ALTICE USA, INC., S-1/A filed on 5/21/2018
Securities Registration Statement
v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]  
Entity Registrant Name Altice USA, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key 0001702780
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type S-1/A
Amendment Flag true
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2018
Amendment Description This prospectus is being furnished to shareholders of Altice N.V., in connection with the planned pro rata distribution by Altice N.V. to its shareholders of 495,366,932 shares consisting of a combination of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Altice USA, Inc. and Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share.
v3.8.0.1
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Current Assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,427,651 $ 329,848 $ 486,792
Restricted cash 253 252 16,301
Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $13,420 and $11,677) 330,761 370,765 349,626
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (including a prepayment to an affiliate of $19,563 in 2017) (See Note 14) 142,366 130,425 102,219
Amounts due from affiliates 21,146 19,764 22,182
Investment securities pledged as collateral   0 741,515
Derivative contracts 9,211 52,545 352
Total current assets 1,931,388 903,599 1,718,987
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,599,579 and $1,039,297 5,819,544 6,023,826 6,597,635
Investment in affiliates   930 5,606
Investment securities pledged as collateral 1,467,781 1,720,357 741,515
Derivative contracts 63,343 0 10,604
Other assets 122,786 57,904  
Other assets (including a prepayment to an affiliate of $6,539 in 2017) (See Note 14)   56,974 58,806
Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 4,834,637 5,066,454 6,352,644
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises 13,020,081 13,020,081 13,020,081
Goodwill 8,019,849 8,019,861 7,992,700
Total assets 35,279,409 34,812,082 36,498,578
Current Liabilities:      
Accounts payable 725,625 795,128 705,672
Accrued liabilities:      
Interest 296,400 397,422 576,778
Employee related costs 104,824 147,727 232,864
Other accrued expenses 318,098 411,988 352,315
Amounts due to affiliates 11,078 10,998 127,363
Deferred revenue 122,395 111,197 101,794
Liabilities under derivative contracts 9,211 52,545 13,158
Collateralized indebtedness   0 622,332
Credit facility debt 53,900 42,650 33,150
Senior notes and debentures 1,042,143 507,744 926,045
Capital lease obligations 7,699 9,539 15,013
Notes payable 69,084 33,424 5,427
Total current liabilities 2,760,457 2,520,362 3,711,911
Defined benefit plan obligations 97,908 103,163 84,106
Notes payable to affiliates and related parties   0 1,750,000
Other liabilities 131,565 144,289 113,485
Deferred tax liability 4,729,578 4,769,286 7,971,500
Liabilities under derivative contracts 114,319 187,406 78,823
Collateralized indebtedness 1,351,271 1,349,474 663,737
Credit facility debt 5,636,102 4,600,873 3,411,640
Senior guaranteed notes   2,291,185 2,289,494
Senior notes and debentures   13,061,503 14,291,786
Capital lease obligations 11,869 12,441 13,142
Notes payable 34,003 32,478 8,299
Deficit investments in affiliates 12,891 3,579 0
Total liabilities 29,647,786 29,076,039 34,387,923
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable equity 234,637 231,290 68,147
Stockholders' Equity:      
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 0 0 0
Paid-in capital 4,682,646 4,665,229 3,003,554
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) 713,848 840,636 (963,312)
Total stockholders' equity before accumulated other comprehensive Income and non-controlling interest 5,403,865 5,513,236 2,040,242
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (8,420) (10,022) 1,979
Total stockholders' equity 5,395,445 5,503,214 2,042,221
Noncontrolling interest 1,541 1,539 287
Total stockholders' equity 5,396,986 5,504,753 2,042,508
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 35,279,409 34,812,082 36,498,578
Common Class A      
Stockholders' Equity:      
Common stock 2,470 2,470 0
Common Class B      
Stockholders' Equity:      
Common stock 4,901 4,901 0
Common Class C      
Stockholders' Equity:      
Common stock 0 0 0
Undesignated Common Stock      
Stockholders' Equity:      
Common stock   0 0
Customer relationships      
Current Assets:      
Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 4,367,742 4,561,863 5,345,608
Trade names      
Current Assets:      
Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 442,807 478,509 983,386
Amortizable intangible assets      
Current Assets:      
Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization $ 24,088 $ 26,082 $ 23,650
v3.8.0.1
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Current Assets:      
Accounts receivable, trade allowance for doubtful accounts $ 10,481 $ 13,420 $ 11,677
Prepayment to affiliate included in prepaid expenses and other current assets 142,366 130,425 102,219
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation 2,983,696 2,599,579 1,039,297
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization $ 2,240,390 $ 2,008,573 $ 666,766
Stockholders' Equity:      
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) 100,000,000 100,000,000 100,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) 0 0 0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 0 0 0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)   $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)     1,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)     100
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)     100
Common Class A      
Stockholders' Equity:      
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01  
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 4,000,000,000 4,000,000,000  
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 246,982,292 246,982,292  
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 246,982,292 246,982,292  
Common Class B      
Stockholders' Equity:      
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01  
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 1,000,000,000 1,000,000,000  
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 490,086,674 490,086,674  
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 490,086,674 490,086,674  
Common Class C      
Stockholders' Equity:      
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01  
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 4,000,000,000 4,000,000,000  
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 0 0  
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 0 0  
Customer relationships      
Current Assets:      
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization $ 1,603,142 $ 1,409,021 $ 580,276
Trade names      
Current Assets:      
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization 624,276 588,574 83,397
Amortizable intangible assets      
Current Assets:      
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization $ 12,972 $ 10,978 $ 3,093
v3.8.0.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]        
Revenue (including revenue from affiliates of $2,205 and $1,086, respectively) (See Note 14) $ 2,329,714 $ 2,302,259 $ 9,306,950 $ 6,017,212
Operating expenses:        
Programming and other direct costs (including charges from affiliates of $4,176 and $1,947, respectively) (See Note 14) 787,361 758,352 3,035,655 1,911,230
Other operating expenses (including charges from affiliates of $106,084 and $18,854, respectively) (See Note 14) 583,023 608,144 2,347,315 1,702,472
Restructuring and other expense 3,587 76,929 152,401 240,395
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)     2,930,571 1,700,306
Total operating expenses 2,016,676 2,052,149 8,465,942 5,554,403
Operating income 313,038 250,110 841,008 462,809
Other income (expense):        
Interest expense (including interest expense to affiliates and related parties of $90,405 and $112,712, respectively) (See Note 14) (377,258) (433,294) (1,603,132) (1,456,541)
Interest income 3,103 232 1,921 13,811
Gain on investments, net (252,576) 131,658 237,354 141,896
Loss on derivative contracts, net 168,352 (71,044) (236,330) (53,696)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts (31,922) 2,342 5,482 (72,961)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs (including $513,723 related to affiliates and related parties in 2017) (See Note 14) (4,705) 0 (600,240) (127,649)
Other income (expense), net (11,658) (2,100) (13,651) 1,186
Total other income (expense) (502,690) (372,206) (2,208,596) (1,553,954)
Loss before income taxes (189,652) (122,096) (1,367,588) (1,091,145)
Income tax benefit 60,703 45,908 2,862,352 259,666
Net income (loss) (128,949) (76,188) 1,494,764 (831,479)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests (2) (237) (1,587) (551)
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders $ (128,951) $ (76,425) $ 1,493,177 $ (832,030)
Basic income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)     $ 2.15 $ (1.28)
Basic weighted average common shares (in thousands) (in shares)     696,055,000 649,525,000
Diluted income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)     $ 2.15 $ (1.28)
Diluted weighted average common shares (in thousands) (in shares)     696,055,000 649,525,000
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) 737,069,000 649,525,000    
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)     $ 1.29 $ 0.69
v3.8.0.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]        
Revenue from affiliates $ 125 $ 141 $ 1,100 $ 1,086
Programming and other direct costs from affiliates 1,154 735 4,176 1,947
Other operating expenses from affiliates 7,994 7,298 33,140 18,854
Interest expense to related parties and affiliates $ 0 $ 47,588 90,405 112,712
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs (including $513,723 related to affiliates and related parties in 2017) (See Note 14)     $ 513,723 $ 0
v3.8.0.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Sep. 30, 2016
Jun. 30, 2016
Mar. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]                      
Net income (loss) $ (128,949) $ 2,243,325 $ (192,434) $ (479,939) $ (76,188) $ (236,049) $ (172,553) $ (282,129) $ (140,748) $ 1,494,764 $ (831,479)
Defined benefit pension plans:                      
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) 4,551       0         (18,632) 3,452
Applicable income taxes (1,228)       0         7,441 (1,381)
Unrecognized gain (loss) arising during period, net of income taxes 3,323       0         (11,191) 2,071
Curtailment loss, net of settlement losses of $1,845 for 2017 included in net periodic benefit cost 606       0         (1,350) (154)
Applicable income taxes (164)       0         540 62
Curtailment loss, net of settlement losses included in net periodic benefit cost, net of income taxes 442       0         (810) (92)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) 3,765       0         (12,001) 1,979
Comprehensive income (loss) (125,184)       (76,188)         1,482,763 (829,500)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (2)       (237)         (1,587) (551)
Comprehensive Income (loss) attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders $ (125,186)       $ (76,425)         $ 1,481,176 $ (830,051)
v3.8.0.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]    
Settlement loss (gain) related to pension plan $ 1,845 $ 0
v3.8.0.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Total
Organizational Transactions Prior to IPO
IPO
Total Stockholders' Equity
Total Stockholders' Equity
Organizational Transactions Prior to IPO
Total Stockholders' Equity
IPO
Paid-in Capital
Paid-in Capital
Organizational Transactions Prior to IPO
Paid-in Capital
IPO
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Non-controlling Interest
Common Class A
Common Stock
Common Class A
Common Stock
Organizational Transactions Prior to IPO
Common Class A
Common Stock
IPO
Common Class B
Common Stock
Common Class B
Common Stock
Organizational Transactions Prior to IPO
Altice Technical Services
Altice Technical Services
Total Stockholders' Equity
Altice Technical Services
Paid-in Capital
Altice Technical Services
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015 $ 2,108,080     $ 2,108,080     $ 2,252,028     $ (143,948) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0                
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                          
Impact of change in accounting policy in connection with the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 12,666     12,666           12,666                      
Balance at January 1, 2016, as adjusted 2,120,746     2,120,746     2,252,028     (131,282)                      
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015 2,108,080     2,108,080     2,252,028     (143,948) 0 0 0                
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                          
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders (832,030)     (832,030)           (832,030)                      
Noncontrolling interests acquired (264)                     (264)                  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 551                     551                  
Pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes 1,979     1,979             1,979                    
Share-based compensation expense 14,368     14,368     14,368                            
Change in redeemable equity (68,148)     (68,148)     (68,148)                            
Contributions from stockholders 1,246,499     1,246,499     1,246,499                            
Distributions to stockholders/non-controlling interest (445,176)     (445,176)     (445,176)                            
Excess tax benefit on share-based awards 31     31     31                            
Tax impact related to the Newsday Holdings, LLC transactions 3,952     3,952     3,952                            
Ending balance (Scenario, Previously Reported) at Dec. 31, 2016 2,029,842                                        
Ending balance (Restatement Adjustment, Accounting Standards Update 2014-09) 12,666                                        
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016 2,042,508     2,042,221     3,003,554     (963,312) 1,979 287 0     $ 0          
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                          
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders 1,493,177     1,493,177           1,493,177                      
Receivable from parent (50,000)     (50,000)     (50,000)                            
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,587                     1,587                  
Pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes (12,001)     (12,001)             (12,001)                    
Share-based compensation expense 57,430     57,430     57,430                            
Change in redeemable equity (163,142)     (163,142)     (163,142)                            
Contributions from stockholders 51,135     51,135     51,135                            
Distributions to stockholders/non-controlling interest (840,035)     (839,700)     (839,700)         (335)                  
Recognition of previously unrealized excess tax benefits related to share-based awards in connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-09 310,771     310,771           310,771                      
Issuance of common stock pursuant to IPO   $ 2,264,252 $ 349,071   $ 2,264,252 $ 349,071   $ 2,257,002 $ 348,950         $ 2,349 $ 121   $ 4,901        
Ending balance (Scenario, Previously Reported) at Dec. 31, 2017 5,495,840     5,494,301     4,642,128     854,824 (10,022) 1,539 2,470     4,901          
Ending balance (Restatement Adjustment)                                   $ (3,753) $ (3,753) $ 23,101 $ (26,854)
Ending balance (Restatement Adjustment, Accounting Standards Update 2014-09) 12,666     12,666           12,666                      
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017 5,504,753     5,503,214     4,665,229     840,636 (10,022) 1,539 2,470     4,901          
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                          
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders (128,951)     (128,951)           (128,951)                      
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 2                     2                  
Pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes 3,765     3,765             3,765                    
Share-based compensation expense 21,623     21,623     21,623                            
Change in redeemable equity (3,347)     (3,347)     (3,347)                            
Other changes to equity (859)     (859)     (859)     0                      
Adoption of ASU No. 2018-02                   2,163 (2,163)                    
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2018 $ 5,396,986     $ 5,395,445     $ 4,682,646     $ 713,848 $ (8,420) $ 1,541 $ 2,470     $ 4,901          
v3.8.0.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net income (loss) $ (128,949) $ (76,188) $ 1,494,764 $ (831,479)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments) 642,705 608,724 2,930,571 1,700,306
Impairment of assets included in restructuring charges     0 2,445
Loss (gain) on investments and sale of affiliate interests, net 248,602 (131,658)    
Gain on sale of affiliate interests     0 (206)
Equity in net loss of affiliates 10,442 2,757 10,040 1,132
Gain on investments, net 252,576 (131,658) (237,354) (141,896)
Loss on derivative contracts, net (168,352) 71,044 236,330 53,696
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs 4,705 0 600,240 127,649
Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts (premiums) on indebtedness 16,950 1,812 31,046 27,799
Settlement loss related to pension plan 606 0 1,845 3,298
Share-based compensation expense 21,623 7,848 57,430 14,368
Deferred income taxes (65,833) (52,184) (2,880,154) (263,989)
Excess tax benefit on share-based awards     0 (31)
Provision for doubtful accounts 13,500 15,694 74,183 53,249
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:        
Accounts receivable, trade 25,207 34,707 (89,683) (58,760)
Other receivables (28,759) 0 (12,835) 9,413
Prepaid expenses and other assets 9,609 (10,113) (7,426) 56,395
Amounts due from and due to affiliates (1,465) (131,564) (34,326) 41,351
Accounts payable 11,297 147,999 73,888 (11,814)
Accrued liabilities (224,787) (253,707) (241,701) 312,871
Deferred revenue 11,929 11,257 12,310 9,835
Liabilities related to interest rate swap contracts 31,922 (2,342) (921) 78,823
Net cash provided by operating activities 430,952 244,086 2,018,247 1,184,455
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Payment for acquisition, net of cash acquired (28,940) (43,608) (46,703) (8,988,774)
Net proceeds from sale of affiliate interests (3,537) 0 0 13,825
Capital expenditures (257,615) (257,427) (951,349) (625,541)
Proceeds related to sale of equipment, including costs of disposal 965 596 9,743 5,885
Increase in other investments     (4,773) (4,608)
Settlement of put-call options     (97,410) 0
Additions to other intangible assets 0 (183) (1,707) (106)
Net cash used in investing activities (291,627) (301,172) (1,092,199) (9,599,319)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Proceeds from credit facility debt 1,642,500 225,000 5,593,675 5,510,256
Repayment of credit facility debt (610,663) (183,288) (4,411,581) (9,133,543)
Proceeds from notes payable to affiliates and related parties     0 1,750,000
Issuance of senior notes 1,000,000 0 0 1,310,000
Proceeds from collateralized indebtedness 0 156,136 838,794 179,388
Repayment of collateralized indebtedness and related derivative contracts 0 (150,084) (831,059) (143,102)
Distributions to stockholders   (79,617) (919,317) (365,559)
Repayment of senior notes, including premiums and fees (1,057,019) 0 (1,729,400) 0
Proceeds from notes payable 6,812 0 33,733 0
Excess tax benefit on share-based awards     0 31
Principal payments on capital lease obligations (3,067) (4,207) (15,157) (18,837)
Additions to deferred financing costs (19,225) (1,290) (8,600) (203,712)
Proceeds from IPO, net of fees     349,071 0
Contributions from stockholders     1,135 1,246,499
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net     (335) 0
Other (859) 0    
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 958,479 42,267 (1,099,041) 131,421
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 1,097,804 (14,819) (172,993) (8,283,443)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year 330,100 503,093 503,093 8,786,536
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year $ 1,427,904 $ 488,274 $ 330,100 $ 503,093
v3.8.0.1
CVC - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Current Assets:  
Goodwill $ 2,040,402
Stockholders' Equity:  
Total stockholders' equity 2,108,080
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Current Assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents 1,003,279
Restricted cash 1,600
Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $13,420 and $11,677) 266,383
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (including a prepayment to an affiliate of $19,563 in 2017) (See Note 14) 123,242
Amounts due from affiliates 767
Deferred tax asset 14,596
Investment securities pledged as collateral 455,386
Derivative contracts 10,333
Total current assets 1,875,586
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,599,579 and $1,039,297 3,017,015
Investment in affiliates 0
Investment securities pledged as collateral 756,596
Derivative contracts 72,075
Other assets (including a prepayment to an affiliate of $6,539 in 2017) (See Note 14) 32,920
Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 36,951
Trademarks and other indefinite-lived intangible assets 7,250
Goodwill 262,345
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $8,150 7,588
Total assets 6,800,174
Current Liabilities:  
Accounts payable 453,653
Accrued liabilities:  
Interest 119,005
Employee related costs 344,091
Other accrued expenses 169,899
Amounts due to affiliates 29,729
Deferred revenue 55,545
Liabilities under derivative contracts 2,706
Credit facility debt 562,898
Collateralized indebtedness 416,621
Senior notes and debentures 0
Capital lease obligations 20,350
Notes payable 13,267
Total current liabilities 2,187,764
Long-term defined benefit plan obligations 99,228
Other liabilities 165,768
Deferred tax liability 704,835
Credit facility debt 1,951,556
Collateralized indebtedness 774,703
Senior guaranteed notes 0
Senior notes and debentures 5,801,011
Capital lease obligations 25,616
Notes payable 1,277
Total liabilities 11,711,758
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:  
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued 0
Paid-in capital 792,351
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) (4,059,411)
Total stockholders' equity before accumulated other comprehensive Income and non-controlling interest (3,263,477)
Treasury stock, at cost (81,624,493 CNYG Class A common shares) (1,610,167)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (37,672)
Total stockholders' equity (4,911,316)
Noncontrolling interest (268)
Total stockholders' equity (4,911,584)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 6,800,174
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | CNYG Class A Common Stock  
Stockholders' Equity:  
Common Stock 3,042
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | CNYG Class B Common Stock  
Stockholders' Equity:  
Common Stock 541
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | RMG Class A Common Stock  
Stockholders' Equity:  
Common Stock 0
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | RMG Class B Common Stock  
Stockholders' Equity:  
Common Stock 0
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Customer relationships  
Current Assets:  
Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 11,636
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Amortizable intangible assets  
Current Assets:  
Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 25,315
Cable television franchises | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Current Assets:  
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises $ 731,848
v3.8.0.1
CVC - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Current Assets:  
Accounts receivable, trade allowance for doubtful accounts | $ $ 6,039
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation | $ 9,625,348
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization | $ 60,310
Deferred financing costs, accumulated amortization | $ $ 8,150
Stockholders' Equity:  
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) 50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) 0
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Customer relationships  
Current Assets:  
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization | $ $ 27,778
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Amortizable intangible assets  
Current Assets:  
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization | $ $ 32,532
CNYG Class A Common Stock | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Stockholders' Equity:  
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 800,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 304,196,703
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 222,572,210
Treasury stock (in shares) 81,624,493
CNYG Class B Common Stock | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Stockholders' Equity:  
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 320,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 54,137,673
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 54,137,673
RMG Class A Common Stock | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Stockholders' Equity:  
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 600,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 0
RMG Class B Common Stock | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Stockholders' Equity:  
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 160,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 0
v3.8.0.1
CVC - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Revenue (including revenue from affiliates of $2,205 and $1,086, respectively) (See Note 14) $ 3,137,604 $ 6,545,545
Operating expenses:    
Programming and other direct costs (including charges from affiliates of $4,176 and $1,947, respectively) (See Note 14) 1,088,555 2,269,290
Other operating expenses (including charges from affiliates of $106,084 and $18,854, respectively) (See Note 14) 1,136,970 2,546,319
Restructuring and other expense 22,223 16,213
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments) 414,550 865,252
Total operating expenses 2,662,298 5,697,074
Operating income 475,306 848,471
Other income (expense):    
Interest expense (including interest expense to affiliates and related parties of $90,405 and $112,712, respectively) (See Note 14) (287,098) (585,764)
Interest income 1,590 925
Gain on investments, net 129,990 (30,208)
Loss on equity derivative contracts, net (36,283) 104,927
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs (including $513,723 related to affiliates and related parties in 2017) (See Note 14) 0 (1,735)
Other income, net 4,855 6,045
Total other income (expense) (186,946) (505,810)
Loss before income taxes 288,360 342,661
Income tax benefit (124,848) (154,872)
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes 163,512 187,789
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 0 (12,541)
Net income (loss) 163,512 175,248
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 236 201
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders $ 163,748 $ 175,449
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholder(s):    
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes (in dollars per share) $ 0.60 $ 0.70
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (in dollars per share) 0.00 (0.05)
Net income (in dollars per share) $ 0.60 $ 0.65
Basic weighted average common shares (in thousands) (in shares) 272,035,000 269,388,000
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholder(s):    
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes (in dollars per share) $ 0.58 $ 0.68
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (in dollars per share) 0.00 (0.05)
Net income (in dollars per share) $ 0.58 $ 0.63
Diluted weighted average common shares (in thousands) 280,199,000 276,339,000
Amounts attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholder(s):    
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes $ 163,748 $ 187,990
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 0 (12,541)
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders $ 163,748 $ 175,449
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) $ 0.00 $ 0.45
v3.8.0.1
CVC - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Revenue from affiliates $ 125 $ 141   $ 1,100 $ 1,086  
Programming and other direct costs from affiliates 1,154 735   4,176 1,947  
Related Party Transaction, Other Operating Expense $ 7,994 $ 7,298   $ 33,140 $ 18,854  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries            
Revenue from affiliates     $ 2,088     $ 5,343
Programming and other direct costs from affiliates     84,636     176,909
Related Party Transaction, Other Operating Expense     $ 2,182     $ 5,372
v3.8.0.1
CVC - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Net income $ 163,512 $ 175,248
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans (see Note 13):    
Unrecognized actuarial gain 68 2,694
Applicable income taxes (28) (1,106)
Unrecognized gain (loss) arising during period, net of income taxes 40 1,588
Amortization of actuarial losses, net included in net periodic benefit cost 929 1,224
Applicable income taxes (388) (502)
Amortization of actuarial losses, net included in net periodic benefit cost, net of income taxes 541 722
Settlement income included in net periodic benefit cost 1,655 3,822
Applicable income taxes (679) (1,569)
Curtailment loss, net of settlement losses included in net periodic benefit cost, net of income taxes 976 2,253
Other comprehensive gain (loss) 1,557 4,563
Comprehensive income (loss) 165,069 179,811
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 236 201
Comprehensive Income (loss) attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders $ 165,305 $ 180,012
v3.8.0.1
CVC - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Total
Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficiency)
Non-controlling Interest
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries
Paid-in Capital
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries
Treasury Stock
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries
Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficiency)
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries
Non-controlling Interest
CNYG Class A Common Stock
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries
Common Stock
CNYG Class B Common Stock
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries
Common Stock
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014             $ (5,040,690) $ 823,103 $ (4,234,860) $ (1,591,021) $ (42,235) $ (5,041,469) $ 779 $ 3,003 $ 541
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                              
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders             175,449   175,449     175,449      
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests             (146)           (146)    
Pension and postretirement plan liability adjustments, net of income taxes             4,563       4,563 4,563      
Proceeds from exercise of options and issuance of restricted shares             18,687 18,648       18,687   39  
Recognition of equity-based stock compensation arrangements             60,817 60,817       60,817      
Treasury stock acquired from forfeiture and acquisition of restricted shares             (19,141) 5   (19,146)   (19,141)      
Excess tax benefit on share-based awards             5,694 5,694       5,694      
Dividends on CNYG Class A and CNYG Class B common stock             (124,752) (124,752)       (124,752)      
Adjustments to/Contributions from noncontrolling interests             7,935 8,836       8,836 (901)    
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015 $ 2,108,080 $ 2,252,028 $ (143,948) $ 0 $ 2,108,080 $ 0 (4,911,584) 792,351 (4,059,411) (1,610,167) (37,672) (4,911,316) (268) 3,042 541
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                              
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders             163,748   163,748     163,748      
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests             (236)           (236)    
Pension and postretirement plan liability adjustments, net of income taxes             1,557       1,557 1,557      
Proceeds from exercise of options and issuance of restricted shares             14,559 14,544       14,559   15  
Recognition of equity-based stock compensation arrangements             24,997 24,997       24,997      
Treasury stock acquired from forfeiture and acquisition of restricted shares             (41,469) 1   (41,470)   (41,469)      
Tax withholding associated with shares issued for equity-based compensation             (6,034) (6,030)       (6,034)   (4)  
Dividends on CNYG Class A and CNYG Class B common stock             (82) (82)       (82)      
Adjustments to/Contributions from noncontrolling interests             240           240    
Ending balance at Jun. 20, 2016             (4,754,140) 825,945 (3,895,663) (1,651,637) (36,115) (4,753,876) (264) 3,053 541
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015 2,108,080 2,252,028 (143,948) 0 2,108,080 0 $ (4,911,584) $ 792,351 $ (4,059,411) $ (1,610,167) $ (37,672) $ (4,911,316) $ (268) $ 3,042 $ 541
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                              
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders (832,030)   (832,030)   (832,030)                    
Recognition of equity-based stock compensation arrangements 14,368 14,368     14,368                    
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016 2,042,508 3,003,554 (963,312) 1,979 2,042,221 287                  
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                              
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders 1,493,177   1,493,177   1,493,177                    
Recognition of equity-based stock compensation arrangements 57,430 57,430     57,430                    
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017 5,504,753 4,665,229 840,636 (10,022) 5,503,214 1,539                  
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                              
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders (128,951)   (128,951)   (128,951)                    
Recognition of equity-based stock compensation arrangements 21,623 21,623     21,623                    
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2018 $ 5,396,986 $ 4,682,646 $ 713,848 $ (8,420) $ 5,395,445 $ 1,541                  
v3.8.0.1
CVC - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income $ 163,512 $ 175,248
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:    
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 0 12,541
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments) 414,550 865,252
Loss (gain) on investments, net (129,990) 30,208
Loss (gain) on equity derivative contracts, net 36,283 (104,927)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs 0 1,735
Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts (premiums) on indebtedness 11,673 23,764
Share-based compensation expense 24,778 60,321
Settlement loss and amortization of actuarial losses related to pension and postretirement plans 2,584 5,046
Deferred income taxes 116,150 133,396
Provision for doubtful accounts 13,240 35,802
Excess tax benefit on share-based awards (82) (5,694)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:    
Accounts receivable, trade (18,162) (24,760)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (844) 38,860
Amounts due from and due to affiliates (5,082) 1,043
Accounts payable 36,147 6,896
Accrued liabilities (160,937) 1,200
Deferred revenue (9,726) 2,156
Net cash provided by operating activities 494,094 1,258,087
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (330,131) (816,396)
Proceeds related to sale of equipment, including costs of disposal 1,106 4,407
Decrease (increase) in other investments 610 (7,779)
Additions to other intangible assets (1,709) (8,035)
Net cash used in investing activities (330,124) (827,803)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Repayment of credit facility debt (14,953) (260,321)
Proceeds from collateralized indebtedness 337,149 774,703
Repayment of collateralized indebtedness and related derivative contracts (281,594) (639,237)
Repayment of notes payable (1,291) (2,458)
Proceeds from stock option exercises 14,411 18,727
Tax withholding associated with shares issued for equity-based awards (6,034)  
Dividend distributions to common stockholders (4,066) (125,170)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations (11,552) (20,250)
Deemed repurchases of restricted stock (41,469) (19,141)
Additions to deferred financing costs   (250)
Payment for purchase of noncontrolling interest   (8,300)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests, net 240  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net   (901)
Excess tax benefit on share-based awards 82 5,694
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (9,077) (276,904)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations 154,893 153,380
Cash flows of discontinued operations:    
Net cash used in operating activities (21,000) (484)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   (30)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations (21,000) (514)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,003,279 850,413
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 1,137,172 $ 1,003,279
v3.8.0.1
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND RELATED MATTERS
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]    
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND RELATED MATTERS
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND RELATED MATTERS
The Company and Related Matters
Altice USA, Inc. ("Altice USA" or the "Company") was incorporated in Delaware on September 14, 2015. As of March 31, 2018, Altice USA is majority‑owned by Altice N.V., a public company with limited liability (naamloze vennootshcap) under Dutch law. Upon the completion of the Altice N.V. distribution discussed below, the Company will no longer be majority-owned by Altice N.V.
The Company provides broadband communications and video services in the United States. It delivers broadband, pay television, telephony services, proprietary content and advertising services to residential and business customers.
Altice N.V., through a subsidiary, acquired Cequel Corporation ("Cequel" or "Suddenlink") on December 21, 2015 and Cequel was contributed to Altice USA on June 9, 2016. Altice USA acquired Cablevision Systems Corporation ("Cablevision" or "Optimum") on June 21, 2016.
The Company classifies its operations into two reportable segments: Cablevision, which operates in the New York metropolitan area, and Cequel, which principally operates in markets in the south‑central United States.
The accompanying condensed combined consolidated financial statements ("condensed consolidated financial statements") include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling interest and gives effect to the ATS Acquisition discussed below on a combined basis. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The accompanying condensed consolidated operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 reflect the retrospective adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and ASU No. 2017‑07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). See Note 3 for further details of the impact on the Company's historical financial statements.
In June 2017, the Company completed its initial public offering ("IPO") of 71,724,139 shares of its Class A common stock. The Company’s Class A common stock began trading on June 22, 2017, on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ATUS".
Acquisition of Altice Technical Services US Corp
ATS was formed in 2017 to provide network construction and maintenance services and commercial and residential installations, disconnections, and maintenance. The Company believes the services it receives from ATS are of higher quality and at a lower cost than the Company could achieve without ATS, including for the construction of its new fiber-to-the home ("FTTH") network.
During the second quarter of 2017, a substantial portion of the Company's technical workforce at the Cablevision segment either accepted employment with ATS or became employees of ATS and ATS commenced operations and began to perform services for the Company. A substantial portion of the Cequel segment technical workforce became employees of ATS in December 2017.
In January 2018, the Company acquired 70% of the equity interests in Altice Technical Services US Corp. ("ATS") for $1.00 (the "ATS Acquisition") and the Company became the owner of 100% of the equity interests in ATS in March 2018. ATS was previously owned by Altice N.V. and a member of ATS's management through a holding company. As the acquisition is a combination of businesses under common control, the Company combined the results of operations and related assets and liabilities of ATS for all periods since its formation. See Note 3 for the impact of the ATS Acquisition on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.
Altice N.V. Distribution
On January 8, 2018, Altice N.V. announced plans for the separation of the Company from Altice N.V. Altice N.V. will distribute substantially all of its equity interest in the Company through a distribution in kind to holders of Altice N.V.'s common shares A and common shares B (the “Distribution”). Following the Distribution, Altice N.V. will no longer own a controlling equity interest in the Company, and the Company will operate independently from Altice N.V.
The implementation of the Distribution is expected to be subject to certain conditions precedent being satisfied or waived. Although Altice N.V. and the Company have not yet negotiated the final terms of the Distribution and related transactions, the Company expects that the following will be conditions to the Distribution:
Approval of Altice N.V. shareholders of (i) the distribution in kind and (ii) the board resolution approving the change in identity and character of the business of Altice N.V. resulting from the Distribution;
Receipt of certain U.S. regulatory approvals, which could take up to 180 days;
The Registration Statement filed on January 8, 2018 being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’);
The entry into the Master Separation Agreement and the entry into, amendments to or termination of various arrangements between Altice N.V. and the Company, such as a license to use the Altice brand, the stockholders’ agreement among Altice USA, Altice N.V. and certain other parties and the management agreement pursuant to which the Company pays a quarterly management fee to Altice N.V.; and
The declaration and payment of a one-time $1.5 billion dividend to Altice USA stockholders as of a record date prior to the Distribution (the ‘‘Pre-Distribution Dividend’’).
Prior to Altice N.V.'s announcement of the Distribution, the Board of Directors of Altice USA, acting through its independent directors, approved in principle the payment of the Pre-Distribution Dividend to all shareholders immediately prior to completion of the separation. Formal approval of the Pre-Distribution Dividend and setting of a record date are expected to occur in the second quarter of 2018. The payment of the Pre-Distribution Dividend will be funded with available Cablevision revolving facility capacity and available cash from new financings, completed in January 2018, at CSC Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision. In addition, the Board of Directors of Altice USA has authorized a share repurchase program of $2.0 billion, effective following completion of the separation.
In connection with the Distribution, it is expected that the Management Advisory and Consulting Services Agreement with Altice N.V. which provides certain consulting, advisory and other services will be terminated. Compensation under the terms of the agreement is an annual fee of $30,000 paid by the Company.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND RELATED MATTERS
The Company and Related Matters
Altice USA, Inc. ("Altice USA" or the "Company") was incorporated in Delaware on September 14, 2015. As of December 31, 2017, Altice USA is majority‑owned by Altice N.V., a public company with limited liability (naamloze vennootshcap) under Dutch law. Upon the completion of the Altice N.V. distribution discussed below, the Company will no longer be majority-owned by Altice N.V.
The Company provides broadband communications and video services in the United States. It delivers broadband, pay television, telephony services, proprietary content and advertising services to residential and business customers.
Altice N.V., through a subsidiary, acquired Cequel Corporation ("Cequel" or "Suddenlink") on December 21, 2015 and Cequel was contributed to Altice USA on June 9, 2016. Altice USA had no operations of its own other than the issuance of debt prior to the contribution of Cequel on June 9, 2016 by Altice N.V. The results of operations of Cequel for the year ended December 31, 2016 have been included in the results of operations of Altice USA for the same periods, as Cequel was under common control with Altice USA.
Altice USA acquired Cablevision Systems Corporation ("Cablevision" or "Optimum") on June 21, 2016 (see discussion below) and the results of operations of Cablevision are included with the results of operations of Cequel for the year ended December 31, 2017. The year ended December 31, 2016 operating results include the operating results of Cablevision from the date of acquisition, June 21, 2016.
The accompanying combined consolidated financial statements ("consolidated financial statements") include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling interest and gives effect to the ATS Acquisition discussed below. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements also reflect the retrospective adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and ASU No. 2017‑07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). See Note 20 for further details of the impact on the Company's historical financial statements.
The Company classifies its operations into two reportable segments: Cablevision, which operates in the New York metropolitan area, and Cequel, which principally operates in markets in the south‑central United States.
Acquisition of Altice Technical Services US Corp
ATS was formed to provide network construction and maintenance services and commercial and residential installations, disconnections, and maintenance. In the second quarter of 2017, the Company entered into an Independent Contractor Agreement with ATS that governs the terms of the services described above. The Company believes the services it receives from ATS will be of higher quality and at a lower cost than the Company could achieve without ATS, including for the construction of our new fiber-to-the home ("FTTH") network. The Company also entered into a Transition Services Agreement for the use of the Company's resources to provide various overhead functions to ATS, including accounting, legal and human resources and for the use of certain facilities, vehicles and technician tools during a transitional period that generally ended on December 31, 2017, although the term can be extended on a service-by-service basis. The Transition Services Agreement requires ATS to reimburse the Company for its cost to provide such services.
In January 2018, the Company acquired 70% of the equity interests in Altice Technical Services US Corp. ("ATS") for $1.00 (the "ATS Acquisition") and the Company became the owner of 100% of the equity interests in ATS in March 2018. ATS was previously owned by Altice N.V. and a member of ATS's management through a holding company. As the acquisition is a combination of businesses under common control, the Company combined the results of operations and related assets and liabilities of ATS for all periods since its formation. See Note 20 for the impact of the ATS Acquisition on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017. In connection with the ATS Acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of $23,101, representing the amount previously transferred to ATS.
Initial Public Offering
In June 2017, the Company completed its initial public offering ("IPO") of 71,724,139 shares of its Class A common stock (12,068,966 shares sold by the Company and 59,655,173 shares sold by existing stockholders) at a price to the public of $30.00 per share, including the underwriters full exercise of their option to purchase 7,781,110 shares to cover overallotments. At the date of the IPO, Altice N.V. owned approximately 70.2% of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock, which represented approximately 98.2% of the voting power of the Company's outstanding common stock. The Company’s Class A common stock began trading on June 22, 2017, on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ATUS".
In connection with the sale of its Class A common stock, the Company received proceeds of approximately $362,069, before deducting the underwriting discount and expenses directly related to the issuance of the securities of $12,998. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders. In July 2017, the Company used approximately $350,120 of the proceeds to fund the redemption of $315,779 principal amount of 10.875% senior notes that mature in 2025 issued by CSC Holdings, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and the related call premium of approximately $34,341.
The following organizational transactions were consummated prior to the IPO:
the Company amended and restated its certificate of incorporation to, among other things, provide for Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock;
BC Partners LLP ("BCP") and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (‘‘CPPIB and together with BCP, the‘‘Co-Investors’’) and Uppernext S.C.S.p. ("Uppernext"), an entity controlled by Mr. Patrick Drahi (founder and controlling stockholder of Altice N.V.), exchanged their indirect ownership interest in the Company for shares of the Company’s common stock;
Neptune Management LP (‘‘Management LP’’) redeemed its Class B units for shares of the Company’s common stock that it received from the redemption of its Class B units in Neptune Holding US LP;
the Company converted $525,000 aggregate principal amount of notes issued by the Company to the Co-Investors (together with accrued and unpaid interest and applicable premium) into shares of the Company’s common stock at the IPO price (see Note 9 for further details);
$1,225,000 aggregate principal amount of notes issued by the Company to a subsidiary of Altice N.V. (together with accrued and unpaid interest and applicable premium) was transferred to CVC 3 B.V., an indirect subsidiary of Altice N.V. ("CVC 3") and then the Company converted such notes into shares of the Company’s common stock at the IPO price (see Note 9 for further details);
the Co-Investors, Neptune Holding US LP, A4 S.A. (an entity controlled by the family of Mr. Drahi), and former Class B unitholders of Management LP (including Uppernext) exchanged shares of the Company’s common stock for new shares of the Company’s Class A common stock; and
CVC 3 and A4 S.A. exchanged shares of the Company’s common stock for new shares of the Company’s Class B common stock.
Acquisition of Cablevision Systems Corporation
On June 21, 2016 (the "Cablevision Acquisition Date"), pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), dated as of September 16, 2015, by and among Cablevision, Altice N.V., Neptune Merger Sub Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice N.V. ("Merger Sub"), Merger Sub merged with and into Cablevision, with Cablevision surviving the merger (the "Cablevision Acquisition").
In connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, each outstanding share of the Cablevision NY Group Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("CNYG Class A Shares"), and Cablevision NY Group Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("CNYG Class B Shares", and together with the CNYG Class A Shares, the "Shares"), and together with the Cablevision NY Group Class A common stock, the "Shares" other than Shares owned by Cablevision, Altice N.V. or any of their respective wholly-owned subsidiaries, in each case not held on behalf of third parties in a fiduciary capacity, received $34.90 in cash without interest, less applicable tax withholdings (the "Cablevision Acquisition Consideration").
Pursuant to an agreement, dated December 21, 2015, by and among CVC 2 B.V., CIE Management IX Limited, for and on behalf of the limited partnerships BC European Capital IX-1 through 11 and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, certain affiliates of BCP and CPPIB (the "Co-Investors") funded approximately $1,000,000 toward the payment of the aggregate Per Share Cablevision Acquisition Consideration, and indirectly acquired approximately 30% of the Shares of Cablevision.
Also in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, outstanding equity-based awards granted under Cablevision’s equity plans were cancelled and converted into cash based upon the $34.90 per Share Cablevision Acquisition Consideration in accordance with the original terms of the awards. The total consideration for the outstanding CNYG Class A Shares, the outstanding CNYG Class B Shares, and the equity-based awards amounted to $9,958,323.
In connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, in October 2015, Neptune Finco Corp. ("Finco"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice N.V. formed to complete the financing described herein and the merger with CSC Holdings, LLC ("CSC Holdings"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision, borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $3,800,000 under a term loan facility (the "Term Credit Facility") and entered into revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $2,000,000 (the "Revolving Credit Facility" and, together with the Term Credit Facility, the "Credit Facilities").
Finco also issued $1,800,000 aggregate principal amount of 10.125% senior notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes"), $2,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 10.875% senior notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes"), and $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.625% senior guaranteed notes due 2025 (the "2025 Guaranteed Notes") (collectively the "Cablevision Acquisition Notes").
On June 21, 2016, immediately following the Cablevision Acquisition, Finco merged with and into CSC Holdings, with CSC Holdings surviving the merger (the "CSC Holdings Merger"), and the Cablevision Acquisition Notes and the Credit Facilities became obligations of CSC Holdings.
On June 21, 2016, in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, the Company issued notes payable to affiliates and related parties aggregating $1,750,000, of which $875,000 bore interest at 10.75% and $875,000 bore interest at 11%. See Note 9 for a discussion regarding the conversion of these notes payable to shares of the Company's common stock prior to the consummation of the IPO.
The Cablevision Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 805. Accordingly, the Company stepped up 100% of the assets and liabilities assumed to their fair value at the Cablevision Acquisition Date. See Note 3 for further details.
Acquisition of Cequel Corporation
On December 21, 2015, Altice N.V., though a subsidiary, acquired approximately 70% of the total outstanding equity interests in Cequel (the "Cequel Acquisition") from the direct and indirect stockholders of Cequel Corporation (the "Sellers"). The consideration for the acquired equity interests, which was based on a total equity valuation for 100% of the capital and voting rights of Cequel, was $3,973,528, including $2,797,928 of cash consideration, $675,600 of retained equity held by entities affiliated with BC Partners and CPPIB and $500,000 funded by the issuance by an affiliate of Altice N.V. of a senior vendor note that was subscribed by entities affiliated with BC Partners and CPPIB. Following the closing of the Cequel Acquisition, entities affiliated with BC Partners and CPPIB retained a 30% equity interest in a parent entity of the Company. In addition, the carried interest plans of the stockholders were cashed out whereby payments were made to participants in such carried interest plans, including certain officers and directors of Cequel.
Altice N.V. Distribution
On January 8, 2018, Altice N.V. announced plans for the separation of the Company from Altice N.V. Altice N.V. will distribute substantially all of its equity interest in the Company through a distribution in kind to holders of Altice N.V.'s common shares A and common shares B (the “Distribution”). Following the Distribution, Altice N.V. will no longer own a controlling equity interest in the Company, and the Company will operate independently from Altice N.V.
The implementation of the Distribution is expected to be subject to certain conditions precedent being satisfied or waived. Although Altice N.V. and the Company have not yet negotiated the final terms of the Distribution and related transactions, the Company expects that the following will be conditions to the Distribution:
Approval of Altice N.V. shareholders of (i) the distribution in kind and (ii) the board resolution approving the change in identity and character of the business of Altice N.V. resulting from the Distribution;
Receipt of certain U.S. regulatory approvals, which could take up to 180 days;
This Registration Statement filed on January 8, 2018 being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’);
The entry into the Master Separation Agreement and the entry into, amendments to or termination of various arrangements between Altice N.V. and the Company, such as a license to use the Altice brand, the stockholders’ agreement among Altice USA, Altice N.V. and certain other parties and the management agreement pursuant to which the Company pays a quarterly management fee to Altice N.V.; and
The declaration and payment of a one-time $1.5 billion dividend to Altice USA stockholders as of a record date prior to the Distribution (the ‘‘Pre-Distribution Dividend’’).
Prior to Altice N.V.'s announcement of the Distribution, the Board of Directors of Altice USA, acting through its independent directors, approved in principle the payment of the Pre-Distribution Dividend to all shareholders immediately prior to completion of the separation. Formal approval of the Pre-Distribution Dividend and setting of a record date are expected to occur in the second quarter of 2018. The payment of the Pre-Distribution Dividend will be funded with available Cablevision revolving facility capacity and available cash from new financings, completed in January 2018, at CSC Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision. In addition, the Board of Directors of Altice USA has authorized a share repurchase program of $2.0 billion, effective following completion of the separation.
In connection with the Distribution, it is expected that the Management Advisory and Consulting Services Agreement with Altice N.V. which provides certain consulting, advisory and other services will be terminated. Compensation under the terms of the agreement is an annual fee of $30,000 paid by the Company.
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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]    
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information.  Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all the information and notes required for complete annual financial statements.
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
The financial statements presented in this report are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, such financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented.
The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for future interim periods or for the full year ending December 31, 2018.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The primary provision of ASU No. 2018-02 allows for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU No. 2018-02 also requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. ASU No. 2018‑02 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted and will be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. The Company elected to adopt ASU No. 2018-02 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption resulted in the reclassification of stranded tax amounts of $2,163 associated with net unrecognized losses from the Company's pension plans from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑09, Compensation- Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU No. 2017‑09 provides clarity and guidance on which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. ASU No. 2017‑09 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). ASU No. 2017‑07 requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. It also provides guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and what component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization. ASU No. 2017‑07 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and was applied retrospectively. As a result of the adoption, the Company reclassified the non-service cost components of the Company's pension expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from other operating expenses to other income (expense), net. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient which allowed it to reclassify amounts disclosed previously in the benefits plan note as the basis for applying retrospective presentation for comparative periods, as the Company determined it was impracticable to disaggregate the cost components for amounts capitalized and amortized in those periods. See Note 3 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2017-07.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which amends Topic 805 to interpret the definition of a business by adding guidance to assist in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  ASU No. 2016-01 modifies how entities measure certain equity investments and also modifies the recognition of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option. Entities will be required to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. For financial liabilities measured using the fair value option, entities will be required to record changes in fair value caused by a change in instrument-specific credit risk (own credit risk) separately in other comprehensive income. ASU No. 2016-01 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASC 606 replaced most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and allowed the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.
In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to clarify the Codification and to correct any unintended application of the guidance. The amendments in this update affected the guidance in ASC 606. ASC 606 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 on a full retrospective basis, which required the Company to reflect the impact of the updated guidance for all periods presented. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. See Note 3 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASC 606.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). ASU No. 2017‑04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two‑step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU No. 2017‑04 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted and will be applied prospectively.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2017 financial statements to conform to the 2018 presentation.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition
Residential Services
The Company derives revenue through monthly charges to residential customers of its pay television, broadband, and telephony services, including installation services. In addition, the Company derives revenue from digital video recorder ("DVR"), video-on-demand ("VOD"), pay‑per‑view, and home shopping commissions which are reflected in "Residential pay TV" revenues. The Company recognizes pay television, broadband, and telephony revenues as the services are provided to a customer on a monthly basis. Revenue from the sale of bundled services at a discounted rate is allocated to each product based on the standalone selling price of each performance obligation within the bundled offer. The standalone selling price requires judgment and is typically determined based on the current prices at which the separate services are sold by the Company. Installation revenue for the Company's residential services is deferred and recognized over the benefit period, which is estimated to be less than one year. The estimated benefit period takes into account both quantitative and qualitative factors including the significance of average installation fees to total recurring revenue per customer.
The Company is assessed non-income related taxes by governmental authorities, including franchising authorities (generally under multi-year agreements), and collects such taxes from its customers.  In instances where the tax is being assessed directly on the Company, amounts paid to the governmental authorities are recorded as programming and other direct costs and amounts received from the customers are recorded as revenue. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amount of franchise fees and certain other taxes and fees included as a component of revenue aggregated $259,075 and $154,732, respectively.
Business and Wholesale Services
The Company derives revenue from the sale of products and services to both large enterprise and SMB customers, including broadband, telephony, networking, and pay television services reflected in "Business services and wholesale" revenues. The Company's business services also include Ethernet, data transport, and IP-based virtual private networks. The Company also provides managed services to businesses, including hosted telephony services (cloud based SIP-based private branch exchange), managed Wi-Fi, managed desktop and server backup and managed collaboration services including audio and web conferencing. The Company also offers fiber-to-the-tower services to wireless carriers for cell tower backhaul and enable wireline communications service providers to connect to customers that their own networks do not reach. The Company recognizes revenues for these services as the services are provided to a customer on a monthly basis.
Substantially all of our SMB customers are billed monthly and large enterprise customers are billed in accordance with the terms of their contracts which is typically also on a monthly basis. Contracts with large enterprise customers typically range from three to five years. Installation revenue related to our large enterprise customers is deferred and recognized over the average contract term. Installation revenue related to SMB customers is deferred and recognized over the benefit period, which is less than a year. The estimated benefit period for SMB customers takes into account both quantitative and qualitative factors including the significance of average installation fees to total recurring revenue per customer.
Advertising
As part of the agreements under which the Company acquires pay television programming, the Company typically receives an allocation of scheduled advertising time during such programming into which the Company's cable systems can insert commercials. In several of the markets in which the Company operates, it has entered into agreements commonly referred to as interconnects with other cable operators to jointly sell local advertising. In some of these markets, the Company represents the advertising sales efforts of other cable operators; in other markets, other cable operators represent the Company. Advertising revenues are recognized when commercials are aired. Arrangements in which the Company controls the sale of advertising and acts as the principal to the transaction, the Company recognizes revenue earned from the advertising customer on a gross basis and the amount remitted to the distributor as an operating expense. Arrangements in which the Company does not control the sale of advertising and acts as an agent to the transaction, the Company recognizes revenue net of any fee remitted to the distributor.
The Company's advanced advertising businesses provide data-driven, audience-based advertising solutions using advanced analytics tools that provide granular measurement of consumer groups, accurate hyper-local ratings and other insights into target audience behavior not available through traditional sample-based measurement services. Revenue earned from the Company's advanced advertising businesses are recognized when services are provided.
Other
Revenues derived from other sources are recognized when services are provided or events occur.
Contract Assets
Incremental costs incurred in obtaining a contract with a customer are deferred and recorded as a contract asset if the period of benefit is expected to be greater than one year. Sales commissions for enterprise and certain SMB customers are deferred and amortized over the average contract term. For sales commission expenses related to residential and SMB customers with a term of one year or less, the Company is utilizing the practical expedient and is recognizing the costs when incurred.  Cost of fulfilling a contract with a customer are deferred and recorded as a contract asset if they generate or enhance resources of the Company that will be used in satisfying future performance obligations and are expected to be recovered. Installation costs related to residential and SMB customers that are not capitalized as part of the initial deployment of new customer premise equipment are expensed as incurred pursuant to industry-specific guidance.
The following table provides information about contracts assets and contract liabilities related to contracts with customers:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Contract assets (a)
$
24,329

