tax benefit for the amortization of "second component" goodwill. 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 Sundance Channel 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.

There were no accumulated impairment losses related to goodwill for any periods as of December 31, 2012.

The following table summarizes information relating to the Company’s identifiable intangible assets:



	December 31, 2012							Estimated Useful Lives
	Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Estimated Useful Lives
Amortizable intangible assets:
Affiliation agreements and affiliate relationships	$	840,757	$	(623,621	)	$	217,136	10 to 25 years
Advertiser relationships	74,248		(70,226		)	4,022		10 years
Other amortizable intangible assets	644		(519		)	125		4 to 10 years
Total amortizable intangible assets	915,649		(694,366		)	221,283
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trademarks	19,900		—			19,900
Total intangible assets	$	935,549	$	(694,366	)	$	241,183
	December 31, 2011
	Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Amortizable intangible assets:
Affiliation agreements and affiliate relationships	$	911,357	$	(637,394	)	$	273,963
Advertiser relationships	103,723		(92,166		)	11,557
Other amortizable intangible assets	644		(391		)	253
Total amortizable intangible assets	1,015,724		(729,951		)	285,773
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trademarks	19,900		—			19,900
Total intangible assets	$	1,035,624	$	(729,951	)	$	305,673

During 2012, the Company retired $70,600 and $29,475 of fully amortized affiliation agreements and advertiser relationships, respectively.

Aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $64,489, $79,109 and $86,650, respectively. Estimated future aggregate amortization expense for existing intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the next five years is as follows:



Years Ending December 31,
2013	$	31,631
2014	9,759
2015	9,746
2016	9,746
2017	9,746

Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

In accordance with the accounting guidance adopted on January 1, 2012, 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. 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.

In assessing the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, 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 are primarily determined using discounted cash flows and comparable market transactions. These valuations 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. These valuations 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 our long-lived assets.

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. Significant judgments inherent in a valuation 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.

Based on the Company’s annual impairment test for goodwill and identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets as of the end of February 2012, no impairment charge was required for any of the reporting units. The Company performed a qualitative assessment for the AMC, WE tv, IFC and AMC Networks Broadcasting and Technology reporting units, which included, but was not limited to, consideration of the historical significant excesses of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit over its respective 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 Sundance Channel reporting unit. Based on the quantitative assessment, if the fair value of the Sundance Channel reporting unit decreased by 11%, the Company would be required to perform step-two of the quantitative assessment.

The Company’s indefinite-lived trademark intangible assets relate to Sundance Channel 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.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

Long-term debt consists of:



	December 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Senior Secured Credit Facility:
Term loan A facility	$	880,000		$	1,030,000
Term loan B facility	—			592,025
Senior Notes:
7.75% Notes due July 2021	700,000			700,000
4.75% Notes due December 2022	600,000			—
Total long-term debt	2,180,000			2,322,025
Unamortized discount	(26,685		)	(30,745		)
Long-term debt, net	2,153,315			2,291,280
Current portion of long-term debt	—			5,950
Noncurrent portion of long-term debt	$	2,153,315		$	2,285,330

Senior Secured Credit Facility

On June 30, 2011 (the “Closing Date”), AMC Networks, as Borrower, and substantially all of its subsidiaries, as restricted subsidiaries, entered into a credit agreement. Under the terms of such credit agreement, AMC Networks was provided with senior secured credit facilities consisting of a $1,130,000 term loan A facility, a $595,000 term loan B facility and a $500,000 revolving credit facility (collectively, the "Credit Facility"). The term loan A facility and the term loan B facility were discounted $5,650 and $12,986, respectively, upon original issuance. The revolving credit facility matures on June 30, 2016 and the term loan A facility matures June 30, 2017. On the Closing Date, approximately $577,000 of the Credit Facility debt was issued to CSC Holdings as partial consideration for the transfer to AMC Networks of the RMH businesses on June 6, 2011 in connection with the Distribution of AMC Networks from Cablevision, which was consummated on June 30, 2011. The issuance of debt to CSC Holdings is reflected as a deemed capital distribution in the consolidated statement of stockholders’ deficiency for the year ended December 31, 2011. CSC Holdings used such debt to satisfy and discharge outstanding CSC Holdings debt.

On December 17, 2012, AMC Networks issued $600,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 4.75% Notes (see below) and used the net proceeds of the offering to repay the outstanding amount under the term loan B facility.

The revolving credit facility was not drawn upon on the Closing Date and remains undrawn at December 31, 2012. Total undrawn revolver commitments are available to be drawn for our general corporate purposes.

In connection with the Credit Facility, AMC Networks incurred deferred financing costs of $26,309, which are being amortized to interest expense, utilizing the effective interest method, over the term of each respective component of the Credit Facility.

Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a floating rate, which at the option of AMC Networks may be either (a) a base rate plus an additional rate ranging from 0.50% to 1.25% per annum (determined based on a cash flow ratio), or (b) a Eurodollar rate plus an additional rate ranging from 1.50% to 2.25% per annum (determined based on a cash flow ratio). At December 31, 2012, the interest rate on the term loan A facility was 1.96%, reflecting a Eurodollar rate plus the additional rate as described herein.

All obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed jointly and severally by substantially all of AMC Networks’ existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries as primary obligors in accordance with the Credit Facility. All obligations under the Credit Facility, including the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by substantially all of the assets of AMC Networks and these subsidiaries.

Borrowings under the term loan A facility and the revolving credit facility may be voluntarily prepaid without premiums and penalty at any time (see below for a discussion of voluntary prepayments of the term loan A facility). The Credit Facility also provides for various mandatory prepayments, including with the proceeds from certain dispositions of property and borrowings. The term loan A facility is required to be repaid in quarterly installments of $14,125 from September 30, 2012 through June 30, 2013, $28,250 beginning September 30, 2013 through June 30, 2014, $42,375 beginning September 30, 2014 through June 30, 2015, $56,500 beginning September 30, 2015 through March 31, 2017 and $395,500 on June 30, 2017, the term loan A facility maturity date. Any amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility are due at maturity on June 30, 2016.

The Credit Facility requires AMC Networks to pay a commitment fee of between 0.25% and 0.50% (determined based on the Cash Flow Ratio, defined below) in respect of the average daily unused commitments under the revolving credit facility. AMC Networks is also required to pay customary letter of credit fees, as well as fronting fees, to banks that issue letters of credit pursuant to the Credit Facility.

The Company may request an increase in the term loan A facility and/or the revolving credit facility by an aggregate amount not exceeding the greater of $400,000 and an amount, which after giving effect to such increase, would not cause the senior secured leverage ratio of the Company to exceed 4.75:1. As of December 31, 2012, the Company does not have any commitments for an incremental facility.

The Credit Facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants and also requires AMC Networks to comply with the following financial covenants: (i) a maximum ratio of net debt to annual operating cash flow, each as defined in the Credit Facility (“Cash Flow Ratio”) of (a) 6.50:1 at December 31, 2012 and decreasing to 6.00:1 for the period beginning January 1, 2013 and ending December 31, 2014 and (b) 5.50:1 thereafter and (ii) a minimum ratio of annual operating cash flow to annual total interest expense, as defined in the Credit Facility (“Interest Coverage Ratio”) of (a) 2.50:1 through December 31, 2013 and (b) 2.75:1 thereafter.

AMC Networks was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2012.

From inception through December 31, 2012, the Company voluntarily prepaid $250,000 of the outstanding balance under the term loan A facility ($150,000 of which was paid in 2012), which was applied to the earliest required quarterly installments due. As a result, as of December 31, 2012, the next required quarterly installment will be due on December 31, 2014 in the amount of $4,250 with quarterly installments due under the term loan A facility subsequent to December 31, 2014 remaining unchanged. The Company recorded a write-off of deferred financing costs of $964 and $544 associated with the voluntary prepayments that were made in 2012 and 2011, respectively, in the consolidated statements of income.

7.75% Senior Notes due 2021

On June 30, 2011, AMC Networks issued $700,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 7.75% senior notes, net of an original issue discount of $14,000, due July 15, 2021 (the “7.75% Notes”) to CSC Holdings, as partial consideration for the transfer to AMC Networks of the RMH businesses on June 6, 2011, which is reflected as a deemed capital distribution in the consolidated statement of stockholders’ deficiency for the year ended December 31, 2011. CSC Holdings used the Company’s 7.75% Notes to satisfy and discharge outstanding CSC Holdings debt. The recipients of the 7.75% Notes or their affiliates then offered the 7.75% Notes to investors, through an offering memorandum dated June 22, 2011, which ultimately resulted in the 7.75% Notes being held by third party investors.

The 7.75% Notes were issued under an indenture dated as of June 30, 2011 (the “7.75% Notes Indenture”).

In connection with the issuance of the 7.75% Notes, AMC Networks incurred deferred financing costs of $1,533, which are being amortized, using the effective interest method, to interest expense over the term of the 7.75% Notes.

Interest on the 7.75% Notes accrues at the rate of 7.75% per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year.

The 7.75% Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time on or after July 15, 2016, at a redemption price equal to 103.875% 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 July 15, 2019.

In addition, if AMC Networks experiences a Change of Control (as defined in the 7.75% Notes Indenture), the holders of the 7.75% Notes may require AMC Networks to repurchase for cash all or a portion of their 7.75% Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of such repurchase).

The 7.75% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of AMC Networks’ existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”), in accordance with the 7.75% Notes Indenture. The guarantees under the 7.75% Notes are full and unconditional and joint and several.

AMC Networks is a holding company and has no independent assets or operations of its own, the guarantees under the 7.75% Notes are full and unconditional and joint and several, and any subsidiaries of AMC Networks other than the Subsidiary Guarantors are minor. There are no restrictions on the ability of AMC Networks or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors to obtain funds from its subsidiaries by dividend or loan.

The 7.75% Notes Indenture contains certain affirmative and negative covenants applicable to AMC Networks and its Subsidiary Guarantors including restrictions on their ability to incur additional indebtedness, consummate certain assets sales, make investments in entities that are not “Restricted Subsidiaries” (as defined in the 7.75% Notes Indenture), 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.

AMC Networks entered into a registration rights agreement, dated as of June 30, 2011 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), among AMC Networks, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the initial purchasers of the 7.75% Notes, pursuant to which AMC Networks filed a registration statement with the SEC with respect to an offer to exchange the 7.75% Notes for registered notes (the “Exchange Offer”) with terms identical in all material respects to the 7.75% Notes except that the registered notes do not contain terms that provide for restrictions on transfer (the “Registered Notes”), which was declared effective by the SEC on June 7, 2012. On July 10, 2012, the Exchange Offer was completed and all of AMC Networks’ original 7.75% Notes were exchanged for Registered Notes.

4.75% Senior Notes due 2022

On December 17, 2012, AMC Networks issued $600,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 4.75% senior notes, net of an issuance discount of $10,500, due December 15, 2022 (the “4.75% Notes”). AMC Networks used the net proceeds of this offering to repay the outstanding amount under its term loan B facility of approximately $587,600, with the remaining proceeds used for general corporate purposes. In connection with this repayment, the Company recorded a write-off of the related unamortized deferred financing costs and a loss on extinguishment of debt of $898 and $10,774, respectively, in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2012. Additionally, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of $8,725 on the related interest rate swap contracts previously designated as cash flow hedges of a portion of the term loan B facility which is included in interest expense in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2012.

The 4.75% Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of December 17, 2012 (the “Base Indenture,” and together with the First Supplemental Indenture, the “4.75% Notes Indenture”).

In connection with the issuance of the 4.75% Notes, AMC Networks incurred deferred financing costs of $1,393, which are being amortized, using the effective interest method, to interest expense over the term of the 4.75% Notes.

Interest on the 4.75% Notes 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, commencing on June 15, 2013.

The 4.75% Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time on or after December 15, 2017, 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.

In addition, if AMC Networks experiences a Change of Control (as defined in the 4.75% Notes Indenture), the holders of the 4.75% Notes may require AMC Networks to repurchase for cash all or a portion of their 4.75% Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of such repurchase).

The 4.75% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Subsidiary Guarantors in accordance with the 4.75% Notes Indenture. The guarantees under the 4.75% Notes are full and unconditional and joint and several.

AMC Networks is a holding company and has no independent assets or operations of its own, the guarantees under the 4.75% Notes are full and unconditional and joint and several, and any subsidiaries of AMC Networks other than the Subsidiary Guarantors are minor. There are no restrictions on the ability of AMC Networks or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors to obtain funds from its subsidiaries by dividend or loan.

The 4.75% Notes Indenture contains certain affirmative and negative covenants applicable to AMC Networks and its Subsidiary Guarantors including restrictions on their ability to incur additional indebtedness, consummate certain assets sales, make investments in entities that are not “Restricted Subsidiaries” (as defined in the 4.75% Notes Indenture), 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, 2012 are as follows:



Years Ending December 31,
2013	$	—
2014	4,250
2015	197,750
2016	226,000
2017	452,000
Thereafter	1,300,000

RNS Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes Redemption

RNS Senior Notes

In April 2011, Rainbow National Services LLC (“RNS”), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company, issued a notice of redemption to holders of its 8 3/4% senior notes due September 2012. In connection therewith, on May 13, 2011 RNS redeemed 100% of the outstanding senior notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes of $300,000, plus accrued and unpaid interest of $5,250 to the redemption date. In order to fund the May 13, 2011 redemption, the Company borrowed $300,000 under its $300,000 revolving credit facility which existed prior to the Closing Date. The Company used cash on hand to fund the payment of accrued and unpaid interest of $5,250. In connection with the redemption, the Company recorded a write-off of the related unamortized deferred financing costs and a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1,186 and $350, respectively, in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2011.

RNS Senior Subordinated Notes (tender prices per note in dollars)

On June 15, 2011, RNS announced that it commenced a cash tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) for all of its outstanding $325,000 aggregate principal amount 10 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2014 (the “RNS Senior Subordinated Notes”) for total consideration of $1,039.58 per $1,000 principal amount of notes tendered for purchase, consisting of tender offer consideration of $1,029.58 per $1,000 principal amount of notes plus an early tender premium of $10 per $1,000 principal amount of notes. The Tender Offer was made in connection with the Distribution of AMC Networks by Cablevision.

In connection with the Tender Offer, on June 30, 2011 RNS redeemed 100% of the outstanding $325,000 aggregate principal amount of the RNS Senior Subordinated Notes. The Company used proceeds from borrowings under the Credit Facility to fund the redemption, and payment of fees and accrued and unpaid interest of $11,146. Tender premiums aggregating $12,864, along with accretion to the principal amount and other transaction costs of $1,321 have been recorded in loss on extinguishment of debt in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2011. The related unamortized deferred financing costs aggregating approximately $2,455 were written off and recorded in write-off of deferred financing costs in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2011.

