RESTRUCTURING COSTS AND OTHER EXPENSE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrual, beginning balance			$ 110,516
Restructuring charges (credits)		$ 89,722	88,997	$ 97,162
Payments and other			(65,275)
Accrual, ending balance	$ 134,238		134,238
Transaction costs	142	$ 9,979	320	$ 10,108
Severance and Other Employee Related Costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrual, beginning balance			102,119
Restructuring charges (credits)			89,040
Payments and other			(62,896)
Accrual, ending balance	128,263		128,263
Facility Realignment and Other Costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrual, beginning balance			8,397
Restructuring charges (credits)			(43)
Payments and other			(2,379)
Accrual, ending balance	5,975		5,975
Cablevision Systems Corp.
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Cumulative restructuring costs	268,755		268,755
Cequel Corp.
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Cumulative restructuring costs	$ 46,818		$ 46,818