SEGMENT INFORMATION, Sources of Revenue for Cable Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues, net [Abstract]
Revenues, net from continuing operations	$ 1,628,978	$ 1,612,601	$ 1,653,393	$ 1,614,771	$ 1,631,036	$ 1,626,187	$ 1,628,137	$ 1,575,586	$ 6,509,743	$ 6,460,946	$ 6,232,152
Cable
Revenues, net [Abstract]
Revenues, net from continuing operations									5,836,188	5,784,945	5,576,011
Cable | Video (including equipment rental, DVR, franchise fees, video-on-demand and pay-per-view)
Revenues, net [Abstract]
Revenues, net from continuing operations									3,179,746	3,187,245	3,149,702
Cable | High-speed data
Revenues, net [Abstract]
Revenues, net from continuing operations									1,478,719	1,416,328	1,342,627
Cable | Voice
Revenues, net [Abstract]
Revenues, net from continuing operations									918,086	910,653	841,048
Cable | Advertising
Revenues, net [Abstract]
Revenues, net from continuing operations									137,512	163,596	147,875
Cable | Other (including installation, advertising sales commissions, home shopping, and other products)
Revenues, net [Abstract]
Revenues, net from continuing operations									$ 122,125	$ 107,123	$ 94,759