RNS Credit Facility Repayment

Outstanding borrowings under the RNS term loan facility and revolving credit facility were $425,000 and $50,000, respectively, at December 31, 2010. In connection with the Distribution, RNS repaid amounts then outstanding under its RNS credit facility at June 30, 2011 of $412,500 under its term A loan facility and $300,000 under its revolving credit facility which aggregated $713,785, including accrued and unpaid interest and fees to the repayment date of June 30, 2011. The Company used proceeds from borrowings under the Credit Facility to fund the repayment. The related unamortized deferred financing costs aggregating approximately $2,062 were written off and recorded in write-off of deferred financing costs in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2011.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Fair Value Measurement

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

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, 2012 and December 31, 2011:



	Level I		Level II		Level III		Total
At December 31, 2012:
Assets:
Cash equivalents^(a)	$	487,900	$	—	$	—	$	487,900
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap contracts	$	—	$	22,137	$	—	$	22,137
At December 31, 2011:
Assets:
Cash equivalents^(a)	$	202,276	$	—	$	—	$	202,276
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap contracts	$	—	$	19,091	$	—	$	19,091


(a)	Represents the Company’s investment in funds that invest primarily in money market securities.

The Company’s cash equivalents 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 (discussed in Note 8 below) 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.

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:



	December 31, 2012
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Debt instruments:
Senior Secured Credit Facility	$	876,358	$	876,154
Senior Notes	1,276,957		1,404,500
	$	2,153,315	$	2,280,654

	December 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Debt instruments:
Senior Secured Credit Facility	$	1,604,846	$	1,550,960
Senior Notes	686,434		761,250
	$	2,291,280	$	2,312,210

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.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15B
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13537-108611

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13504-108611

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19296-110258

+ Details

Derivative Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

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.

In July 2011, the Company entered into primarily amortizing interest rate swap contracts to effectively fix borrowing rates on a substantial portion of the Company’s floating rate debt. These contracts were designated as cash flow hedges for accounting and tax purposes (see below). 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 the interest rate swap contracts is recorded in current-period earnings.

As discussed in Note 6, in connection with the repayment of the term loan B facility, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of $8,725 related to the interest rate swap contracts previously designated as cash flow hedges of a portion of the term loan B facility which was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2012 as the related interest rate swap contracts no longer qualified for hedge accounting. Future changes in fair values related to these interest rate swap contracts will be recognized in earnings and included in interest expense. The interest rate swap contracts outstanding hedging the Company's floating rate debt on the term loan A facility continues to be designated and qualifies as an effective interest rate swap cash flow hedge.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company has interest rate swap contracts outstanding with notional amounts aggregating $838,813. The Company’s outstanding interest rate swap contracts have varying maturities ranging from September 2015 to July 2017. At December 31, 2012, the Company’s interest rate swap contracts designated as cash flow hedges were highly effective, in all material respects.

The fair values of the Company's derivative financial instruments included in the consolidated balance sheet are as follows:



	Liability Derivatives
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
		December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap contracts	Other liabilities	$	13,398	$	19,091
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap contracts	Other liabilities	8,739		—
Total derivatives		$	22,137	$	19,091

The amount of the gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are as follows:



	Amount of Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income(“OCI”) on Derivatives (Effective Portion)				Location of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings (Effective Portion)	Amount of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings (Effective Portion)(a)
	Years Ended December 31,					Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011			2012		2011
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
Interest rate swap contracts	$	12,663	$	23,719	Interest expense	$	18,356	$	4,628


(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, 2012 and 2011.

The amount of the gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments are as follows:



	Location of Loss Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	Amount of Loss Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives
		Years Ended December 31,
		2012		2011
Derivatives not designated as hedging relationships:
Interest rate swap contracts	Interest expense	$	14	$	—

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6887037&loc=d3e80784-113994

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41638-113959

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579240-113959

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41641-113959

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41620-113959

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 25
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6886632&loc=d3e76258-113986

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4E
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624181-113959

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5618551-113959

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4D
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624177-113959

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6887037&loc=d3e80748-113994

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4H
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624258-113959

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4K
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5708775-113959

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41635-113959

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5708773-113959

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

+ Details

Leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Leases [Abstract]

Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]

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 2020. 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, 2012, 2011 and 2010 amounted to $14,814, $13,312 and $12,363, respectively.

The future minimum annual payments for the Company’s operating leases related to continuing operations (with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year) during the next five years from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2017 and thereafter, at rates now in force are as follows:



2013	$	16,065
2014	16,165
2015	16,331
2016	16,283
2017	10,171
Thereafter	12,139

Capital Leases

Future minimum capital lease payments as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:



2013	$	3,036
2014	3,036
2015	3,036
2016	3,036
2017	3,036
Thereafter	6,931
Total minimum lease payments	22,111
Less amount representing interest (at 9.3%-10.4%)	(6,449		)
Present value of net minimum future capital lease payments	15,662
Less principal portion of current installments	(1,558		)
Long-term portion of obligations under capital leases	$	14,104

- Definition

The entire disclosure for lessee entity's leasing arrangements including, but not limited to, all of the following: (a.) The basis on which contingent rental payments are determined, (b.) The existence and terms of renewal or purchase options and escalation clauses, (c.) Restrictions imposed by lease agreements, such as those concerning dividends, additional debt, and further leasing.

+ References + Details

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income tax expense attributable to continuing operations consists of the following components:



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011		2010
Current expense:
Federal	$	148,495		$	2,333	$	—
State and foreign	18,836			6,489		4,360
	167,331			8,822		4,360
Deferred (benefit) expense:
Federal	(77,360		)	62,131		62,078
State	(11,154		)	7,029		18,666
	(88,514		)	69,160		80,744
Tax expense relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest	7,241			6,266		2,969
Income tax expense	$	86,058		$	84,248	$	88,073

Income tax expense attributable to discontinued operations is classified as current income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 and deferred income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate is as follows:



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	35	%	35	%	35	%
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	2		4		5
Changes in the valuation allowance	(1	)	(1	)	1
Change in the state rate used to measure deferred taxes, net of federal benefit	—		—		1
Tax expense relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest, net of deferred tax benefits	2		2		1
Other	1		—		—
Effective income tax rate	39	%	40	%	43	%

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant components of deferred tax assets or liabilities at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:



	December 31,
	2012			2011
Deferred Tax Asset (Liability)
Current
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards	$	687		$	55,322
Compensation and benefit plans	10,230			7,323
Allowance for doubtful accounts	392			1,029
Deferred litigation settlement proceeds	114,210			—
Other liabilities	1			127
Deferred tax asset	125,520			63,801
Valuation allowance	(4,117		)	(4,529		)
Net deferred tax asset, current	121,403			59,272
Noncurrent
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards	25,625			22,737
Compensation and benefit plans	13,768			10,944
Fixed assets and intangible assets	7,480			14,771
Interest rate swap contracts	4,971			7,064
Other liabilities	7,537			4,377
Deferred tax asset	59,381			59,893
Valuation allowance	(1,947		)	(4,252		)
Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent	57,434			55,641
Prepaid liabilities	(668		)	—
Investments in partnerships	(85,907		)	(107,546		)
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent	(86,575		)	(107,546		)
Net deferred tax liability, noncurrent	(29,141		)	(51,905		)
Total net deferred tax asset	$	92,262		$	7,367

As of December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a current tax liability and a deferred tax asset of $114,210 for the estimated 2012 taxes payable on the VOOM HD litigation settlement proceeds. Although the allocation of such proceeds between the Company and Cablevision was not determined by December 31, 2012, the income taxes payable by the Company on such proceeds for 2012 were estimated based upon the cash received by the Company during 2012 from such settlement.

At December 31, 2012, the Company had foreign tax credit carry forwards of approximately $18,000, expiring on various dates from 2014 through 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the utilization of the remaining federal net operating loss carry forwards (“NOLs”) and alternative minimum tax credit carry forwards reduced current deferred income tax assets by $50,000 and $2,100, respectively. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2012, excess tax benefits of $7,484 relating to share-based compensation awards and $2,433 relating to amortization of tax deductible second component goodwill were realized as a reduction in tax liability (as determined on a 'with-and-without' approach).

At December 31, 2012, the liability for uncertain tax positions was $16,721, excluding the related accrued interest liability of $3,201 and deferred tax assets of $7,041. 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:



Balance at December 31, 2011	$	10,465
Increases related to prior year tax positions	43
Increases related to current year tax positions	6,213
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	16,721

Interest expense (net of the related deferred tax benefit) of $617 was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2012 and is included in income tax expense in the consolidated statement of income. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, 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 Distribution except for New York City Unincorporated Business Tax. The City of New York is currently auditing the Company's Unincorporated Business Tax Returns for the years 2006 through 2008.

We estimate that The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, enacted on January 2, 2013, will reduce the Company's current income tax liability and net deferred tax asset from the amounts reported at December 31, 2012 by approximately $28,000, primarily as a result of the extension of the provision allowing a current tax deduction for the costs of certain television productions.

For periods prior to the Distribution, the Company’s taxable income or loss was included in the consolidated federal and certain state and local income tax returns of Cablevision. Consequently, income tax expense for such periods is based on the taxable income of the Company on a separate tax return basis. The reductions in taxes payable during such periods realized by the Company through the utilization of Cablevision’s NOLs or by Cablevision through the utilization of the Company’s NOLs or credits are reflected as deemed capital contributions or distributions, respectively, in the periods of utilization and are adjusted for true-ups in subsequent periods. Accordingly, deemed capital contributions, net of $36,867 and $52,824 were recorded in the consolidated statement of stockholders’ (deficiency) equity for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, to reflect the estimated NOLs of Cablevision used by the Company. In addition, deemed capital distributions, net of $2,942 and $2,586 were recorded in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ (deficiency) equity for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, to reflect true-ups as of the Distribution date for utilization of Cablevision's NOLs and for adjustments to liabilities for uncertain tax positions and net deferred tax assets as a result of the Distribution and the estimated New York City Unincorporated Business Tax credits of the Company used by Cablevision, respectively.

As a result of the Distribution, the following adjustments to the deferred tax assets and liabilities were recorded as a deemed capital distribution, net in the consolidated statement of stockholders’ deficiency for the year ended December 31, 2011: (i) a decrease in the net deferred tax assets of $2,302 to reflect the lower stand-alone estimated applicable corporate tax rates, (ii) a decrease in the deferred tax asset for share-based awards of $7,292 to eliminate the portion of the deferred tax asset relating to share-based compensation expense attributable to Cablevision corporate employees that was allocated to the Company prior to the Distribution, and (iii) a decrease in the deferred tax asset of $1,314 to reflect that certain compensation awards are no longer anticipated to be realized as a tax deduction pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m). In addition, as of the Distribution date, liabilities for uncertain tax positions of $56,409, accrued interest of $1,284, and the related deferred tax assets of $2,358 were eliminated and recorded as a deemed capital contribution, net in the consolidated statement of stockholders’ (deficiency) equity as the liability for such uncertain tax positions became an obligation of Cablevision.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments And Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Commitments The Company has purchase obligations which consist primarily of program rights obligations that have not yet met the criteria to be recorded in the balance sheet. Future purchase obligations at December 31, 2012, are $188,612 in 2013; $52,819 in years 2014-2015 and $4,595 in years 2016-2017. The Company has guarantee commitments which consists primarily of a guarantee of payments to a production service company for certain production related costs. Guarantees at December 31, 2012, are $71,483 in 2013 and $1,145 in years 2014-2015. The Company has contract obligations which primarily represents participation obligations and deferred carriage fees payable to distributors. Contract obligations at December 31, 2012, are $23,465 in 2013; $22,780 in years 2014-2015 and $2,233 in years 2016-2017. Legal Matters DISH Network Contract Dispute In 2005, subsidiaries of the Company entered into agreements with EchoStar Communications Corporation and its affiliates by which EchoStar Media Holdings Corporation acquired a 20% interest in VOOM HD and EchoStar Satellite LLC (the predecessor to DISH Network) agreed to distribute VOOM on DISH Network for a 15-year term. The affiliation agreement with DISH Network for such distribution provided that if VOOM HD failed to spend $100,000 per year (subject to reduction to the extent that the number of offered channels was reduced to fewer than 21), up to a maximum of $500,000 in the aggregate, on VOOM, DISH Network could seek to terminate the agreement under certain circumstances. On January 30, 2008, DISH Network purported to terminate the affiliation agreement, effective February 1, 2008, based on its assertion that VOOM HD had failed to comply with this spending provision in 2006. On January 31, 2008, VOOM HD sought and obtained a temporary restraining order from the New York Supreme Court for New York County prohibiting DISH Network from terminating the affiliation agreement. In conjunction with its request for a temporary restraining order, VOOM HD also requested a preliminary injunction and filed a lawsuit against DISH Network asserting that DISH Network did not have the right to terminate the affiliation agreement. In a decision filed on May 5, 2008, the court denied VOOM HD’s motion for a preliminary injunction. On or about May 13, 2008, DISH Network ceased distribution of VOOM on its DISH Network. On May 27, 2008, VOOM HD amended its complaint to seek damages for DISH Network’s improper termination of the affiliation agreement. On June 24, 2008, DISH Network answered VOOM HD’s amended complaint and asserted counterclaims alleging breach of contract and breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing with respect to the affiliation agreement. On July 14, 2008, VOOM HD replied to DISH Network’s counterclaims. The Company believes that the counterclaims asserted by DISH Network are without merit. VOOM HD and DISH Network each filed cross-motions for summary judgment. In November 2010, the court denied both parties’ cross-motions for summary judgment but granted VOOM HD’s motion for sanctions based on DISH Network’s spoliation of evidence as well as its motion to exclude DISH Network’s principal damages expert. DISH Network appealed these latter two rulings. On January 31, 2012, the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court issued a decision affirming (i) the trial court’s finding of spoliation and imposition of the sanction of an adverse inference at trial; and (ii) the trial court’s decision to exclude DISH Network’s damages expert. On February 6, 2012, DISH Network filed a motion seeking leave from the Appellate Division to appeal the order. On April 26, 2012, the Appellate Division denied DISH Network’s motion, thereby precluding any further appeal of the trial court rulings. The stay of the pending trial court proceedings was lifted on May 1, 2012. A trial before the New York State Supreme Court began on September 28, 2012. On October 21, 2012, VOOM HD and CSC Holdings, LLC ("CSC Holdings"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cablevision, entered into a confidential settlement agreement and release (the “Settlement Agreement”) with DISH Network, and for certain limited purposes, MSG Holdings, L.P., The Madison Square Garden Company and EchoStar Corporation, to settle the litigation between VOOM HD and DISH Network. On October 24, 2012, VOOM HD and DISH Network filed a stipulation of discontinuance with prejudice with the New York State Supreme Court with respect to the litigation. The principal terms of the Settlement Agreement are as follows: 1) DISH Network paid $700,000 to an account for the benefit of Cablevision and the Company; 2) Cablevision agreed to sell its multichannel video and data distribution service spectrum licenses in the U.S. to DISH Network; 3) simultaneously with the execution of the Settlement Agreement, DISH Network entered into a long-term affiliation agreement with AMC Network Entertainment LLC, WE: Women's Entertainment LLC, The Independent Film Channel LLC, Sundance Channel L.L.C. and Fuse Network LLC, a subsidiary of The Madison Square Garden Company, that provided for resumption of carriage of all of the Company's networks by no later than November 1, 2012; and 4) an affiliate of DISH Network agreed to convey its 20% membership interest in VOOM HD to Rainbow Programming Holdings LLC ("Rainbow Programming Holdings"), a wholly owned subsidiary of AMC Networks. In connection with the Distribution, AMC Networks and Rainbow Programming Holdings (collectively, the “AMC Parties”) and CSC Holdings entered into an agreement (the “VOOM Litigation Agreement”), which provides that, CSC Holdings had full control over the litigation with DISH Network and the decision with respect to settlement was to be made jointly by CSC Holdings and the AMC Parties. In addition, the VOOM Litigation Agreement provides that CSC Holdings and the AMC Parties will share equally in the proceeds (including in the value of any non-cash consideration) of the settlement in the litigation with DISH Network. The AMC Parties were responsible for the legal fees and costs until such costs reached an agreed upon threshold, which occurred in the third quarter of 2012, subsequent to which CSC Holdings and the AMC Parties bear such fees and expenses equally. The allocation of the settlement proceeds between the AMC Parties and CSC Holdings will be determined pursuant to the VOOM Litigation Agreement. The AMC Parties and CSC Holdings agreed that, pending a determination of the allocation of the proceeds, $350,000 of the cash proceeds would be distributed to each of the Company and Cablevision. Accordingly, the portion disbursed to the Company is included in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012. The final amount to be allocated to the Company is yet to be determined and may be significantly less than $350,000. As the Settlement Agreement and the long-term affiliation agreement entered into on October 21, 2012 represent a multiple-element arrangement that includes elements other than revenue, and there is vendor-specific objective evidence of the fair value of the long-term affiliation agreement, which is the only undelivered element of the arrangement, the Company determined that the residual method of accounting is the most appropriate method to allocate the consideration among the disparate elements of the arrangement. Accordingly, at October 21, 2012, the fair value of the affiliation agreement must be deferred and recognized as revenue as the programming services are provided. Based on the Company's fair value assessment of the affiliation agreement, the affiliation fees payable by DISH Network to the Company from the effective date of the affiliation agreement of October 21, 2012 through December 31, 2013 are below fair value by approximately $31,000 and the affiliation fees payable by DISH Network over the remaining term of the affiliation agreement represent fair value. As a result, the Company recorded the $31,000 excess of the fair value of the affiliation agreement over the contractual affiliation fees as deferred revenue on October 21, 2012, of which approximately $5,000 was recognized as revenue during 2012 as the programming services were provided. The remaining $26,000 is included in deferred revenue in the December 31, 2012 consolidated balance sheet and will be recognized ratably over 2013 as the programming services are provided. Deferred litigation settlement proceeds of approximately $308,000 is recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012, which is the result of the $350,000 temporary allocation of proceeds, less the $31,000 of deferred revenue and less an $11,000 receivable related to VOOM HD’s previous affiliation agreement with DISH Network. At December 31, 2012, there is no minimum amount of settlement proceeds that the Company is guaranteed. As a result, no litigation settlement gain, if any, was recognized in 2012 and such gain, if any, which could be material, will not be recognized until realized following the final resolution of the allocation of the settlement proceeds. Other Legal Matters On April 15, 2011, Thomas C. Dolan, a director of the Company and Executive Vice President, Strategy and Development, in the Office of the Chairman and a director of Cablevision, filed a lawsuit against Cablevision and RMH in New York Supreme Court. The lawsuit raises compensation-related claims (seeking approximately $11,000) related to events in 2005. The matter is being handled under the direction of an independent committee of the board of directors of Cablevision. In connection with the Distribution Agreement, Cablevision indemnified the Company and RMH against any liabilities and expenses related to this lawsuit. Based on the indemnification and Cablevision’s and the Company’s assessment of this possible loss contingency, no provision has been made for this matter in the consolidated financial statements. In addition to the matters discussed above, the Company is party to various lawsuits and claims in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of these other matters cannot be predicted with certainty and the impact of the final resolution of these other matters on the Company’s results of operations in a particular subsequent reporting period is not known, 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.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