 
$
24,329

Deferred revenue (b)
117,679

 
103,996

 
(a)
Contract assets include primarily sales commissions for enterprise customers that are deferred and amortized over the average contract term.
(b)
Deferred revenue represents payments received from customers for services that have yet to be provided and installation revenue which is deferred and recognized over the benefit period. The majority of the Company's deferred revenue represents payments for services for up to one month in advance from residential and SMB customers which is realized within the following month as services are performed.
A significant portion of our revenue is derived from residential and SMB customer contracts which are month-to month. As such, the amount of revenue related to unsatisfied performance obligations is not necessarily indicative of the future revenue to be recognized from our existing customer base. Contracts with enterprise customers generally range from three to five years, and services may only be terminated in accordance with the contractual terms.
Multiple-Element Transactions
In the normal course of business, the Company may enter into multiple-element transactions where it is simultaneously both a customer and a vendor with the same counterparty or in which it purchases multiple products and/or services, or settles outstanding items contemporaneously with the purchase of a product or service, from a single counterparty. The Company's policy for accounting for each transaction negotiated contemporaneously is to record each deliverable of the transaction based on its best estimate of selling price in a manner consistent with that used to determine the price to sell each deliverable on a standalone basis.  In determining the fair value of the respective deliverable, the Company will utilize quoted market prices (as available), historical transactions or comparable transactions.
Technical and Operating Expenses
Costs of revenue related to sales of services are classified as "programming and other direct costs" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Programming Costs
Programming expenses related to the Company's pay television service represent fees paid to programming distributors to license the programming distributed to customers.  This programming is acquired generally under multi-year distribution agreements, with rates usually based on the number of customers that receive the programming.  If there are periods when an existing distribution agreement has expired and the parties have not finalized negotiations of either a renewal of that agreement or a new agreement for certain periods of time, the Company continues to carry and pay for these services until execution of definitive replacement agreements or renewals.  The amount of programming expense recorded during the interim period is based on the Company's estimates of the ultimate contractual agreement expected to be reached, which is based on several factors, including previous contractual rates, customary rate increases and the current status of negotiations.  Such estimates are adjusted as negotiations progress until new programming terms are finalized.
In addition, the Company has received, or may receive, incentives from programming distributors for carriage of the distributors' programming.  The Company generally recognizes these incentives as a reduction of programming costs in "programming and other direct costs", generally over the term of the distribution agreement.
Advertising Expenses
Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred and are reflected in "other operating expenses" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.  Advertising costs amounted to $224,120 and $135,513 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense is based on the fair value of the portion of share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Share-based compensation cost relates to awards of units in a carried unit plan and options.
For carried interest units, the Company measures share-based compensation cost at the grant date fair value and recognizes the expense over the requisite service period or when it is probable any related performance condition will be met. For carried interest units with graded vesting requirement, compensation cost is recognized on an accelerated method under the graded vesting method over the requisite service period for the carried interest unit. Carried interest units that vest entirely at the end of the vesting requirement are expensed on a straight-line basis.
The Company estimated the fair value of carried interest units using an option pricing model. Key inputs that were used in applying the option pricing method were total equity value, equity volatility, risk free rate and time to liquidity event. The estimate of total equity value was determined using a combination of the income approach, which incorporated cash flow projections that were discounted at an appropriate rate, and the market approach, which involved applying a market multiple to the Company’s projected operating results. The Company estimated volatility based on the historical equity volatility of comparable publicly-traded companies. Subsequent to the IPO, such subjective valuations and estimates were no longer necessary as the Company relied on the market price of the Company’s common stock to determine the fair value of share-based compensation awards. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about our share-based compensation.
For stock option awards, the Company recognizes compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model. For options not subject to performance based vesting conditions, the Company recognizes the compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method.
Income Taxes
The Company's provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in estimates with regard to uncertain tax positions.  Deferred tax assets are subject to an ongoing assessment of realizability.  The Company provides deferred taxes for the outside basis difference of its investment in partnerships. 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company's cash investments are placed with money market funds and financial institutions that are investment grade as rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service.  The Company selects money market funds that predominantly invest in marketable, direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies, commercial paper, fully collateralized repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, and time deposits.
The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents.  The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of valuation allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable by evaluating the collectability of outstanding receivables and general factors such as historical collection experience, length of time individual receivables are past due, and the economic and competitive environment.
Investments
Investment securities and investment securities pledged as collateral are classified as trading securities and are stated at fair value with realized and unrealized holding gains and losses included in net income.
Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets
Property, plant and equipment, including construction materials, are carried at cost, and include all direct costs and certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable systems, and the costs of new equipment installations.  Equipment under capital leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments.  Depreciation on equipment is calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets' useful lives and reported in depreciation and amortization (including impairments) in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company capitalizes certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or develop internal-use software.  Capitalized software costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the software and reported in depreciation and amortization.
Customer relationships, trade names and other intangibles established in connection with acquisitions that are finite-lived are amortized in a manner that reflects the pattern in which the projected net cash inflows to the Company are expected to occur, such as the sum of the years' digits method, or when such pattern does not exist, using the straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives.
The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets subject to amortization that arose from acquisitions) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and the value of franchises acquired in purchase business combinations which have indefinite useful lives are not amortized.  Rather, such assets are tested for impairment annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event.
The Company assesses qualitative factors for its reporting units that carry goodwill.  If the qualitative assessment results in a conclusion that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, then no further testing is performed for that reporting unit.
When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive and it is necessary to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit, then the impairment analysis for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level using a two-step approach.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill utilizing an enterprise-value based premise approach.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss, if any.  The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill which would be recognized in a business combination.
The Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the one-step quantitative identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test.  This quantitative test is required only if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that a unit of accounting’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.  When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive, the impairment test for other intangible assets not subject to amortization requires a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value.  If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the terms of the related debt.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value.  The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market risks from changes in certain equity prices and interest rates and does not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.  These derivative instruments are not designated as hedges, and changes in the fair values of these derivatives are recognized in the statements of operations as gains (losses) on derivative contracts. 
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when the Company believes it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASC 606 replaced most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and allowed the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.
In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to clarify the Codification and to correct any unintended application of the guidance. The amendments in this update affected the guidance in ASC 606. ASC 606 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 on a full retrospective basis, which required the Company to reflect the impact of the updated guidance for all periods presented. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. See Note 20 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASC 606.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). ASU No. 2017‑07 requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. It also provides guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and what component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization. ASU No. 2017‑07 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and was applied retrospectively. As a result of the adoption, the Company reclassified the non-service cost components of the Company's pension expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 from other operating expenses to other income (expense), net. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient which allowed it to reclassify amounts disclosed previously in the benefits plan note (Note 17 of the consolidated financial statements) as the basis for applying retrospective presentation for comparative periods, as the Company determined it was impracticable to disaggregate the cost components for amounts capitalized and amortized in those periods. See Note 20 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2017-07.
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which provides simplification of income tax accounting for share-based payment awards. The new guidance became effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures, and intrinsic value were applied using the modified retrospective transition method. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term were applied prospectively. The Company elected to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using the prospective transition method. In connection with the adoption on January 1, 2017, a deferred tax asset of approximately $310,771 for previously unrealized excess tax benefits was recognized with the offset recorded to accumulated deficit.
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The primary provision of ASU No. 2018-02 allows for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU 2018-02 also requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. ASU No. 2018‑02 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted and will be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑09, Compensation- Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU No. 2017‑09 provides clarity and guidance on which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. ASU No. 2017‑09 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied prospectively.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). ASU No. 2017‑04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two‑step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU No. 2017‑04 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted and will be applied prospectively.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which amends Topic 805 to interpret the definition of a business by adding guidance to assist in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied prospectively.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied retrospectively. The Company does not believe that the adoption of ASU No. 2016-15 will have a material effect on its consolidated statements of cash flows.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted and will be applied using the modified retrospective method. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  ASU No. 2016-01 modifies how entities measure certain equity investments and also modifies the recognition of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option. Entities will be required to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. For financial liabilities measured using the fair value option, entities will be required to record changes in fair value caused by a change in instrument-specific credit risk (own credit risk) separately in other comprehensive income. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018.  The Company does expect the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 to have any effect on its consolidated financial statements.
Common Stock of Altice USA
At December 31, 2017, the Company had 246,982,292 shares of Class A common stock and 490,086,674 shares of Class B common stock, with a par value of $0.01, issued and outstanding. Each holder of Class A common stock has one vote per share while holders of Class B common stock have twenty-five votes per share. Class B shares can be converted to Class A common stock at anytime with a conversion ratio of one Class A common share for one Class B common share. 
At December 31, 2016, the Company had 100 shares of common stock, with a par value of $0.01, issued and outstanding.
Dividends and Distributions
The Company may pay dividends on its capital stock only from net profits and surplus as determined under Delaware law.  If dividends are paid on the Altice USA common stock, holders of the Altice USA Class A common stock and Altice USA Class B common stock are entitled to receive dividends, and other distributions in cash, stock or property, equally on a per share basis, except that stock dividends with respect to Altice USA Class A common stock may be paid only with shares of Altice USA Class A common stock and stock dividends with respect to Altice USA Class B common stock may be paid only with shares of Altice USA Class B common stock.
The Company's indentures restrict the amount of dividends and distributions in respect of any equity interest that can be made.
Prior to the Company's IPO, the Company declared and paid cash distributions to stockholders aggregating $839,700 in the second quarter of 2017. In 2016, the Company declared cash distributions of $445,176 of which $365,559 were paid in 2016 and $79,617 were paid in the first quarter of 2017.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted income per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders reflects the dilutive effects of stock options. Diluted net loss per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders excludes the effects of common stock equivalents as they are anti-dilutive. The weighted average number of shares used to compute basic and diluted net income (loss) per share reflect the retroactive impact of the organizational transactions, discussed in Note 1, that occurred prior to the Company's IPO.
The following table presents a reconciliation of weighted average shares used in the calculation of the basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Altice USA stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2017:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
696,055,000

 
 
Effect of dilution:
 
Stock options

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
696,055,000


Anti-dilutive shares totaling approximately 14,000 shares, have been excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2017. 
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that may potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade account receivables.  The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution.  The Company's emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the yield on its investments.  Management believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to its cash and cash equivalents because of its assessment of the creditworthiness and financial viability of the respective financial institutions.
The Company did not have a single customer that represented 10% or more of its consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, or 10% or more of its consolidated net trade receivables at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  See Note 11 for a discussion of fair value estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2016 financial statements to conform to the 2017 presentation.
v3.8.0.1
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
ATS Acquisition
As the ATS acquisition discussed in Note 1 is a combination of businesses under common control, the Company combined the results of operations and related assets and liabilities of ATS for all periods since its formation. See Note 20 for the impact of the ATS Acquisition on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Cablevision Acquisition
As discussed in Note 1, the Company completed the Cablevision Acquisition on June 21, 2016. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 805. Accordingly, the Company recorded the fair value of the assets and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
The following table provides the allocation of the total purchase price of $9,958,323 to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of Cablevision based on their respective fair values. The remaining useful lives represent the period over which acquired tangible and intangible assets with a finite life are being depreciated or amortized.
 
