CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 778,473	$ 726,808	$ 683,028
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax: 2015 - $1,695; 2014 - $1,273; 2013 - $1,117	(76,937)	(37,877)	6,534
Pension Plan and SERP liability adjustments, net of tax: 2015 - ($1,878); 2014 - $4,783; 2013 - ($11,991)	775	(7,791)	19,529
Comprehensive income	702,311	681,140	709,091
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	167,825	181,227	177,688
Comprehensive income attributable to SNI	$ 534,486	$ 499,913	$ 531,403