+ Details

Equity And Long-Term Incentive Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Equity And Long-Term Incentive Plans

Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plans

In connection with the Distribution, the Company adopted the AMC Networks Inc. 2011 Employee Stock Plan (the “2011 Employee Stock Plan”), 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.

Equity Plans

Under the 2011 Employee Stock Plan, the Company is authorized to grant incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units, SARs and other equity-based awards. The Company may grant awards for up to 5,000,000 shares of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock (subject to certain adjustments). Stock options and SARs under the 2011 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 2011 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.

Subsequent to the Distribution through December 31, 2012, the Company granted 893,877 restricted share awards to certain employees under the 2011 Employee Stock Plan, that vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. The vesting criteria for 284,086 of those restricted shares also includes the achievement of certain performance targets. As of December 31, 2012, there are 2,404,917 share awards available for future grant under the 2011 Employee Stock Plan.

Under the 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan, the Company is authorized to grant non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units, restricted shares, SARs 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.

In connection with the Distribution, non-employee directors were issued 61,546 shares of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock and 17,981 AMC Networks stock options under the 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan. In 2012 and 2011, the Company granted 30,393 and 38,951 restricted stock units, respectively, to non-employee directors under the 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan, which vested on the grant date. As of December 31, 2012, there are 316,129 share awards available for future grant under the 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan.

Stock Option Award Activity

The following table summarizes activity relating to Company employees who held AMC Networks stock options for the year ended December 31, 2012:



	Shares Under Option			Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(a)
	Time Vesting Options		Performance Vesting Options	Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(a)
Balance, December 31, 2011	136,541		2,500	$	10.74	3.08	$	3,732
Exercised	(7,390	)	—	$	13.43
Balance, December 31, 2012	129,151		2,500	$	10.59	2.05	$	5,123
Options exercisable at December 31, 2012	129,151		2,500	$	10.59	2.05	$	5,123
Options expected to vest in the future	—		—	n/a		n/a	n/a


(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, 2012 or December 31, 2011, as indicated.

In addition, the following table summarizes activity relating to Cablevision and MSG employees who held AMC Networks stock options for the year ended December 31, 2012:



	Shares Under Option				Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(a)
	Time Vesting Options		Performance Vesting Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(a)
Balance, December 31, 2011	1,144,465		78,400		$	12.02	3.29	$	31,253
Exercised	(818,089	)	(42,800	)	$	10.11
Balance, December 31, 2012	326,376		35,600		$	16.57	3.42	$	11,918
Options exercisable at December 31, 2012	276,376		35,600		$	15.05	3.00	$	10,748
Options expected to vest in the future	50,000		—		$	26.11	6.06	$	1,170


(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, 2012 or December 31, 2011, as indicated, and December 31, 2012 in the case of the stock options expected to vest in the future.

Restricted Share Award Activity

The following table summarizes activity relating to Company employees who held AMC Networks restricted shares for the year ended December 31, 2012:



	Number of Restricted Shares		Number of Performance Restricted Shares	Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share at Date of Grant
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2011	679,572		205,193	$	28.23
Vested	(207,994	)	—	$	9.01
Forfeited	(38,548	)	—	$	33.77
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2012	433,030		205,193	$	34.16

The following table summarizes activity relating to Cablevision and MSG employees who held AMC Networks restricted shares for the year ended December 31, 2012:



	Number of Restricted Shares		Number of Performance Restricted Shares	Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share at Date of Grant
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2011	1,366,011		135,175	$	18.67
Vested	(825,155	)	—	$	9.05
Forfeited	(70,495	)	—	$	30.45
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2012	470,361		135,175	$	30.41

During the year ended December 31, 2012, 1,033,149 shares of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock previously issued to employees of AMC Networks, Cablevision and MSG vested. In connection with the employees’ satisfaction of the statutory minimum tax withholding obligations for the applicable income and other employment taxes, 352,910 of these shares, with an aggregate value of $15,988, were surrendered to the Company. These acquired shares, as well as 109,043 forfeited unvested restricted shares have been classified as treasury stock.

Restricted Share Unit Activity

The following table summarizes activity relating to Company employees who held AMC Networks restricted share units for the year ended December 31, 2012:



	Number of Restricted Share Units		Number of Performance Restricted Share Units	Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share Unit at Date of Grant
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2011	—		—	$	—
Granted	353,827		97,915	$	45.01
Forfeited	(16,193	)	—	$	45.08
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2012	337,634		97,915	$	45.01

Share-based Compensation Expense

The following table presents the share-based compensation expense reduced for forfeitures recorded during the year ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience. To the extent actual results of forfeitures differ from those estimates, such amounts will be recorded as an adjustment in the period the estimates are revised.



	Years ended December 31,
	2012		2011			2010
Stock options (including performance based options)	$	69	$	839		$	1,329
Stock appreciation rights	—		(423		)	939
Restricted shares/units (including performance based shares/units)	17,133		15,173			14,938
Share-based compensation	$	17,202	$	15,589		$	17,206

For periods prior to the Distribution, the Company’s share-based compensation includes amounts related to Company employees participating in the Cablevision equity awards programs, as well as amounts related to Cablevision corporate employees and non-employee directors to the extent allocated to the Company. For periods after the Distribution, the Company no longer receives an allocation of share-based compensation expense for Cablevision corporate employees and non-employee directors, including expense related to the Company’s Executive Chairman with respect to his participation in the Cablevision equity awards program (since he remained an executive officer of Cablevision). The Company does not record any share-based compensation expense for AMC Networks stock options or restricted shares held by Cablevision and MSG employees, however such stock options or restricted shares do have a dilutive effect on the Company’s net income per share. The Company records share-based compensation expense for Cablevision and MSG stock options and restricted shares/units held by the Company’s employees.

Share-based compensation expense is recognized in the consolidated statements of income as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2012, there was $24,843 of total unrecognized share-based compensation costs related to Company employees who held unvested AMC Networks and Cablevision restricted shares/units. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining period of approximately 1.84 years. There were no costs related to share-based compensation that were capitalized.

The Company receives income tax deductions related to restricted share/units, stock options or other equity awards granted to its employees by the Company, Cablevision or MSG, but does not receive income tax deductions for Company equity awards held by Cablevision or MSG employees. The Company uses the 'with-and-without' approach to determine the recognition and measurement of excess tax benefits.

Cash flows resulting from excess tax benefits are classified as cash flows from financing activities. 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 benefits of $7,484 were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Treatment of Previously Outstanding Share-Based Payment Awards After the AMC Networks Distribution

In connection with the Distribution and as provided for in Cablevision’s equity plans, each stock option and SAR outstanding at the effective date of the Distribution became two stock options or two SARs, as the case may be: (i) one with respect to Cablevision’s CNYG Class A Common Stock and (ii) one with respect to the Company’s Class A Common Stock. The existing exercise price of each stock option/SAR was allocated between the existing Cablevision stock option/SAR and the Company’s new stock option/SAR based on the weighted average trading price of Cablevision’s and the Company’s common shares for the 10 trading days subsequent to the Distribution and the underlying share amount took into account the 1:4 distribution ratio. As a result of this adjustment, approximately 73.59% of the pre-Distribution exercise price of stock options/SARs was allocated to the Cablevision stock options/SARs and approximately 26.41% was allocated to the Company’s new stock options/SARs.

On February 9, 2010, Cablevision distributed to its stockholders all of the outstanding common stock of MSG (the “MSG Distribution”). As a result of the Distribution and the MSG Distribution, certain employees of MSG hold stock options, SARs and restricted stock with respect to AMC Networks Class A Common Stock. In addition, as a result of the MSG Distribution, certain employees of the Company held MSG stock options, SARs and restricted shares with respect to MSG Class A Common Stock as of the MSG Distribution date.

Long-Term Incentive Plans

Under the terms of the 2011 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 connection with the long-term incentive awards outstanding, the Company recorded expense of $11,001, $11,392 and $16,207 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Accrued liabilities for long-term incentive awards of $20,673 and $18,137 are included in accrued employee related costs and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These liabilities include certain performance-based awards for which the performance criteria had not yet been met as of December 31, 2012 as such awards are based on achievement of certain performance criteria through December 31, 2013 or 2014. The Company has accrued the pro-rata amount earned that it currently believes will ultimately be paid based upon the performance criteria established for these performance-based awards. If the Company subsequently determines that the performance criteria for such awards is not probable of being achieved, the Company would reverse the accrual in respect of such award at that time.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

+ Details

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Benefit Plans	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Benefit Plans Through June 30, 2011, the date of the Distribution, certain employees of the Company participated in Cablevision’s non-contributory, qualified defined benefit cash balance pension plan (the “Cash Balance Pension Plan”) and non-contributory non-qualified defined benefit excess cash balance plan (the “Excess Cash Balance Plan”). In connection with the Cash Balance Pension Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Plan (collectively, the “Pension Plans”), the Company was charged by Cablevision for credits made into an account established for each participant. Such credits were based upon a percentage of eligible base pay and a market-based rate of return. Certain employees of the Company participate in Cablevision’s qualified defined contribution 401(k) savings plan (the “401(k) Plan”) and non-qualified excess savings plan (the “Excess Savings Plan”). Under the 401(k) Plan, a tax-qualified retirement savings 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 will make a discretionary year-end contribution to employee 401(k) Plan accounts equal to 4% of eligible compensation, subject to certain conditions. The Excess Savings Plan is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan that operates in conjunction with the 401(k) Plan. 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 $8,929, $7,865 and $7,285 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company does not provide postretirement benefits for any of its employees.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph q
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph m
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

