SEGMENT INFORMATION, Sources of Revenue for Cable Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues, net [Abstract]
Revenues, net from continuing operations	$ 1,631,036	$ 1,626,187	$ 1,628,137	$ 1,575,586	$ 1,583,468	$ 1,567,837	$ 1,569,619	$ 1,511,228	$ 6,460,946	$ 6,232,152	$ 6,131,675
Cable
Revenues, net [Abstract]
Revenues, net from continuing operations									5,784,945	5,576,011	5,479,108
Cable | Video (including equipment rental, DVR, franchise fees, video-on-demand, and pay-per-view)
Revenues, net [Abstract]
Revenues, net from continuing operations									3,187,245	3,149,702	3,166,486
Cable | High-speed data
Revenues, net [Abstract]
Revenues, net from continuing operations									1,416,328	1,342,627	1,222,266
Cable | Voice
Revenues, net [Abstract]
Revenues, net from continuing operations									910,653	841,048	841,701
Cable | Advertising
Revenues, net [Abstract]
Revenues, net from continuing operations									163,596	147,875	151,847
Cable | Other (including installation, advertising sales commissions, home shopping, and other products)
Revenues, net [Abstract]
Revenues, net from continuing operations									$ 107,123	$ 94,759	$ 96,808