SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities - Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid	$ 63,843	$ 48,824	$ 65,391
Notes payable to vendor	8,318	34,522	1,202
Capital lease obligations	19,987	30,603	11,499
Intangible asset obligations	1,121	525	2,498
Reduction in capital lease obligation as a result of not exercising a bargain purchase option	0	0	22,950
Supplemental Data [Abstract]
Cash interest paid - continuing operations	560,361	550,241	580,906
Income taxes paid, net - continuing operations	3,849	10,598	16,470
Cash interest paid - discontinued operations	0	0	26,606
Restricted Stock
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities - Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Dividends payable on unvested restricted share awards	3,517	3,809	3,466
CSC Holdings, LLC
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities - Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid	63,843	48,824	65,391
Notes payable to vendor	8,318	34,522	1,202
Capital lease obligations	19,987	30,603	11,499
Intangible asset obligations	1,121	525	2,498
Reduction in capital lease obligation as a result of not exercising a bargain purchase option	0	0	22,950
Distribution of Cablevision senior notes to Cablevision	0	0	142,262
Supplemental Data [Abstract]
Cash interest paid - continuing operations	346,457	335,175	362,365
Income taxes paid, net - continuing operations	3,849	10,598	16,470
Cash interest paid - discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 0	$ 26,606