+ Details

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions 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 less than 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 66% of the aggregate voting power of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Members of the Dolan Family are also the controlling stockholders of both Cablevision and MSG. In connection with the Distribution, the Company entered into various agreements with Cablevision, such as a distribution agreement, a tax disaffiliation agreement, a transition services agreement, an employee matters agreement and certain related party arrangements. These agreements govern certain of the Company’s relationships with Cablevision subsequent to the Distribution and provide for the allocation of employee benefits, taxes and certain other liabilities and obligations attributable to periods prior to the Distribution. These agreements also 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. The Company provides services to and receives services from Cablevision and MSG. Until the Distribution date, the consolidated financial statements of the Company reflect the application of certain cost allocation policies of Cablevision. Management believes that these allocations were made on a reasonable basis. However, it is not practicable to determine whether the charged amounts represent amounts that might have been incurred on a stand-alone basis, including as a separate independent publicly owned company, as there are no company-specific or comparable industry benchmarks with which to make such estimates. Further, as many of these transactions are conducted between subsidiaries under common control of the Dolan Family, amounts charged for these services may not represent amounts that might have been received or incurred if the transactions were based upon arm’s-length negotiations. Through the Distribution date, the Company paid Cablevision a management fee pursuant to a consulting agreement between Cablevision and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. The consulting agreement was terminated on the Distribution date and the Company did not replace it. Revenues, net The Company records revenues, net from subsidiaries of Cablevision and MSG. In addition, AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology has entered into agreements with MSG to provide various transponder, technical and support services through 2020. Revenues, net from related parties amounted to $32,195, $31,885, and $29,203 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Technical and Operating The Company and its related parties routinely enter into transactions with each other in the ordinary course of business. Such transactions include various studio production services the Company provides to MSG for which the charges are reflected as a reduction of the related expenses. In addition, certain related parties provide various digital media and administrative support functions which primarily include salaries and facilities costs charged to the Company. Furthermore, through December 31, 2011, employees of the Company participated in health and welfare plans sponsored by Cablevision. Health and welfare benefit costs have generally been charged by Cablevision based upon the proportionate number of participants in the plans. Amounts charged to the Company, included in technical and operating expenses, pursuant to transactions with its related parties amounted to $620, $5,040 and $3,971 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Selling, General and Administrative Amounts charged (credited) to the Company, included in selling, general and administrative expenses, pursuant to the transition services agreement and for other transactions, including management fees allocated by Cablevision for periods through the Distribution date, with its related parties amounted to $(206), $57,004 and $100,230 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Amounts charged to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2012 are net of shared legal fees charged to Cablevision associated with the DISH Network Contract Dispute (see Note 11). Through the Distribution date, general and administrative costs, including costs of maintaining corporate headquarters, facilities and common support functions (such as executive management, human resources, legal, finance, tax, accounting, audit, treasury, risk management, strategic planning, information technology, etc.), have been charged to the Company by Cablevision. Additionally, the Company charges MSG for a portion of the Company’s leased facilities utilized by MSG which such cost reimbursements are recorded as a reduction to selling, general and administrative expenses. Subsequent to the Distribution date, amounts charged by Cablevision represent charges pursuant to a transition services agreement. See also Transition Services Agreement discussion below. Through the Distribution date, the Company paid Cablevision a management fee pursuant to a consulting agreement between Cablevision and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. The consulting agreement was terminated on the Distribution date and the Company did not replace it. Transition Services Agreement 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. Under the Transition Services Agreement, AMC Networks provides transition services to Cablevision and MSG with regard to its information technology systems that AMC Networks, Cablevision and MSG may share. AMC Networks and Cablevision, as parties receiving services under the agreement, have agreed to indemnify the party providing services for losses incurred by such party that arise out of or are otherwise in connection with the provision by such party of services under the agreement, except to the extent that such losses result from the providing party’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations under the agreement. Similarly, each party providing services under the agreement has agreed to indemnify the party receiving services for losses incurred by such party that arise out of or are otherwise in connection with the indemnifying party’s provision of services under the agreement if such losses result from the providing party’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations under the agreement. Share-based Compensation and Long-Term Incentive Plans Expense Cablevision charged the Company through the Distribution date its proportionate share of expenses or benefits related to Cablevision’s employee stock plans and Cablevision’s long-term incentive plans. Such amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. The long-term incentive plans are funded by the Company and aggregate liabilities of $18,137 (which includes $3,475 attributable to the Company’s 2011 long-term incentive plan) related to these plans are included in accrued employee related costs and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011. As the obligations related to stock option and restricted share awards under the Cablevision stock plans are satisfied by Cablevision, the allocation to the Company of its proportionate share of the related expenses through June 30, 2011 is reflected as capital contributions in the consolidated financial statements. Treatment of Cablevision Long-Term Incentive Plan Awards After the Distribution In 2011, 2010 and 2009, Cablevision granted three-year performance awards to certain executive officers and other members of the Company’s management under Cablevision’s 2006 Cash Incentive Plan. The 2009 awards were paid in March 2012. The Cablevision performance metrics in the awards granted in 2010 to certain executive officers and other employees of the Company were replaced with Company performance metrics. The awards granted to certain executive officers and other employees of the Company in March 2011 under the Cablevision 2006 Cash Incentive Plan were replaced in July 2011 by awards granted under the Company’s 2011 Cash Incentive Plan, and the Cablevision performance metrics related to those awards were replaced with Company performance metrics. Amounts applicable to employees of the Company are and will continue to be reflected as liabilities, based on achievement of certain performance criteria as noted above, in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets until settled. RMH Promissory Note with Madison Square Garden As of December 31, 2009, Madison Square Garden, L.P., a subsidiary of MSG, a related party of Cablevision, had extended advances aggregating $190,000 to RMH. On January 28, 2010, in connection with the distribution of MSG from Cablevision, the advances were replaced with a promissory note from RMH to Madison Square Garden, L.P. having a principal amount of $190,000, an interest rate of 3.25% and a maturity date of June 30, 2010. In March 2010, the $190,000 of indebtedness was repaid by the Company to MSG, including $914 of interest accrued from January 28, 2010 through the date of repayment, which was funded by a capital contribution from Cablevision.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for related party transactions, including the nature of the relationship(s), a description of the transactions, the amount of the transactions, the effects of any change in the method of establishing the terms of the transaction from the previous period, stated interest rate, expiration date, terms and manner of settlement per the agreement with the related party, and amounts due to or from related parties. If the entity and one or more other entities are under common ownership or management control and this control affects the operating results or financial position, disclosure includes the nature of the control relationship even if there are no transactions between the entities. Disclosure may also include the aggregate amount of current and deferred tax expense for each statement of earnings presented where the entity is a member of a group that files a consolidated tax return, the amount of any tax related balances due to or from affiliates as of the date of each statement of financial position presented, the principal provisions of the method by which the consolidated amount of current and deferred tax expense is allocated to the members of the group and the nature and effect of any changes in that method. Examples of related party transactions include transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiary; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) and entity and its principal owners; and (d) affiliates.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 4
-Section 08
-Paragraph k

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 3A
-Section 04
-Paragraph b

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 57
-Paragraph 1-4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39622-107864

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39603-107864

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39691-107864

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39678-107864

+ Details

Cash Flows

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]

Cash Flows

During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Continuing Operations:
Deemed capital (distribution) contribution related to the utilization of Cablevision tax losses (see Note 10)	$	(1,794	)	$	36,867		$	52,824
Deemed capital (distribution) contribution, net related to adjustments to the liability for uncertain tax positions and net deferred tax assets as a result of the Distribution (see Note 10)	(1,148		)	44,598			—
Capital distribution for the transfer of a promissory note receivable to Cablevision (see Promissory Note discussion below)	—			(17,113		)	—
Deemed capital distribution to Cablevision related to employee benefit plans as a result of the Distribution (see Employee Matters Agreement discussion below)	—			(6,313		)	—
Deemed capital distribution related to tax credits utilized by Cablevision	—			(2,586		)	—
Deemed capital distribution associated with the issuance of debt to Cablevision (see Note 1)	—			(1,250,000		)	—
Capital distribution related to the entities transferred to Cablevision on December 31, 2010 (see Note 1)	—			—			41,273
Deemed capital contribution related to the allocation of Cablevision share-based compensation expense	—			8,343			16,267
Leasehold improvements paid by landlord	2,938			150			554
Increase (decrease) in capital lease obligations and related assets	1,398			39			(279		)
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid	5,397			—			—
Discontinued Operations:
Deemed capital contribution related to the allocation of Cablevision share-based compensation expense	—			—			4,292
Supplemental Data:
Cash interest paid—continuing operations	113,493			78,714			72,335
Income taxes paid, net—continuing operations (see Income Taxes Paid, Net discussion below)	40,522			11,569			5,217
Income taxes refunded, net—discontinued operations	—			—			(1		)

Promissory Note

In September 2009, RMH and one of its subsidiaries that was transferred by the Company to Cablevision on December 31, 2010 agreed to the terms of a promissory note having an initial principal amount of $0 and increasing from time to time by advances made by RMH, with an interest rate of 8.625%. Interest income recognized by RMH related to this note amounted to $120 and $660 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. On January 31, 2011, RMH distributed to a subsidiary of Cablevision all of its rights, title and interest in and to the promissory note. This distribution amounting to $17,113, including principal and accrued and unpaid interest, is reflected as a capital distribution in the consolidated statement of stockholders’ deficiency for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Employee Matters Agreement

In connection with the Distribution, AMC Networks entered into an Employee Matters Agreement with Cablevision which allocated assets, liabilities and responsibilities with respect to certain employee compensation and benefit plans and programs and certain other related matters. As a result of such agreement, AMC Networks recorded a net receivable from Cablevision of $1,166, an increase in accrued employee related costs of $7,479 and a capital distribution of $6,313 which decreased additional paid in capital in the Company’s statement of stockholders’ deficiency for the transfer to the Company from Cablevision of the obligations related to the Company’s employees’ participant accounts in the Cablevision Excess Savings Plan $(3,616) and the Cablevision Excess Cash Balance Pension Plan $(3,863) and for the Company’s obligation to Cablevision for the $5,904 unfunded liability associated with Company employee participants in Cablevision’s Cash Balance Pension Plan. In addition, the Company reduced its long-term incentive plan and stock appreciation rights liabilities and increased amounts due to related parties by $6,742 for its obligation to pay Cablevision for its allocated share of the related expense for Cablevision corporate employees through June 30, 2011. As of December 31, 2011, these related party balances were settled.

Income Taxes Paid, Net

Income taxes paid, net increased by $28,953 from 2011 to 2012 primarily due to federal estimated tax payments during the year ended December 31, 2012, which were based on annualized taxable income after utilization of NOLs.

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

As discussed in Note 1, the Company classifies its operations into two reportable segments: National Networks, and International and Other. These reportable segments are strategic business units that are managed separately.

The Company generally allocates all corporate overhead costs to the Company’s two reportable 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, tax, accounting, audit, treasury, risk management, 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 business segment adjusted operating cash flow (defined as operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit and restructuring expense or credit), a non-GAAP measure. The Company has presented the components that reconcile adjusted operating cash flow to operating income, an accepted GAAP measure. Information as to the continuing operations of the Company’s reportable segments is set forth below.



	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	National Networks			International and Other			Inter-segment eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues, net
Advertising	$	522,917		$	147		$	—		$	523,064
Distribution and other	731,269			114,394			(16,150		)	829,513
Consolidated revenues, net	$	1,254,186		$	114,541		$	(16,150	)	$	1,352,577
Adjusted operating cash flow (deficit)	$	492,129		$	(30,040	)	$	3,328		$	465,417
Depreciation and amortization	(70,436		)	(14,944		)	—			(85,380		)
Share-based compensation expense	(13,576		)	(3,626		)	—			(17,202		)
Restructuring credit	—			3			—			3
Operating income (loss)	$	408,117		$	(48,607	)	$	3,328		$	362,838
Capital Expenditures	$	5,541		$	13,016		$	—		$	18,557



	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	National Networks			International and Other			Inter-segment eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues, net
Advertising	$	447,449		$	177		$	(454	)	$	447,172
Distribution and other	634,909			125,396			(19,736		)	740,569
Consolidated revenues, net	$	1,082,358		$	125,573		$	(20,190	)	$	1,187,741
Adjusted operating cash flow (deficit)	$	447,555		$	(4,976	)	$	(866	)	$	441,713
Depreciation and amortization	(85,701		)	(14,147		)	—			(99,848		)
Share-based compensation expense	(12,582		)	(3,007		)	—			(15,589		)
Restructuring credit	—			240			—			240
Operating income (loss)	$	349,272		$	(21,890	)	$	(866	)	$	326,516
Capital Expenditures	$	2,817		$	12,554		$	—		$	15,371



	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	National Networks			International and Other			Inter-segment eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues, net
Advertising	$	397,619		$	384		$	(325	)	$	397,678
Distribution and other	596,954			104,115			(20,447		)	680,622
Consolidated revenues, net	$	994,573		$	104,499		$	(20,772	)	$	1,078,300
Adjusted operating cash flow (deficit)	$	419,051		$	(14,686	)	$	(3,086	)	$	401,279
Depreciation and amortization	(92,735		)	(13,720		)	—			(106,455		)
Share-based compensation expense	(13,791		)	(3,415		)	—			(17,206		)
Restructuring credit	—			2,218			—			2,218
Operating income (loss)	$	312,525		$	(29,603	)	$	(3,086	)	$	279,836
Capital Expenditures	$	1,600		$	15,643		$	—		$	17,243

Inter-segment eliminations are primarily revenues recognized by the International and Other segment for transmission revenues recognized by AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology and the licensing of its program rights by the national programming networks.



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Inter-segment revenues
National Networks	$	(569	)	$	(454	)	$	(325	)
International and Other	(15,581		)	(19,736		)	(20,447		)
	$	(16,150	)	$	(20,190	)	$	(20,772	)

One customer accounted for 11% of the consolidated revenues, net for the year ended December 31, 2012. Two customers accounted for 10% and 12% of consolidated revenues, net for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 11% and 12% of consolidated revenues, net for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Failure to renew affiliation agreements with the Company’s largest customers, or renewal on less favorable terms, or the termination of those agreements could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. A reduced distribution of the Company’s programming networks would adversely affect the Company’s affiliation fee revenue, and impact the Company’s ability to sell advertising or the rates the Company charges for such advertising.

Substantially all revenues and assets of the Company are attributed to or located in the U.S.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 35
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8984-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 42
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9054-108599

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 40
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9031-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8538-108599

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8906-108599

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 41
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9038-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 29
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8864-108599

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 33
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8971-108599

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 26
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8844-108599

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8380-108599

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8595-108599

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8933-108599

+ Details

Interim Financial Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

Interim Financial Information (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of the Company’s selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:



	For the three months ended,
2012:	March 31, 2012			June 30, 2012			September 30, 2012			December 31, 2012			2012
Revenues, net	$	326,239		$	327,570		$	332,056		$	366,712		$	1,352,577
Operating expenses	(229,200		)	(229,294		)	(245,197		)	(286,048		)	(989,739		)
Operating income	$	97,039		$	98,276		$	86,859		$	80,664		$	362,838
Income from continuing operations	$	43,077		$	41,405		$	36,543		$	15,191		$	136,216
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	104			105			105			—			314
Net income	$	43,181		$	41,510		$	36,648		$	15,191		$	136,530
Basic net income per share:
Income from continuing operations	0.62			0.59			0.52			0.22			1.94
Income from discontinued operations	—			—			—			—			—
Net income	0.62			0.59			0.52			0.22			1.94
Diluted net income per share:
Income from continuing operations	0.60			0.57			0.51			0.21			1.89
Income from discontinued operations	—			—			—			—			—
Net income	0.60			0.58			0.51			0.21			1.89



	For the three months ended,
2011:	March 31, 2011			June 30, 2011			September 30, 2011			December 31, 2011			2011
Revenues, net	$	272,903		$	291,965		$	283,914		$	338,959		$	1,187,741
Operating expenses	(202,224		)	(209,691		)	(189,470		)	(259,840		)	(861,225		)
Operating income	$	70,679		$	82,274		$	94,444		$	79,119		$	326,516
Income from continuing operations	$	29,722		$	27,058		$	40,317		$	29,265		$	126,362
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	96			97			(314		)	213			92
Net income	$	29,818		$	27,155		$	40,003		$	29,478		$	126,454
Basic net income (loss) per share(a):
Income from continuing operations	$	0.43		$	0.39		$	0.58		$	0.42		$	1.82
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Net income	$	0.43		$	0.39		$	0.58		$	0.42		$	1.83
Diluted net income per share(a):
Income from continuing operations	$	0.43		$	0.39		$	0.56		$	0.40		$	1.79
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Net income	$	0.43		$	0.39		$	0.55		$	0.41		$	1.79

(a)

Common shares assumed to be outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011 totaled 69,161,000, representing the number of shares of Company common stock issued to Cablevision shareholders on the Distribution date, and excludes unvested outstanding restricted shares, based on a distribution ratio of one share of AMC Networks common stock for every four shares of Cablevision common stock outstanding.