Fair Values
 
Estimated Useful Lives
 
 
 
 
Current assets
$
1,923,071

 
 
Accounts receivable
271,305

 
 
Property, plant and equipment
4,864,621

 
2-18 years
Goodwill
5,842,172

 
 
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises
8,113,575

 
Indefinite-lived
Customer relationships
4,850,000

 
8 to 18 years
Trade names (a)
1,010,000

 
12 years
Amortizable intangible assets
23,296

 
1-15 years
Other non-current assets
748,998

 
 
Current liabilities
(2,311,201
)
 
 
Long-term debt
(8,355,386
)
 
 
Deferred income taxes.
(6,832,773
)
 
 
Other non-current liabilities
(189,355
)
 
 
Total
$
9,958,323

 
 
 
(a)
See Note 8 for additional information regarding a change in the remaining estimated useful lives of the Company's trade names.
The fair value of customer relationships and cable television franchises were valued using derivations of the "income" approach. The future expected earnings from these assets were discounted to their present value equivalent.
Trade names were valued using the relief from royalty method, which is based on the present value of the royalty payments avoided as a result of the company owning the intangible asset.
The basis for the valuation methods was the Company’s projections. These projections were based on management’s assumptions including among others, penetration rates for pay television, broadband, and telephony; revenue growth rates; operating margins; and capital expenditures. The assumptions are derived based on the Company’s and its peers’ historical operating performance adjusted for current and expected competitive and economic factors surrounding the cable industry. The discount rates used in the analysis are intended to reflect the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the respective intangible asset. The value is highly dependent on the achievement of the future financial results contemplated in the projections. The estimates and assumptions made in the valuation are inherently subject to significant uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and there is no assurance that these results can be achieved. The primary assumptions for which there is a reasonable possibility of the occurrence of a variation that would have significantly affected the value include the assumptions regarding revenue growth, programming expense growth rates, the amount and timing of capital expenditures and the discount rate utilized.
In establishing fair value for the vast majority of the acquired property, plant and equipment, the cost approach was utilized. The cost approach considers the amount required to replace an asset by constructing or purchasing a new asset with similar utility, then adjusts the value in consideration of physical depreciation, and functional and economic obsolescence as of the appraisal date. The cost approach relies on management’s assumptions regarding current material and labor costs required to rebuild and repurchase significant components of property, plant and equipment along with assumptions regarding the age and estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment.
The estimates of expected useful lives take into consideration the effects of contractual relationships, customer attrition, eventual development of new technologies and market competition.
Long-term debt assumed was valued using quoted market prices (Level 2). The carrying value of most other assets and liabilities approximated fair value as of the acquisition date.
As a result of applying business combination accounting, the Company recorded goodwill, which represented the excess of organization value over amounts assigned to the other identifiable tangible and intangible assets arising from expectations of future operational performance and cash generation.
The following table presents the unaudited pro forma revenue and net loss for the period presented as if the Cablevision Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2016:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Revenue
$
9,154,816

Net loss
$
(721,257
)

The pro forma results presented above include the impact of additional amortization expense related to the identifiable intangible assets recorded in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, additional depreciation expense related to the fair value adjustment to property, plant and equipment and the incremental interest resulting from the issuance of debt to fund the Cablevision Acquisition, net of the reversal of interest and amortization of deferred financing costs related to credit facilities that were repaid on the date of the Cablevision Acquisition and the accretion/amortization of fair value adjustments associated with the long-term debt acquired.
Other Acquisitions
In connection with certain acquisitions completed in the first and fourth quarters of 2017, the Company recorded amortizable intangibles of $45,000 relating to customer relationships and $9,400 relating to other amortizable intangibles. The Company recorded goodwill of $23,948, which represents the excess of the estimated purchase price of approximately $80,000 (based on current probability of contingent consideration) over the net book value of assets acquired. These values are based on preliminary fair value information currently available, which is subject to change within the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date). The acquired entities are included in the Cablevision segment.
v3.8.0.1
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]    
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents.  The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value.
The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Continuing Operations:
 
 
 
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid
$
91,036

 
$
61,170

Notes payable to vendor
30,237

 

Capital lease obligations
656

 

Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
Cash interest paid
464,763

 
524,864

Income taxes paid (refunded), net
(1,027
)
 
1,553

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Continuing Operations:
 
 
 
Conversion of notes payable to affiliates and related parties of $1,750,000 (together with accrued and unpaid interest and applicable premium) to common stock (See Note 9)
$
2,264,252

 
$

Property and equipment accrued but unpaid
171,604

 
155,653

Distributions declared but not paid

 
79,617

Leasehold improvements paid by landlord
3,998

 

Notes payable to vendor
40,131

 
12,449

Capital lease obligations
9,385

 

Deferred financing costs accrued but unpaid

 
2,570

Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
Cash interest paid
1,765,126

 
1,192,370

Income taxes paid, net
29,006

 
1,538

v3.8.0.1
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER EXPENSE
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]    
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER EXPENSE
RESTRUCTURING COSTS AND OTHER EXPENSE
Restructuring
Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the Company commenced its restructuring initiatives (the "2016 Restructuring Plan") that are intended to simplify the Company's organizational structure.
The following table summarizes the activity for the 2016 Restructuring Plan during 2018:
 
 
 
Severance and Other Employee Related Costs
 
Facility Realignment and Other Costs
 
Total
Accrual balance at December 31, 2017
$
113,474

 
$
9,626

 
$
123,100

Restructuring charges
1,818

 
(497
)
 
1,321

Payments and other
(38,469
)
 
(4,475
)
 
(42,944
)
Accrual balance at March 31, 2018
$
76,823

 
$
4,654

 
$
81,477


The Company recorded restructuring charges of $76,751 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 relating to the 2016 Restructuring Plan.
Cumulative costs to date relating to the 2016 Restructuring Plan amounted to $310,294 and $67,526 for our Cablevision segment and Cequel segments, respectively.
Transaction Costs
The Company incurred transaction costs of $2,266 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 relating to the Distribution discussed in Note 1 and $178 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 related to the acquisition of a business.
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER EXPENSE
Restructuring
Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the Company commenced its restructuring initiatives (the "2016 Restructuring Plan") that are intended to simplify the Company's organizational structure.
The following table summarizes the activity for the 2016 Restructuring Plan:
 
 
 
Severance and Other Employee Related Costs
 
Facility Realignment and Other Costs
 
Total
Restructuring charges incurred in 2016
$
215,420

 
$
11,157

 
$
226,577

Payments and other
(113,301
)
 
(2,760
)
 
(116,061
)
Accrual balance at December 31, 2016
102,119

 
8,397

 
110,516

Restructuring charges
142,679

 
7,243

 
149,922

Payments and other
(131,324
)
 
(6,014
)
 
(137,338
)
Accrual balance at December 31, 2017
$
113,474

 
$
9,626

 
$
123,100


Cumulative costs to date relating to the 2016 Restructuring Plan amounted to $309,297 and $67,202 for our Cablevision segment and Cequel segment, respectively.
Transaction Costs
For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company incurred transaction costs of $2,479 related to the acquisition of a business during the first quarter of 2017 and other transactions. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company incurred transaction costs of $13,845, related to the acquisitions of Cablevision and Cequel.
v3.8.0.1
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Costs incurred in the construction of the Company's cable systems, including line extensions to, and upgrade of, the Company's hybrid fiber/coaxial infrastructure, initial placement of the feeder cable to connect a customer that had not been previously connected, and headend facilities are capitalized.  These costs consist of materials, subcontractor labor, direct consulting fees, and internal labor and related costs associated with the construction activities.  The internal costs that are capitalized consist of salaries and benefits of the Company's employees and the portion of facility costs, including rent, taxes, insurance and utilities, that supports the construction activities.  These costs are depreciated over the estimated life of the plant (10 to 25 years) and headend facilities (4 to 25 years).  Costs of operating the plant and the technical facilities, including repairs and maintenance, are expensed as incurred.
Installation costs associated with the initial deployment of new customer premise equipment (“CPE”) necessary to provide pay television, broadband or telephony services are also capitalized. These costs include materials, subcontractor labor, internal labor, and other related costs associated with the connection activities.  The departmental activities supporting the connection process are tracked through specific metrics, and the portion of departmental costs that is capitalized is determined through a time weighted activity allocation of costs incurred based on time studies used to estimate the average time spent on each activity.  These installation costs are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the CPE necessary to provide pay television, broadband or telephony services.  In circumstances where CPE tracking is not available, the Company estimates the amount of capitalized installation costs based on whether or not the business or residence had been previously connected to the network. These installation costs are depreciated over their estimated useful life of 3-5 years. The portion of departmental costs related to disconnecting services and removing CPE from a customer, costs related to connecting CPE that has been previously connected to the network and repair and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
The estimated useful lives assigned to our property, plant and equipment are reviewed on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances warrant and such lives are revised to the extent necessary due to changing facts and circumstances.  Any changes in estimated useful lives are reflected prospectively.
Property, plant and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) consist of the following assets, which are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives shown below:
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Estimated
Useful Lives
Customer premise equipment
$
1,093,726

 
$
871,049

 
3 to 5 years
Headends and related equipment
1,626,293

 
1,482,631

 
4 to 25 years
Infrastructure
4,003,845

 
3,740,494

 
3 to 25 years
Equipment and software
918,298

 
735,012

 
3 to 10 years
Construction in progress (including materials and supplies)
240,496

 
84,321

 
 
Furniture and fixtures
52,545

 
45,576

 
5 to 12 years
Transportation equipment
138,147

 
135,488

 
5 to 10 years
Buildings and building improvements
394,421

 
390,337

 
10 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements
108,071

 
104,309

 
Term of lease
Land
47,563

 
47,715

 
 
 
8,623,405

 
7,636,932

 
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(2,599,579
)
 
(1,039,297
)
 
 
 
$
6,023,826

 
$
6,597,635

 
 

For the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company capitalized certain costs aggregating $151,646 and $75,804, respectively, related to the acquisition and development of internal use software, which are included in the table above. 
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment (including capital leases) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounted to $1,588,764 and $1,046,896, respectively.
The gross amount of buildings and equipment and related accumulated depreciation recorded under capital leases is presented below:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Buildings and equipment
$
48,936

 
$
53,833

Less accumulated depreciation
(12,972
)
 
(6,306
)
 
$
35,964

 
$
47,527

v3.8.0.1
OPERATING LEASES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]  
OPERATING LEASES
OPERATING LEASES
The Company leases certain office, production, and transmission facilities, as well as office equipment, under terms of leases expiring at various dates through 2100.  The leases generally provide for escalating rentals over the term of the lease plus certain real estate taxes and other costs or credits.  Costs associated with such operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term.  The difference between rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent.  In addition, the Company rents space on utility poles for its operations.  The Company's pole rental agreements are for varying terms, and management anticipates renewals as they expire.  Rent expense, including pole rentals, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounted to $95,017 and $65,881, respectively.
The minimum future annual payments for all operating leases (with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year) during the next five years and thereafter, including pole rentals from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2022, at rates now in force are as follows:
2018
$
74,992

2019
72,142

2020
69,203

2021
63,735

2022
55,234

Thereafter
140,406

v3.8.0.1
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired amortizable intangible assets: 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Useful Lives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer relationships
$
5,970,884

 
$
(1,603,142
)
 
$
4,367,742

 
$
5,970,884

 
$
(1,409,021
)
 
$
4,561,863

 
8 to 18 years
Trade names
1,067,083

 
(624,276
)
 
442,807

 
1,067,083

 
(588,574
)
 
478,509

 
2 to 5 years
Other amortizable intangibles
37,060

 
(12,972
)
 
24,088

 
37,060

 
(10,978
)
 
26,082

 
1 to 15 years
 
$
7,075,027

 
$
(2,240,390
)
 
$
4,834,637

 
$
7,075,027

 
$
(2,008,573
)
 
$
5,066,454

 
 
Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 aggregated $231,817, and $238,019, respectively.
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
Cable television franchises
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

 
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

Goodwill
5,866,108

 
2,153,741

 
8,019,849

 
5,866,120

 
2,153,741

 
8,019,861

Total
$
13,979,683

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,039,930

 
$
13,979,695

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,039,942


The carrying amount of goodwill is presented below:
Gross goodwill as of December 31, 2017, as reported
$
7,996,760

ATS goodwill included in Cablevision segment (See Note 3 for further details)
23,101

Gross goodwill as of December 31, 2017, as adjusted
8,019,861

Adjustment to purchase accounting relating to business acquired in fourth quarter of 2017
(12
)
Net goodwill as of March 31, 2018
$
8,019,849

INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired amortizable intangible assets: 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Useful Lives
Customer relationships
$
5,970,884

 
$
(1,409,021
)
 
$
4,561,863

 
$
5,925,884

 
$
(580,276
)
 
$
5,345,608

 
8 to 18 years
Trade names (a)
1,067,083

 
(588,574
)
 
478,509

 
1,066,783

 
(83,397
)
 
983,386

 
2 to 5 years
Other amortizable intangibles
37,060

 
(10,978
)
 
26,082

 
26,743

 
(3,093
)
 
23,650

 
1 to 15 years
 
$
7,075,027

 
$
(2,008,573
)
 
$
5,066,454

 
$
7,019,410

 
$
(666,766
)
 
$
6,352,644

 
 
 
(a)
On May 23, 2017, Altice N.V. announced the adoption of a global brand to replace the Company's brands in the future, reducing the remaining useful lives of these trade name intangibles to three years from the date of the adoption, which reflected one year as an in-use asset and two years as a defensive asset. In December 2017, the Company made a decision to postpone the adoption of a global brand that would have replaced the Optimum brand, increasing the useful life of the Optimum trade name intangible asset to 5 years.
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and aggregated $1,341,807 and $653,410, respectively.
The following table sets forth the estimated amortization expense on intangible assets for the periods presented:
Estimated amortization expense
 

Year Ending December 31, 2018
$
873,133

Year Ending December 31, 2019
777,846

Year Ending December 31, 2020
696,240

Year Ending December 31, 2021
616,718

Year Ending December 31, 2022
537,100


The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
Cable television franchises
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

 
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

Goodwill
5,866,120

 
2,153,741

 
8,019,861

 
5,838,959

 
2,153,741

 
7,992,700

Total
$
13,979,695

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,039,942

 
$
13,952,534

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,012,781


The carrying amount of goodwill is presented below:
Gross goodwill as of January 1, 2016
$
2,040,402

Goodwill recorded in connection with Cablevision Acquisition
5,838,959

Adjustments to purchase accounting relating to Cequel Acquisition
113,339

Gross goodwill as of January 1, 2017
7,992,700

Goodwill recorded in connection with acquisitions in the first and fourth quarters of 2017 (Cablevision Segment)
23,948

Adjustments to purchase accounting relating to Cablevision Acquisition
3,213

Net goodwill as of December 31, 2017
$
8,019,861

v3.8.0.1
DEBT
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]    
DEBT
DEBT
The following table provides details of the Company's outstanding credit facility debt:
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
CSC Holdings Restricted Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (b)
$20,000 on October 9, 2020, remaining balance on November 30, 2021
 
—%
 
$

 
$

 
$
450,000

 
$
425,488

Term Loan Facility
July 17, 2025
 
4.04%
 
2,977,500

 
2,960,859

 
2,985,000

 
2,967,818

Incremental Term Loan Facility
January 25, 2026
 
4.28%
 
1,500,000

 
1,481,825

 

 

Cequel:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (c)
$65,000 on November 30, 2021, and remaining balance on April 5, 2023
 
 

 

 

 

Term Loan Facility
July 28, 2025
 
4.13%
 
1,255,513

 
1,247,318

 
1,258,675

 
1,250,217

 
 
 
 
 
$
5,733,013

 
5,690,002

 
$
4,693,675

 
4,643,523

Less: Current portion
 
 
 
53,900

 
 
 
42,650

Long-term debt
 
 
 
$
5,636,102

 
 
 
$
4,600,873


(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
(b)
At March 31, 2018, $115,973 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $2,184,027 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
(c)
At March 31, 2018, $13,500 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $336,500 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
In January 2018, CSC Holdings borrowed $150,000 under its revolving credit facility and entered into a new $1,500,000 incremental term loan facility (the "Incremental Term Loan") under its existing CVC Credit Facilities Agreement. The Incremental Term Loan was priced at 99.5% and will mature on January 25, 2026. The Incremental Term Loan is comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternate base rate borrowings, and bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBO rate or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.50% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.50% per annum.
The Company made a voluntary repayment of $600,000 under the CSC Holdings revolving credit facility in January 2018.
On March 22, 2018, Altice US Finance I Corporation, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Fourth Amendment to Cequel Credit Agreement (Extension Amendment), by and among the borrower, the Revolving Consent Lenders (as defined in the Fourth Amendment) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders (the “Fourth Amendment”).  The Fourth Amendment amends and supplements the Borrower’s credit agreement, dated as of June 12, 2015, as amended by the first amendment (refinancing amendment), dated as of October 25, 2016, the second amendment (extension amendment), dated as of December 9, 2016, and the third amendment (incremental loan assumption agreement and refinancing amendment), dated as of March 15, 2017, (as so amended and as may be further amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time and as further amended by the Fourth Amendment among, inter alios, the borrower, the lenders party thereto and the administrative agent.
The Fourth Amendment extends the maturity date of the revolving loans and/or commitments of the Revolving Consent Lenders to April 5, 2023. The Fourth Amendment and the extended maturity date will not apply to the revolving loans and/or commitments of revolving lenders under the Cequel Credit Agreement that are not Revolving Consent Lenders.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the CSC Holdings Credit Facilities Agreement and the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement.
Senior Guaranteed Notes, Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes and Debentures
The following table summarizes the Company's senior guaranteed notes, senior secured notes and senior notes and debentures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Date Issued
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
CSC Holdings Senior Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 6, 1998
 
February 15, 2018
 
7.875
%
(b)
(f)
(o)
$

 
$

 
$
300,000

 
$
301,184

July 21, 1998
 
July 15, 2018
 
7.625
%
(b)
(f)
 
500,000

 
504,213

 
500,000

 
507,744

February 12, 2009
 
February 15, 2019
 
8.625
%
(c)
(f)
 
526,000

 
537,930

 
526,000

 
541,165

November 15, 2011
 
November 15, 2021
 
6.750
%
(c)
(f)
 
1,000,000

 
962,332

 
1,000,000

 
960,146

May 23, 2014
 
June 1, 2024
 
5.250
%
(c)
(f)
 
750,000

 
663,291

 
750,000

 
660,601

October 9, 2015
 
January 15, 2023
 
10.125
%
(e)
 
 
1,800,000

 
1,778,745

 
1,800,000

 
1,777,914

October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
10.875
%
(e)
(l)
 
1,684,221

 
1,661,516

 
1,684,221

 
1,661,135

CSC Holdings Senior Guaranteed Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
6.625
%
(e)
 
 
1,000,000

 
987,037

 
1,000,000

 
986,717

September 23, 2016
 
April 15, 2027
 
5.500
%
(g)
 
 
1,310,000

 
1,304,581

 
1,310,000

 
1,304,468

January 29, 2018
 
February 1, 2028
 
5.375
%
(n)
 
 
1,000,000

 
991,665

 

 

Cablevision Senior Notes (k):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2018
 
7.750
%
(c)
(f)
(o)

 

 
750,000

 
754,035

April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2020
 
8.000
%
(c)
(f)
 
500,000

 
492,795

 
500,000

 
492,009

September 27, 2012
 
September 15, 2022
 
5.875
%
(c)
(f)
 
649,024

 
575,348

 
649,024

 
572,071

Cequel and Cequel Capital Senior Notes (l):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oct. 25, 2012 Dec. 28, 2012
 
September 15, 2020
 
6.375
%
(d)
(m)
 
1,050,000

 
1,029,364

 
1,050,000

 
1,027,493

May 16, 2013 Sept. 9, 2014
 
December 15, 2021
 
5.125
%
(d)
 
 
1,250,000

 
1,144,929

 
1,250,000

 
1,138,870

June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2025
 
7.750
%
(i)
 
 
620,000

 
604,755

 
620,000

 
604,374

Altice US Finance I Corporation Senior Secured Notes (l):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2023
 
5.375
%
(h)
 
 
1,100,000

 
1,083,159

 
1,100,000

 
1,082,482

April 26, 2016
 
May 15, 2026
 
5.500
%
(j)
 
 
1,500,000

 
1,488,306

 
1,500,000

 
1,488,024

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
16,239,245

 
15,809,966

 
$
16,289,245

 
15,860,432

Less: current portion
 
 
1,042,143

 
 
 
507,744

Long-term debt
 
 
$
14,767,823

 
 
 
$
15,352,688

 
(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
(b)
The debentures are not redeemable by CSC Holdings prior to maturity.
(c)
Notes are redeemable at any time at a specified "make-whole" price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
(d)
The Company may redeem some or more of all the notes at the redemption price set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(e)
The Company may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes at any time on or after January 15, 2019, and some or all of the 2025 Notes and 2025 Guaranteed Notes at any time on or after October 15, 2020, at the redemption prices set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  The Company may also redeem up to 40% of each series of the Cablevision Acquisition Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 110.125% for the 2023 Notes, 110.875% for the 2025 Notes and 106.625% for the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, at any time prior to January 15, 2019, CSC Holdings may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes, and at any time prior to October 15, 2020, the Company may redeem some or all of the 2025 Notes and the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a “make whole” premium specified in the relevant indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(f)
The carrying value of the notes was adjusted to reflect their fair value on the Cablevision Acquisition Date (aggregate reduction of $52,788).
(g)
The 2027 Guaranteed Notes are redeemable at any time on or after April 15, 2022 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  In addition, up to 40% may be redeemed for each series of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(h)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2018, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 105.375%.
(i)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2020, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 107.750%.
(j)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after May 15, 2021, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before May 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%.
(k)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any dividends or distributions received from CSC Holdings. CSC Holdings is restricted, in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement.
(l)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any contributions/distributions from Cequel Communications, LLC (an indirect subsidiary of Cequel and the parent of Altice US Finance I). Cequel Communications, LLC is restricted in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement.
(m)
These notes were repaid in April 2018 with the proceeds from the issuance of new senior notes (see Note 17).
(n)
The 2028 Guaranteed Notes are redeemable at any time on or after February 1, 2023 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  In addition, up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before February 1, 2021, at a redemption price equal to 105.375%, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(o)
These notes were repaid in February 2018 with the proceeds from the 2028 Guaranteed Notes (defined below) and with the proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan.
In January 2018, CSC Holdings issued $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior guaranteed notes due February 1, 2028 (the "2028 Guaranteed Notes"). The 2028 Guaranteed Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior indebtedness, including the existing senior notes and the CVC Credit Facilities and rank senior in right of payment to all of existing and future subordinated indebtedness.
The proceeds from the 2028 Guaranteed Notes, together with proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan (discussed above), borrowings under the CVC revolving credit facility and cash on hand, were used in February 2018 to repay $300,000 principal amount of CSC Holdings' senior notes due in February 2018 and $750,000 principal amount of Cablevision senior notes due in April 2018 and will be used to fund a dividend of $1,500,000 to the Company's stockholders immediately prior to and in connection with the Distribution discussed in Note 1.
The indentures under which the senior notes and debentures were issued contain various covenants.  The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under these indentures as of March 31, 2018.
Notes Payable to Affiliates and Related Parties
On June 21, 2016, in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, the Company issued notes payable to affiliates and related parties aggregating $1,750,000, of which $875,000 bore interest at 10.75% and matured on December 20, 2023 and $875,000 bore interest at 11% and matured on December 20, 2024.
In connection with the Company's IPO in June 2017, the Company converted the notes payable to affiliates and related parties (together with accrued and unpaid interest of $529 and applicable premium of $513,723) into shares of the Company’s common stock at the IPO price. The premium was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt on the Company's statement of operations in the second quarter of 2017. In connection with the conversion of the notes, the Company recorded a credit to paid in capital of $2,264,252 in the second quarter of 2017.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recognized $47,588 of interest expense related to these notes prior to their conversion.
Summary of Debt Maturities
The future maturities of debt payable by the Company under its various debt obligations outstanding as of March 31, 2018, including notes payable, collateralized indebtedness (see Note 10), and capital leases, are as follows:
Years Ending December 31,
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
2018
$
581,298

