CASH FLOWS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities - Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Redemption of collateralized indebtedness with related equity derivative contracts	$ 45,215	$ 15,745
Capitalized share-based compensation	249	289
Capital lease obligations	5,081	889
Satisfaction and discharge of debt with AMC Networks debt	1,250,000	0
Dividends payable on unvested restricted share awards	2,318	1,914
Supplemental Data [Abstract]
Cash interest paid - continuing operations	364,171	327,283
Income taxes paid, net - continuing operations	19,416	11,193
Cash interest paid - discontinued operations	51,629	37,366
Income taxes paid, net - discontinued operations	5,573	2,405
CSC Holdings, LLC [Member] \| AMC Networks Inc. [Member]
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities - Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Distribution of assets and liabilities	1,169,564	0
AMC Networks Inc. [Member]
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities - Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Distribution of assets and liabilities	1,101,616	0
CSC Holdings, LLC [Member] \| Madison Square Garden [Member]
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities - Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Distribution of assets and liabilities	0	1,113,488
Madison Square Garden [Member]
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities - Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Distribution of assets and liabilities	0	1,113,488
CSC Holdings, LLC [Member]
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities - Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Redemption of collateralized indebtedness with related equity derivative contracts	45,215	15,745
Capitalized share-based compensation	249	289
Capital lease obligations	5,081	889
Satisfaction and discharge of debt with AMC Networks debt	1,250,000	0
Gain on redemption of Cablevision notes held by Newsday Holdings LLC recognized in equity	0	87,090
Supplemental Data [Abstract]
Cash interest paid - continuing operations	275,207	247,578
Income taxes paid, net - continuing operations	19,416	11,193
Cash interest paid - discontinued operations	51,629	37,366
Income taxes paid, net - discontinued operations	$ 5,573	$ 2,405

Distribution of all outstanding common stock to Cablevision stockholders.

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The value of collateralized indebtedness redeemed with related equity derivative contracts.

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