As set forth in the table above, there have been changes in the level of the Company’s revenues, net from quarter to quarter and/or changes from year to year due primarily to increased distribution and other revenue items and advertising revenue. In addition, the Company’s operating expenses have also changed from quarter to quarter and/or year over year due primarily to the timing of the exhibition, promotion and marketing of program rights and/or program rights write-downs based on management’s assessment of programming usefulness. In addition to the changes in operating income, non-operating income and expense items such as interest expense, net, write-off of deferred financing costs, loss on extinguishment of debt and income tax expense also impact quarter over quarter and year over year net income.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References + Details

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]



	Balance at Beginning of Period		(Recovery of) Provision for Bad Debt			Deductions/ Write-Offs and Other Charges				Balance at End of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,092	$	(1,265	)	$	(449	)	*	$	1,378
Year Ended December 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	8,321	$	338		$	(5,567	)	*	$	3,092
Year Ended December 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	7,767	$	1,484		$	(930	)	*	$	8,321



*	Amounts in 2012 and 2011 represent primarily the write-off of certain uncollectible trade receivables that had previously been fully reserved. Amounts in 2010 represent primarily the write-off of trade receivables following the filing of bankruptcy of certain advertisers and a multichannel video programming distributor.

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Reclassifications [Policy Text Block]	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2011 and 2010 amounts to conform to the 2012 presentation. Specifically, the prepaid portion of program rights of $53,697 previously included in "prepaid expenses and other current assets" has been reclassified to "program rights, net" within current assets in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011. Similar reclassifications were made from "prepaid expenses and other assets" to "program rights and obligations, net" of $27,491 and $13,426 in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Discontinued Operations On December 31, 2010, RMH transferred its membership interests in News 12 (regional news programming services), Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation (a cable television advertising company) and certain other businesses to wholly-owned subsidiaries of Cablevision in contemplation of the Distribution. The net assets distributed amounted to $41,273 and were recorded as a deemed capital distribution in the consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2010. No gain or loss was recognized in connection with this distribution between entities under common control. The operating results of these transferred entities through the date of the transfer have been presented in the consolidated statement of income as discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2010. Additionally, the net operating results following the sale of our ownership interests in the Lifeskool and Sportskool video-on-demand services in September and October 2008, respectively, which were recorded under the installment sales method, have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMC Networks and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s consolidated financial statements for periods prior to the Distribution have been derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Cablevision and reflect certain assumptions and allocations. The results of operations and cash flows of the Company for those periods could differ from those that might have resulted had the Company been operated autonomously or as an entity independent of Cablevision. The Company’s consolidated financial statements after the Distribution reflect certain revenues and expenses related to transactions with or charges from Cablevision and The Madison Square Garden Company and its subsidiaries (“MSG”) as described in Note 14.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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 the determination of ultimate revenues as it relates to accounting for amortization and assessing recoverability of owned original programming costs, valuation and recoverability of long-lived assets, income taxes and contingencies and litigation matters.

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy regarding (1) the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements and (2) its treatment of interests (for example, common stock, a partnership interest or other means of exerting influence) in other entities, for example consolidation or use of the equity or cost methods of accounting. The accounting policy may also address the accounting treatment for intercompany accounts and transactions, noncontrolling interest, and the income statement treatment in consolidation for issuances of stock by a subsidiary.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 46
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 2-6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 5, 6, 16-19
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph a(2)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 96-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 97-2
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 3A
-Section 02, 03

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph k
-Article 1

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 40
-Section 45
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/section&trid=2197723

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197480

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921930&loc=d3e5614-111684

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3A-02)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959686&loc=d3e355033-122828

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2196966

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382870&loc=d3e33801-111570

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 325
-SubTopic 20
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197087

+ Details

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for any discontinued operations. The results of operations of a component of an entity that either has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale is reported in discontinued operations if both: (a) the operations and cash flows of the component have been (or will be) eliminated from the ongoing operations of the entity as a result of the disposal transaction and (b) the entity will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component after the disposal transaction. If the entity elects to allocate interest expense to a discontinued operation, it may disclose its accounting policy for this election and describe its method of allocation.

+ References + Details

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

Distribution

Advertising

Other Revenue

Revenue derived from other sources is recognized when delivery occurs or the services are rendered.

Multiple-Element Transactions [Policy Text Block]

Multiple-Element Transactions

Techincal and Operating Expenses [Policy Text Block]

Technical and Operating Expenses

Advertising and Distribution Expenses [Policy Text Block]

Advertising and Distribution Expenses

Share-based Compensation [Policy Text Block]

Share-Based Compensation

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounts Receivable, Trade

Program Rights [Policy Text Block]

Program Rights

Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets [Policy Text Block]

Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived and Indefinite Lived Assets

Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Deferred Carriage Fees

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Derivative Financial Instruments

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Commitments and Contingencies

Concentration of Risk [Policy Text Block]

Concentration of Credit Risk

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Net Income per Share

The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012	2011	2010
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	70,374,000	69,283,000	69,161,000
Effect of dilution:
Stock options	783,000	510,000	—
Restricted shares/units	1,079,000	938,000	—
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	72,236,000	70,731,000	69,161,000

For the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately 527 restricted shares/units have been excluded from diluted weighted average common shares outstanding since they would have been anti-dilutive.

Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Common Stock of AMC Networks

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements [Policy Text Block]

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Revenues, net	$	—		$	—		$	79,768

Income (loss) before income taxes	$	498		$	822		$	(63,311	)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(184		)	(730		)	25,221
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	314		$	92		$	(38,090	)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of disposal groups, which may include the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the classification and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group, and the segment in which the disposal group was reported. Also may include the amount of adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations such as resolution of contingencies arising from the disposal transaction or the operations of the component prior to disposal.

+ References + Details

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012	2011	2010
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	70,374,000	69,283,000	69,161,000
Effect of dilution:
Stock options	783,000	510,000	—
Restricted shares/units	1,079,000	938,000	—
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	72,236,000	70,731,000	69,161,000

Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]



	Shares Outstanding
	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock
Balance at June 30, 2011 (date of Distribution)	57,813,267	13,534,408
Employee and non-employee director stock transactions*	621,437	—
Balance at December 31, 2011	58,434,704	13,534,408
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock	1,750,000	(1,750,000	)
Employee and non-employee director stock transactions*	406,326	—
Balance at December 31, 2012	60,591,030	11,784,408

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of an entity's stock, including par or stated value per share, number and dollar amount of share subscriptions, shares authorized, shares issued, shares outstanding, number and dollar amount of shares held in an employee trust, dividend per share, total dividends, share conversion features, par value plus additional paid in capital, the value of treasury stock and other information necessary to a fair presentation, and EPS information. Stock by class includes common, convertible, and preferred stocks which are not redeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Includes preferred stock with redemption features that are solely within the control of the issuer and mandatorily redeemable stock if redemption is required to occur only upon liquidation or termination of the reporting entity. If more than one issue is outstanding, state the title of each issue and the corresponding dollar amount; dollar amount of any shares subscribed but unissued and the deduction of subscriptions receivable there from; number of shares authorized, issued, and outstanding.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 30
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 150
-Paragraph 9
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21553-112644

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6403732&loc=d3e21300-112643

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.28,29)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 480
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802392&loc=d3e177068-122764

+ Details

Program Rights (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Program Rights [Abstract]

Schedule Of Amounts Payable For Program Rights Obligations [Table Text Block]



Years Ending December 31,
2013	$	157,584
2014	141,276
2015	126,134
2016	82,379
2017	25,338
Thereafter	15,588
	$	548,299

Property and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]



	December 31,						Estimated Useful Lives
	2012			2011			Estimated Useful Lives
Program, service and test equipment	$	103,169		$	92,080		2 to 5 years
Satellite equipment	16,580			15,530			13 years
Furniture and fixtures	15,386			14,286			5 to 8 years
Transmission equipment	37,518			34,441			5 years
Leasehold improvements	45,321			40,222			Term of lease
	217,974			196,559
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(147,084		)	(132,745		)
	$	70,890		$	63,814

Schedule of Capital Leased Asssets [Table Text Block]



	December 31,
	2012			2011
Satellite equipment	$	16,580		$	15,530
Less accumulated amortization	(7,474		)	(6,221		)
	$	9,106		$	9,309

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of goodwill



	December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Reporting Unit and Segment
AMC	$	34,251	$	34,251
WE tv	5,214		5,214
IFC	13,582		13,582
Sundance Channel	25,062		28,930
Total National Networks	78,109		81,977
AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology	1,196		1,196
Total International and Other	1,196		1,196
	$	79,305	$	83,173

Summary of intangible assets



	December 31, 2012							Estimated Useful Lives
	Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Estimated Useful Lives
Amortizable intangible assets:
Affiliation agreements and affiliate relationships	$	840,757	$	(623,621	)	$	217,136	10 to 25 years
Advertiser relationships	74,248		(70,226		)	4,022		10 years
Other amortizable intangible assets	644		(519		)	125		4 to 10 years
Total amortizable intangible assets	915,649		(694,366		)	221,283
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trademarks	19,900		—			19,900
Total intangible assets	$	935,549	$	(694,366	)	$	241,183
	December 31, 2011
	Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Amortizable intangible assets:
Affiliation agreements and affiliate relationships	$	911,357	$	(637,394	)	$	273,963
Advertiser relationships	103,723		(92,166		)	11,557
Other amortizable intangible assets	644		(391		)	253
Total amortizable intangible assets	1,015,724		(729,951		)	285,773
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trademarks	19,900		—			19,900
Total intangible assets	$	1,035,624	$	(729,951	)	$	305,673

Schedule of estimated amortization expense



Years Ending December 31,
2013	$	31,631
2014	9,759
2015	9,746
2016	9,746
2017	9,746

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total. Disclosure details may include, but are not limited to, the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill acquired during the year, goodwill impairment losses recognized, goodwill written-off due to the sale of a business unit, goodwill not yet allocated, and any other changes to goodwill.

+ References + Details

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]



	December 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Senior Secured Credit Facility:
Term loan A facility	$	880,000		$	1,030,000
Term loan B facility	—			592,025
Senior Notes:
7.75% Notes due July 2021	700,000			700,000
4.75% Notes due December 2022	600,000			—
Total long-term debt	2,180,000			2,322,025
Unamortized discount	(26,685		)	(30,745		)
Long-term debt, net	2,153,315			2,291,280
Current portion of long-term debt	—			5,950
Noncurrent portion of long-term debt	$	2,153,315		$	2,285,330

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]



Years Ending December 31,
2013	$	—
2014	4,250
2015	197,750
2016	226,000
2017	452,000
Thereafter	1,300,000

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis



	Level I		Level II		Level III		Total
At December 31, 2012:
Assets:
Cash equivalents^(a)	$	487,900	$	—	$	—	$	487,900
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap contracts	$	—	$	22,137	$	—	$	22,137
At December 31, 2011:
Assets:
Cash equivalents^(a)	$	202,276	$	—	$	—	$	202,276
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap contracts	$	—	$	19,091	$	—	$	19,091


(a)	Represents the Company’s investment in funds that invest primarily in money market securities.

Carrying Values And Fair Values Of The Company's Financial Instruments



	December 31, 2012
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Debt instruments:
Senior Secured Credit Facility	$	876,358	$	876,154
Senior Notes	1,276,957		1,404,500
	$	2,153,315	$	2,280,654

	December 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Debt instruments:
Senior Secured Credit Facility	$	1,604,846	$	1,550,960
Senior Notes	686,434		761,250
	$	2,291,280	$	2,312,210

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments, assets, and liabilities. Such certain disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate) and (2) the methodology and assumptions used in developing such estimates of fair value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph b-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph a, c(1), c(2), c(3), d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 18
-Subparagraph c(2), d, e, f
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 19
-Subparagraph a, b, c(1), d(1)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13467-108611

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13476-108611

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6447952&loc=d3e13220-108610

+ Details

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Fair Value Of Derivative Instruments Included In Balance Sheets



	Liability Derivatives
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
		December 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap contracts	Other liabilities	$	13,398	$	19,091
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap contracts	Other liabilities	8,739		—
Total derivatives		$	22,137	$	19,091

Schedule Of Gains And Losses Related To Derivative Instruments



	Amount of Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income(“OCI”) on Derivatives (Effective Portion)				Location of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings (Effective Portion)	Amount of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings (Effective Portion)(a)
	Years Ended December 31,					Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011			2012		2011
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
Interest rate swap contracts	$	12,663	$	23,719	Interest expense	$	18,356	$	4,628


(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, 2012 and 2011.

Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]



	Location of Loss Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	Amount of Loss Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives
		Years Ended December 31,
		2012		2011
Derivatives not designated as hedging relationships:
Interest rate swap contracts	Interest expense	$	14	$	—

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the location and amount of gains and losses reported in the statement of financial performance, or when applicable, the statement of financial position. For example, (a) gains and losses recognized in the income statement on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges and (b) gains and losses initially recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.

+ References + Details

Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]



2013	$	16,065
2014	16,165
2015	16,331
2016	16,283
2017	10,171
Thereafter	12,139

Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]



2013	$	3,036
2014	3,036
2015	3,036
2016	3,036
2017	3,036
Thereafter	6,931
Total minimum lease payments	22,111
Less amount representing interest (at 9.3%-10.4%)	(6,449		)
Present value of net minimum future capital lease payments	15,662
Less principal portion of current installments	(1,558		)
Long-term portion of obligations under capital leases	$	14,104

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011		2010
Current expense:
Federal	$	148,495		$	2,333	$	—
State and foreign	18,836			6,489		4,360
	167,331			8,822		4,360
Deferred (benefit) expense:
Federal	(77,360		)	62,131		62,078
State	(11,154		)	7,029		18,666
	(88,514		)	69,160		80,744
Tax expense relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest	7,241			6,266		2,969
Income tax expense	$	86,058		$	84,248	$	88,073

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	35	%	35	%	35	%
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	2		4		5
Changes in the valuation allowance	(1	)	(1	)	1
Change in the state rate used to measure deferred taxes, net of federal benefit	—		—		1
Tax expense relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest, net of deferred tax benefits	2		2		1
Other	1		—		—
Effective income tax rate	39	%	40	%	43	%

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]



	December 31,
	2012			2011
Deferred Tax Asset (Liability)
Current
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards	$	687		$	55,322
Compensation and benefit plans	10,230			7,323
Allowance for doubtful accounts	392			1,029
Deferred litigation settlement proceeds	114,210			—
Other liabilities	1			127
Deferred tax asset	125,520			63,801
Valuation allowance	(4,117		)	(4,529		)
Net deferred tax asset, current	121,403			59,272
Noncurrent
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards	25,625			22,737
Compensation and benefit plans	13,768			10,944
Fixed assets and intangible assets	7,480			14,771
Interest rate swap contracts	4,971			7,064
Other liabilities	7,537			4,377
Deferred tax asset	59,381			59,893
Valuation allowance	(1,947		)	(4,252		)
Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent	57,434			55,641
Prepaid liabilities	(668		)	—
Investments in partnerships	(85,907		)	(107,546		)
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent	(86,575		)	(107,546		)
Net deferred tax liability, noncurrent	(29,141		)	(51,905		)
Total net deferred tax asset	$	92,262		$	7,367

Schedule Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reconciliation [Table Text Block]



Balance at December 31, 2011	$	10,465
Increases related to prior year tax positions	43
Increases related to current year tax positions	6,213
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	16,721

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of tax positions taken in the tax returns filed or to be filed for which it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities (i.e., uncertain tax positions) and other types of income tax contingencies, including: (1) the policy on classification of interest and penalties; (2) a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period; the total amount(s) of: (3) unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate, and (4) interest and penalties recognized in each of the income statement and balance sheet; (5) for positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts unrecognized will significantly change within 12 months of the reporting date the: (i) nature of the uncertainty, (ii) nature of the event that could occur that would cause the change, and (iii) an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change or a statement that an estimate of the range cannot be made; and (6) a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.