 
$
14,193

 
$
595,491

2019
579,587

 
32,563

 
612,150

2020
547,517

 
1,062,715

 
1,610,232

2021
2,506,407

 
1,262,725

 
3,769,132

2022
695,806

 
12,730

 
708,536

Thereafter
11,812,663

 
4,416,240

 
16,228,903

DEBT
CSC Holdings Credit Facilities
In connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, in October 2015, Finco, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, which merged with and into CSC Holdings on June 21, 2016, entered into a senior secured credit facility, which provides U.S. dollar term loans currently in an aggregate principal amount of $3,000,000 ($2,985,000 outstanding at December 31, 2017) (the “CVC Term Loan Facility”, and the term loans extended under the CVC Term Loan Facility, the “CVC Term Loans”) and U.S. dollar revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $2,300,000 (the “CVC Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the Term Loan Facility, the “CVC Credit Facilities”), which are governed by a credit facilities agreement entered into by, inter alios, CSC Holdings, certain lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and security agent (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified on June 20, 2016, June 21, 2016, July 21, 2016, September 9, 2016, December 9, 2016 and March 15, 2017, respectively, and as further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “CVC Credit Facilities Agreement”).
The amendment to the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement entered into on September 9, 2016, extended the maturity date of the CVC Term Loan Facility to October 11, 2024. In October 2016, CSC Holdings used the net proceeds from the sale of $1,310,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.5% senior guaranteed notes due 2027 (the ‘‘2027 Guaranteed Notes’’) (after the deduction of fees and expenses) to prepay outstanding loans under the CSC Holdings Term Credit Facility that were not extended pursuant to this amendment. In connection with the prepayment of the Term Credit Facility, the Company wrote-off the deferred financing costs and the unamortized discount related to the existing term loan aggregating $102,894. Additionally, the Company recorded deferred financing costs and an original issue discount of $7,249 and $6,250, respectively, which are both being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Term Loan Facility.
The amendment to the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement entered into on March 15, 2017 (“Extension Amendment”) increased the Term Loan by $500,000 to $3,000,000 and the maturity date for this facility was extended to July 17, 2025. The closing of the Extension Amendment occurred in April 2017 and the proceeds were used to refinance the entire $2,493,750 principal amount of existing Term Loans and redeem $500,000 of the 8.625% Senior Notes due September 2017 issued by Cablevision. In connection with the Extension Amendment and the redemption of the senior notes, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs aggregating $18,976.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, CSC Holdings borrowed $1,350,000 under its revolving credit facility ($500,000 was used to make cash distributions to its stockholders) and made voluntary repayments aggregating $1,075,256 with cash on hand.
Under the Extension Amendment, the Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $7,500) of the principal amount of the Term Loan, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on July 17, 2025.
The CVC Credit Facilities permit CSC Holdings to request revolving loans, swing line loans or letters of credit from the revolving lenders, swingline lenders or issuing banks, as applicable, thereunder, from time to time prior to November 30, 2021, unless the commitments under the CVC Revolving Credit Facility have been previously terminated.
Loans comprising each eurodollar borrowing or alternate base rate borrowing, as applicable, bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBO rate or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is:
in respect of the CVC Term Loans, (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.25% per annum, and
in respect of the CVC Revolving Credit Facility loans (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 2.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 3.25% per annum.
The CVC Credit Facilities Agreement requires the prepayment of outstanding CVC Term Loans, subject to certain exceptions and deductions, with (i) 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales, subject to reinvestment rights and certain other exceptions; and (ii) commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, a pari ratable share (based on the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans divided by the sum of the outstanding principal amount of all pari passu indebtedness and the Term Loans) of 50% of annual excess cash flow, which will be reduced to 0% if the consolidated net senior secured leverage ratio of CSC Holdings is less than or equal to 4.5 to 1.
The obligations under the CVC Credit Facilities are guaranteed by each restricted subsidiary of CSC Holdings (other than CSC TKR, LLC and its subsidiaries and certain excluded subsidiaries) (the “Initial Guarantors”) and, subject to certain limitations, will be guaranteed by each future material wholly-owned restricted subsidiary of CSC Holdings.  The obligations under the CVC Credit Facilities (including any guarantees thereof) are secured on a first priority basis, subject to any liens permitted by the Credit Facilities, by capital stock held by CSC Holdings or any guarantor in certain subsidiaries of CSC Holdings, subject to certain exclusions and limitations. 
The CVC Credit Facilities Agreement includes certain negative covenants which, among other things and subject to certain significant exceptions and qualifications, limit CSC Holdings' ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, (ii) make investments, (iii) create liens, (iv) sell assets and subsidiary stock, (v) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our capital stock or subordinated debt, (vi) engage in certain transactions with affiliates, (vii) enter into agreements that restrict the payment of dividends by subsidiaries or the repayment of intercompany loans and advances; and (viii) engage in mergers or consolidations. In addition, the CVC Revolving Credit Facility includes a financial maintenance covenant solely for the benefit of the lenders under the CVC Revolving Credit Facility consisting of a maximum consolidated net senior secured leverage ratio of CSC Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries of 5.0 to 1.0. The financial covenant will be tested on the last day of any fiscal quarter, but only if on such day there are outstanding borrowings under the CVC Revolving Credit Facility (including swingline loans but excluding any cash collateralized letters of credit and undrawn letters of credit not to exceed $15,000).
The CVC Credit Facilities Agreement also contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default (including, among others, an event of default upon a change of control). If an event of default occurs, the lenders under the CVC Credit Facilities will be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the CVC Credit Facilities and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.
CSC Holdings was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the CVC Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2017.
Cequel Credit Facilities
On June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance I Corporation, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Cequel, entered into a senior secured credit facility which currently provides term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $1,265,000 ($1,258,675 outstanding at December 31, 2017) (the “Cequel Term Loan Facility” and the term loans extended under the Cequel Term Loan Facility, the “Cequel Term Loans”) and revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $350,000 (the “Cequel Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the Cequel Term Loan Facility, the “Cequel Credit Facilities”) which are governed by a credit facilities agreement entered into by, inter alios, Altice US Finance I Corporation, certain lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified on October 25, 2016, December 9, 2016 and March 15, 2017, and as further amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time, the “Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement”).
The amendment to the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement entered into on March 15, 2017 (“Cequel Extension Amendment”) increased the Term Loan by $450,000 to $1,265,000 and the maturity date for this facility was extended to July 28, 2025. The closing of the Extension Amendment occurred in April 2017 and the proceeds were used to refinance the entire $812,963 principal amount of loans under the Term Loan and redeem $450,000 of the 6.375% Senior Notes due September 15, 2020. In connection with the Cequel Extension Amendment and the redemption of the senior notes, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financings costs aggregating $28,684.
Under the Cequel Extension Amendment, the Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $3,163) of the principal amount of the Cequel Term Loan, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on July 28, 2025.
Loans comprising each eurodollar borrowing or alternate base rate borrowing, as applicable, bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBO rate or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is:
in respect of the Cequel Term Loans, (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.25% per annum, and
in respect of Cequel Revolving Credit Facility loans (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 2.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 3.25% per annum.
The Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement requires the prepayment of outstanding Term Loans, subject to certain exceptions and deductions, with (i) 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales, subject to reinvestment rights and certain other exceptions; and (ii) a pari ratable share (based on the outstanding principal amount of the Cequel Term Loans divided by the sum of the outstanding principal amount of all pari passu indebtedness and the Cequel Term Loans) of 50% of annual excess cash flow, which will be reduced to 0% if the consolidated net senior secured leverage ratio is less than or equal to 4.5:1.
The debt under the Cequel Credit Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in the capital stock of Cequel Communications, LLC and substantially all of the present and future assets of Cequel Communications, LLC and its restricted subsidiaries, and is guaranteed by Cequel Communications Holdings II, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Cequel (the "Parent Guarantor"), as well as all of Cequel Communications, LLC's existing and future direct and indirect subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement. The Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and affirmative covenants. In addition, the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement contains restrictive covenants that limit, among other things, the ability of Cequel Communications, LLC and its subsidiaries to incur indebtedness, create liens, engage in mergers, consolidations and other fundamental changes, make investments or loans, engage in transactions with affiliates, pay dividends, and make acquisitions and dispose of assets. The Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement also contains a maximum senior secured leverage maintenance covenant of 5.0 to 1.0. Additionally, the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement contains customary events of default, including failure to make payments, breaches of covenants and representations, cross defaults to other indebtedness, unpaid judgments, changes of control and bankruptcy events. The lenders’ commitments to fund amounts under the revolving credit facility are subject to certain customary conditions.
As of December 31, 2017, Cequel was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement.
The following table provides details of the Company's outstanding credit facility debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying Amount (a)
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
 
Principal
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
CSC Holdings Restricted Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (b)
$20,000 on October 9, 2020, remaining balance on November 30, 2021
 
4.75%
 
$
450,000

 
$
425,488

 
$
145,013

Term Loan Facility
July 17, 2025
 
3.74%
 
2,985,000

 
2,967,818

 
2,486,874

Cequel:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (c)
November 30, 2021
 
 

 

 

Term Loan Facility
July 28, 2025
 
3.82%
 
1,258,675

 
1,250,217

 
812,903

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,693,675

 
4,643,523

 
3,444,790

Less: Current portion
42,650

 
33,150

Long-term debt
$
4,600,873

 
$
3,411,640


(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts.
(b)
At December 31, 2017, $115,973 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $1,734,027 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
(c)
At December 31, 2017, $13,500 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $336,500 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
Senior Guaranteed Notes, Senior Secured Notes, and Senior Notes and Debentures
The following table summarizes the Company's senior guaranteed notes, senior secured notes and senior notes and debentures:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
Issuer
Date Issued
 
Maturity Date
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CSC Holdings (b)(f)(n)
February 6, 1998
 
February 15, 2018
 
7.875
%
 
$
300,000

 
$
301,184

 
$
310,334

CSC Holdings (b)(f)
July 21, 1998
 
July 15, 2018
 
7.625
%
 
500,000

 
507,744

 
521,654

CSC Holdings (c)(f)
February 12, 2009
 
February 15, 2019
 
8.625
%
 
526,000

 
541,165

 
553,804

CSC Holdings (c)(f)
November 15, 2011
 
November 15, 2021
 
6.750
%
 
1,000,000

 
960,146

 
951,702

CSC Holdings (c)(f)
May 23, 2014
 
June 1, 2024
 
5.250
%
 
750,000

 
660,601

 
650,193

CSC Holdings (e)
October 9, 2015
 
January 15, 2023
 
10.125
%
 
1,800,000

 
1,777,914

 
1,774,750

CSC Holdings (e)(l)
October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
10.875
%
 
1,684,221

 
1,661,135

 
1,970,379

Senior guaranteed notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CSC Holdings (e)
October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
6.625
%
 
1,000,000

 
986,717

 
985,469

CSC Holdings (g)
September 23, 2016
 
April 15, 2027
 
5.500
%
 
1,310,000

 
1,304,468

 
1,304,025

Senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cablevision (k)(o)
September 23, 2009
 
September 15, 2017
 
8.625
%
 

 

 
926,045

Cablevision (c)(f)(n)(o)
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2018
 
7.750
%
 
750,000

 
754,035

 
767,545

Cablevision (c)(f)(o)
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2020
 
8.000
%
 
500,000

 
492,009

 
488,992

Cablevision (c)(f)(o)
September 27, 2012
 
September 15, 2022
 
5.875
%
 
649,024

 
572,071

 
559,500

Senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cequel Communications Holdings I and Cequel Capital (d)(m)(p)
Oct. 25, 2012 Dec. 28, 2012
 
September 15, 2020
 
6.375
%
 
1,050,000

 
1,027,493

 
1,457,439

Cequel Communications Holdings I and Cequel Capital (d)(p)
May 16, 2013 Sept. 9, 2014
 
December 15, 2021
 
5.125
%
 
1,250,000

 
1,138,870

 
1,115,767

Cequel Communications Holdings I and Cequel Capital (i)(p)
June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2025
 
7.750
%
 
620,000

 
604,374

 
602,925

Senior secured notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Altice US Finance I Corporation (h)(p)
June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2023
 
5.375
%
 
1,100,000

 
1,082,482

 
1,079,869

Altice US Finance I Corporation (j)(p)
April 26, 2016
 
May 15, 2026
 
5.500
%
 
1,500,000

 
1,488,024

 
1,486,933

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
16,289,245

 
15,860,432

 
17,507,325

Less: Current portion
 
507,744

 
926,045

Long-term debt
 
$
15,352,688

 
$
16,581,280

 
(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
(b)
The debentures are not redeemable by CSC Holdings prior to maturity.
(c)
Notes are redeemable at any time at a specified "make-whole" price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
(d)
The Company may redeem some or more of all the notes at the redemption price set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(e)
The Company may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes at any time on or after January 15, 2019, and some or all of the 2025 Notes and 2025 Guaranteed Notes at any time on or after October 15, 2020, at the redemption prices set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  The Company may also redeem up to 40% of each series of the Cablevision Acquisition Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 110.125% for the 2023 Notes, 110.875% for the 2025 Notes and 106.625% for the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, at any time prior to January 15, 2019, CSC Holdings may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes, and at any time prior to October 15, 2020, the Company may redeem some or all of the 2025 Notes and the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a “make whole” premium specified in the relevant indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(f)
The carrying value of the notes was adjusted to reflect their fair value on the Cablevision Acquisition Date (aggregate reduction of $52,788).
(g)
The 2027 Guaranteed Notes are redeemable at any time on or after April 15, 2022 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  In addition, up to 40% may be redeemed for each series of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(h)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2018, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 105.375%.
(i)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2020, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 107.750%.
(j)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after May 15, 2021, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before May 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%.
(k)
In April 2017, the Company redeemed $500,000 of the senior notes from proceeds from the CVC Term Loan facility. In September 2017, these senior notes matured and the Company repaid the remaining principal balance of $400,000.
(l)
In July 2017, the Company used approximately $350,120 of the proceeds from the IPO to fund the redemption of $315,779 principal amount of CSC Holdings senior notes due October 2025 and the related call premium of approximately $34,341which was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt. The Company also recorded a write-off of deferred financings costs in connection with this redemption aggregating $4,516.
(m)
In April 2017, the Company redeemed $450,000 of the senior notes from proceeds from the Cequel Term Loan facility.
(n)
As a result of the repayment of these notes in February 2018, discussed in Note 20, the carrying amount of these Notes has been classified as long-term indebtedness.
(o)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any dividends or distributions received from CSC Holdings. CSC Holdings is restricted, in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement.
(p)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any contributions/distributions from Cequel Communications, LLC (an indirect subsidiary of Cequel and the parent of Altice US Finance I). Cequel Communications, LLC is restricted in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement.
The indentures under which the senior notes and debentures were issued contain various covenants.  The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under these indentures as of December 31, 2017.
CSC Holdings 5.5% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2027
In September 2016, CSC Holdings issued $1,310,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.50% senior guaranteed notes due April 15, 2027. The 2027 Guaranteed Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior indebtedness, including the existing senior notes and the Credit Facilities and rank senior in right of payment to all of existing and future subordinated indebtedness.
As discussed above , in October 2016, CSC Holdings used the proceeds from the issuance of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes (after the deduction of fees and expenses) to prepay the outstanding loans under the CVC Term Credit Facility that were not extended pursuant to the extension amendment on September 9,2016. In connection with the issuance of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes, the Company incurred deferred financing costs of approximately $5,575, which are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes.
Cablevision Acquisition Notes
The $1,000,000 principal amount of the 2025 Guaranteed Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.625% per annum and were issued at a price of 100.00%. Interest on the 2025 Guaranteed Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15, commencing on July 15, 2016. These 2025 Guaranteed Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by the Initial Guarantors.
The $1,800,000 principal amount of the 2023 Notes and $2,000,000 principal amount of the 2025 Notes, bear interest at a rate of 10.125% and 10.875%, respectively, per annum and were issued at prices of 100.00%. Interest on the 2023 Notes and 2025 Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15, which began on July 15, 2016.
Deferred financing costs of approximately $76,579 incurred in connection with the issuance of the Cablevision Acquisition Notes are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Cablevision Acquisition Notes.
The indentures under which the Cablevision and CSC Holdings Senior Guaranteed Notes and Senior Notes and Debentures were issued contain certain covenants and agreements with respect to investment grade debt securities, including limitations on the ability of CSC Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries to (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, (ii) make investments or other restricted payments, (iii) create liens, (iv) sell assets and subsidiary stock, (v) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our capital stock or subordinated debt, (vi) engage in certain transactions with affiliates, (vii) enter into agreements that restrict the payment of dividends by subsidiaries or the repayment of intercompany loans and advances, and (viii) engage in mergers or consolidations, in each case subject to certain exceptions. The indentures also contain certain customary events of default. If an event of default occurs, the obligations under the Cablevision Acquisition Notes may be accelerated.
As of December 31, 2017, Cablevision and CSC Holdings were in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the indentures under which the senior notes and debentures and senior guaranteed notes were issued.
Cequel Senior Secured Notes
On June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance I Corporation, an indirect subsidiary of Altice N.V., issued $1,100,000 principal amount of senior secured notes (the ‘‘Cequel 2023 Senior Secured Notes’’), the proceeds from which were placed in escrow to finance a portion of the purchase price for the Cequel Acquisition. The Cequel 2023 Senior Secured Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per annum and were issued at a price of 100.00%. Interest on the Cequel 2023 Senior Secured Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. Following the consummation of the Cequel Acquisition and related transactions the equity interests in Altice US Finance I Corporation were contributed through one or more intermediary steps to Suddenlink, and the Senior Secured Notes were guaranteed by Cequel Communications Holdings II LLC, Suddenlink and certain of the subsidiaries of Suddenlink and are secured by certain assets of Cequel Communications Holdings II LLC, Suddenlink and its subsidiaries.
On April 26, 2016, Altice US Finance I Corporation issued $1,500,000 aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes (the ‘‘Cequel 2026 Senior Secured Notes’’). The proceeds from the sale were used to repay the $1,477,200 remaining balance under the previous credit facility and to pay related fees and expenses. The Cequel 2026 Senior Secured Notes mature on May 15, 2026 and bear interest at a rate of 5.50% annually. Interest on the Cequel 2026 Senior Secured Notes is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2016. Deferred financing costs recorded in connection with the issuance of these notes amounted to $13,773 and are being amortized over the term of the notes.
Cequel Senior Notes
On June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance II Corporation, an indirect subsidiary of Altice N.V., issued $300,000 principal amount of the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes, the proceeds from which were placed in escrow, to finance a portion of the purchase price for the Cequel Acquisition. The Cequel 2025 Senior Notes were issued by the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes Issuer, an indirect subsidiary of Altice N.V., bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per annum and were issued at a price of 100.00%. Interest on the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. Following the consummation of the Cequel Acquisition and related transactions, the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes Issuer merged into Cequel, the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes became the obligations of Cequel and Cequel Capital Corporation became the co-issuer of the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes.
On June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance S.A., an indirect subsidiary of Altice N.V. issued $320,000 principal amount of the 7.75% Senior Notes due 2025 (the ‘‘Holdco Notes’’), the proceeds from which were placed in escrow, to finance a portion of the purchase price for the Cequel Acquisition. The Holdco Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per annum and were issued at a price of 98.275%. Interest on the Holdco Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The Holdco Notes were automatically exchanged into an equal aggregate principal amount of Cequel 2025 Senior Notes at Cequel during the second quarter of 2016.
The Cequel Indentures contain certain covenants, agreements and events of default which are customary with respect to non-investment grade debt securities, including limitations on the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on or make other distributions or repurchase the Company’s capital stock, make certain investments, enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, create liens and sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies.
Notes Payable to Affiliates and Related Parties
On June 21, 2016, in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, the Company issued notes payable to affiliates and related parties aggregating $1,750,000, of which $875,000 bore interest at 10.75% and matured on December 20, 2023 and $875,000 bore interest at 11% and matured on December 20, 2024.
As discussed in Note 1, in connection with the Company's IPO, the Company converted the notes payable to affiliates and related parties (together with accrued and unpaid interest of $529 and applicable premium of $513,723) into shares of the Company’s common stock at the IPO price. The premium was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt on the Company's statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. In connection with the conversion of the notes, the Company recorded a credit to paid in capital of $2,264,252.
For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized interest expense of $90,405 and $102,557 related to these notes prior to their conversion.
Summary of Debt Maturities
The future maturities of debt payable by the Company under its various debt obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2017, including notes payable, collateralized indebtedness (see Note 10), and capital leases, are as follows:
Years Ending December 31,
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
2018
$
1,619,094

 
$
16,518

 
$
1,635,612

2019
565,604

 
18,310

 
583,914

2020
552,902

 
1,062,713

 
1,615,615

2021
2,921,269

 
1,262,723

 
4,183,992

2022
680,700

 
12,734

 
693,434

Thereafter
9,380,513

 
4,416,270

 
13,796,783


The amounts in the table above do not include the effects of the debt transactions discussed in Note 20.
v3.8.0.1
DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]    
DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS
DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS
Prepaid Forward Contracts
The Company has entered into various transactions to limit the exposure against equity price risk on its shares of Comcast Corporation ("Comcast") common stock.  The Company has monetized all of its stock holdings in Comcast through the execution of prepaid forward contracts, collateralized by an equivalent amount of the respective underlying stock.  At maturity, the contracts provide for the option to deliver cash or shares of Comcast stock with a value determined by reference to the applicable stock price at maturity.  These contracts, at maturity, are expected to offset declines in the fair value of these securities below the hedge price per share while allowing the Company to retain upside appreciation from the hedge price per share to the relevant cap price.  
The Company received cash proceeds upon execution of the prepaid forward contracts discussed above which has been reflected as collateralized indebtedness in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.  In addition, the Company separately accounts for the equity derivative component of the prepaid forward contracts.  These equity derivatives have not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes.  Therefore, the net fair values of the equity derivatives have been reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as an asset or liability and the net increases or decreases in the fair value of the equity derivative component of the prepaid forward contracts are included in gain (loss) on derivative contracts in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
All of the Company's monetization transactions are obligations of its wholly-owned subsidiaries that are not part of the Restricted Group; however, CSC Holdings has provided guarantees of the subsidiaries' ongoing contract payment expense obligations and potential payments that could be due as a result of an early termination event (as defined in the agreements).  If any one of these contracts were terminated prior to its scheduled maturity date, the Company would be obligated to repay the fair value of the collateralized indebtedness less the sum of the fair values of the underlying stock and equity collar, calculated at the termination date.  As of March 31, 2018, the Company did not have an early termination shortfall relating to any of these contracts.
The Company monitors the financial institutions that are counterparties to its equity derivative contracts.  All of the counterparties to such transactions carry investment grade credit ratings as of March 31, 2018.
Interest Rate Swap Contracts
In June 2016, the Company entered into two fixed to floating interest rate swap contracts. One fixed to floating interest rate swap is converting $750,000 from a fixed rate of 1.6655% to six-month LIBO rate and a second tranche of $750,000 from a fixed rate of 1.68% to six-month LIBO rate. The objective of these swaps is to cover the exposure of the 2026 Senior Secured Notes issued by Cequel to changes in the market interest rate. These swap contracts were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of these interest rate swap contracts are recorded through the statements of operations.
The Company does not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
The following represents the location of the assets and liabilities associated with the Company's derivative instruments within the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
 
 
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value at March 31, 2018
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value at March 31, 2018
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, current
 
$
9,211

 
$
52,545

 
$
(9,211
)
 
$
(52,545
)
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, long-term
 
63,343

 

 
(4,495
)
 
(109,504
)
Interest rate swap contracts
 
Liabilities under derivative contracts, long-term
 

 

 
(109,824
)
 
(77,902
)
 
 
 
 
$
72,554

 
$
52,545

 
$
(123,530
)
 
$
(239,951
)

Gain (loss) related to the Company's derivative contracts related to the Comcast common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 of $168,352 and $(71,044), respectively, are reflected in gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net in the Company's condensed consolidated statement of operations.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded a gain (loss) on investments of $(252,576) and $131,658, respectively, primarily representing the net increase (decrease) in the fair values of the investment securities pledged as collateral. 
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded a gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts of $(31,922) and $2,342, respectively.
DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS
Prepaid Forward Contracts
The Company has entered into various transactions to limit the exposure against equity price risk on its shares of Comcast Corporation ("Comcast") common stock.  The Company has monetized all of its stock holdings in Comcast through the execution of prepaid forward contracts, collateralized by an equivalent amount of the respective underlying stock.  At maturity, the contracts provide for the option to deliver cash or shares of Comcast stock with a value determined by reference to the applicable stock price at maturity.  These contracts, at maturity, are expected to offset declines in the fair value of these securities below the hedge price per share while allowing the Company to retain upside appreciation from the hedge price per share to the relevant cap price.  
The Company received cash proceeds upon execution of the prepaid forward contracts discussed above which has been reflected as collateralized indebtedness in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  In addition, the Company separately accounts for the equity derivative component of the prepaid forward contracts.  These equity derivatives have not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes.  Therefore, the net fair values of the equity derivatives have been reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as an asset or liability and the net increases or decreases in the fair value of the equity derivative component of the prepaid forward contracts are included in gain (loss) on derivative contracts in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
All of the Company's monetization transactions are obligations of its wholly-owned subsidiaries that are not part of CSC Holdings' Restricted Group; however, CSC Holdings has provided guarantees of the subsidiaries' ongoing contract payment expense obligations and potential payments that could be due as a result of an early termination event (as defined in the agreements).  If any one of these contracts were terminated prior to its scheduled maturity date, the Company would be obligated to repay the fair value of the collateralized indebtedness less the sum of the fair values of the underlying stock and equity collar, calculated at the termination date.  As of December 31, 2017, the Company did not have an early termination shortfall relating to any of these contracts.
The Company monitors the financial institutions that are counterparties to its equity derivative contracts.  All of the counterparties to such transactions carry investment grade credit ratings as of December 31, 2017.
Put/Call Options
In the third quarter of 2017, the Company entered into a put-call contract that expired in the third quarter of 2018 whereby the Company sold a put option and purchased a call option with the same strike price. These put-call options were settled as of December 31, 2017 and the Company recorded a loss of $97,410 for the year ended December 31, 2017, which represents the difference between the strike price and the closing price of the underlying shares.
Interest Rate Swap Contracts
In June 2016, the Company entered into two fixed to floating interest rate swap contracts. One fixed to floating interest rate swap is converting $750,000 from a fixed rate of 1.6655% to six-month LIBO rate and a second tranche of $750,000 from a fixed rate of 1.68% to six-month LIBO rate. The objective of these swaps is to cover the exposure of the Cequel 2026 Senior Secured Notes issued by Cequel to changes in the market interest rate. These swap contracts were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of these interest rate swap contracts are recorded through the statements of operations.
The Company does not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
The following represents the location of the assets and liabilities associated with the Company's derivative instruments within the consolidated balance sheets:
 
 
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2016
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, current
 
$
52,545

 
$
352

 
$
(52,545
)
 
$
(13,158
)
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, long-term
 

 
10,604

 
(109,504
)
 

Interest rate swap contracts
 
Liabilities under derivative contracts, long-term
 

 

 
(77,902
)
 
(78,823
)
 
 
 
 
$
52,545

 
$
10,956

 
$
(239,951
)
 
$
(91,981
)

Loss related to the Company's derivative contracts related to the Comcast common stock for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 of $(138,920) and $(53,696), respectively, are reflected in gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded a gain on investments of $237,354 and $141,896, respectively, primarily representing the net increase in the fair values of the investment securities pledged as collateral. 
For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded a gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts of $5,482 and $(72,961), respectively.
Settlements of Collateralized Indebtedness
The following table summarizes the settlement of the Company's collateralized indebtedness relating to Comcast shares that were settled by delivering cash equal to the collateralized loan value, net of the value of the related equity derivative contracts during the year ended December 31, 2017
Number of shares (a)
26,815,368

Collateralized indebtedness settled
$
(774,703
)
Derivatives contracts settled
(56,356
)
 
(831,059
)
Proceeds from new monetization contracts
838,794

Net cash proceeds
$
7,735

 
(a)
Share amounts are adjusted for the 2 for 1 stock split in February 2017.
The cash to settle the collateralized indebtedness was obtained from the proceeds of new monetization contracts covering an equivalent number of Comcast shares.  The terms of the new contracts allow the Company to retain upside participation in Comcast shares up to each respective contract's upside appreciation limit with downside exposure limited to the respective hedge price. 
In April 2017, the Company entered into new monetization contracts related to 32,153,118 shares of Comcast common stock held by Cablevision, which synthetically reversed the existing contracts related to these shares (the "Synthetic Monetization Closeout"). As the existing collateralized debt matures, the Company will settle the contracts with proceeds received from the new monetization contracts. The new monetization contracts mature on April 28, 2021. The new monetization contracts provide the Company with downside protection below the hedge price of $35.47 and upside benefit of stock price appreciation up to $44.72 per share. In connection with the execution of these contracts, the Company recorded (i) the fair value of the equity derivative contracts of $53,316 (in a net asset position), (ii) notes payable of $111,657, representing the fair value of the existing equity derivative contracts, in a liability position, and (iii) a discount on notes payable of $58,341.
v3.8.0.1
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]    
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable.  Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity's pricing based upon their own market assumptions.  The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
Level I - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level II - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
Level III - Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
Level I
 
$
1,121,432

 
$
5,949

Investment securities pledged as collateral
Level I
 
1,467,781

 
1,720,357

Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
72,554

 
52,545

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
13,706

 
162,049

Interest rate swap contracts
Level II
 
109,824

 
77,902

Contingent consideration related to 2017 acquisitions
Level III
 
3,233

 
32,233


The Company's cash equivalents, investment securities and investment securities pledged as collateral are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices.
The Company's derivative contracts and liabilities under derivative contracts on the Company's balance sheets are valued using market-based inputs to valuation models.  These valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, and measures of volatility.  When appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads and credit risk considerations.  Such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence.  Since model inputs can generally be verified and do not involve significant management judgment, the Company has concluded that these instruments should be classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of the contingent consideration as of March 31, 2018 related to acquisitions in the first quarter and fourth quarters of 2017 of approximately $1,000 and $2,233, respectively. The estimated amount recorded as of March 31, 2018 is the remaining unpaid contractual amount for the first quarter 2017 acquisition and approximately 51% of the contractual amount for the fourth quarter 2017 acquisition. The fair value of the consideration was estimated based on a probability assessment of attaining the targets as of March 31, 2018.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate:
Credit Facility Debt, Collateralized Indebtedness, Senior Notes and Debentures, Senior Secured Notes, Senior Guaranteed Notes, and Notes Payable
The fair values of each of the Company's debt instruments are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for instruments of the same remaining maturities. The fair value of notes payable is based primarily on the present value of the remaining payments discounted at the borrowing cost.
The carrying values, estimated fair values, and classification under the fair value hierarchy of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
CSC Holdings debt instruments:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Credit facility debt
Level II
 
$
4,442,684

 
$
4,477,500

 
$
3,393,306

 
$
3,435,000

Collateralized indebtedness
Level II
 
1,351,271

 
1,298,060

 
1,349,474

 
1,305,932

Senior guaranteed notes
Level II
 
3,283,283

 
3,231,825

 
2,291,185

 
2,420,000

Senior notes and debentures
Level II
 
6,108,028

 
6,797,434

 
6,409,889

 
7,221,846

Notes payable
Level II
 
78,938

 
76,340

 
56,956

 
55,289

Cablevision senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes and debentures
Level II
 
1,068,142

 
1,172,906

 
1,818,115

 
1,931,239

Cequel debt instruments:
 
 


 


 


 


Cequel credit facility
Level II
 
1,247,318

 
1,255,513

 
1,250,217

 
1,258,675

Senior secured notes
Level II
 
2,571,465

 
2,580,000

 
2,570,506

 
2,658,930

Senior notes
Level II
 
2,779,048

 
2,987,700

 
2,770,737

 
2,983,615

Notes payable
Level II
 
24,149

 
24,149

 
8,946

 
8,946

 
 
 
$
22,954,326

 
$
23,901,427

 
$
21,919,331

 
$
23,279,472

 
(a)
Amounts are net of unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts.
The fair value estimates related to the Company's debt instruments presented above are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.  These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable.  Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity's pricing based upon their own market assumptions.  The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
Level I - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level II - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
Level III - Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds (of which $14,700 is classified as restricted cash as of December 31, 2016)
Level I
 