+ References + Details

Equity And Long-Term Incentive Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]



	Shares Under Option			Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(a)
	Time Vesting Options		Performance Vesting Options	Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(a)
Balance, December 31, 2011	136,541		2,500	$	10.74	3.08	$	3,732
Exercised	(7,390	)	—	$	13.43
Balance, December 31, 2012	129,151		2,500	$	10.59	2.05	$	5,123
Options exercisable at December 31, 2012	129,151		2,500	$	10.59	2.05	$	5,123
Options expected to vest in the future	—		—	n/a		n/a	n/a


(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, 2012 or December 31, 2011, as indicated.

ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockOptionsAwardActivity [Table Text Block]



	Number of Restricted Shares		Number of Performance Restricted Shares	Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share at Date of Grant
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2011	679,572		205,193	$	28.23
Vested	(207,994	)	—	$	9.01
Forfeited	(38,548	)	—	$	33.77
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2012	433,030		205,193	$	34.16

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]



	Number of Restricted Share Units		Number of Performance Restricted Share Units	Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share Unit at Date of Grant
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2011	—		—	$	—
Granted	353,827		97,915	$	45.01
Forfeited	(16,193	)	—	$	45.08
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2012	337,634		97,915	$	45.01

Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]



	Years ended December 31,
	2012		2011			2010
Stock options (including performance based options)	$	69	$	839		$	1,329
Stock appreciation rights	—		(423		)	939
Restricted shares/units (including performance based shares/units)	17,133		15,173			14,938
Share-based compensation	$	17,202	$	15,589		$	17,206

Cablevision and MSG Employees [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]



	Shares Under Option				Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(a)
	Time Vesting Options		Performance Vesting Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(a)
Balance, December 31, 2011	1,144,465		78,400		$	12.02	3.29	$	31,253
Exercised	(818,089	)	(42,800	)	$	10.11
Balance, December 31, 2012	326,376		35,600		$	16.57	3.42	$	11,918
Options exercisable at December 31, 2012	276,376		35,600		$	15.05	3.00	$	10,748
Options expected to vest in the future	50,000		—		$	26.11	6.06	$	1,170


(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, 2012 or December 31, 2011, as indicated, and December 31, 2012 in the case of the stock options expected to vest in the future.

ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockOptionsAwardActivity [Table Text Block]



	Number of Restricted Shares		Number of Performance Restricted Shares	Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share at Date of Grant
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2011	1,366,011		135,175	$	18.67
Vested	(825,155	)	—	$	9.05
Forfeited	(70,495	)	—	$	30.45
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2012	470,361		135,175	$	30.41

Cash Flows (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary Of Non-Cash Activities And Other Supplemental Data



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Continuing Operations:
Deemed capital (distribution) contribution related to the utilization of Cablevision tax losses (see Note 10)	$	(1,794	)	$	36,867		$	52,824
Deemed capital (distribution) contribution, net related to adjustments to the liability for uncertain tax positions and net deferred tax assets as a result of the Distribution (see Note 10)	(1,148		)	44,598			—
Capital distribution for the transfer of a promissory note receivable to Cablevision (see Promissory Note discussion below)	—			(17,113		)	—
Deemed capital distribution to Cablevision related to employee benefit plans as a result of the Distribution (see Employee Matters Agreement discussion below)	—			(6,313		)	—
Deemed capital distribution related to tax credits utilized by Cablevision	—			(2,586		)	—
Deemed capital distribution associated with the issuance of debt to Cablevision (see Note 1)	—			(1,250,000		)	—
Capital distribution related to the entities transferred to Cablevision on December 31, 2010 (see Note 1)	—			—			41,273
Deemed capital contribution related to the allocation of Cablevision share-based compensation expense	—			8,343			16,267
Leasehold improvements paid by landlord	2,938			150			554
Increase (decrease) in capital lease obligations and related assets	1,398			39			(279		)
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid	5,397			—			—
Discontinued Operations:
Deemed capital contribution related to the allocation of Cablevision share-based compensation expense	—			—			4,292
Supplemental Data:
Cash interest paid—continuing operations	113,493			78,714			72,335
Income taxes paid, net—continuing operations (see Income Taxes Paid, Net discussion below)	40,522			11,569			5,217
Income taxes refunded, net—discontinued operations	—			—			(1		)

Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Summary Of Continuing Operations By Reportable Segment



	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	National Networks			International and Other			Inter-segment eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues, net
Advertising	$	522,917		$	147		$	—		$	523,064
Distribution and other	731,269			114,394			(16,150		)	829,513
Consolidated revenues, net	$	1,254,186		$	114,541		$	(16,150	)	$	1,352,577
Adjusted operating cash flow (deficit)	$	492,129		$	(30,040	)	$	3,328		$	465,417
Depreciation and amortization	(70,436		)	(14,944		)	—			(85,380		)
Share-based compensation expense	(13,576		)	(3,626		)	—			(17,202		)
Restructuring credit	—			3			—			3
Operating income (loss)	$	408,117		$	(48,607	)	$	3,328		$	362,838
Capital Expenditures	$	5,541		$	13,016		$	—		$	18,557



	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	National Networks			International and Other			Inter-segment eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues, net
Advertising	$	447,449		$	177		$	(454	)	$	447,172
Distribution and other	634,909			125,396			(19,736		)	740,569
Consolidated revenues, net	$	1,082,358		$	125,573		$	(20,190	)	$	1,187,741
Adjusted operating cash flow (deficit)	$	447,555		$	(4,976	)	$	(866	)	$	441,713
Depreciation and amortization	(85,701		)	(14,147		)	—			(99,848		)
Share-based compensation expense	(12,582		)	(3,007		)	—			(15,589		)
Restructuring credit	—			240			—			240
Operating income (loss)	$	349,272		$	(21,890	)	$	(866	)	$	326,516
Capital Expenditures	$	2,817		$	12,554		$	—		$	15,371



	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	National Networks			International and Other			Inter-segment eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues, net
Advertising	$	397,619		$	384		$	(325	)	$	397,678
Distribution and other	596,954			104,115			(20,447		)	680,622
Consolidated revenues, net	$	994,573		$	104,499		$	(20,772	)	$	1,078,300
Adjusted operating cash flow (deficit)	$	419,051		$	(14,686	)	$	(3,086	)	$	401,279
Depreciation and amortization	(92,735		)	(13,720		)	—			(106,455		)
Share-based compensation expense	(13,791		)	(3,415		)	—			(17,206		)
Restructuring credit	—			2,218			—			2,218
Operating income (loss)	$	312,525		$	(29,603	)	$	(3,086	)	$	279,836
Capital Expenditures	$	1,600		$	15,643		$	—		$	17,243

Summary Of Inter-segment Eliminations



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Inter-segment revenues
National Networks	$	(569	)	$	(454	)	$	(325	)
International and Other	(15,581		)	(19,736		)	(20,447		)
	$	(16,150	)	$	(20,190	)	$	(20,772	)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References + Details

Interim Financial Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]



	For the three months ended,
2012:	March 31, 2012			June 30, 2012			September 30, 2012			December 31, 2012			2012
Revenues, net	$	326,239		$	327,570		$	332,056		$	366,712		$	1,352,577
Operating expenses	(229,200		)	(229,294		)	(245,197		)	(286,048		)	(989,739		)
Operating income	$	97,039		$	98,276		$	86,859		$	80,664		$	362,838
Income from continuing operations	$	43,077		$	41,405		$	36,543		$	15,191		$	136,216
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	104			105			105			—			314
Net income	$	43,181		$	41,510		$	36,648		$	15,191		$	136,530
Basic net income per share:
Income from continuing operations	0.62			0.59			0.52			0.22			1.94
Income from discontinued operations	—			—			—			—			—
Net income	0.62			0.59			0.52			0.22			1.94
Diluted net income per share:
Income from continuing operations	0.60			0.57			0.51			0.21			1.89
Income from discontinued operations	—			—			—			—			—
Net income	0.60			0.58			0.51			0.21			1.89



	For the three months ended,
2011:	March 31, 2011			June 30, 2011			September 30, 2011			December 31, 2011			2011
Revenues, net	$	272,903		$	291,965		$	283,914		$	338,959		$	1,187,741
Operating expenses	(202,224		)	(209,691		)	(189,470		)	(259,840		)	(861,225		)
Operating income	$	70,679		$	82,274		$	94,444		$	79,119		$	326,516
Income from continuing operations	$	29,722		$	27,058		$	40,317		$	29,265		$	126,362
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	96			97			(314		)	213			92
Net income	$	29,818		$	27,155		$	40,003		$	29,478		$	126,454
Basic net income (loss) per share(a):
Income from continuing operations	$	0.43		$	0.39		$	0.58		$	0.42		$	1.82
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Net income	$	0.43		$	0.39		$	0.58		$	0.42		$	1.83
Diluted net income per share(a):
Income from continuing operations	$	0.43		$	0.39		$	0.56		$	0.40		$	1.79
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Net income	$	0.43		$	0.39		$	0.55		$	0.41		$	1.79

(a)

Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) segment network shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Jun. 16, 2011 shares
Number of Reportable Segments \| segment	2
Nationally Distributed Programming Networks \| network	4
Number Of Shares Received In New Company From Distribution \| shares					1
Number Of Prior Company Shares Held To Receive One Share In New Company, From Distribution \| shares					4
Deemed Capital Distribution Associated With The Issuance Of Debt To Related Party	$ 0	$ 1,250,000,000	$ 0
Balance Sheet Reclassification of the Prepaid Portion of Program Rights	289,644,000	288,868,000
Program Rights Obligations Current	$ 157,584,000	146,339,000
Distribution Of Net Assets To Related Party			41,273,000
No Gain or Loss in A Distribution Between Two Entities With Common Control			0
Distribution Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 2,425,000,000
Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				1,725,000,000
7.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 700,000,000
Pre-Distribution Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments		$ 1,063,000,000
Class A [Member]
Number Of Shares Received In New Company From Distribution \| shares					1
Number Of Prior Company Shares Held To Receive One Share In New Company, From Distribution \| shares					4
Common Stock, Shares, Issued \| shares	61,247,043	58,628,764			57,813,000
Distribution Of Net Assets To Related Party			0
Class B [Member]
Number Of Shares Received In New Company From Distribution \| shares					1
Number Of Prior Company Shares Held To Receive One Share In New Company, From Distribution \| shares					4
Common Stock, Shares, Issued \| shares	11,784,408	13,534,408			13,534,000
Distribution Of Net Assets To Related Party			0
Balance Sheet Reclassification Of Prepaid Program Rights [Member]
Balance Sheet Reclassification of the Prepaid Portion of Program Rights		$ 53,697,000
Cash Flow Reclassification Of Prepaid Program Rights [Member]
Program Rights Obligations Current		$ 27,491,000	$ 13,426,000

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Schedule of Discontinued Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Revenues, Net									$ 0	$ 0	$ 79,768
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes									498	822	(63,311)
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit									(184)	(730)	25,221
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes	$ 0	$ 105	$ 105	$ 104	$ 213	$ (314)	$ 97	$ 96	$ 314	$ 92	$ (38,090)

- Definition

Overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, before income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items. Includes the following (before income tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Tax effect allocated to a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items. Includes the tax effects of the following: income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 46
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32672-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b),(c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6909487&loc=d3e38679-109324

+ Details

- Definition

This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items before deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 15

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 13
-Article 7

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.12)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.14)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jun. 16, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Advertising Expense			$ 154,371	$ 105,068	$ 92,184
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent			41,983
Propert and Equipment, Net			70,890	63,814
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Net			221,283	285,773
Indefinite-lived Trademarks			19,900	19,900
Goodwill			$ 79,305	$ 83,173
Percentage of Total Assets			15.00%
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			527
Number Of Shares Received In New Company From Distribution						1
Number Of Prior Company Shares Held To Receive One Share In New Company, From Distribution						4
Basic Weighted Average Common Shares	69,161,000	69,161,000	70,374,000	69,283,000	69,161,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	69,161,000	69,161,000	72,236,000	70,731,000	69,161,000
Stockholders Entitled Election of Board of Directors			25.00%
Maximum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred Carriage Fees Contractual Period			13

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Net Income Per Share) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net Income (Loss) Per Share [Line Items]
Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	69,161,000	69,161,000	70,374,000	69,283,000	69,161,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	69,161,000	69,161,000	72,236,000	70,731,000	69,161,000
Stock Options [Member]
Net Income (Loss) Per Share [Line Items]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements			783,000	510,000	0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Net Income (Loss) Per Share [Line Items]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements			1,079,000	938,000	0

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1448-109256

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Stock by Class) (Details) - shares	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012
Class A [Member]
Common Stock, Shares, Oustanding [Roll Forward]
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	57,813,267	58,434,704
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities		1,750,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	621,437	406,326
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	58,434,704	60,591,030
Class B [Member]
Common Stock, Shares, Oustanding [Roll Forward]
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	13,534,408	13,534,408
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities		(1,750,000)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	0	0
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	13,534,408	11,784,408

- Definition

Number of shares issued during the period as a result of the conversion of convertible securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 129
-Paragraph 4, 5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30
-Article 5

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29-30)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Program Rights (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Program Rights [Abstract]
Owned original program rights	$ 80,826
Owned original program rights expected to be amortized within three years	94.00%
Program rights expected to be paid within twelve months	$ 48,294
Program rights write offs	$ 9,990	$ 18,332	$ 1,222

Program Rights (Schedule of Future Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Program Rights [Abstract]
2013	$ 157,584
2014	141,276
2015	126,134
2016	82,379
2017	25,338
Thereafter	15,588
Program Rights Obligations, Total Future Payments Due	$ 548,299

Property and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Retirement of Tangible Assets, Other Descriptors	$ 6,332
Depreciation	$ 20,891	$ 20,739	$ 19,805

Propert and Equipment (Property, Plant, Equipment) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) yr	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	$ 217,974	$ 196,559
Accumulated Depreciation And Amortization	(147,084)	(132,745)
Propert and Equipment, Net	70,890	63,814
Program, service and test equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	$ 103,169	92,080
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum \| yr	2
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum \| yr	5
Satellite Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	$ 16,580	15,530
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum \| yr	13
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	$ 15,386	14,286
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum \| yr	5
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum \| yr	8
Transmission Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	$ 37,518	34,441
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum \| yr	5
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant And Equipment, Gross	$ 45,321	$ 40,222

Property and Equipment (Schedule of Capital Leased Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Satellite Equipment	$ 16,580	$ 15,530
Less Accumulated Depreciation	(7,474)	(6,221)
Capital Leases, Assets By Major Class, Net	$ 9,106	$ 9,309

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset	$ 3,868,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense	$ 64,489,000	$ 79,109,000	$ 86,650,000
Percentage Decrease In Fair Value That Would Require Step Two Of Quantitative Assessment	11.00%
Percentage Of Hypothetical Decrease	20.00%
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment	$ 0
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0
Affiliation Agreements And Affiliate Relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Retirement Of Fully Amortized Intangible Assets	70,600,000
Advertiser Relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Retirement Of Fully Amortized Intangible Assets	$ 29,475,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 79,305	$ 83,173
AMC [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	34,251	34,251
WE tv [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	5,214	5,214
IFC [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	13,582	13,582
Sundance Channel [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	25,062	28,930
National Networks [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	78,109	81,977
AMC Networks Broadcasting Technology [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	1,196	1,196
International And Other [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,196	$ 1,196

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-Subparagraph l
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Summary Of Intangible Assets) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) yr	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount of Amortizable Intangible Assets	$ 915,649	$ 1,015,724
Accumulated Amortization	(694,366)	(729,951)
Amortizable Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization	221,283	285,773
Trademarks	19,900	19,900
Total Intangible Assets, Net	241,183	305,673
Total Intangible Assets, Gross	935,549	1,035,624
Affiliation Agreements And Affiliate Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount of Amortizable Intangible Assets	840,757	911,357
Accumulated Amortization	(623,621)	(637,394)
Amortizable Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization	217,136	273,963
Advertiser Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount of Amortizable Intangible Assets	74,248	103,723
Accumulated Amortization	(70,226)	(92,166)
Amortizable Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization	4,022	11,557
Other Amortizable Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount of Amortizable Intangible Assets	644	644
Accumulated Amortization	(519)	(391)
Amortizable Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization	$ 125	$ 253
Minimum [Member] \| Affiliation Agreements And Affiliate Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life \| yr	4
Minimum [Member] \| Advertiser Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life \| yr	3
Minimum [Member] \| Other Amortizable Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life \| yr	4
Maximum [Member] \| Affiliation Agreements And Affiliate Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life \| yr	25
Maximum [Member] \| Advertiser Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life \| yr	10
Maximum [Member] \| Other Amortizable Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life \| yr	10

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2013	$ 31,631
2014	9,759
2015	9,746
2016	9,746
2017	$ 9,746

Debt (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended			24 Months Ended
Debt (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 17, 2012 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Jun. 15, 2011 USD ($) $ / note_principal	May 13, 2011 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Payable, Current	$ 28,250,000	$ 31,254,000		$ 28,250,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	26,685,000	30,745,000		26,685,000
Line Of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	500,000,000			500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			8.625%
Write Off Of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost	1,862,000	6,247,000	$ 0
Loss On Extinguishment Of Debt	$ (10,774,000)	(14,726,000)	0
Tender Offer Consideration Per Principal Amount, Early Tender Premium \| $ / note_principal							10
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.25%
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.50%
7.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						$ 700,000,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount						$ 14,000,000
Payments Of Debt Issuance Costs				$ 1,533,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage						7.75%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Jul. 15, 2021
Purchase Price Of Note	101.00%			101.00%
7.75% Senior Notes [Member] \| On Or After July 15, 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Insturment, Redemption Payment Term, Percentage Of Principal Amount	103.875%			103.875%
7.75% Senior Notes [Member] \| Effective After July 15, 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Insturment, Redemption Payment Term Declining Annual Rate, Percentage Of Principal Amount	100.00%			100.00%
4.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					$ 600,000,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount					$ 10,500,000
Payments Of Debt Issuance Costs	$ 1,393,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					4.75%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Dec. 15, 2022
Purchase Price Of Note	101.00%			101.00%
4.75% Senior Notes [Member] \| On Or After December 15, 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Insturment, Redemption Payment Term, Percentage Of Principal Amount	102.375%			102.375%
4.75% Senior Notes [Member] \| Effective After December 15, 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Insturment, Redemption Payment Term Declining Annual Rate, Percentage Of Principal Amount	100.00%			100.00%
Proceeds of 4.75% Senior Notes Used to Repay Term Loan B Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments	$ 587,600,000
Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						$ 1,725,000,000
Payments Of Debt Issuance Costs		26,309,000
Maximum Increase In Term Loan A Or Revolving Credit Facility	$ 400,000,000			$ 400,000,000
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Secured Cash Flow Ratio, Maximum	4.75			4.75
Issuance of Debt to Related Party related to the Distribution		577,000,000
Credit Facility [Member] \| Base Rate Spreads [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate	0.50%			0.50%
Credit Facility [Member] \| Base Rate Spreads [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate	1.25%			1.25%
Credit Facility [Member] \| Eurodollar Rate [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate	1.50%			1.50%
Credit Facility [Member] \| Eurodollar Rate [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate	2.25%			2.25%
Credit Facility [Member] \| January 1, 2013 Ending December 31, 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Cash Flow Ratio	6			6
Credit Facility [Member] \| After December 31, 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Cash Flow Ratio	5.50			5.50
Credit Facility [Member] \| After December 31, 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Insturment, Covenant, Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio	2.75			2.75
Credit Facility [Member] \| Initial [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Cash Flow Ratio	6.50			6.50
Debt Insturment, Covenant, Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio	2.50			2.50
Revolving Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Jun. 30, 2016
Term-A Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						1,130,000,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount						5,650,000
Write Off Of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost	$ 964,000	544,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Jun. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments	$ 150,000,000			$ 250,000,000
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Eurodollar Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	1.96%			1.96%
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Next Quarterly Installment As A Result Of Voluntary Prepayments Under Term Facility December 31 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal	$ 4,250,000
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Quarterly Installments Under Term Facility from September 30, 2012 Through June 30, 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal	14,125,000
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Quarterly Installments Under Term Facility from September 30, 2013 Through June 30, 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal	28,250,000
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Quarterly Installments Under Term Facility from September 30, 2014 Through June 30, 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal	42,375,000
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Quarterly Installments Under Term Facility from September 30, 2015 Through March 31, 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal	56,500,000
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Quarterly Installment Under Term Facility Remainder Due June 30 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal	395,500,000
Term-B Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						595,000,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount						12,986,000
Write Off Of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost	898,000
Loss On Extinguishment Of Debt	(10,774,000)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Derivatives	$ (8,725,000)
RNS term loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments		412,500,000
Line Of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding			425,000,000
RNS 8 3/4% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount								$ 300,000,000
Interest Payable, Current								$ 5,250,000
Write Off Of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost		1,186,000
Debt Insturment, Redemption Payment Term, Percentage Of Principal Amount								100.00%
Loss On Extinguishment Of Debt		(350,000)
Redemption Amount								100.00%
RNS revlolving credit facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount								$ 300,000,000
Write Off Of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost		2,062,000
Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments		300,000,000
Borrowed Funds		300,000,000
Line Of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding			$ 50,000,000
RNS credit facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments		713,785,000
RNS 10 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							$ 325,000,000
Interest Payable, Current						$ 11,146,000
Write Off Of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost		2,455,000
Redemption Amount						100.00%
Tender Offer Total Consideration Per Principal Amount \| $ / note_principal							1,039.58
Tender Offer Consideration Per Principal Amount \| $ / note_principal							1,029.58
RNS 10 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] \| Other Transaction Costs [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss On Extinguishment Of Debt		(1,321,000)
RNS 10 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] \| Tender Premiums, Along With Accretion To The Principal Amount [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss On Extinguishment Of Debt		$ (12,864,000)

Debt (Summary Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 17, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 2,180,000		$ 2,322,025
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	(26,685)		(30,745)
Long-term Debt, Net	2,153,315		2,291,280
Current Portion Of Long-term Debt	0		5,950
Noncurrent Portion Of Long-term Debt	2,153,315		2,285,330
Term-A Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	880,000		1,030,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount				$ (5,650)
Term-B Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	0		592,025
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount				(12,986)
7.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	700,000		700,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount				$ (14,000)
4.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 600,000		$ 0
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount		$ (10,500)

Debt (Schedule of Debt Maturities) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2013	$ 0
2014	4,250
2015	197,750
2016	226,000
2017	452,000
Thereafter	$ 1,300,000

Fair Value Measurement (Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash Equivalents	$ 487,900	$ 202,276
Interest Rate Swaps Contracts	22,137	19,091
Level I [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash Equivalents	487,900	202,276
Interest Rate Swaps Contracts	0	0
Level II [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash Equivalents	0	0
Interest Rate Swaps Contracts	22,137	19,091
Level III [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash Equivalents	0	0
Interest Rate Swaps Contracts	$ 0	$ 0

- Definition

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Company may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months.

+ References + Details

Fair Value Measurement (Carrying Values And Fair Values Of The Company's Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Secured Credit Facility	$ 876,358	$ 1,604,846
Senior Notes	1,276,957	686,434
Debt Instruments	2,153,315	2,291,280
Estimated Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Secured Credit Facility	876,154	1,550,960
Senior Notes	1,404,500	761,250
Debt Instruments	$ 2,280,654	$ 2,312,210

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Contracts Outstanding Notional Amounts	$ 838,813
Derivative, Lower Remaining Maturity Range	September 2015
Derivative, Maturity Date	July 2017
Term-B Facility [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Derivatives	$ (8,725)

Derivative Financial Instruments (Fair Value Of Derivative Instruments Included In Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Contracts	$ 22,137	$ 19,091
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Contracts	13,398	19,091
Not Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Contracts	$ 8,739	$ 0

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Gains And Losses Related To Derivative Instruments) (Details) - Interest Rate Swap [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion	$ 12,663	$ 23,719
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion	18,356	4,628
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Loss	$ 14	$ 0

Leases (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Leases (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Leases [Abstract]
Lease Expiration Date	2020
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 14,814	$ 13,312	$ 12,363

Leases (Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Current	$ 16,065
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due In Two Years	16,165
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due In Three Years	16,331
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due In Four Years	16,283
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due In Five Years	10,171
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	$ 12,139

Leases (Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Leases [Abstract]
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current	$ 3,036
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due In Two Years	3,036
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due In Three Years	3,036
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due In Four Years	3,036
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due In Five Years	3,036
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter	6,931
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	22,111
Less Amount Representing Interest (At 9.3%-10.4%)	(6,449)
Present Value Of Net Minimum Future Capital Lease Payments	15,662
Less Principal Portion Of Current Installments	(1,558)	$ (1,314)
Long-term Portion Of Obligations Under Capital Leases	$ 14,104	$ 14,363

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Current Liability And Defered Tax Asset For Cash Settlement	$ 114,210	$ 0
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign	18,000
Increase (Decrease) In Current Deferred Tax Assets	50,000
Excess Tax Benefits On Share-based Awards	7,484
Second Component Of Tax deductible goodwill	2,433
Income Tax Reconciliation, Uncertain Tax Positions Excluding Interest And Deferred Tax Assets	16,721
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties And Interest Accrued	3,201
Uncertain Tax Position, Deferred Tax Asset	7,041
Interest Expense Net Of Deferred Tax Benefit	617
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	16,721	10,465
Noncash Capital (Distribution) Contribution Related To The Utilization Of Related Party Tax Losses By Company	(1,794)	36,867	$ 52,824
Noncash Capital Distribution Related To Tax Credits Utilized By Related Party	$ 2,942	2,586
Minimum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Year(s) Under Examination	2006
Maximum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Year(s) Under Examination	2008
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	$ 2,100
American Taxpayer Relief Act 2012 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 28,000
Deferred Tax Asset For Lower Stand-alone Estimated Applicable Corporate Tax Rates [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Payments Of Capital Distribution		2,302
Deferred Tax Asset To Eliminate The Portion Relating To Share-based Compensation Expense Attributable To Related Party [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Payments Of Capital Distribution		7,292
Deferred Tax Asset For Compensation Awards That Are No Longer Anticipated To Be Realized [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Payments Of Capital Distribution		1,314
Liabilities For Uncertain Tax Positions [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Proceeds From Contributed Capital		56,409
Accrued Interest [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Proceeds From Contributed Capital		1,284
Deferred Tax Asset [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Proceeds From Contributed Capital		$ 2,358

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal	$ 148,495	$ 2,333	$ 0
State and Foreign	18,836	6,489	4,360
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	167,331	8,822	4,360
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal	(77,360)	62,131	62,078
State	(11,154)	7,029	18,666
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(88,514)	69,160	80,744
Tax Expense Relating To Uncertain Tax Positions Including Accrued Interest	7,241	6,266	2,969
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 86,058	$ 84,248	$ 88,073

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
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%	4.00%	5.00%
Changes In The Valuation Allowance	(1.00%)	(1.00%)	1.00%
Change In The State Rate Used To Measure Deferred Taxes, Net Of Federal Benefit	0.00%	0.00%	1.00%
Tax Expense Relating To Uncertain Tax Positions, Including Accrued Interest, Net Of Deferred Tax Benefits	2.00%	2.00%	1.00%
Other	1.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate	39.00%	40.00%	43.00%

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Asset (Liability)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current [Abstract]
NOLs And Tax Credit Carry Forwards	$ 687	$ 55,322
Compensation And Benefit Plans	10,230	7,323
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	392	1,029
Deferred Litigation Settlement Proceeds	114,210	0
Other Liabilities	1	127
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Current	125,520	63,801
Valuation Allowance, Current	(4,117)	(4,529)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	121,403	59,272
Noncurrent [Abstract]
NOLs And Tax Credit Carry Forwards	25,625	22,737
Compensation And Benefit Plans	13,768	10,944
Fixed assets and intangible assets	7,480	14,771
Interest rate swap contracts	4,971	7,064
Other Noncurrent	7,537	4,377
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Noncurrent	59,381	59,893
Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent	(1,947)	(4,252)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent	57,434	55,641
Prepaid Liabilities	(668)	0
Investments In Partnerships	(85,907)	(107,546)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Noncurrent	(86,575)	(107,546)
Net Deferred Tax Liability, Noncurrent	(29,141)	(51,905)
Total Net Deferred Tax Asset	$ 92,262	$ 7,367

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 10,465
Increases Related To Prior Period Tax Positions	43
Increases Related To Current Period Tax Positions	6,213
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 16,721