$
5,949

 
$
100,139

Investment securities pledged as collateral
Level I
 
1,720,357

 
1,483,030

Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
52,545

 
10,956

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
162,049

 
13,158

Interest rate swap contracts
Level II
 
77,902

 
78,823

Contingent consideration related to 2017 acquisitions
Level III
 
32,233

 


The Company's cash equivalents, investment securities and investment securities pledged as collateral are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices.
The Company's derivative contracts and liabilities under derivative contracts on the Company's balance sheets are valued using market-based inputs to valuation models.  These valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, and measures of volatility.  When appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads and credit risk considerations.  Such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence.  Since model inputs can generally be verified and do not involve significant management judgment, the Company has concluded that these instruments should be classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of the contingent consideration related to acquisitions in the first and fourth quarters of 2017 of $30,000 and $2,233, respectively, was estimated based on a probability assessment of attaining the targets. The estimated amount recorded as of December 31, 2017 is the full contractual amount for the first quarter acquisition and approximately 51% of the contractual amount for the acquisition that occurred in the fourth quarter.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate:
Credit Facility Debt, Collateralized Indebtedness, Senior Notes and Debentures, Senior Secured Notes, Senior Guaranteed Notes, Notes Payable to Affiliates and Related Parties and Notes Payable
The fair values of each of the Company's debt instruments are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for instruments of the same remaining maturities. The fair value of notes payable is based primarily on the present value of the remaining payments discounted at the borrowing cost.
The carrying values, estimated fair values, and classification under the fair value hierarchy of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Altice USA debt instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable to affiliates and related parties
Level II
 
$

 
$

 
$
1,750,000

 
$
1,837,876

CSC Holdings debt instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit facility debt
Level II
 
3,393,306

 
3,435,000

 
2,631,887

 
2,675,256

Collateralized indebtedness
Level II
 
1,349,474

 
1,305,932

 
1,286,069

 
1,280,048

Senior guaranteed notes
Level II
 
2,291,185

 
2,420,000

 
2,289,494

 
2,416,375

Senior notes and debentures
Level II
 
6,409,889

 
7,221,846

 
6,732,816

 
7,731,150

Notes payable
Level II
 
56,956

 
55,289

 
13,726

 
13,260

Cablevision senior notes
Level II
 
1,818,115

 
1,931,239

 
2,742,082

 
2,920,056

Cequel debt instruments:
 
 


 


 


 


Cequel credit facility
Level II
 
1,250,217

 
1,258,675

 
812,903

 
815,000

Senior secured notes
Level II
 
2,570,506

 
2,658,930

 
2,566,802

 
2,689,750

Senior notes
Level II
 
2,770,737

 
2,983,615

 
3,176,131

 
3,517,275

Notes payable
Level II
 
8,946

 
8,946

 

 

 
 
 
$
21,919,331

 
$
23,279,472

 
$
24,001,910

 
$
25,896,046

 
(a)
Amounts are net of unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts/premiums.
The fair value estimates related to the Company's debt instruments presented above are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.  These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
v3.8.0.1
INCOME TAXES
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES
In general, the Company is required to use an estimated annual effective tax rate to measure the income tax expense or benefit recognized in an interim period. The estimated annual effective tax rate is revised on a quarterly basis and therefore may be different from the rate used in a prior interim period. In addition, certain items included in income tax expense as well as the tax impact of certain items included in pretax income from continuing operations must be treated as discrete items. The income tax expense or benefit associated with these discrete items is fully recognized in the interim period in which the items occur.
The Company recorded income tax benefit of $60,703 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, reflecting an effective tax rate of 32%, which has declined compared to previous years primarily as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act in December 2017 which lowered the corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%.
The Company recorded income tax benefit of $45,908 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, reflecting an effective tax rate of 38%. Nondeductible share-based compensation expense resulted in tax expense of $3,140. Absent this item, the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 would have been 40%.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company's federal net operating losses (“NOLs”) were approximately $2,486,000. The utilization of certain pre-merger NOLs of Cablevision and Cequel are limited pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 382. The Company does not expect such limitations to impact the ability to utilize the NOLs prior to their expiration.
INCOME TAXES
The Company files a federal consolidated and certain state combined income tax returns with its 80% or more owned subsidiaries.
Income tax benefit attributable to the Company's operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of the following components:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Current expense (benefit):
 
 
 
Federal
$
5,261

 
$
(981
)
State
12,530

 
5,310

 
17,791

 
4,329

Deferred benefit:
 
 
 
Federal
(2,095,930
)
 
(223,159
)
State
(784,224
)
 
(40,830
)
 
(2,880,154
)
 
(263,989
)
Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions
11

 
(6
)
Income tax benefit
$
(2,862,352
)
 
$
(259,666
)

The income tax benefit attributable to the Company's operations differs from the amount derived by applying the statutory federal rate to pretax loss principally due to the effect of the following items:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Federal tax benefit at statutory rate
$
(478,656
)
 
$
(381,901
)
State income taxes, net of federal impact
(61,698
)
 
(39,336
)
Changes in the valuation allowance
(111
)
 
297

Impact of Federal Tax Reform
(2,332,677
)
 

Changes in the state rates used to measure deferred taxes, net of federal impact
(12,896
)
 
153,239

Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions
(253
)
 
(120
)
Non-deductible share-based compensation related to the carried unit plan
20,101

 
5,029

Non-deductible Cablevision Acquisition transaction costs

 
4,457

Other non-deductible expenses
3,405

 
1,551

Other, net
433

 
(2,882
)
Income tax benefit
$
(2,862,352
)
 
$
(259,666
)

Pursuant to the enactment of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act ("Tax Reform") on December 22, 2017, the Company recorded a noncash deferred tax benefit of $2,332,677 to remeasure the net deferred tax liability to adjust for the reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate 35% to 21% which is effective on January 1, 2018. This adjustment results primarily from a decrease in the deferred tax liabilities with regard to fixed assets and intangibles, partially offset by a decrease in the deferred tax asset for the federal net operating loss carry forward (‘‘NOL’’). The noncash deferred tax benefit is provisional. Revised estimates and additional guidance regarding application of Tax Reform may require adjustments during the allowable measurement period.
Overall, Tax Reform will have a favorable impact on the Company’s income tax profile. Additional first-year depreciation deductions represent a significant timing benefit. Since Tax Reform only limits the deduction for NOLs arising in years beginning after December 31, 2017, the timing of the Company’s deductions with regard to its existing NOLs is largely unaffected. The Company will be subject to Tax Reform’s limitation on interest deductibility which is based on a limit calculated without regard to depreciation or amortization through 2021. The resulting interest deduction that is deferred, and can be carried forward indefinitely, is expected to fully reverse. However, as is the case with any future deductible temporary difference, management will evaluate realizability to determine whether a valuation allowance is required. Management does not expect that a valuation allowance will be required based on its preliminary estimate of the current facts and circumstances. Repeal of the alternative minimum tax will reduce projected tax payments in the short term while also providing for the refund of alternative minimum tax credits.
As described in Note 1, in June, 2016, (i) Cequel was contributed to Altice USA and (ii) Altice USA completed the Cablevision Acquisition. Accordingly, in the second quarter of 2016, Cequel and Cablevision joined the federal consolidated and certain state combined income tax returns of Altice USA. As a result, the applicate tax rate used to measure deferred tax assets and liabilities of Cequel increased, resulting in a noncash deferred income tax charge of $153,660.
The tax effects of temporary differences which give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets or liabilities and the corresponding valuation allowance are as follows.
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Noncurrent
 
 
 
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards
$
785,809

 
$
971,728

Compensation and benefit plans
49,698

 
93,939

Partnership investments
68,054

 
113,473

Restructuring liability
33,247

 
37,393

Other liabilities
40,149

 
45,561

Liabilities under derivative contracts
21,034

 
31,529

Interest deferred for tax purposes
128,516

 
39,633

Other
8,849

 
6,615

Deferred tax asset
1,135,356

 
1,339,871

Valuation allowance
(3,000
)
 
(3,125
)
Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent
1,132,356

 
1,336,746

Fixed assets and intangibles
(5,729,274
)
 
(9,065,635
)
Investments
(113,628
)
 
(187,795
)
Prepaid expenses
(8,105
)
 
(10,172
)
Fair value adjustments related to debt and deferred financing costs
(40,215
)
 
(30,535
)
Other
(10,420
)
 
(14,109
)
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent
(5,901,642
)
 
(9,308,246
)
Total net deferred tax liability
$
(4,769,286
)
 
$
(7,971,500
)

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09 using the prospective transition method with respect to the presentation of excess tax benefits in the statement of cash flows. In connection with the adoption, a deferred tax asset of $310,771 for previously unrealized excess tax benefits related to share-based payment awards was recognized with the offset recorded to accumulated deficit.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company's federal NOLs were approximately $2,676,000.  The utilization of certain pre-merger NOLs of Cablevision and Cequel are limited pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 382. The Company does not expect such limitations to impact the ability to utilize the NOLs prior to their expiration.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company has $48,995 of alternative minimum tax credits which do not expire and $17,806 of research credits, expiring in varying amounts from 2023 through 2035.
Deferred tax assets have resulted primarily from the Company's future deductible temporary differences and NOLs. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, management takes into account various factors, including the expected level of future taxable income, available tax planning strategies and reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. If such estimates and related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record additional valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets, resulting in additional income tax expense in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Management evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets and the need for additional valuation allowances quarterly. Pursuant to the Cablevision Acquisition and Cequel Acquisition, deferred tax liabilities resulting from the book fair value adjustment increased significantly and future taxable income that will result from the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences for which deferred tax liabilities are recognized is sufficient to conclude it is more likely than not that the Company will realize all of its gross deferred tax assets, except those deferred tax assets against which a valuation allowance has been recorded which relate to certain state NOLs.
In the normal course of business, the Company engages in transactions in which the income tax consequences may be uncertain. The Company's income tax returns are filed based on interpretation of tax laws and regulations. Such income tax returns are subject to examination by taxing authorities. For financial statement purposes, the Company only recognizes tax positions that it believes are more likely than not of being sustained. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether positions taken or expected to be taken on the tax return are more likely than not of being sustained.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions, excluding associated deferred tax benefits and accrued interest, is as follows:
Balance at January 1, 2016
$
4,025

Increases related to prior year tax positions
11

Balance at December 31, 2017
$
4,036


As of December 31, 2017, if all uncertain tax positions were sustained at the amounts reported or expected to be reported in the Company's tax returns, the elimination of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits, net of the deferred tax impact, would decrease income tax expense by $5,585.
In the second quarter of 2016, the Company changed its accounting policy on a prospective basis to present interest expense relating to uncertain tax positions as additional interest expense. For the year ended December 31, 2017, $659 of interest expense relating to uncertain tax position was recorded to interest expense.
The most significant jurisdictions in which the Company is required to file income tax returns include the states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, the City of New York, Texas and West Virginia. The State of New York is presently auditing income tax returns for years 2009 through 2011. The State of New Jersey is presently auditing income tax returns for years 2013 through 2015.
Management does not believe that the resolution of the ongoing income tax examination described above will have a material adverse impact on the financial position of the Company.  Changes in the liabilities for uncertain tax positions will be recognized in the interim period in which the positions are effectively settled or there is a change in factual circumstances.
v3.8.0.1
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]    
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
Certain employees of the Company and its affiliates received awards of units in a carry unit plan of Neptune Management LP, an entity which has an ownership interest in the Company. The awards generally vest as follows: 50% on the second anniversary of June 21, 2016 for Cablevision employees or December 21, 2015 for Cequel employees ("Base Date"), 25% on the third anniversary of the Base Date, and 25% on the fourth anniversary of the Base Date.  Neptune Holding US GP LLC, the general partner of Neptune Management LP, has the right to repurchase (or to assign to an affiliate, including the Company, the right to repurchase) vested awards held by employees for sixty days following their termination.  For performance-based awards under the plan, vesting occurs upon achievement or satisfaction of a specified performance condition. The Company considered the probability of achieving the established performance targets in determining the share-based compensation with respect to these awards at the end of each reporting period.
Beginning on the fourth anniversary of the Base Date, the holders of carry units have an annual opportunity (a sixty day period determined by the administrator of the plan) to sell their units back to Neptune Holding US GP LLC (or affiliate, including the Company, designated by Neptune Holding US GP LLC). Accordingly, the carry units are presented as temporary equity on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Adjustments to fair value at each reporting period are recorded in paid-in capital.
The right of Neptune Holding US GP LLC to assign to an affiliate, including the Company, the right to repurchase an employee’s vested units during the sixty-day period following termination, or to satisfy its obligation to repurchase an employee’s vested units during annual 60 day periods following the fourth anniversary of the Base Date, may be exercised by Neptune Holding US GP LLC in its discretion at the time a repurchase right or obligation arises. The carry unit plan requires the purchase price payable to the employee or former employee, as the case may be, to be paid in cash, a promissory note (with a term of not more than 3 years and bearing interest at the long-term applicable federal rate under Section 1274(d) of the Internal Revenue Code) or combination thereof, in each case as determined by Neptune Holding US GP LLC in its discretion at the time of the repurchase. Neptune Holding US GP LLC expects that vested units will be redeemed for shares of the Company's Class A common stock upon vesting.
The following table summarizes activity relating to carry units:
 
Number of Time
Vesting Awards
 
Number of Performance
Based Vesting Awards
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance, December 31, 2017
168,550,001

 
10,000,000

 
$
0.71

Forfeited
(3,500,001
)
 

 
0.86

Balance, March 31, 2018
165,050,000

 
10,000,000

 
0.71


The weighted average fair value per unit was $2.50 and $2.10 as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2018, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized an expense of $17,501 and $7,848 related to the push down of share-based compensation related to the carry unit plan of which approximately $16,872 and $5,786 related to units granted to employees of the Company and $629 and $2,062 related to employees of Altice N.V. and affiliated companies allocated to the Company.
Stock Option Plan
The following table summarizes activity related to employee stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2018:
 
Shares Under Option
 
Weighted Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
 
Weighted Average Remaining
Contractual Term
(in years)
 
 
 
Time
Vesting
 
Performance
Based Vesting
 
 
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value (a)
Balance at December 31, 2017
5,110,747

 

 
$
19.48

 
9.97

 
$
8,944

Granted
298,394

 
39,050

 
21.22

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
(103,766
)
 
(22,314
)
 
21.81

 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2018
5,305,375

 
16,736

 
$
19.54

 
9.92

 
(5,615
)
Options exercisable at March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 
(a)
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price and the closing price of the Company's Class A common stock at the respective date.
The Company recognized share based compensation expense related to employee stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2018 of $4,122.
The following aggregate assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of stock option awards granted during the three months ended March 31, 2018:
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.64%
Expected life (in years)
 
6.49
Dividend yield
 
—%
Volatility
 
33.86%
Grant date fair value
 
$7.49
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
Carry Unit Plan
Certain employees of the Company and its affiliates received awards of units in a carry unit plan of Neptune Management LP, an entity which has an ownership interest in the Company. The awards generally vest as follows: 50% on the second anniversary of June 21, 2016 for Cablevision employees or December 21, 2015 for Cequel employees ("Base Date"), 25% on the third anniversary of the Base Date, and 25% on the fourth anniversary of the Base Date.  Neptune Holding US GP LLC, the general partner of Neptune Management LP, has the right to repurchase (or to assign to an affiliate, including the Company, the right to repurchase) vested awards held by employees for sixty days following their termination.  For performance-based awards under the plan, vesting occurs upon achievement or satisfaction of a specified performance condition. The Company considered the probability of achieving the established performance targets in determining the share-based compensation with respect to these awards at the end of each reporting period. The carry unit plan has 259,442,785 units authorized for issuance, of which 211,670,834 have been issued to employees of the Company and 11,300,000 have been issued to employees of Altice N.V. and affiliated companies as of December 31, 2017.
Beginning on the fourth anniversary of the Base Date, the holders of carry units have an annual opportunity (a sixty day period determined by the administrator of the plan) to sell their units back to Neptune Holding US GP LLC (or affiliate, including the Company, designated by Neptune Holding US GP LLC). Accordingly, the carry units are presented as temporary equity on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Adjustments to fair value at each reporting period are recorded in paid-in capital.
The right of Neptune Holding US GP LLC to assign to an affiliate, including the Company, the right to repurchase an employee’s vested units during the sixty-day period following termination, or to satisfy its obligation to repurchase an employee’s vested units during annual 60 day periods following the fourth anniversary of the Base Date, may be exercised by Neptune Holding US GP LLC in its discretion at the time a repurchase right or obligation arises. The carry unit plan requires the purchase price payable to the employee or former employee, as the case may be, to be paid in cash, a promissory note (with a term of not more than 3 years and bearing interest at the long-term applicable federal rate under Section 1274(d) of the Internal Revenue Code) or combination thereof, in each case as determined by Neptune Holding US GP LLC in its discretion at the time of the repurchase. Neptune Holding US GP LLC expects that vested units will be redeemed for shares of the Company's Class A common stock upon vesting.
The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for carry units based on the fair value of the award at grant date. In addition these units are presented as temporary equity on our consolidated balance sheet at fair value. For carry unit awards granted in 2016, an option pricing model was used which requires subjective assumptions for which changes in these assumptions could materially affect the fair value of the carry units outstanding. The time to liquidity event assumption was based on management’s judgment. The equity volatility assumption was estimated using the historical weekly volatility of publicly traded comparable companies. The risk-free rate assumed was based on the U.S. Constant Maturity Treasury Rates for a period matching the expected time to liquidity event. The discount for lack of marketability was based on Finnerty's (2012) average-strike put option model.
For carry unit awards granted in the first and second quarter of 2017, the Company estimated the grant date fair value based on the value established in the Company's IPO.
The following table summarizes activity relating to carry units:
 
Number of Time
Vesting Awards
 
Number of Performance
Based Vesting Awards
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance, December 31, 2016
192,800,000

 
10,000,000

 
$
0.37

Granted
28,025,000

 

 
3.14

Forfeited
(7,854,166
)
 

 
0.37

Vested
(44,420,833
)
 

 
0.41

Balance, December 31, 2017
168,550,001

 
10,000,000

 
0.71


The weighted average fair value per unit was $1.76 and $2.50 as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized an expense of $57,430 and $14,368, respectively, related to the push down of share-based compensation related to the carry unit plan of which approximately $55,258 and $9,849 related to units granted to employees of the Company and $2,172 and $4,519 related to employees of Altice N.V. and affiliated companies allocated to the Company.
Stock Option Plan
In connection with the Company's IPO, the Company adopted the Altice USA 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "2017 LTIP"). Under the 2017 LTIP, the Company may grant awards of options, restricted shares, restricted share units, stock appreciation rights, performance stock, performance stock units and other awards. Under the 2017 LTIP, awards may be granted to officers, employees and consultants of the Company or any of its affiliates. The 2017 LTIP will be administered by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"), subject to the provision of the stockholders' agreement. The Board has delegated its authority to the Company's Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has the full power and authority to, among other things, select eligible participants, to grant awards in accordance with the 2017 LTIP, to determine the number of shares subject to each award or the cash amount payable in connection with an award and determine the terms and conditions of each award. The maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the 2017 LTIP is 9,879,291. The Board has the authority to amend, suspend, or terminate the 2017 LTIP. No amendment, suspension or termination will be effective without the approval of the Company's stockholders if such approval is required under applicable laws, rules and regulations.
On December 30, 2017, the Company granted 5,110,747 nonqualified stock options under the 2017 LTIP. The stock options were granted with an exercise price of $19.48, equal to the 30 day volume weighted average of the closing price of Class A common stock as of the grant date. Certain nonqualified stock options (2,730,949 awards) will vest 100% on December 21, 2020 and 2,379,798 awards will vest 50% on the second anniversary, 25% on the third anniversary and 25% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant, generally subject to continued employment with the Company or any of its affiliates, and expire ten years from the date of grant.
The Company calculated the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model.  The Company's computation of expected life was determined based on the simplified method (the average of the vesting period and option term) due to the Company's lack of recent historical data for similar awards.  The interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the stock option was based on interest yields for U.S. Treasury instruments in effect at the time of grant.  The Company's computation of expected volatility was based on historical volatility of its common stock and the expected volatility of comparable publicly-traded companies who granted options that had similar expected lives.
The following aggregate assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of stock option awards granted on December 30, 2017:
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.30%
Expected life (in years)
 
6.44
Dividend yield
 
—%
Volatility
 
33.95%
Grant date fair value
 
$8.77
v3.8.0.1
AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]    
AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Equity Method Investments
In July 2016, the Company completed the sale of a 75% interest in Newsday LLC ("Newsday") to an employee of the Company. The Company retained the remaining 25% ownership interest. Effective July 7, 2016, the operating results of Newsday are no longer consolidated with those of the Company and the Company's 25% interest in the operating results of Newsday is recorded using the equity method.
At March 31, 2018, the Company's 25% investment in Newsday and its 25% interest in i24NEWS, Altice N.V.'s 24/7 international news and current affairs channel aggregated $12,891 and $800, respectively and is included in investments in affiliates on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The operating results of i24NEWS is also recorded using the equity method. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded equity in net loss of Newsday of $9,312 and $1,510, respectively, and equity in net loss of i24NEWS of $1,130 and $1,247, respectively. In April 2018, Altice NV transferred its ownership of i24 US and i24 Europe to the Company for minimal consideration.
Affiliate and Related Party Transactions
As the transactions discussed below were conducted between subsidiaries of Altice N.V. under common control and equity method investees, amounts charged for certain services may not have represented amounts that might have been received or incurred if the transactions were based upon arm's length negotiations.
The following table summarizes the revenue and charges related to services provided to or received from subsidiaries of Altice N.V. and Newsday:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenue
$
125

 
$
141

Operating expenses:
 

 
 
Programming and other direct costs
(1,154
)
 
(735
)
Other operating expenses, net
(7,994
)
 
(7,298
)
Operating expenses, net
(9,148
)
 
(8,033
)
 
 
 
 
Interest expense (a)

 
(47,588
)
Net charges
$
(9,023
)
 
$
(55,480
)
Capital Expenditures
$
1,626

 
$
892


(a)
In connection with the Company's IPO in June 2017, the Company converted the notes payable to affiliates and related parties into shares of the Company’s common stock at the IPO price.
Revenue
The Company recognized revenue primarily in connection with the sale of advertising to Newsday.
Programming and other direct costs
Programming and other direct costs include costs incurred by the Company for the transport and termination of voice and data services provided by a subsidiary of Altice N.V.
Other operating expenses
A subsidiary of Altice N.V. provides certain executive services, as well as consulting, advisory and other services, including, prior to the IPO, CEO, CFO and COO services, to the Company. Compensation under the terms of the agreement is an annual fee of $30,000 to be paid by the Company. Fees associated with this agreement recorded by the Company amounted to approximately $7,500, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. As of June 20, 2017, the CEO, CFO and COO became employees of the Company and the agreement was assigned to Altice N.V. by a subsidiary of Altice N.V. This agreement will be terminated upon the completion of the Distribution discussed in Note 1.
Other operating expenses also include charges for services provided by other subsidiaries of Altice N.V. aggregating $494 and $(202), respectively, net of a credit of $482 for transition services provided to Newsday for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures include $1,626 and $892, respectively, for equipment purchases and software development services provided by subsidiaries of Altice NV.
Aggregate amounts that were due from and due to related parties are summarized below:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Due from:
 
 
 
Altice US Finance S.A. (a)
$
12,951

 
$
12,951

Newsday (b)
2,558

 
2,713

Altice Management Americas (b)
1,271

 
33

i24 News (b)
4,335

 
4,036

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (b)
31

 
31

 
$
21,146

 
$
19,764

Due to:
 
 
 
Altice Management International (c)
7,500

 

Newsday (b)
33

 
33

Altice Labs S.A. (c)
1,051

 
7,354

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (c)
2,494

 
3,611

 
$
11,078

 
$
10,998

 
(a)
Represents interest on senior notes paid by the Company on behalf of the affiliate.
(b)
Represents amounts paid by the Company on behalf of the respective related party and for Newsday, the net amounts due from the related party also include charges for certain transition services provided.
(c)
Represents amounts due to affiliates for services provided to the Company.
AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Equity Method Investments
In July 2016, the Company completed the sale of a 75% interest in Newsday LLC ("Newsday") to an employee of the Company. The Company retained the remaining 25% ownership interest. Effective July 7, 2016, the operating results of Newsday are no longer consolidated with those of the Company and the Company's 25% interest in the operating results of Newsday is recorded on the equity method.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company's 25% investment in Newsday and its 25% interest in i24NEWS, Altice N.V.'s 24/7 international news and current affairs channel aggregated $(2,649) and $5,606, respectively, and is included in investments in affiliates on our consolidated balance sheets. The operating results of Newsday and i24NEWS are recorded on the equity basis. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded equity in net loss of Newsday of $7,219 and $1,132, respectively, and equity in net loss of i24NEWS of $2,821 and $0, respectively.
Affiliate and Related Party Transactions
As the transactions discussed below were conducted between subsidiaries of Altice N.V. under common control and equity method investees, amounts charged for certain services may not have represented amounts that might have been received or incurred if the transactions were based upon arm's length negotiations.
The following table summarizes the revenue and charges related to services provided to or received from subsidiaries of Altice N.V. and Newsday:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue
$
1,100

 
$
1,086

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Programming and other direct costs
$
(4,176
)
 
$
(1,947
)
Other operating expenses, net
(33,140
)
 
(18,854
)
Operating expenses, net
(37,316
)
 
(20,801
)
 
 
 
 
Interest expense (see Note 9)(a)
(90,405
)
 
(112,712
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs (see Note 9)
(513,723
)
 

Net charges
$
(640,344
)
 
$
(132,427
)
Capital Expenditures
$
22,012

 
$
45,886

 
(a)
The 2016 amount includes $10,155 related to Holdco Notes prior to the exchange in addition to the interest related to notes payable to affiliates and related parties discussed in Note 9.
Revenue
The Company recognized revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to Newsday.
Programming and other direct costs
Programming and other direct costs include costs incurred by the Company for the transport and termination of voice and data services provided by a subsidiary of Altice N.V.
Other operating expenses
Altice N.V. provides certain executive services, as well as consulting, advisory and other services, including, prior to the IPO, CEO, CFO and COO services, to the Company. Compensation under the terms of the agreement is an annual fee of $30,000 to be paid by the Company. Fees associated with this agreement recorded by the Company amounted to approximately $30,000 and $20,556, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of June 20, 2017, the CEO, CFO and COO became employees of the Company and the agreement was assigned to Altice N.V. by a subsidiary of Altice N.V. This agreement will be terminated upon the completion of the Distribution discussed in Note 1.
Other operating expenses also include charges for services provided by other subsidiaries of Altice N.V. aggregating $4,057 and $887, respectively, net of a credit of $917 and $2,589 related to transition services provided to Newsday for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2017 include $17,434 of equipment purchased from Altice Labs S.A., and $4,578 of software development services, that were capitalized, from Altice Management International and other Altice N.V. subsidiaries.
Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2016 include $44,121 of equipment purchased from Altice Management International and $1,025 from another Altice N.V. subsidiary. In addition, the Company acquired certain software development services that were capitalized from Altice Labs S.A. aggregating $740.
Aggregate amounts that were due from and due to related parties are summarized below:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Due from:
 
 
 
Altice US Finance S.A. (a)
$
12,951

 
$
12,951

Newsday (b)
2,713

 
6,114

Altice Management Americas (b)
33

 
3,117

i24NEWS (b)
4,036

 

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (b)
31

 

 
$
19,764

 
$
22,182

Due to:
 
 
 
CVC 3BV (c)
$

 
$
71,655

Neptune Holdings US LP (c)

 
7,962

Altice Management International (d)

 
44,121

Newsday (b)
33

 
275

Altice Labs S.A. (d)
7,354

 
866

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (e)
3,611

 
2,484

 
$
10,998

 
$
127,363

 
(a)
Represents interest on senior notes paid by the Company on behalf of the affiliate.
(b)
Represents amounts paid by the Company on behalf of the respective related party and for Newsday, the net amounts due from the related party also include charges for certain transition services provided.
(c)
Represents distributions payable to stockholders.
(d)
Amounts payable as of December 31, 2016 primarily represent amounts due for equipment purchases and/or software development services discussed above.
(e)
Represents amounts due to affiliates for services provided to the Company.
The table above does not include notes payable to affiliates and related parties of $1,750,000 and the related accrued interest of $102,557 as of December 31, 2016, respectively, which is reflected in accrued interest in the Company's balance sheet. See discussion in Note 9.
In the second quarter of 2017, prior to the Company's IPO, the Company declared and paid cash distributions aggregating $839,700 to stockholders, $500,000 of which were funded with proceeds from borrowings under CSC Holdings' revolving credit facility. In 2016, the Company declared cash distributions of $445,176, of which $365,559 were paid in 2016 and $79,617 were paid in the first quarter of 2017.
v3.8.0.1
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]    
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Matters
Following expiration of the affiliation agreements for carriage of certain Fox broadcast stations and cable networks on October 16, 2010, News Corporation terminated delivery of the programming feeds to Cablevision, and as a result, those stations and networks were unavailable on Cablevision's cable television systems. On October 30, 2010, Cablevision and Fox reached an agreement on new affiliation agreements for these stations and networks, and carriage was restored. Several purported class action lawsuits alleging breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and consumer fraud and seeking unspecified compensatory damages, punitive damages and attorneys' fees were subsequently filed on behalf of Cablevision's customers seeking recovery for the lack of Fox programming. Those lawsuits were consolidated in an action before the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and a consolidated complaint was filed in that court on February 22, 2011. On March 28, 2012, in ruling on Cablevision's motion to dismiss, the Court dismissed all of plaintiffs’ claims, except for breach of contract.  On March 30, 2014, the Court granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. The parties have entered into a settlement agreement, which is subject to Court approval. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had an estimated liability associated with a potential settlement totaling $6,000. The amount ultimately paid in connection with the proposed settlement could exceed the amount recorded.
In October 2015, the New York Attorney General began an investigation into whether the major Internet Service Providers in New York State deliver advertised Internet speeds. The Company is cooperating with this investigation and is currently in discussions with the New York Attorney General about resolving the investigation as to the Company, which resolution may involve operational and or financial components. While the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the investigation or these discussions, at this time it does not expect that the outcome will have a material adverse effect on its operations, financial conditions or cash flows.
The Company receives notices from third parties and, in some cases, is named as a defendant in certain lawsuits claiming infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of the Company's businesses.  In certain of these cases other industry participants are also defendants.  In certain of these cases the Company expects that any potential liability would be the responsibility of the Company's equipment vendors pursuant to applicable contractual indemnification provisions.  The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to defend the actions vigorously, but is unable to predict the outcome of these matters or reasonably estimate a range of possible loss.
In addition to the matters discussed above, the Company is party to various lawsuits, some involving claims for substantial damages.  Although the outcome of these other matters cannot be predicted and the impact of the final resolution of these other matters on the Company's results of operations in a particular subsequent reporting period is not known, management does not believe that the resolution of these other lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
Future cash payments and commitments required under arrangements pursuant to contracts entered into by the Company in the normal course of business as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:
 
Payments Due by Period
 
Total
 
Year 1
 
Years 2-3
 
Years 4-5
 
More than
5 years
Off balance sheet arrangements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase obligations (a)
$
8,427,609

 
$
3,072,083

 
$
4,181,199

 
$
1,094,508

 
$
79,819

Guarantees (b)
36,224

 
34,716

 
1,508

 

 

Letters of credit (c)
129,473

 
200

 
120

 
129,153

 

Total
$
8,593,306

 
$
3,106,999

 
$
4,182,827

 
$
1,223,661

 
$
79,819

 
(a)
Purchase obligations primarily include contractual commitments with various programming vendors to provide video services to customers and minimum purchase obligations to purchase goods or services.  Future fees payable under contracts with programming vendors are based on numerous factors, including the number of customers receiving the programming.  Amounts reflected above related to programming agreements are based on the number of customers receiving the programming as of December 31, 2017 multiplied by the per customer rates or the stated annual fee, as applicable, contained in the executed agreements in effect as of December 31, 2017
(b)
Includes franchise and performance surety bonds primarily for the Company's cable television systems. 
(c)
Represent letters of credit guaranteeing performance to municipalities and public utilities and payment of insurance premiums. Payments due by period for these arrangements represent the year in which the commitment expires although payments under these arrangements are required only in the event of nonperformance.
The table above does not include obligations for payments required to be made under multi-year franchise agreements based on a percentage of revenues generated from video service per year.
Many of the Company's franchise agreements and utility pole leases require the Company to remove its cable wires and other equipment upon termination of the respective agreements.  The Company has concluded that the fair value of these asset retirement obligations cannot be reasonably estimated since the range of potential settlement dates is not determinable.
Legal Matters
Following expiration of the affiliation agreements for carriage of certain Fox broadcast stations and cable networks on October 16, 2010, News Corporation terminated delivery of the programming feeds to Cablevision, and as a result, those stations and networks were unavailable on Cablevision's cable television systems. On October 30, 2010, Cablevision and Fox reached an agreement on new affiliation agreements for these stations and networks, and carriage was restored. Several purported class action lawsuits alleging breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and consumer fraud and seeking unspecified compensatory damages, punitive damages and attorneys' fees were subsequently filed on behalf of Cablevision's customers seeking recovery for the lack of Fox programming. Those lawsuits were consolidated in an action before the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and a consolidated complaint was filed in that court on February 22, 2011. On March 28, 2012, in ruling on Cablevision's motion to dismiss, the Court dismissed all of plaintiffs’ claims, except for breach of contract.  On March 30, 2014, the Court granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. The parties have entered into a settlement agreement. The Court granted preliminary approval of the settlement agreement on January 8, 2018, and set a hearing for final approval on May 17, 2018. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had an estimated liability associated with a potential settlement totaling $5,200. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded an additional liability of $800. The amount ultimately paid in connection with the proposed settlement could exceed the amount recorded.
In October 2015, the New York Attorney General began an investigation into whether the major Internet Service Providers in New York State deliver advertised Internet speeds. The Company is cooperating with this investigation and is currently in discussions with the New York Attorney General about resolving the investigation as to the Company, which resolution may involve operational and/or financial components. While the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the investigation or these discussions, at this time it does not expect that the outcome will have a material adverse effect on its operations, financial conditions or cash flows.
The Company receives notices from third parties and, in some cases, is named as a defendant in certain lawsuits claiming infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of the Company's businesses.  In certain of these cases other industry participants are also defendants.  In certain of these cases the Company expects that any potential liability would be the responsibility of the Company's equipment vendors pursuant to applicable contractual indemnification provisions.  The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to defend the actions vigorously, but is unable to predict the outcome of these matters or reasonably estimate a range of possible loss.
In addition to the matters discussed above, the Company is party to various lawsuits, some involving claims for substantial damages.  Although the outcome of these other matters cannot be predicted and the impact of the final resolution of these other matters on the Company's results of operations in a particular subsequent reporting period is not known, management does not believe that the resolution of these other lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due.
v3.8.0.1
SEGMENT INFORMATION
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]    
SEGMENT INFORMATION
SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company classifies its operations into two reportable segments: Cablevision and Cequel. The Company's reportable segments are strategic business units that are managed separately.  The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is business segment Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure.  The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) excluding income taxes, income (loss) from discontinued operations, non-operating other income or expenses, loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs, gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, gain (loss) on derivative contracts, gain (loss) on investments, interest expense (including cash interest expense), interest income, depreciation and amortization (including impairments), share-based compensation expense or benefit, restructuring expense or credits and transaction expenses.  The Company has presented the components that reconcile Adjusted EBITDA to operating income, an accepted GAAP measure:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
Operating income
$
170,693

 
$
142,345

 
$
313,038

 
$
122,044

 
$
128,066

 
$
250,110

Share-based compensation
16,172

 
5,451

 
21,623

 
5,082

 
2,766

 
7,848

Restructuring and other expense
3,083

 
504

 
3,587

 
58,647

 
18,282

 
76,929

Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)
485,364

 
157,341

 
642,705

 
443,176

 
165,548

 
608,724

Adjusted EBITDA
$
675,312

 
$
305,641

 
$
980,953

 
$
628,949

 
$
314,662

 
$
943,611


A reconciliation of reportable segment amounts to the Company's condensed consolidated balances are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Operating income for reportable segments
$
313,038

 
$
250,110

Items excluded from operating income:

 

Interest expense
(377,258
)
 
(433,294
)
Interest income
3,103

 
232

Gain (loss) on investments and sale of affiliate interests, net
(248,602
)
 
131,658

Gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net
168,352

 
(71,044
)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts
(31,922
)
 
2,342

Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs
(4,705
)
 

Other expense, net
(11,658
)
 
(2,100
)
Loss before income taxes
$
(189,652
)
 
$
(122,096
)

The following tables present the composition of revenue by segment:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Eliminations (a)
 
Total
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
763,720

 
$
269,988

 
$

 
$
1,033,708

 
$
802,194

 
$
281,684

 
$
1,083,878

Broadband
440,351

 
261,270

 

 
701,621

 
396,333

 
229,585

 
625,918

Telephony
135,585

 
30,453

 

 
166,038

 
146,557

 
34,404

 
180,961

Business services and wholesale
234,172

 
98,918

 

 
333,090

 
228,544

 
90,876

 
319,420

Advertising
74,643

 
17,068

 
(4,129
)
 
87,582

 
65,132

 
18,229

 
83,361

Other
2,823

 
4,852

 

 
7,675

 
3,227

 
5,494

 
8,721

Total Revenue
$
1,651,294

 
$
682,549

 
$
(4,129
)
 
$
2,329,714

 
$
1,641,987

 
$
660,272

 
$
2,302,259

 
(a)     Reflects revenue recognized by Cablevision from the sale of services to Cequel.
Capital expenditures (cash basis) by reportable segment are presented below:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Cablevision
$
166,801

 
$
184,399

Cequel
90,814

 
73,028

 
$
257,615

 
$
257,427


All revenues and assets of the Company's reportable segments are attributed to or located in the United States.
Total assets by segment are not provided as such amounts are not regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker for purposes of decision making regarding resource allocations.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company classifies its operations into two reportable segments: Cablevision and Cequel. The Company's reportable segments are strategic business units that are managed separately. The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is business segment Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure.  The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) excluding income taxes, income (loss) from discontinued operations, non-operating other income or expenses, loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs, gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, gain (loss) on derivative contracts, gain (loss) on investments, interest expense (including cash interest expense), interest income, depreciation and amortization (including impairments), share-based compensation expense or benefit, restructuring expense or credits and transaction expenses.  The Company has presented the components that reconcile Adjusted EBITDA to operating income, an accepted GAAP measure:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
Operating income
$
320,686

 
$
520,322

 
$
841,008

 
$
78,008

 
$
384,801

 
$
462,809

Share-based compensation
42,060

 
15,370

 
57,430

 
9,164

 
5,204

 
14,368

Restructuring and other expense
112,384

 
40,017

 
152,401

 
212,150

 
28,245

 
240,395

Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)
2,251,710

 
678,861

 
2,930,571

 
963,665

 
736,641

 
1,700,306

Adjusted EBITDA
$
2,726,840

 
$
1,254,570

 
$
3,981,410

 
$
1,262,987

 
$
1,154,891

 
$
2,417,878

 
(a)
Reflects operating results of Cablevision from the date of acquisition.
A reconciliation of reportable segment amounts to the Company's consolidated balances are as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Operating income for reportable segments
$
841,008

 
$
462,809

Items excluded from operating income:
 
 
 
Interest expense
(1,603,132
)
 
(1,456,541
)
Interest income
1,921

 
13,811

Gain on investments, net
237,354

 
141,896

Loss on derivative contracts, net
(236,330
)
 
(53,696
)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts
5,482

 
(72,961
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs
(600,240
)
 
(127,649
)
Other income (expense), net
(13,651
)
 
1,186

Loss before income taxes
$
(1,367,588
)
 
$
(1,091,145
)

The following table presents the composition of revenue by segment:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Cablevision (a)
 
Cequel
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
Cablevision (a)
 
Cequel
 
Total
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
3,175,097

 
$
1,099,025

 
$

 
$
4,274,122

 
$
1,668,348

 
$
1,120,525

 
$
2,788,873

Broadband
1,649,771

 
958,824

 

 
2,608,595

 
817,160

 
834,414

 
1,651,574

Telephony
570,871

 
129,894

 

 
700,765

 
311,832

 
153,939

 
465,771

Business services and wholesale
922,691

 
375,522

 

 
1,298,213

 
468,632

 
350,909

 
819,541

Advertising
321,149

 
73,509

 
(2,792
)
 
391,866

 
163,678

 
88,371

 
252,049

Other
10,747

 
22,642

 

 
33,389

 
14,402

 
25,002

 
39,404

Total Revenue
$
6,650,326

 
$
2,659,416

 
$
(2,792
)
 
$
9,306,950

 
$
3,444,052

 
$
2,573,160

 
$
6,017,212

 
(a)
Reflects revenue from the Cablevision Acquisition Date.
Capital expenditures (cash basis) by reportable segment are presented below:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Cablevision
$
671,417

 
$
298,357

Cequel
279,932

 
327,184

 
$
951,349

 
$
625,541


All revenues and assets of the Company's reportable segments are attributed to or located in the United States.
Total assets by segment are not provided as such amounts are not regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker for purposes of decision making regarding resource allocations.
v3.8.0.1
BENEFIT PLANS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Benefit Plans
BENEFIT PLANS
Qualified and Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Retirement Plans (collectively, the "Defined Benefit Plans")
The Company sponsors a non-contributory qualified defined benefit cash balance retirement plan (the "Pension Plan") for the benefit of non-union employees of Cablevision, as well as certain employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement in Brooklyn.
The Company maintains an unfunded non-contributory non-qualified defined benefit excess cash balance plan ("Excess Cash Balance Plan") covering certain current and former employees of Cablevision who participate in the Pension Plan. The Company also maintained an additional unfunded non-contributory, non-qualified defined benefit plan ("CSC Supplemental Benefit Plan") for the benefit of certain former officers and employees of Cablevision which provided that, upon retiring on or after normal retirement age, a participant receives a benefit equal to a specified percentage of the participant's average compensation, as defined.  All participants were 100% vested in the CSC Supplemental Benefit Plan.  The benefits related to the CSC Supplemental Plan were paid to participants in January 2017 and the plan was terminated.   
Cablevision's Pension Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Plan are frozen and no employee of Cablevision who was not already a participant could participate in the plans and no further annual Pay Credits (a certain percentage of employees' eligible pay) are made.  Existing account balances under the plans continue to be credited with monthly interest in accordance with the terms of the plans.
Plan Results for Defined Benefit Plans
Summarized below is the funded status and the amounts recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheets for all of the Company's Defined Benefit Plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
382,517

 
$
403,963

Interest cost
11,786

 
14,077

Actuarial loss (gain)
13,171

 
(11,429
)
Curtailments
6,332

 
3,968

Settlements
6,910

 

Benefits paid
(121,650
)
 
(28,062
)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
299,066

 
382,517

 
 
 
 
Change in plan assets:
 
 
 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
284,118

 
297,846

Actual return on plan assets, net
6,356

 
5,829

Employer contributions
26,944

 
8,505

Benefits paid
(121,650
)
 
(28,062
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
195,768

 
284,118

Unfunded status at end of year
$
(103,298
)
 
$
(98,399
)

The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company's Defined Benefit Plans aggregated $299,066 and $382,517 at December 31, 2017 and 2016.
The Company's net funded status relating to its Defined Benefit Plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016, is as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Defined Benefit Plans
$
(103,298
)
 
$
(98,399
)
Less: Current portion related to nonqualified plans
135

 
14,293

Long-term defined benefit plan obligations
$
(103,163
)
 
$
(84,106
)
 
Components of the benefit costs, recorded in other income (expense), net, for the Defined Benefit Plans for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, is as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Interest cost
$
11,786

 
$
6,946

Expected return on plan assets, net
(4,905
)
 
(3,880
)
Curtailment loss
3,137

 
231

Settlement loss (income) (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss) (a)
1,845

 
(154
)
Non-operating pension costs
$
11,863

 
$
3,143

 
(a)
As a result of benefit payments to terminated or retired individuals exceeding the service and interest costs for the Pension Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Pension Plan during the year ended December 31, 2017 and during the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016, the Company recognized a non-cash settlement loss that represented the acceleration of the recognition of a portion of the previously unrecognized actuarial losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet relating to these plans.
Plan Assumptions for Defined Benefit Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine pension costs (made at the beginning of the year) and benefit obligations (made at the end of the year) for the Defined Benefit Plans are as follows:
 
Benefit Costs
 
Benefit Obligations at December 31,
 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
For the Period June 21, 2016 to
December 31, 2016
 
2017
 
2016
Discount rate (a)
3.69
%
 
3.53
%
 
3.50
%
 
3.81
%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
Expected rate of return on plan assets (Pension Plan only)
3.90
%
 
3.97
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
(a)
The discount rate of 3.53% for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016, represents the average of the quarterly discount rates used to remeasure the Company's projected benefit obligation and benefit costs in connection with the recognition of settlement losses discussed above.
The discount rate used by the Company in calculating the benefit costs for the Cash Balance Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Plan was determined based on the expected future benefit payments for the plans and from the Towers Watson U.S. Rate Link: 40-90 Discount Rate Model. The model was developed by examining the yields on selected highly rated corporate bonds.
The Company's expected long-term return on Pension Plan assets is based on a periodic review and modeling of the plan's asset allocation structure over a long-term horizon.  Expectations of returns and risk for each asset class are the most important of the assumptions used in the review and modeling and are based on comprehensive reviews of historical data, forward looking economic outlook, and economic/financial market theory.  The expected long-term rate of return was chosen as a best estimate and was determined by (a) historical real returns, net of inflation, for the asset classes covered by the investment policy, and (b) projections of inflation over the long-term period during which benefits are payable to plan participants. 
Pension Plan Assets and Investment Policy
The weighted average asset allocations of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
 
Plan Assets at December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Asset Class:
 
 
 
Mutual funds
32
%
 
43
%
Fixed income securities
66

 
55

Cash equivalents and other
2

 
2

 
100
%
 
100
%

The Pension Plan's investment objectives reflect an overall low risk tolerance to stock market volatility.  This strategy allows for the Pension Plan to invest in portfolios that would obtain a rate of return throughout economic cycles, commensurate with the investment risk and cash flow needs of the Pension Plan. The investments held in the Pension Plan are readily marketable and can be sold to fund benefit payment obligations of the plan as they become payable.
Investment allocation decisions are formally made by the Company's Benefit Committee, which takes into account investment advice provided by its external investment consultant.  The investment consultant takes into account expected long-term risk, return, correlation, and other prudent investment assumptions when recommending asset classes and investment managers to the Company's Benefit Committee. The major categories of the Pension Plan assets are cash equivalents and bonds which are marked-to-market on a daily basis.  Due to the Pension Plan's significant holdings in long-term government and non-government fixed income securities, the Pension Plan's assets are subjected to interest rate risk; specifically, a rising interest rate environment. Consequently, an increase in interest rates may cause a decrease to the overall liability of the Pension Plan thus creating a hedge against rising interest rates. In addition, a portion of the Pension Plan's bond portfolio is invested in foreign debt securities where there could be foreign currency risks associated with them, as well as in non-government securities which are subject to credit risk of the bond issuer defaulting on interest and/or principal payments. 
Investments at Estimated Fair Value
The fair values of the assets of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2017 by asset class are as follows:
Asset Class
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds
$
61,833

 
$

 
$

 
$
61,833

Fixed income securities held in a portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign issued corporate debt

 
10,721

 

 
10,721

U.S. corporate debt

 
39,992

 

 
39,992

Government debt

 
4,645

 

 
4,645

U.S. Treasury securities

 
62,601

 

 
62,601

Asset-backed securities

 
10,978

 

 
10,978

Other

 

 

 

Cash equivalents (a)
6,691

 
2,782

 

 
9,473

Total (b)
$
68,524

 
$
131,719

 
$

 
$
200,243

 
(a)
A significant portion represents an investment in a short-term investment fund that invests primarily in securities of high quality and low risk.
(b)
Excludes cash and net payables relating to the purchase of securities that were not settled as of December 31, 2017.
The fair values of the assets of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2016 by asset class are as follows:
Asset Class
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds
$
121,356

 
$

 
$

 
$
121,356

Fixed income securities held in a portfolio:

 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign issued corporate debt

 
13,583

 

 
13,583

U.S. corporate debt

 
48,046

 

 
48,046

Government debt

 
4,810

 

 
4,810

U.S. Treasury securities

 
77,285

 

 
77,285

Asset-backed securities

 
14,065

 

 
14,065

Other

 
247

 

 
247

Cash equivalents (a)
2,593

 
3,089

 

 
5,682

Total (b)
$
123,949

 
$
161,125

 
$

 
$
285,074

 
(a)
A significant portion represents an investment in a short-term investment fund that invests primarily in securities of high quality and low risk.
(b)
Excludes cash and net payables relating to the purchase of securities that were not settled as of December 31, 2016.
The fair values of mutual funds and cash equivalents were derived from quoted market prices that the Pension Plan administrator has the ability to access.
The fair values of corporate and government debt, treasury securities and asset-back securities were derived from bids received from a vendor or broker not available in an active market that the Pension Plan administrator has the ability to access.
Benefit Payments and Contributions for Defined Benefit Plans
The following benefit payments are expected to be paid during the periods indicated:
2018
$
96,482

2019
18,960

2020
14,052

2021
13,282

2022
13,792

2023-2027
69,369


The Company currently expects to contribute approximately $18,000 to the Pension Plan in 2018. 
Defined Contribution Plans 
The Company maintains the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan, a contributory qualified defined contribution plan for the benefit of non-union employees of Cablevision.  Participants can contribute a percentage of eligible annual compensation and the Company will make a matching cash contribution or discretionary contribution, as defined in the plan.  In addition, the Company maintains an unfunded non-qualified excess savings plan which was frozen on January 1, 2017 for which the Company provided a matching contribution similar to the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan.  Applicable employees of the Company were eligible for an enhanced employer matching contribution, as well as a year-end employer discretionary contribution to the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan and the Cablevision Excess Savings Plan.
Through September 30, 2017, the Company also maintained a 401(k) plan for employees of Cequel. Cequel employees that qualified for participation were able to contribute a percentage of eligible annual compensation and the Company would make a matching cash contribution, as defined in the plan. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Suddenlink 401(k) plan assets were transferred to the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan and the plan was renamed the Altice USA 401(k) Savings Plan.
The cost associated with these plans (including the enhanced employer matching and discretionary contributions on 2016) was $27,577 and $28,501 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
v3.8.0.1
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]  
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
Activity related to the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts is presented below:
 
Balance at Beginning of Period
 
Provision for Bad Debt
 
Deductions/ Write-Offs and Other Charges
 
Balance at End of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
11,677

 
$
74,183

 
$
(72,440
)
 
$
13,420

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
1,051

 
$
53,249

 
$
(42,623
)
 
$
11,677

v3.8.0.1
INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of the Company's selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
March 31,
2017
 
June 30,
2017
 
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2017 (a)
 
Total
2017
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
1,083,878

 
$
1,071,163

 
$
1,069,946

 
$
1,049,135

 
$
4,274,122

Broadband
625,918

 
642,620

 
658,278

 
681,779

 
2,608,595

Telephony
180,961

 
178,261

 
172,479

 
169,064

 
700,765

Business services and wholesale
319,420

 
323,641

 
324,642

 
330,510

 
1,298,213

Advertising
83,361

 
97,501

 
89,292

 
121,712

 
391,866

Other
8,721

 
9,176

 
7,884

 
7,608

 
33,389

Revenue
2,302,259

 
2,322,362

 
2,322,521

 
2,359,808

 
9,306,950

Operating expenses
(2,052,149
)
 
(2,069,094
)
 
(2,201,946
)
 
(2,142,753
)
 
(8,465,942
)
Operating income
$
250,110

 
$
253,268

 
$
120,575

 
$
217,055

 
$
841,008

Net income (loss)
$
(76,188
)
 
$
(479,939
)
 
$
(192,434
)
 
$
2,243,325

 
$
1,494,764

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(237
)
 
(365
)
 
(135
)
 
(850
)
 
(1,587
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders
$
(76,425
)
 
$
(480,304
)
 
$
(192,569
)
 
$
2,242,475

 
$
1,493,177

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.73
)
 
$
(0.26
)
 
$
3.04

 
$
2.15

 
(a)
Pursuant to the enactment of the Tax Reform on December 22, 2017, the Company recorded a noncash deferred tax benefit of $2,332,677 to remeasure the net deferred tax liability to adjust for the reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate 35% to 21% which is effective on January 1, 2018.
 
March 31,
2016
 
June 30,
2016
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2016
 
Total
2016
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
279,736

 
$
370,122

 
$
1,066,019

 
$
1,072,996

 
$
2,788,873

Broadband
196,691

 
245,568

 
594,932

 
614,383

 
1,651,574

Telephony
39,735

 
55,855

 
185,834

 
184,347

 
465,771

Business services and wholesale
84,404

 
111,193

 
309,366

 
314,578

 
819,541

Advertising
20,887

 
29,843

 
90,555

 
110,764

 
252,049

Other
6,136

 
10,920

 
13,515

 
8,833

 
39,404

Revenue
627,589

 
823,501

 
2,260,221

 
2,305,901

 
6,017,212

Operating expenses
(573,329
)
 
(777,564
)
 
(2,115,955
)
 
(2,087,555
)
 
(5,554,403
)
Operating income
$
54,260

 
$
45,937

 
$
144,266

 
$
218,346

 
$
462,809

Net loss
$
(140,748
)
 
$
(282,129
)
 
$
(172,553
)
 
$
(236,049
)
 
$
(831,479
)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
364

 
(256
)
 
(659
)
 
(551
)
Net loss attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders
$
(140,748
)
 
$
(281,765
)
 
$
(172,809
)
 
$
(236,708
)
 
$
(832,030
)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders
$
(0.22
)
 
$
(0.43
)
 
$
(0.27
)
 
$
(0.36
)
 
$
(1.28
)

The Company’s previously reported statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017, the six months ended June 30, 2017 and the nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflected distributions to stockholders of $79,617 in cash provided by operating activities. These distributions should have been reflected in financing activities.
v3.8.0.1
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ATS ACQUISITION
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]    
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ATS ACQUISITION
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ATS ACQUISITION
Adoption of ASC 606 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the guidance pursuant to ASC 606. The Company elected to apply the guidance on a full retrospective basis, which required the Company to reflect the impact of the updated guidance for all periods presented. The adoption of the guidance resulted in the deferral of certain installation revenue, the deferral of certain commission expenses, and a reduction of revenue due to the reclassification of certain third party giveaways and incentives from operating expense. Additionally, the Company made changes in the composition of revenue resulting from the allocation of value related to bundled services sold to residential customers at a discount.
Installation Services Revenue
Pursuant to ASC 606, the Company's installation services revenue is deferred and recognized over the benefit period. For residential customers, the benefit period is less than one year. For business and wholesale customers, the benefit period is the contract term. Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, the Company recognized installation services revenue for residential and small and medium-sized business ("SMB") customers when installations were completed. As a result of the deferral of installation services revenue for residential and SMB customers, the Company recognized contract liabilities of $6,978 and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $5,093 (net of tax of $1,885) to retained earnings. The accounting for installation services revenue related to business and wholesale customers has not changed.
Commission Expenses
Pursuant to ASC 606, the Company defers commission expenses related to obtaining a contract with a customer when the expected period of benefit is greater than one year and amortizes these costs over the average contract term. For commission expenses related to customer contracts with a term of one year or less, the Company is utilizing the practical expedient and is recognizing the costs when incurred.  Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, the Company recognized commission expenses related to the sale of its services when incurred. As a result of the change in the timing of recognition of these commission expenses, the Company recognized contract assets of $24,329 and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $17,759 (net of tax of $6,570) to retained earnings.
Third Party Product Giveaways and Incentives
When the Company acts as the agent in providing certain product giveaways or incentives, revenue is recorded net of the costs of the giveaways and incentives. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, costs of $3,417 for the giveaways and incentives recorded in other operating expense have been reclassified to revenue.
Bundled Services
The Company provides bundled services at a discounted rate to its customers. Under ASC 606, revenue should be allocated to separate performance obligations within a bundled offering based on the relative stand-alone selling price of each service within the bundle. In connection with the adoption of ASC 606, the Company revised the amounts allocated to each performance obligation within its bundled offerings which reduced previously reported revenue for telephony services and increased previously reported revenue allocated to pay television and broadband services.
Adoption of ASU No. 2017-07 - Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715)
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the guidance pursuant to ASU No. 2017‑07. ASU No. 2017‑07 requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. In connection with the adoption of ASU No. 2017‑07, the Company retroactively reclassified certain pension costs from other operating expenses to other income (expense), net. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-07 had no impact on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Acquisition of ATS
As discussed in Note 1, the Company completed the ATS Acquisition in the first quarter of 2018. ATS was previously owned by Altice N.V. and a member of ATS's management through a holding company. As the acquisition is a combination of businesses under common control, the Company combined the results of operations and related assets and liabilities of ATS for all periods since the formation of ATS, including goodwill of $23,101, representing the amount previously transferred to ATS.
The following table summarizes the impact of adopting ASC 606 and the impact of the ATS Acquisition on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet: 
 
December 31, 2017
 
As Reported
 
Impact of ASC 606
 
Impact of ATS Acquisition
 
As Adjusted
Cash and cash equivalents
$
273,329

 
$

 
$
56,519

 
$
329,848

Other current assets
580,231

 
14,068

 
(20,548
)
 
573,751

Property, plant and equipment, net
6,063,829

 

 
(40,003
)
 
6,023,826

Goodwill
7,996,760

 

 
23,101

 
8,019,861

Other assets, long-term
19,861,076

 
10,261

 
(6,541
)
 
19,864,796

Total assets
$
34,775,225

 
$
24,329

 
$
12,528

 
$
34,812,082

Current liabilities
$
2,492,983

 
$
6,978

 
$
20,401

 
$
2,520,362

Deferred tax liability, long-term
4,775,115

 
4,685

 
(10,514
)
 
4,769,286

Liabilities, long-term
21,779,997

 

 
6,394

 
21,786,391

Total liabilities
29,048,095

 
11,663

 
16,281

 
29,076,039

Redeemable equity
231,290

 

 

 
231,290

Paid-in capital
4,642,128

 

 
23,101

 
4,665,229

Retained earnings
854,824

 
12,666

 
(26,854
)
 
840,636

Total stockholders' equity
5,495,840

 
12,666

 
(3,753
)
 
5,504,753

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
34,775,225

 
$
24,329

 
$
12,528

 
$
34,812,082

The ATS Acquisition did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The following table summarizes the impact of adopting ASC 606 and ASU No. 2017-07 on the Company's condensed consolidated statement of operations:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
As Reported
 
Impact of ASC 606
 
Impact of ASU No. 2017-07
 
As Adjusted
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
1,071,361

 
$
12,517

 
$

 
$
1,083,878

Broadband
611,769

 
14,149

 

 
625,918

Telephony
210,873

 
(29,912
)
 

 
180,961

Business services and wholesale
319,591

 
(171
)
 