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Channel ruling	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Oct. 21, 2012 USD ($)
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due Within One Year	$ 188,612,000								$ 188,612,000
Guarantees, Future Minimum Payments, Due In One Year	71,483,000								71,483,000
Guarantees, Future Minimum Payments, Due Within Two To Three Years	1,145,000								1,145,000
Contractual Obligation, Due Within One Year	23,465,000								23,465,000
Contractual Obligation, Due Within Two To Three Years	22,780,000								22,780,000
Contractual Obligation, Due Within Four To Five Years	2,233,000								2,233,000
Affiliation Fees Payable Excess Of Fair Value Recorded As Deferred Revenue												$ 31,000,000
Revenues, Net	366,712,000	$ 332,056,000	$ 327,570,000	$ 326,239,000	$ 338,959,000	$ 283,914,000	$ 291,965,000	$ 272,903,000	1,352,577,000	$ 1,187,741,000	$ 1,078,300,000
Deferred Litigation Settlement Proceeds	$ 307,944,000				$ 0				307,944,000	$ 0
Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement									0
Damages Sought In Compensation-related Claims									$ 11,000,000
DISH Network Contract Dispute [Member]
Equity Interest EchoStar Media Holdings Corporation Acquired In VOOM HD Holdings	20.00%								20.00%
Term EchoStar Satellite LLC Agreed To Distribute VOOM On DISH Network (In Years)									15 years
Minimum Annual Spending Requirement By VOOM HD Per The EchoStar Satellite Affiliation Agreement									$ 100,000,000
Minimum Number Of Offered Channels Per Affiliation Agreement \| Channel									21
Maximum Annual Spending Requirement By VOOM HD Per The EchoStar Satellite Affiliation Agreement									$ 500,000,000
Number Of Court Rulings Appealed By Dish Network \| ruling									2
Payments For Legal Settlements, Gross									$ 700,000,000
Deferred Revenue	$ 26,000,000								26,000,000			$ 31,000,000
Revenues, Net									5,000,000
Proceeds Received FromTemporary Allocation Of Litigation Settlement	11,000,000								11,000,000
Deferred Litigation Settlement Proceeds	308,000,000								308,000,000
Maximum [Member] \| DISH Network Contract Dispute [Member]
Temporary Allocated Litigation Settlement To Company	350,000,000								350,000,000
Due Within Two To Three Years From The Balance Sheet Date [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	52,819,000								52,819,000
Due Within Four To Five Years From Balance Sheet Date [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	$ 4,595,000								$ 4,595,000

Equity And Long-Term Incentive Plans (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended			24 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) yr shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) shares	Jun. 16, 2011 shares
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, Vested In Period	1,033,149
Shares Paid For Tax Withholding For Share Based Compensation	352,910
Adjustments Related To Tax Withholding For Share-based Compensation \| $	$ 15,988
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited In Period	109,043
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized \| $	$ 24,843			$ 24,843
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized, Period For Recognition \| yr	1.84
Excess Tax Benefits On Share-based Awards \| $	$ 7,484	$ 0	$ 0
Number Of Shares Received In New Company From Distribution					1
Number Of Prior Company Shares Held To Receive One Share In New Company, From Distribution					4
Percentage Of Pre Distribution Exercise Price Allocated To Options Rights		73.59%
Percentage Of Pre Distribution Exercise Price Allocated To New Options Rights		26.41%
Other Labor-related Expenses \| $	11,001	$ 11,000	$ 16,207
Accrued Liabilities For Long-term Incentive Awards \| $	$ 20,673	$ 18,137		$ 20,673
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	5,000,000			5,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Number	2,404,917			2,404,917
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			465,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Grants In Period				893,877
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Number	316,129			316,129
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| 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	30,393	38,951
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| Performance Vesting Options [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	97,915			284,086
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited In Period	0
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued		17,981
Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	61,247,043	58,628,764		61,247,043	57,813,000
Number Of Shares Received In New Company From Distribution					1
Number Of Prior Company Shares Held To Receive One Share In New Company, From Distribution					4
Class A [Member] \| Employee Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Date	P10Y
Class A [Member] \| 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, Expiration Date	P10Y
Common Stock, Shares, Issued		61,546

Equity And Long-Term Incentive Plans (Activity for Stock) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) yr $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr $ / shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 10.59	$ 10.74
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises In Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 13.43
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term \| yr	2.05	3.08
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 5,123	$ 3,732
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 10.59
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term \| yr	2.05
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 5,123
Time Vesting Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Beginning Balance	136,541
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	(7,390)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance	129,151
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	129,151
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested And Expected To Vest, Outstanding, Number	0
Performance Vesting Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Beginning Balance	2,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance	2,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	2,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested And Expected To Vest, Outstanding, Number	0
Cablevision and MSG Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 16.57	$ 12.02
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises In Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 10.11
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term \| yr	3.42	3.29
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 11,918	$ 31,253
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 15.05
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term \| yr	3.00
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 10,748
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested And Expected To Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 26.11
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested And Expected To Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term \| yr	6.06
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested And Expected To Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 1,170
Cablevision and MSG Employees [Member] \| Time Vesting Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Beginning Balance	1,144,465
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	(818,089)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance	326,376
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	276,376
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested And Expected To Vest, Outstanding, Number	50,000
Cablevision and MSG Employees [Member] \| Performance Vesting Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Beginning Balance	78,400
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	(42,800)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance	35,600
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	35,600
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested And Expected To Vest, Outstanding, Number	0

Equity And Long-Term Incentive Plans (Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vested In Period	(1,033,149)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited In Period	(109,043)
Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 34.16	$ 28.23
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	9.01
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited In Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 33.77
Restricted Shares [Member] \| Time Vesting Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Number	679,572
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vested In Period	(207,994)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited In Period	(38,548)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Number	433,030
Restricted Shares [Member] \| Performance Vesting Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Number	205,193
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vested In Period	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited In Period	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Number	205,193
Restricted Shares [Member] \| Cablevision and MSG Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 30.41	$ 18.67
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	9.05
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited In Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 30.45
Restricted Shares [Member] \| Cablevision and MSG Employees [Member] \| Time Vesting Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Number	1,366,011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vested In Period	(825,155)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited In Period	(70,495)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Number	470,361
Restricted Shares [Member] \| Cablevision and MSG Employees [Member] \| Performance Vesting Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Number	135,175
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vested In Period	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited In Period	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Number	135,175

Equity And Long-Term Incentive Plans (Schedule of Restricted Share Units) (Details)	12 Months Ended	24 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2012 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited In Period	(109,043)
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	$ 0.00
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Grants In Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	45.01
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited In Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	45.08	$ 45.08
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	$ 45.01	$ 45.01
Performance Vesting Options [Member] \| Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Number	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Grants In Period	97,915	284,086
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited In Period	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Number	97,915	97,915
Time Vesting Options [Member] \| Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Number	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Grants In Period	353,827
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited In Period	(16,193)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Nonvested, Number	337,634	337,634

Equity And Long-Term Incentive Plans (Schedule of Share Based Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 17,202	$ 15,589	$ 17,206
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Expense	69	839	1,329
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Expense	0	(423)	939
Restricted shares and units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 17,133	$ 15,173	$ 14,938

- Definition

Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.

+ References + Details

Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 8,929
Benefit Plan Expense, Defined Benefit Plans and Defined Contribution Plans		$ 7,865	$ 7,285

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Jan. 28, 2010
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aggregate Voting Power Held By Related Party	66.00%
Revenues, Net From Related Parties	$ 32,195	$ 31,885	$ 29,203
Technical And Operating Charges From Related Parties	620	5,040	3,971
Selling, General And Administrative Charges (Credits) From Related Parties	(206)	57,004	$ 100,230
Accrued Liabilities For Long-term Incentive Awards	20,673	18,137
Advances From Related Party				$ 190,000
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					$ 190,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			8.625%
Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments	0	0	$ 190,000
Interest Paid	$ 113,493	78,714	$ 72,335
Class A [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage Of Common Stock Owned By Related Party	2.00%
Class B [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage Of Common Stock Owned By Related Party	100.00%
Promissory Note With Related Party [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					3.25%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Jun. 30, 2010
Interest Paid			$ 914
AMC 2011 Long-term Incentive Plan [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accrued Liabilities For Long-term Incentive Awards		$ 3,475

Cash Flows (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Cash Flows (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash Flows [Line Items]
Principal Amount Of Promissory Note			$ 0
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			8.625%
Interest Income		$ 120	$ 660
Noncash Capital Distribution Of Note Receivable To Related Party		17,113
Net Receivable		1,166
Increase In Related Parties Employee Related Liabilities		(7,479)
Noncash Capital Distribution To Cablevision Related To Employee Benefit Plans As A Result Of The Distribution		6,313
Unfunded Liability In Cash Balance Pension Plan		5,904
Increase In Due To Related Parties		6,742
Increase In Income Taxes Paid, After Utilization Of NOLs	$ 28,953
Cablevision Excess Savings Plan [Member]
Cash Flows [Line Items]
Increase In Related Parties Employee Related Liabilities		(3,616)
Cablevision Excess Cash Balance Pension Plan [Member]
Cash Flows [Line Items]
Increase In Related Parties Employee Related Liabilities		$ (3,863)

Cash Flows (Summary Of Non-Cash Activities And Other Supplemental Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Deemed Capital (Distribution) Contribution Related To The Utilization Of Related Party Tax Losses By Company	$ (1,794)	$ 36,867	$ 52,824
Deemed Capital (Distribution) Contribution, Net, Related To Taxes	(1,148)	44,598	0
Capital Distribution Of Promissory Note Receivable To Related Party	0	(17,113)	0
Deemed Capital Distribution To Cablevision Related To Employee Benefit Plans As A Result Of The Distribution	0	(6,313)	0
Deemed Capital Distribution Related To Tax Credits Utilized By Related Party	0	(2,586)	0
Deemed Capital Distribution Associated With The Issuance Of Debt To Related Party	0	(1,250,000)	0
Deemed Capital Distribution Related To The Entities Transferred To Related Party	0	0	41,273
Deemed Capital Contribution Related To Allocation Of Related Party Share Based Compensation Expense	0	8,343	16,267
Leasehold Improvements Paid By Landlord	2,938	150	554
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred	1,398	39	(279)
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	5,397	0	0
Cash Interest Paid, Continuing Operations	113,493	78,714	72,335
Income Taxes Paid, Net, Continuing Operations	40,522	11,569	5,217
Discontinued Operation or Asset Disposal [Member]
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Deemed Capital Contribution Related To Allocation Of Related Party Share Based Compensation Expense	0	0	4,292
Income Taxes Refunded, Net, Discontinued Operations	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) - segment	12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) - segment	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	2
Sales Revenue, Services, Net [Member] \| Customer1 [Member] \| Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	11.00%	10.00%	11.00%
Sales Revenue, Services, Net [Member] \| Customer2 [Member] \| Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		12.00%	12.00%

Segment Information (Summary Of Continuing Operations By Reportable Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising									$ 523,064	$ 447,172	$ 397,678
Distribution And Other									829,513	740,569	680,622
Consolidated Revenues, Net	$ 366,712	$ 332,056	$ 327,570	$ 326,239	$ 338,959	$ 283,914	$ 291,965	$ 272,903	1,352,577	1,187,741	1,078,300
Adjusted Operating Cash Flow (Deficit)									465,417	441,713	401,279
Depreciation And Amortization									(85,380)	(99,848)	(106,455)
Share-based Compensation Expense									17,202	15,589	17,206
Restructuring Credit									3	240	2,218
Operating Income	$ 80,664	$ 86,859	$ 98,276	$ 97,039	$ 79,119	$ 94,444	$ 82,274	$ 70,679	362,838	326,516	279,836
Capital Expenditures									18,557	15,371	17,243
National Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising									522,917	447,449	397,619
Distribution And Other									731,269	634,909	596,954
Consolidated Revenues, Net									1,254,186	1,082,358	994,573
Adjusted Operating Cash Flow (Deficit)									492,129	447,555	419,051
Depreciation And Amortization									(70,436)	(85,701)	(92,735)
Share-based Compensation Expense									13,576	12,582	13,791
Restructuring Credit									0	0	0
Operating Income									408,117	349,272	312,525
Capital Expenditures									5,541	2,817	1,600
International And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising									147	177	384
Distribution And Other									114,394	125,396	104,115
Consolidated Revenues, Net									114,541	125,573	104,499
Adjusted Operating Cash Flow (Deficit)									(30,040)	(4,976)	(14,686)
Depreciation And Amortization									(14,944)	(14,147)	(13,720)
Share-based Compensation Expense									3,626	3,007	3,415
Restructuring Credit									3	240	2,218
Operating Income									(48,607)	(21,890)	(29,603)
Capital Expenditures									13,016	12,554	15,643
Inter-segment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising									0	(454)	(325)
Distribution And Other									(16,150)	(19,736)	(20,447)
Consolidated Revenues, Net									(16,150)	(20,190)	(20,772)
Adjusted Operating Cash Flow (Deficit)									3,328	(866)	(3,086)
Depreciation And Amortization									0	0	0
Share-based Compensation Expense									0	0	0
Restructuring Credit									0	0	0
Operating Income									3,328	(866)	(3,086)
Capital Expenditures									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Segment Information (Summary Of Inter-Segment Eliminations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-segment Revenues	$ (16,150)	$ (20,190)	$ (20,772)
National Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-segment Revenues	(569)	(454)	(325)
International And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-segment Revenues	$ (15,581)	$ (19,736)	$ (20,447)

Interim Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jun. 16, 2011
Basic Weighted Average Common Shares	69,161,000	69,161,000	70,374,000	69,283,000	69,161,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	69,161,000	69,161,000	72,236,000	70,731,000	69,161,000
Number Of Shares Received In New Company From Distribution						1
Number Of Prior Company Shares Held To Receive One Share In New Company, From Distribution						4
Class A [Member]
Number Of Shares Received In New Company From Distribution						1
Number Of Prior Company Shares Held To Receive One Share In New Company, From Distribution						4

- Definition

+ References + Details

- Definition

+ References

+ Details

Interim Financial Information (Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues, Net	$ 366,712	$ 332,056	$ 327,570	$ 326,239	$ 338,959	$ 283,914	$ 291,965	$ 272,903	$ 1,352,577	$ 1,187,741	$ 1,078,300
Operating Expenses	(286,048)	(245,197)	(229,294)	(229,200)	(259,840)	(189,470)	(209,691)	(202,224)	(989,739)	(861,225)	(798,464)
Operating Income	80,664	86,859	98,276	97,039	79,119	94,444	82,274	70,679	362,838	326,516	279,836
Income From Continuing Operations	15,191	36,543	41,405	43,077	29,265	40,317	27,058	29,722	136,216	126,362	118,189
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes	0	105	105	104	213	(314)	97	96	314	92	(38,090)
Net Income	$ 15,191	$ 36,648	$ 41,510	$ 43,181	$ 29,478	$ 40,003	$ 27,155	$ 29,818	$ 136,530	$ 126,454	$ 80,099
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]
Income From Continuing Operations	$ 0.22	$ 0.52	$ 0.59	$ 0.62	$ 0.42	$ 0.58	$ 0.39	$ 0.43	$ 1.94	$ 1.82	$ 1.71
Income From Discontinued Operations	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	(0.55)
Net Income	0.22	0.52	0.59	0.62	0.42	0.58	0.39	0.43	1.94	1.83	1.16
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]
Income From Continuing Operations	0.21	0.51	0.57	0.60	0.40	0.56	0.39	0.43	1.89	1.79	1.71
Income From Discontinued Operations	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	(0.55)
Net Income	$ 0.21	$ 0.51	$ 0.58	$ 0.60	$ 0.41	$ 0.55	$ 0.39	$ 0.43	$ 1.89	$ 1.79	$ 1.16

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances And Reserves, Balance At Beginning Of Period	$ 3,092	$ 8,321	$ 7,767
Valuation Allowances And Reserves, Charged To Cost And Expense	(1,265)	338	1,484
Valuation Allowances And Reserves, Deductions	(449)	(5,567)	(930)
Valuation Allowances And Reserves, Balance At End Of Period	$ 1,378	$ 3,092	$ 8,321