 
319,420

Advertising
83,361

 

 

 
83,361

Other
8,721

 

 

 
8,721

Total revenue
2,305,676

 
(3,417
)
 

 
2,302,259

 
 
 
 
 

 

Programming and other direct costs
758,352

 

 

 
758,352

Other operating expenses
613,437

 
(3,417
)
 
(1,876
)
 
608,144

Restructuring and other expense
76,929

 

 

 
76,929

Depreciation and amortization
608,724

 

 

 
608,724

Operating income
248,234

 

 
1,876

 
250,110

Other expense, net
(370,330
)
 

 
(1,876
)
 
(372,206
)
Loss before income taxes
(122,096
)
 

 

 
(122,096
)
Income tax benefit
45,908

 

 

 
45,908

Net loss
$
(76,188
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(76,188
)
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ATS ACQUISITION
Adoption of ASC 606 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the guidance pursuant to ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The Company elected to apply the guidance on a full retrospective basis, which required the Company to reflect the impact of the updated guidance for all periods presented. The adoption of the guidance resulted in the deferral of certain installation revenue, the deferral of certain commission expenses, and a reduction of revenue due to the reclassification of certain third party giveaways and incentives from operating expense. Additionally, the Company made changes in the composition of revenue resulting from the allocation of value related to bundled services sold to residential customers at a discount.
Installation Services Revenue
Pursuant to ASC 606, the Company's installation services revenue is deferred and recognized over the benefit period. For residential customers, the benefit period is less than one year. For business and wholesale customers, the benefit period is the contract term. Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, the Company recognized installation services revenue for residential and small and medium-sized business ("SMB") customers when installations were completed. As a result of the deferral of installation services revenue for residential and SMB customers, the Company recognized contract liabilities of $6,978 and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $5,093 (net of tax of $1,885) to retained earnings. The accounting for installation services revenue related to business and wholesale customers has not changed.
Commission Expenses
Pursuant to ASC 606, the Company defers commission expenses related to obtaining a contract with a customer when the expected amortization is greater than one year and amortizes these costs over the average contract term. For commission expenses related to customer contracts with a term of one year or less, the Company is utilizing the practical expedient and is recognizing the costs when incurred.  Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, the Company recognized commission expenses related to the sale of its services when incurred. As a result of the change in the timing of recognition of these commission expenses, the Company recognized contract assets of $24,329 and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $17,759 (net of tax of $6,570) to retained earnings.
Third Party Product Giveaways and Incentives
When the Company acts as the agent in providing certain product giveaways or incentives, revenue is recorded net of the costs of the giveaways and incentives. For the periods prior to January 1, 2018, costs for the giveaways and incentives recorded in other operating expense have been reclassified to revenue.
Bundled Services
The Company provides bundled services at a discounted rate to its customers. Under ASC 606, revenue should be allocated to separate performance obligations within a bundled offering based on the relative stand-alone selling price of each service within the bundle. In connection with the adoption of ASC 606, the Company revised the amounts allocated to each performance obligation within its bundled offerings which reduced previously reported revenue for telephony services and increased previously reported revenue allocated to pay television and broadband services.
Adoption of ASU No. 2017-07 - Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715)
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the guidance pursuant to ASU No. 2017‑07. ASU No. 2017‑07 requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. In connection with the adoption of ASU No. 2017‑07, the Company retroactively reclassified certain pension costs from other operating expenses to other income (expense), net.
Acquisition of Altice Technical Services US Corp
In January 2018, the Company acquired 70% of the equity interests in Altice Technical Services US Corp. ("ATS") for $1.00 (the "ATS Acquisition") and the Company became the owner of 100% of the equity interests in ATS in March 2018. ATS was previously owned by Altice N.V. and a member of ATS's management through a holding company. As the acquisition is a combination of businesses under common control, the Company combined the results of operations and related assets and liabilities of ATS for all periods since its formation, including goodwill of $23,101, representing the amount previously transferred to ATS.
The adoption of ASU No. 2017-07 had no impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The following table summarizes the impact of adopting ASC 606 and the impact of the ATS Acquisition on the Company's consolidated balance sheets: 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
As Reported
 
Impact of ASC 606
 
Impact of ATS Acquisition
 
As Adjusted
 
As Reported
 
Impact of ASC 606
 
As Adjusted
Cash and cash equivalents
$
273,329

 
$

 
$
56,519

 
$
329,848

 
$
486,792

 
$

 
$
486,792

Other current assets
580,231

 
14,068

 
(20,548
)
 
573,751

 
1,218,127

 
14,068

 
1,232,195

Property, plant and equipment, net
6,063,829

 

 
(40,003
)
 
6,023,826

 
6,597,635

 

 
6,597,635

Goodwill
7,996,760

 

 
23,101

 
8,019,861

 
7,992,700

 

 
7,992,700

Other assets, long-term
19,861,076

 
10,261

 
(6,541
)
 
19,864,796

 
20,178,995

 
10,261

 
20,189,256

Total assets
$
34,775,225

 
$
24,329

 
$
12,528

 
$
34,812,082

 
$
36,474,249

 
$
24,329

 
$
36,498,578

Current liabilities
2,492,983

 
6,978

 
20,401

 
2,520,362

 
3,704,933

 
6,978

 
3,711,911

Deferred tax liability
4,775,115

 
4,685

 
(10,514
)
 
4,769,286

 
7,966,815

 
4,685

 
7,971,500

Liabilities, long-term
21,779,997

 

 
6,394

 
21,786,391

 
22,704,512

 

 
22,704,512

Total liabilities
$
29,048,095

 
$
11,663

 
$
16,281

 
$
29,076,039

 
$
34,376,260

 
$
11,663

 
$
34,387,923

Redeemable equity
231,290

 

 

 
231,290

 
68,147

 

 
68,147

Paid-in-capital
4,642,128

 

 
23,101

 
4,665,229

 
3,003,554

 

 
3,003,554

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
854,824

 
12,666

 
(26,854
)
 
840,636

 
(975,978
)
 
12,666

 
(963,312
)
Total stockholders' equity
5,495,840

 
12,666

 
(3,753
)
 
5,504,753

 
2,029,842

 
12,666

 
2,042,508

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
34,775,225

 
$
24,329

 
$
12,528

 
$
34,812,082

 
$
36,474,249

 
$
24,329

 
$
36,498,578

The following table summarizes the impact of adopting ASC 606 and ASU No. 2017-07 and the impact of the ATS Acquisition on the Company's consolidated statements of operations:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
As Reported
 
Impact of ASC 606
Impact of ASU No. 2017-07
Impact of ATS Acquisition
 
As Adjusted
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
4,214,745

 
$
59,878

$

$
(501
)
 
$
4,274,122

Broadband
2,563,772

 
45,192


(369
)
 
2,608,595

Telephony
823,981

 
(122,981
)

(235
)
 
700,765

Business services and wholesale
1,298,817

 
(604
)


 
1,298,213

Advertising
391,866

 



 
391,866

Other
33,389

 



 
33,389

Total revenue
9,326,570

 
(18,515
)

(1,105
)
 
9,306,950

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Programming and other direct costs
3,035,655

 



 
3,035,655

Other operating expenses
2,342,655

 
(18,515
)
(11,863
)
35,038

 
2,347,315

Restructuring and other expense
152,401

 



 
152,401

Depreciation and amortization
2,930,475

 


96

 
2,930,571

Operating income
865,384

 

11,863

(36,239
)
 
841,008

Other income (expense), net
(2,196,733
)
 

(11,863
)

 
(2,208,596
)
Loss before income taxes
(1,331,349
)
 


(36,239
)
 
(1,367,588
)
Income tax benefit
2,852,967

 


9,385

 
2,862,352

Net income
$
1,521,618

 
$

$

$
(26,854
)
 
$
1,494,764


 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
As Reported
 
Impact of ASC 606
Impact of ASU No. 2017-07
 
As Adjusted
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
2,759,216

 
$
29,657

$

 
$
2,788,873

Broadband
1,617,029

 
34,545


 
1,651,574

Telephony
529,973

 
(64,202
)

 
465,771

Business services and wholesale
819,541

 


 
819,541

Advertising
252,049

 


 
252,049

Other
39,404

 


 
39,404

Total revenue
6,017,212

 


 
6,017,212

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Programming and other direct costs
1,911,230

 


 
1,911,230

Other operating expenses
1,705,615

 

(3,143
)
 
1,702,472

Restructuring and other expense
240,395

 


 
240,395

Depreciation and amortization
1,700,306

 


 
1,700,306

Operating income
459,666

 

3,143

 
462,809

Other income (expense), net
(1,550,811
)
 

(3,143
)
 
(1,553,954
)
Loss before income taxes
(1,091,145
)
 


 
(1,091,145
)
Income tax benefit
259,666

 


 
259,666

Net loss
$
(831,479
)
 
$

$

 
$
(831,479
)
v3.8.0.1
SUBSEQUENT EVENT
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]    
Subsequent Event
SUBSEQUENT EVENT
In April 2018, Cequel Communications Holdings I, LLC and Cequel Capital Corporation each an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued $1,050,000, aggregate principal amount of 7.5% senior notes due April 1, 2028. The proceeds of these notes were used in April 2018 to redeem the $1,050,000 aggregate principal amount 6.375% senior notes due September 15, 2020.
SUBSEQUENT EVENT
In January 2018, CSC Holdings borrowed $150,000 under its revolving credit facility and entered into a new $1,500,000 incremental term loan facility (the "Incremental Term Loan") under its existing CVC Credit Facilities Agreement. The Incremental Term Loan was priced at 99.5% and will mature on January 25, 2026. The Incremental Term Loan is comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternate base rate borrowings, and bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBO rate or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.50% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.50% per annum.
In January 2018, CSC Holdings issued $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior guaranteed notes due February 1, 2028 (the "2028 Guaranteed Notes"). The 2028 Guaranteed Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior indebtedness, including the existing senior notes and the CVC Credit Facilities and rank senior in right of payment to all of existing and future subordinated indebtedness.
The proceeds from the 2028 Guaranteed Notes, together with proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan, borrowings under the CVC revolving credit facility and cash on hand, were used in February 2018 to repay certain senior notes ($300,000 principal amount of CSC Holdings' senior notes due in February 2018 and $750,000 principal amount of Cablevision senior notes due in April 2018) and will be used to fund a dividend of $1,500,000 to the Company's stockholders immediately prior to and in connection with the Distribution discussed in Note 1.
v3.8.0.1
REVENUE AND CONTRACT ASSETS REVENUE AND CONTRACT ASSETS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
REVENUE AND CONTRACT ASSETS
REVENUE AND CONTRACT ASSETS
Revenue Recognition
Residential Services
The Company derives revenue through monthly charges to residential customers of its pay television, broadband, and telephony services, including installation services. In addition, the Company derives revenue from digital video recorder ("DVR"), video-on-demand ("VOD"), pay‑per‑view, and home shopping commissions which are reflected in "Residential pay TV" revenues. The Company recognizes pay television, broadband, and telephony revenues as the services are provided to a customer on a monthly basis. Revenue from the sale of bundled services at a discounted rate is allocated to each product based on the standalone selling price of each performance obligation within the bundled offer. The standalone selling price requires judgment and is typically determined based on the current prices at which the separate services are sold by the Company. Installation revenue for the Company's residential services is deferred and recognized over the benefit period, which is estimated to be less than one year. The estimated benefit period takes into account both quantitative and qualitative factors including the significance of average installation fees to total recurring revenue per customer.
The Company is assessed non-income related taxes by governmental authorities, including franchising authorities (generally under multi-year agreements), and collects such taxes from its customers.  In instances where the tax is being assessed directly on the Company, amounts paid to the governmental authorities are recorded as programming and other direct costs and amounts received from the customers are recorded as revenue. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 the amount of franchise fees and certain other taxes and fees included as a component of revenue aggregated $63,830 and $64,986, respectively.
Business and Wholesale Services
The Company derives revenue from the sale of products and services to both large enterprise and SMB customers, including broadband, telephony, networking, and pay television services reflected in "Business services and wholesale" revenues. The Company's business services also include Ethernet, data transport, and IP-based virtual private networks. The Company also provides managed services to businesses, including hosted telephony services (cloud based SIP-based private branch exchange), managed Wi-Fi, managed desktop and server backup and managed collaboration services including audio and web conferencing. The Company also offers fiber-to-the-tower services to wireless carriers for cell tower backhaul and enable wireline communications service providers to connect to customers that their own networks do not reach. The Company recognizes revenues for these services as the services are provided to a customer on a monthly basis.
Substantially all of our SMB customers are billed monthly and large enterprise customers are billed in accordance with the terms of their contracts which is typically also on a monthly basis. Contracts with large enterprise customers typically range from three to five years. Installation revenue related to our large enterprise customers is deferred and recognized over the average contract term. Installation revenue related to SMB customers is deferred and recognized over the benefit period, which is less than a year. The estimated benefit period for SMB customers takes into account both quantitative and qualitative factors including the significance of average installation fees to total recurring revenue per customer.
Advertising
As part of the agreements under which the Company acquires pay television programming, the Company typically receives an allocation of scheduled advertising time during such programming into which the Company's cable systems can insert commercials. In several of the markets in which the Company operates, it has entered into agreements commonly referred to as interconnects with other cable operators to jointly sell local advertising. In some of these markets, the Company represents the advertising sales efforts of other cable operators; in other markets, other cable operators represent the Company. Advertising revenues are recognized when commercials are aired. Arrangements in which the Company controls the sale of advertising and acts as the principal to the transaction, the Company recognizes revenue earned from the advertising customer on a gross basis and the amount remitted to the distributor as an operating expense. Arrangements in which the Company does not control the sale of advertising and acts as an agent to the transaction, the Company recognizes revenue net of any fee remitted to the distributor.
The Company's advanced advertising businesses provide data-driven, audience-based advertising solutions using advanced analytics tools that provide granular measurement of consumer groups, accurate hyper-local ratings and other insights into target audience behavior not available through traditional sample-based measurement services. Revenue earned from the Company's advanced advertising businesses are recognized when services are provided.
Other
Revenues derived from other sources are recognized when services are provided or events occur.
Contract Assets
Incremental costs incurred in obtaining a contract with a customer are deferred and recorded as a contract asset if the period of benefit is expected to be greater than one year. Sales commissions for enterprise and certain SMB customers are deferred and amortized over the average contract term. For sales commission expenses related to residential and SMB customers with a term of one year or less, the Company is utilizing the practical expedient and is recognizing the costs when incurred.  Cost of fulfilling a contract with a customer are deferred and recorded as a contract asset if they generate or enhance resources of the Company that will be used in satisfying future performance obligations and are expected to be recovered. Installation costs related to residential and SMB customers that are not capitalized as part of the initial deployment of new customer premise equipment are expensed as incurred pursuant to industry-specific guidance.
The following table provides information about contracts assets and contract liabilities related to contracts with customers:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017, as adjusted
Contract assets (a)
$
23,682

 
$
24,329

Deferred revenue (b)
129,560

 
117,679


 

(a)
Contract assets include primarily sales commissions for enterprise customers that are deferred and amortized over the average contract term.
(b)
Deferred revenue represents payments received from customers for services that have yet to be provided and installation revenue which is deferred and recognized over the benefit period. The majority of the Company's deferred revenue represents payments for services for up to one month in advance from residential and SMB customers which is realized within the following month as services are performed.
A significant portion of our revenue is derived from residential and SMB customer contracts which are month-to month. As such, the amount of revenue related to unsatisfied performance obligations is not necessarily indicative of the future revenue to be recognized from our existing customer base. Contracts with enterprise customers generally range from three to five years, and services may only be terminated in accordance with the contractual terms.
v3.8.0.1
NET LOSS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO STOCKHOLDERS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
NET LOSS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO STOCKHOLDERS
NET LOSS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO STOCKHOLDERS
Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted income per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders reflects the dilutive effects of stock options. Diluted net loss per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders excludes the effects of common stock equivalents as they are anti-dilutive.
The weighted average number of shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2017 reflect the retroactive impact of certain organizational transactions that occurred prior to the Company's IPO.
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, RELATED MATTERS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND RELATED MATTERS
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND RELATED MATTERS
The Company and Related Matters
Altice USA, Inc. ("Altice USA" or the "Company") was incorporated in Delaware on September 14, 2015. As of March 31, 2018, Altice USA is majority‑owned by Altice N.V., a public company with limited liability (naamloze vennootshcap) under Dutch law. Upon the completion of the Altice N.V. distribution discussed below, the Company will no longer be majority-owned by Altice N.V.
The Company provides broadband communications and video services in the United States. It delivers broadband, pay television, telephony services, proprietary content and advertising services to residential and business customers.
Altice N.V., through a subsidiary, acquired Cequel Corporation ("Cequel" or "Suddenlink") on December 21, 2015 and Cequel was contributed to Altice USA on June 9, 2016. Altice USA acquired Cablevision Systems Corporation ("Cablevision" or "Optimum") on June 21, 2016.
The Company classifies its operations into two reportable segments: Cablevision, which operates in the New York metropolitan area, and Cequel, which principally operates in markets in the south‑central United States.
The accompanying condensed combined consolidated financial statements ("condensed consolidated financial statements") include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling interest and gives effect to the ATS Acquisition discussed below on a combined basis. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The accompanying condensed consolidated operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 reflect the retrospective adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and ASU No. 2017‑07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). See Note 3 for further details of the impact on the Company's historical financial statements.
In June 2017, the Company completed its initial public offering ("IPO") of 71,724,139 shares of its Class A common stock. The Company’s Class A common stock began trading on June 22, 2017, on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ATUS".
Acquisition of Altice Technical Services US Corp
ATS was formed in 2017 to provide network construction and maintenance services and commercial and residential installations, disconnections, and maintenance. The Company believes the services it receives from ATS are of higher quality and at a lower cost than the Company could achieve without ATS, including for the construction of its new fiber-to-the home ("FTTH") network.
During the second quarter of 2017, a substantial portion of the Company's technical workforce at the Cablevision segment either accepted employment with ATS or became employees of ATS and ATS commenced operations and began to perform services for the Company. A substantial portion of the Cequel segment technical workforce became employees of ATS in December 2017.
In January 2018, the Company acquired 70% of the equity interests in Altice Technical Services US Corp. ("ATS") for $1.00 (the "ATS Acquisition") and the Company became the owner of 100% of the equity interests in ATS in March 2018. ATS was previously owned by Altice N.V. and a member of ATS's management through a holding company. As the acquisition is a combination of businesses under common control, the Company combined the results of operations and related assets and liabilities of ATS for all periods since its formation. See Note 3 for the impact of the ATS Acquisition on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.
Altice N.V. Distribution
On January 8, 2018, Altice N.V. announced plans for the separation of the Company from Altice N.V. Altice N.V. will distribute substantially all of its equity interest in the Company through a distribution in kind to holders of Altice N.V.'s common shares A and common shares B (the “Distribution”). Following the Distribution, Altice N.V. will no longer own a controlling equity interest in the Company, and the Company will operate independently from Altice N.V.
The implementation of the Distribution is expected to be subject to certain conditions precedent being satisfied or waived. Although Altice N.V. and the Company have not yet negotiated the final terms of the Distribution and related transactions, the Company expects that the following will be conditions to the Distribution:
Approval of Altice N.V. shareholders of (i) the distribution in kind and (ii) the board resolution approving the change in identity and character of the business of Altice N.V. resulting from the Distribution;
Receipt of certain U.S. regulatory approvals, which could take up to 180 days;
The Registration Statement filed on January 8, 2018 being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’);
The entry into the Master Separation Agreement and the entry into, amendments to or termination of various arrangements between Altice N.V. and the Company, such as a license to use the Altice brand, the stockholders’ agreement among Altice USA, Altice N.V. and certain other parties and the management agreement pursuant to which the Company pays a quarterly management fee to Altice N.V.; and
The declaration and payment of a one-time $1.5 billion dividend to Altice USA stockholders as of a record date prior to the Distribution (the ‘‘Pre-Distribution Dividend’’).
Prior to Altice N.V.'s announcement of the Distribution, the Board of Directors of Altice USA, acting through its independent directors, approved in principle the payment of the Pre-Distribution Dividend to all shareholders immediately prior to completion of the separation. Formal approval of the Pre-Distribution Dividend and setting of a record date are expected to occur in the second quarter of 2018. The payment of the Pre-Distribution Dividend will be funded with available Cablevision revolving facility capacity and available cash from new financings, completed in January 2018, at CSC Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision. In addition, the Board of Directors of Altice USA has authorized a share repurchase program of $2.0 billion, effective following completion of the separation.
In connection with the Distribution, it is expected that the Management Advisory and Consulting Services Agreement with Altice N.V. which provides certain consulting, advisory and other services will be terminated. Compensation under the terms of the agreement is an annual fee of $30,000 paid by the Company.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND RELATED MATTERS
The Company and Related Matters
Altice USA, Inc. ("Altice USA" or the "Company") was incorporated in Delaware on September 14, 2015. As of December 31, 2017, Altice USA is majority‑owned by Altice N.V., a public company with limited liability (naamloze vennootshcap) under Dutch law. Upon the completion of the Altice N.V. distribution discussed below, the Company will no longer be majority-owned by Altice N.V.
The Company provides broadband communications and video services in the United States. It delivers broadband, pay television, telephony services, proprietary content and advertising services to residential and business customers.
Altice N.V., through a subsidiary, acquired Cequel Corporation ("Cequel" or "Suddenlink") on December 21, 2015 and Cequel was contributed to Altice USA on June 9, 2016. Altice USA had no operations of its own other than the issuance of debt prior to the contribution of Cequel on June 9, 2016 by Altice N.V. The results of operations of Cequel for the year ended December 31, 2016 have been included in the results of operations of Altice USA for the same periods, as Cequel was under common control with Altice USA.
Altice USA acquired Cablevision Systems Corporation ("Cablevision" or "Optimum") on June 21, 2016 (see discussion below) and the results of operations of Cablevision are included with the results of operations of Cequel for the year ended December 31, 2017. The year ended December 31, 2016 operating results include the operating results of Cablevision from the date of acquisition, June 21, 2016.
The accompanying combined consolidated financial statements ("consolidated financial statements") include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling interest and gives effect to the ATS Acquisition discussed below. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements also reflect the retrospective adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and ASU No. 2017‑07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). See Note 20 for further details of the impact on the Company's historical financial statements.
The Company classifies its operations into two reportable segments: Cablevision, which operates in the New York metropolitan area, and Cequel, which principally operates in markets in the south‑central United States.
Acquisition of Altice Technical Services US Corp
ATS was formed to provide network construction and maintenance services and commercial and residential installations, disconnections, and maintenance. In the second quarter of 2017, the Company entered into an Independent Contractor Agreement with ATS that governs the terms of the services described above. The Company believes the services it receives from ATS will be of higher quality and at a lower cost than the Company could achieve without ATS, including for the construction of our new fiber-to-the home ("FTTH") network. The Company also entered into a Transition Services Agreement for the use of the Company's resources to provide various overhead functions to ATS, including accounting, legal and human resources and for the use of certain facilities, vehicles and technician tools during a transitional period that generally ended on December 31, 2017, although the term can be extended on a service-by-service basis. The Transition Services Agreement requires ATS to reimburse the Company for its cost to provide such services.
In January 2018, the Company acquired 70% of the equity interests in Altice Technical Services US Corp. ("ATS") for $1.00 (the "ATS Acquisition") and the Company became the owner of 100% of the equity interests in ATS in March 2018. ATS was previously owned by Altice N.V. and a member of ATS's management through a holding company. As the acquisition is a combination of businesses under common control, the Company combined the results of operations and related assets and liabilities of ATS for all periods since its formation. See Note 20 for the impact of the ATS Acquisition on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017. In connection with the ATS Acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of $23,101, representing the amount previously transferred to ATS.
Initial Public Offering
In June 2017, the Company completed its initial public offering ("IPO") of 71,724,139 shares of its Class A common stock (12,068,966 shares sold by the Company and 59,655,173 shares sold by existing stockholders) at a price to the public of $30.00 per share, including the underwriters full exercise of their option to purchase 7,781,110 shares to cover overallotments. At the date of the IPO, Altice N.V. owned approximately 70.2% of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock, which represented approximately 98.2% of the voting power of the Company's outstanding common stock. The Company’s Class A common stock began trading on June 22, 2017, on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ATUS".
In connection with the sale of its Class A common stock, the Company received proceeds of approximately $362,069, before deducting the underwriting discount and expenses directly related to the issuance of the securities of $12,998. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders. In July 2017, the Company used approximately $350,120 of the proceeds to fund the redemption of $315,779 principal amount of 10.875% senior notes that mature in 2025 issued by CSC Holdings, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and the related call premium of approximately $34,341.
The following organizational transactions were consummated prior to the IPO:
the Company amended and restated its certificate of incorporation to, among other things, provide for Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock;
BC Partners LLP ("BCP") and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (‘‘CPPIB and together with BCP, the‘‘Co-Investors’’) and Uppernext S.C.S.p. ("Uppernext"), an entity controlled by Mr. Patrick Drahi (founder and controlling stockholder of Altice N.V.), exchanged their indirect ownership interest in the Company for shares of the Company’s common stock;
Neptune Management LP (‘‘Management LP’’) redeemed its Class B units for shares of the Company’s common stock that it received from the redemption of its Class B units in Neptune Holding US LP;
the Company converted $525,000 aggregate principal amount of notes issued by the Company to the Co-Investors (together with accrued and unpaid interest and applicable premium) into shares of the Company’s common stock at the IPO price (see Note 9 for further details);
$1,225,000 aggregate principal amount of notes issued by the Company to a subsidiary of Altice N.V. (together with accrued and unpaid interest and applicable premium) was transferred to CVC 3 B.V., an indirect subsidiary of Altice N.V. ("CVC 3") and then the Company converted such notes into shares of the Company’s common stock at the IPO price (see Note 9 for further details);
the Co-Investors, Neptune Holding US LP, A4 S.A. (an entity controlled by the family of Mr. Drahi), and former Class B unitholders of Management LP (including Uppernext) exchanged shares of the Company’s common stock for new shares of the Company’s Class A common stock; and
CVC 3 and A4 S.A. exchanged shares of the Company’s common stock for new shares of the Company’s Class B common stock.
Acquisition of Cablevision Systems Corporation
On June 21, 2016 (the "Cablevision Acquisition Date"), pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), dated as of September 16, 2015, by and among Cablevision, Altice N.V., Neptune Merger Sub Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice N.V. ("Merger Sub"), Merger Sub merged with and into Cablevision, with Cablevision surviving the merger (the "Cablevision Acquisition").
In connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, each outstanding share of the Cablevision NY Group Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("CNYG Class A Shares"), and Cablevision NY Group Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("CNYG Class B Shares", and together with the CNYG Class A Shares, the "Shares"), and together with the Cablevision NY Group Class A common stock, the "Shares" other than Shares owned by Cablevision, Altice N.V. or any of their respective wholly-owned subsidiaries, in each case not held on behalf of third parties in a fiduciary capacity, received $34.90 in cash without interest, less applicable tax withholdings (the "Cablevision Acquisition Consideration").
Pursuant to an agreement, dated December 21, 2015, by and among CVC 2 B.V., CIE Management IX Limited, for and on behalf of the limited partnerships BC European Capital IX-1 through 11 and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, certain affiliates of BCP and CPPIB (the "Co-Investors") funded approximately $1,000,000 toward the payment of the aggregate Per Share Cablevision Acquisition Consideration, and indirectly acquired approximately 30% of the Shares of Cablevision.
Also in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, outstanding equity-based awards granted under Cablevision’s equity plans were cancelled and converted into cash based upon the $34.90 per Share Cablevision Acquisition Consideration in accordance with the original terms of the awards. The total consideration for the outstanding CNYG Class A Shares, the outstanding CNYG Class B Shares, and the equity-based awards amounted to $9,958,323.
In connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, in October 2015, Neptune Finco Corp. ("Finco"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice N.V. formed to complete the financing described herein and the merger with CSC Holdings, LLC ("CSC Holdings"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision, borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $3,800,000 under a term loan facility (the "Term Credit Facility") and entered into revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $2,000,000 (the "Revolving Credit Facility" and, together with the Term Credit Facility, the "Credit Facilities").
Finco also issued $1,800,000 aggregate principal amount of 10.125% senior notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes"), $2,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 10.875% senior notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes"), and $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.625% senior guaranteed notes due 2025 (the "2025 Guaranteed Notes") (collectively the "Cablevision Acquisition Notes").
On June 21, 2016, immediately following the Cablevision Acquisition, Finco merged with and into CSC Holdings, with CSC Holdings surviving the merger (the "CSC Holdings Merger"), and the Cablevision Acquisition Notes and the Credit Facilities became obligations of CSC Holdings.
On June 21, 2016, in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, the Company issued notes payable to affiliates and related parties aggregating $1,750,000, of which $875,000 bore interest at 10.75% and $875,000 bore interest at 11%. See Note 9 for a discussion regarding the conversion of these notes payable to shares of the Company's common stock prior to the consummation of the IPO.
The Cablevision Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 805. Accordingly, the Company stepped up 100% of the assets and liabilities assumed to their fair value at the Cablevision Acquisition Date. See Note 3 for further details.
Acquisition of Cequel Corporation
On December 21, 2015, Altice N.V., though a subsidiary, acquired approximately 70% of the total outstanding equity interests in Cequel (the "Cequel Acquisition") from the direct and indirect stockholders of Cequel Corporation (the "Sellers"). The consideration for the acquired equity interests, which was based on a total equity valuation for 100% of the capital and voting rights of Cequel, was $3,973,528, including $2,797,928 of cash consideration, $675,600 of retained equity held by entities affiliated with BC Partners and CPPIB and $500,000 funded by the issuance by an affiliate of Altice N.V. of a senior vendor note that was subscribed by entities affiliated with BC Partners and CPPIB. Following the closing of the Cequel Acquisition, entities affiliated with BC Partners and CPPIB retained a 30% equity interest in a parent entity of the Company. In addition, the carried interest plans of the stockholders were cashed out whereby payments were made to participants in such carried interest plans, including certain officers and directors of Cequel.
Altice N.V. Distribution
On January 8, 2018, Altice N.V. announced plans for the separation of the Company from Altice N.V. Altice N.V. will distribute substantially all of its equity interest in the Company through a distribution in kind to holders of Altice N.V.'s common shares A and common shares B (the “Distribution”). Following the Distribution, Altice N.V. will no longer own a controlling equity interest in the Company, and the Company will operate independently from Altice N.V.
The implementation of the Distribution is expected to be subject to certain conditions precedent being satisfied or waived. Although Altice N.V. and the Company have not yet negotiated the final terms of the Distribution and related transactions, the Company expects that the following will be conditions to the Distribution:
Approval of Altice N.V. shareholders of (i) the distribution in kind and (ii) the board resolution approving the change in identity and character of the business of Altice N.V. resulting from the Distribution;
Receipt of certain U.S. regulatory approvals, which could take up to 180 days;
This Registration Statement filed on January 8, 2018 being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’);
The entry into the Master Separation Agreement and the entry into, amendments to or termination of various arrangements between Altice N.V. and the Company, such as a license to use the Altice brand, the stockholders’ agreement among Altice USA, Altice N.V. and certain other parties and the management agreement pursuant to which the Company pays a quarterly management fee to Altice N.V.; and
The declaration and payment of a one-time $1.5 billion dividend to Altice USA stockholders as of a record date prior to the Distribution (the ‘‘Pre-Distribution Dividend’’).
Prior to Altice N.V.'s announcement of the Distribution, the Board of Directors of Altice USA, acting through its independent directors, approved in principle the payment of the Pre-Distribution Dividend to all shareholders immediately prior to completion of the separation. Formal approval of the Pre-Distribution Dividend and setting of a record date are expected to occur in the second quarter of 2018. The payment of the Pre-Distribution Dividend will be funded with available Cablevision revolving facility capacity and available cash from new financings, completed in January 2018, at CSC Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision. In addition, the Board of Directors of Altice USA has authorized a share repurchase program of $2.0 billion, effective following completion of the separation.
In connection with the Distribution, it is expected that the Management Advisory and Consulting Services Agreement with Altice N.V. which provides certain consulting, advisory and other services will be terminated. Compensation under the terms of the agreement is an annual fee of $30,000 paid by the Company.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND RELATED MATTERS  
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, RELATED MATTERS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Company and Related Matters
Cablevision Systems Corporation ("Cablevision"), through its wholly-owned subsidiary CSC Holdings, LLC ("CSC Holdings,") and collectively with Cablevision, the "Company"), owns and operates cable systems and owns companies that provide regional news, local programming and advertising sales services for the cable television industry and Ethernet-based data, Internet, voice and video transport and managed services to the business market. The Company operates and reports financial information in one segment. Prior to the sale of a 75% interest in Newsday LLC on July 7, 2016, the Company consolidating the operating results of Newsday. Effective July 7, 2016, the operating results of Newsday are no longer consolidated with those of the Company and the Company's 25% interest in the operating results of Newsday is recorded on the equity basis (see Note 16).
Altice Merger
On June 21, 2016 (the "Merger Date"), pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), dated as of September 16, 2015, by and among Cablevision, Altice N.V. ("Altice"), Neptune Merger Sub Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice ("Merger Sub"), Merger Sub merged with and into Cablevision, with Cablevision surviving the merger (the "Merger").
In connection with the Merger, each outstanding share of the Cablevision NY Group Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("CNYG Class A Shares"), and Cablevision NY Group Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("CNYG Class B Shares", and together with the CNYG Class A Shares, the "Shares") other than (i) Shares owned by Cablevision, Altice or any of their respective wholly-owned subsidiaries, in each case not held on behalf of third parties in a fiduciary capacity, received $34.90 in cash without interest, less applicable tax withholdings (the "Merger Consideration").
Pursuant to an agreement, dated December 21, 2015, by and among CVC 2B.V., CIE Management IX Limited, for and on behalf of the limited partnerships BC European Capital IX-1through 11 and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, certain affiliates of BCP and CPPIB (the "Co-Investors") funded approximately $1,000,000 toward the payment of the aggregate Merger Consideration, and indirectly acquired approximately 30% of the Shares of Cablevision.
Also in connection with the Merger, outstanding equity-based awards granted under Cablevision’s equity plans were cancelled and converted into cash based upon the $34.90 per Share merger price in accordance with the original terms of the awards. The total consideration for the outstanding CNYG Class A Shares, the outstanding CNYG Class B Shares, and the equity-based awards amounted to $9,958,323.
In connection with the Merger, in October 2015, Neptune Finco Corp. ("Finco"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice formed to complete the financing described herein and the merger with CSC Holdings, borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $3,800,000 under a term loan facility (the "Term Credit Facility") and entered into revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $2,000,000 (the "Revolving Credit Facility" and, together with the Term Credit Facility, the "Credit Facilities").

Finco also issued $1,800,000 aggregate principal amount of 10.125% senior notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes"), $2,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 10.875% senior notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes"), and $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.625% senior guaranteed notes due 2025 (the "2025 Guaranteed Notes") (collectively the "Merger Notes").

On June 21, 2016, immediately following the Merger, Finco merged with and into CSC Holdings, with CSC Holdings surviving the merger (the "CSC Holdings Merger"), and the Merger Notes and the Credit Facilities became obligations of CSC Holdings.



The accompanying financial statements represent the operating results and cash flows of the Company for the period January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 (Predecessor) and for the year ended December 31, 2015. The operating results of the Company for the period June 21, 2016 to December 31, 2016 (Successor) are incorporated in the consolidated financial statements of Altice USA, Inc.
Basis of Presentation
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Cablevision include the accounts of Cablevision and its majority-owned subsidiaries. Cablevision has no business operations independent of CSC Holdings, whose operating results and financial position are consolidated into Cablevision. All significant intercompany transactions and balances between Cablevision and CSC Holdings and their respective consolidated subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation. 
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  See Note 12 for a discussion of fair value estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made in the consolidated financial statements in the 2015 financial statements to conform to the 2016 presentation.
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CVC - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information.  Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all the information and notes required for complete annual financial statements.
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
The financial statements presented in this report are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, such financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented.
The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for future interim periods or for the full year ending December 31, 2018.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The primary provision of ASU No. 2018-02 allows for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU No. 2018-02 also requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. ASU No. 2018‑02 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted and will be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. The Company elected to adopt ASU No. 2018-02 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption resulted in the reclassification of stranded tax amounts of $2,163 associated with net unrecognized losses from the Company's pension plans from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑09, Compensation- Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU No. 2017‑09 provides clarity and guidance on which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. ASU No. 2017‑09 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). ASU No. 2017‑07 requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. It also provides guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and what component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization. ASU No. 2017‑07 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and was applied retrospectively. As a result of the adoption, the Company reclassified the non-service cost components of the Company's pension expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from other operating expenses to other income (expense), net. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient which allowed it to reclassify amounts disclosed previously in the benefits plan note as the basis for applying retrospective presentation for comparative periods, as the Company determined it was impracticable to disaggregate the cost components for amounts capitalized and amortized in those periods. See Note 3 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2017-07.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which amends Topic 805 to interpret the definition of a business by adding guidance to assist in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  ASU No. 2016-01 modifies how entities measure certain equity investments and also modifies the recognition of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option. Entities will be required to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. For financial liabilities measured using the fair value option, entities will be required to record changes in fair value caused by a change in instrument-specific credit risk (own credit risk) separately in other comprehensive income. ASU No. 2016-01 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASC 606 replaced most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and allowed the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.
In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to clarify the Codification and to correct any unintended application of the guidance. The amendments in this update affected the guidance in ASC 606. ASC 606 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 on a full retrospective basis, which required the Company to reflect the impact of the updated guidance for all periods presented. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. See Note 3 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASC 606.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). ASU No. 2017‑04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two‑step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU No. 2017‑04 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted and will be applied prospectively.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2017 financial statements to conform to the 2018 presentation.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition
Residential Services
The Company derives revenue through monthly charges to residential customers of its pay television, broadband, and telephony services, including installation services. In addition, the Company derives revenue from digital video recorder ("DVR"), video-on-demand ("VOD"), pay‑per‑view, and home shopping commissions which are reflected in "Residential pay TV" revenues. The Company recognizes pay television, broadband, and telephony revenues as the services are provided to a customer on a monthly basis. Revenue from the sale of bundled services at a discounted rate is allocated to each product based on the standalone selling price of each performance obligation within the bundled offer. The standalone selling price requires judgment and is typically determined based on the current prices at which the separate services are sold by the Company. Installation revenue for the Company's residential services is deferred and recognized over the benefit period, which is estimated to be less than one year. The estimated benefit period takes into account both quantitative and qualitative factors including the significance of average installation fees to total recurring revenue per customer.
The Company is assessed non-income related taxes by governmental authorities, including franchising authorities (generally under multi-year agreements), and collects such taxes from its customers.  In instances where the tax is being assessed directly on the Company, amounts paid to the governmental authorities are recorded as programming and other direct costs and amounts received from the customers are recorded as revenue. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amount of franchise fees and certain other taxes and fees included as a component of revenue aggregated $259,075 and $154,732, respectively.
Business and Wholesale Services
The Company derives revenue from the sale of products and services to both large enterprise and SMB customers, including broadband, telephony, networking, and pay television services reflected in "Business services and wholesale" revenues. The Company's business services also include Ethernet, data transport, and IP-based virtual private networks. The Company also provides managed services to businesses, including hosted telephony services (cloud based SIP-based private branch exchange), managed Wi-Fi, managed desktop and server backup and managed collaboration services including audio and web conferencing. The Company also offers fiber-to-the-tower services to wireless carriers for cell tower backhaul and enable wireline communications service providers to connect to customers that their own networks do not reach. The Company recognizes revenues for these services as the services are provided to a customer on a monthly basis.
Substantially all of our SMB customers are billed monthly and large enterprise customers are billed in accordance with the terms of their contracts which is typically also on a monthly basis. Contracts with large enterprise customers typically range from three to five years. Installation revenue related to our large enterprise customers is deferred and recognized over the average contract term. Installation revenue related to SMB customers is deferred and recognized over the benefit period, which is less than a year. The estimated benefit period for SMB customers takes into account both quantitative and qualitative factors including the significance of average installation fees to total recurring revenue per customer.
Advertising
As part of the agreements under which the Company acquires pay television programming, the Company typically receives an allocation of scheduled advertising time during such programming into which the Company's cable systems can insert commercials. In several of the markets in which the Company operates, it has entered into agreements commonly referred to as interconnects with other cable operators to jointly sell local advertising. In some of these markets, the Company represents the advertising sales efforts of other cable operators; in other markets, other cable operators represent the Company. Advertising revenues are recognized when commercials are aired. Arrangements in which the Company controls the sale of advertising and acts as the principal to the transaction, the Company recognizes revenue earned from the advertising customer on a gross basis and the amount remitted to the distributor as an operating expense. Arrangements in which the Company does not control the sale of advertising and acts as an agent to the transaction, the Company recognizes revenue net of any fee remitted to the distributor.
The Company's advanced advertising businesses provide data-driven, audience-based advertising solutions using advanced analytics tools that provide granular measurement of consumer groups, accurate hyper-local ratings and other insights into target audience behavior not available through traditional sample-based measurement services. Revenue earned from the Company's advanced advertising businesses are recognized when services are provided.
Other
Revenues derived from other sources are recognized when services are provided or events occur.
Contract Assets
Incremental costs incurred in obtaining a contract with a customer are deferred and recorded as a contract asset if the period of benefit is expected to be greater than one year. Sales commissions for enterprise and certain SMB customers are deferred and amortized over the average contract term. For sales commission expenses related to residential and SMB customers with a term of one year or less, the Company is utilizing the practical expedient and is recognizing the costs when incurred.  Cost of fulfilling a contract with a customer are deferred and recorded as a contract asset if they generate or enhance resources of the Company that will be used in satisfying future performance obligations and are expected to be recovered. Installation costs related to residential and SMB customers that are not capitalized as part of the initial deployment of new customer premise equipment are expensed as incurred pursuant to industry-specific guidance.
The following table provides information about contracts assets and contract liabilities related to contracts with customers:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Contract assets (a)
$
24,329

 
$
24,329

Deferred revenue (b)
117,679

 
103,996

 
(a)
Contract assets include primarily sales commissions for enterprise customers that are deferred and amortized over the average contract term.
(b)
Deferred revenue represents payments received from customers for services that have yet to be provided and installation revenue which is deferred and recognized over the benefit period. The majority of the Company's deferred revenue represents payments for services for up to one month in advance from residential and SMB customers which is realized within the following month as services are performed.
A significant portion of our revenue is derived from residential and SMB customer contracts which are month-to month. As such, the amount of revenue related to unsatisfied performance obligations is not necessarily indicative of the future revenue to be recognized from our existing customer base. Contracts with enterprise customers generally range from three to five years, and services may only be terminated in accordance with the contractual terms.
Multiple-Element Transactions
In the normal course of business, the Company may enter into multiple-element transactions where it is simultaneously both a customer and a vendor with the same counterparty or in which it purchases multiple products and/or services, or settles outstanding items contemporaneously with the purchase of a product or service, from a single counterparty. The Company's policy for accounting for each transaction negotiated contemporaneously is to record each deliverable of the transaction based on its best estimate of selling price in a manner consistent with that used to determine the price to sell each deliverable on a standalone basis.  In determining the fair value of the respective deliverable, the Company will utilize quoted market prices (as available), historical transactions or comparable transactions.
Technical and Operating Expenses
Costs of revenue related to sales of services are classified as "programming and other direct costs" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Programming Costs
Programming expenses related to the Company's pay television service represent fees paid to programming distributors to license the programming distributed to customers.  This programming is acquired generally under multi-year distribution agreements, with rates usually based on the number of customers that receive the programming.  If there are periods when an existing distribution agreement has expired and the parties have not finalized negotiations of either a renewal of that agreement or a new agreement for certain periods of time, the Company continues to carry and pay for these services until execution of definitive replacement agreements or renewals.  The amount of programming expense recorded during the interim period is based on the Company's estimates of the ultimate contractual agreement expected to be reached, which is based on several factors, including previous contractual rates, customary rate increases and the current status of negotiations.  Such estimates are adjusted as negotiations progress until new programming terms are finalized.
In addition, the Company has received, or may receive, incentives from programming distributors for carriage of the distributors' programming.  The Company generally recognizes these incentives as a reduction of programming costs in "programming and other direct costs", generally over the term of the distribution agreement.
Advertising Expenses
Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred and are reflected in "other operating expenses" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.  Advertising costs amounted to $224,120 and $135,513 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense is based on the fair value of the portion of share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Share-based compensation cost relates to awards of units in a carried unit plan and options.
For carried interest units, the Company measures share-based compensation cost at the grant date fair value and recognizes the expense over the requisite service period or when it is probable any related performance condition will be met. For carried interest units with graded vesting requirement, compensation cost is recognized on an accelerated method under the graded vesting method over the requisite service period for the carried interest unit. Carried interest units that vest entirely at the end of the vesting requirement are expensed on a straight-line basis.
The Company estimated the fair value of carried interest units using an option pricing model. Key inputs that were used in applying the option pricing method were total equity value, equity volatility, risk free rate and time to liquidity event. The estimate of total equity value was determined using a combination of the income approach, which incorporated cash flow projections that were discounted at an appropriate rate, and the market approach, which involved applying a market multiple to the Company’s projected operating results. The Company estimated volatility based on the historical equity volatility of comparable publicly-traded companies. Subsequent to the IPO, such subjective valuations and estimates were no longer necessary as the Company relied on the market price of the Company’s common stock to determine the fair value of share-based compensation awards. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about our share-based compensation.
For stock option awards, the Company recognizes compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model. For options not subject to performance based vesting conditions, the Company recognizes the compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method.
Income Taxes
The Company's provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in estimates with regard to uncertain tax positions.  Deferred tax assets are subject to an ongoing assessment of realizability.  The Company provides deferred taxes for the outside basis difference of its investment in partnerships. 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company's cash investments are placed with money market funds and financial institutions that are investment grade as rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service.  The Company selects money market funds that predominantly invest in marketable, direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies, commercial paper, fully collateralized repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, and time deposits.
The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents.  The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of valuation allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable by evaluating the collectability of outstanding receivables and general factors such as historical collection experience, length of time individual receivables are past due, and the economic and competitive environment.
Investments
Investment securities and investment securities pledged as collateral are classified as trading securities and are stated at fair value with realized and unrealized holding gains and losses included in net income.
Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets
Property, plant and equipment, including construction materials, are carried at cost, and include all direct costs and certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable systems, and the costs of new equipment installations.  Equipment under capital leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments.  Depreciation on equipment is calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets' useful lives and reported in depreciation and amortization (including impairments) in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company capitalizes certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or develop internal-use software.  Capitalized software costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the software and reported in depreciation and amortization.
Customer relationships, trade names and other intangibles established in connection with acquisitions that are finite-lived are amortized in a manner that reflects the pattern in which the projected net cash inflows to the Company are expected to occur, such as the sum of the years' digits method, or when such pattern does not exist, using the straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives.
The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets subject to amortization that arose from acquisitions) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and the value of franchises acquired in purchase business combinations which have indefinite useful lives are not amortized.  Rather, such assets are tested for impairment annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event.
The Company assesses qualitative factors for its reporting units that carry goodwill.  If the qualitative assessment results in a conclusion that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, then no further testing is performed for that reporting unit.
When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive and it is necessary to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit, then the impairment analysis for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level using a two-step approach.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill utilizing an enterprise-value based premise approach.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss, if any.  The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill which would be recognized in a business combination.
The Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the one-step quantitative identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test.  This quantitative test is required only if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that a unit of accounting’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.  When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive, the impairment test for other intangible assets not subject to amortization requires a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value.  If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the terms of the related debt.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value.  The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market risks from changes in certain equity prices and interest rates and does not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.  These derivative instruments are not designated as hedges, and changes in the fair values of these derivatives are recognized in the statements of operations as gains (losses) on derivative contracts. 
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when the Company believes it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASC 606 replaced most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and allowed the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.
In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to clarify the Codification and to correct any unintended application of the guidance. The amendments in this update affected the guidance in ASC 606. ASC 606 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 on a full retrospective basis, which required the Company to reflect the impact of the updated guidance for all periods presented. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. See Note 20 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASC 606.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). ASU No. 2017‑07 requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. It also provides guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and what component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization. ASU No. 2017‑07 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and was applied retrospectively. As a result of the adoption, the Company reclassified the non-service cost components of the Company's pension expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 from other operating expenses to other income (expense), net. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient which allowed it to reclassify amounts disclosed previously in the benefits plan note (Note 17 of the consolidated financial statements) as the basis for applying retrospective presentation for comparative periods, as the Company determined it was impracticable to disaggregate the cost components for amounts capitalized and amortized in those periods. See Note 20 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2017-07.
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which provides simplification of income tax accounting for share-based payment awards. The new guidance became effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures, and intrinsic value were applied using the modified retrospective transition method. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term were applied prospectively. The Company elected to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using the prospective transition method. In connection with the adoption on January 1, 2017, a deferred tax asset of approximately $310,771 for previously unrealized excess tax benefits was recognized with the offset recorded to accumulated deficit.
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The primary provision of ASU No. 2018-02 allows for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU 2018-02 also requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. ASU No. 2018‑02 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted and will be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑09, Compensation- Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU No. 2017‑09 provides clarity and guidance on which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. ASU No. 2017‑09 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied prospectively.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). ASU No. 2017‑04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two‑step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU No. 2017‑04 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted and will be applied prospectively.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which amends Topic 805 to interpret the definition of a business by adding guidance to assist in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied prospectively.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied retrospectively. The Company does not believe that the adoption of ASU No. 2016-15 will have a material effect on its consolidated statements of cash flows.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted and will be applied using the modified retrospective method. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  ASU No. 2016-01 modifies how entities measure certain equity investments and also modifies the recognition of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option. Entities will be required to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. For financial liabilities measured using the fair value option, entities will be required to record changes in fair value caused by a change in instrument-specific credit risk (own credit risk) separately in other comprehensive income. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018.  The Company does expect the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 to have any effect on its consolidated financial statements.
Common Stock of Altice USA
At December 31, 2017, the Company had 246,982,292 shares of Class A common stock and 490,086,674 shares of Class B common stock, with a par value of $0.01, issued and outstanding. Each holder of Class A common stock has one vote per share while holders of Class B common stock have twenty-five votes per share. Class B shares can be converted to Class A common stock at anytime with a conversion ratio of one Class A common share for one Class B common share. 
At December 31, 2016, the Company had 100 shares of common stock, with a par value of $0.01, issued and outstanding.
Dividends and Distributions
The Company may pay dividends on its capital stock only from net profits and surplus as determined under Delaware law.  If dividends are paid on the Altice USA common stock, holders of the Altice USA Class A common stock and Altice USA Class B common stock are entitled to receive dividends, and other distributions in cash, stock or property, equally on a per share basis, except that stock dividends with respect to Altice USA Class A common stock may be paid only with shares of Altice USA Class A common stock and stock dividends with respect to Altice USA Class B common stock may be paid only with shares of Altice USA Class B common stock.
The Company's indentures restrict the amount of dividends and distributions in respect of any equity interest that can be made.
Prior to the Company's IPO, the Company declared and paid cash distributions to stockholders aggregating $839,700 in the second quarter of 2017. In 2016, the Company declared cash distributions of $445,176 of which $365,559 were paid in 2016 and $79,617 were paid in the first quarter of 2017.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted income per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders reflects the dilutive effects of stock options. Diluted net loss per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders excludes the effects of common stock equivalents as they are anti-dilutive. The weighted average number of shares used to compute basic and diluted net income (loss) per share reflect the retroactive impact of the organizational transactions, discussed in Note 1, that occurred prior to the Company's IPO.
The following table presents a reconciliation of weighted average shares used in the calculation of the basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Altice USA stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2017:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
696,055,000

 
 
Effect of dilution:
 
Stock options

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
696,055,000


Anti-dilutive shares totaling approximately 14,000 shares, have been excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2017. 
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that may potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade account receivables.  The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution.  The Company's emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the yield on its investments.  Management believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to its cash and cash equivalents because of its assessment of the creditworthiness and financial viability of the respective financial institutions.
The Company did not have a single customer that represented 10% or more of its consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, or 10% or more of its consolidated net trade receivables at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  See Note 11 for a discussion of fair value estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2016 financial statements to conform to the 2017 presentation.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes video, high-speed data, and voice services revenues as the services are provided to customers.  Revenue received from customers who purchase bundled services at a discounted rate is allocated to each product in a pro-rata manner based on the individual product’s selling price (generally, the price at which the product is regularly sold on a standalone basis). Installation revenue for the Company's video, consumer high-speed data and VoIP services is recognized as installations are completed, as direct selling costs have exceeded this revenue in all periods reported.  Advertising revenues are recognized when commercials are aired.
Revenues derived from other sources are recognized when services are provided or events occur.
Multiple-Element Transactions
In the normal course of business, the Company may enter into multiple-element transactions where it is simultaneously both a customer and a vendor with the same counterparty or in which it purchases multiple products and/or services, or settles outstanding items contemporaneous with the purchase of a product or service from a single counterparty. The Company's policy for accounting for each transaction negotiated contemporaneously is to record each deliverable of the transaction based on its best estimate of selling price in a manner consistent with that used to determine the price to sell each deliverable on a standalone basis.  In determining the fair value of the respective deliverable, the Company will utilize quoted market prices (as available), historical transactions or comparable transactions.
Gross Versus Net Revenue Recognition
In the normal course of business, the Company is assessed non-income related taxes by governmental authorities, including franchising authorities (generally under multi-year agreements), and collects such taxes from its customers.  The Company's policy is that, in instances where the tax is being assessed directly on the Company, amounts paid to the governmental authorities and amounts received from the customers are recorded on a gross basis.  That is, amounts paid to the governmental authorities are recorded as programming and other direct costs and amounts received from the customer are recorded as revenue.  For the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015 , the amount of franchise fees and certain other taxes and fees included as a component of revenue aggregated $95,432 and $199,701, respectively.
Technical and Operating Expenses
Costs of revenue related to sales of services are classified as "programming and other direct costs" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Programming Costs
Programming expenses related to the Company's video service represent fees paid to programming distributors to license the programming distributed to subscribers.  This programming is acquired generally under multi-year distribution agreements, with rates usually based on the number of subscribers that receive the programming.  There have been periods when an existing distribution agreement has expired and the parties have not finalized negotiations of either a renewal of that agreement or a new agreement for certain periods of time.  In substantially all these instances, the Company continues to carry and pay for these services until execution of definitive replacement agreements or renewals.  The amount of programming expense recorded during the interim period is based on the Company's estimates of the ultimate contractual agreement expected to be reached, which is based on several factors, including previous contractual rates, customary rate increases and the current status of negotiations.  Such estimates are adjusted as negotiations progress until new programming terms are finalized.
In addition, the Company has received, or may receive, incentives from programming distributors for carriage of the distributors' programming.  The Company generally recognizes these incentives as a reduction of programming costs in "programming and other direct costs", generally over the term of the distribution agreement.
Advertising Expenses
Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred and are reflected in "other operating expenses" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.  Advertising costs amounted to $62,760 and $160,671, for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense is based on the fair value of the portion of share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. For share-based compensation awards that can be settled in cash, the Company recognizes compensation expense based on the estimated fair value of the award at each reporting period.
For options and performance based option awards, Cablevision recognized compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model.  For options not subject to performance based vesting conditions, Cablevision recognized the compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method.  For options subject to performance based vesting conditions, Cablevision recognized compensation expense based on the probable outcome of the performance criteria over the requisite service period for each tranche of awards.
For restricted shares, Cablevision recognized compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method based on the grant date price of CNYG Class A common stock over the vesting period. For restricted stock units granted to non-employee director which vested 100% on the date of grant, compensation expense was recognized on the date of grant based on the grant date price of CNYG Class A common stock.
For performance based restricted stock units ("PSUs") which cliff vested in three years, Cablevision recognized compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on the estimated number of shares of CNYG Class A common stock expected to be issued.
Income Taxes
The Company's provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in estimates with regard to uncertain tax positions.  Deferred tax assets are subject to an ongoing assessment of realizability.  The Company provides deferred taxes for the outside basis difference of its investment in partnerships.  In the second quarter of 2016, the Company changed its accounting policy on a prospective basis to present interest expense relating to uncertain tax position as additional interest expense.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company's cash investments are placed with money market funds and financial institutions that are investment grade as rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service.  The Company selects money market funds that predominantly invest in marketable, direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies, commercial paper, fully collateralized repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, and time deposits.
The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents.  The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of valuation allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable by evaluating the collectability of outstanding receivables and general factors such as historical collection experience, length of time individual receivables are past due, and the economic and competitive environment.
Investments
Investment securities and investment securities pledged as collateral are classified as trading securities and are stated at fair value with realized and unrealized holding gains and losses included in net income.
Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets
Property, plant and equipment, including construction materials, are carried at cost, and include all direct costs and certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable systems, and the costs of new equipment installations.  Equipment under capital leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments.  Depreciation on equipment is calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets' useful lives and reported in depreciation and amortization (including impairments) in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company capitalizes certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or develop internal-use software.  Capitalized software costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the software and reported in depreciation and amortization (including impairments).
Customer relationships, trade names and other intangibles established in connection with acquisitions that are finite-lived are amortized in a manner that reflects the pattern in which the projected net cash inflows to the Company are expected to occur, such as the sum of the years' digits method, or when such pattern does not exist, using the straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives.
The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets subject to amortization that arose from acquisitions) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and the value of franchises, trademarks, and certain other intangibles acquired in purchase business combinations which have indefinite useful lives are not amortized.  Rather, such assets are tested for impairment annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event.
The Company assesses qualitative factors for its reporting units that carry goodwill.  If the qualitative assessment results in a conclusion that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, then no further testing is performed for that reporting unit.
When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive and it is necessary to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit, then the impairment analysis for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level using a two-step approach.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill utilizing an enterprise-value based premise approach.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss, if any.  The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill which would be recognized in a business combination.
The Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the one-step quantitative identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test.  This quantitative test is required only if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that a unit of accounting’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.  When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive, the impairment test for other intangible assets not subject to amortization requires a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value.  If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the terms of the related debt.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value.  The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market risks from changes in certain equity prices and interest rates and does not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.  These derivative instruments are not designated as hedges, and changes in the fair values of these derivatives are recognized in the statements of income as gains (losses) on derivative contracts. 
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when the Company believes it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-17 (Topic 740), Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This ASU amends existing guidance to require the presentation of deferred tax liabilities and assets as noncurrent within a classified statement of financial position. ASU No. 2015-17 was adopted by the Company as of June 30, 2016 and was applied prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, which requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Prior to the issuance of the standard, entities were required to retrospectively apply adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. ASU No. 2015-16 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2016.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. ASU No. 2015-05 provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. ASU No. 2015-05 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2016 and did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements, which clarifies the treatment of debt issuance costs from line-of-credit arrangements after adoption of ASU No. 2015-03. ASU No. 2015-15 clarifies that the Securities and Exchange Commission staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. ASU No. 2015-03 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2016 representing a change in accounting principle and was applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Debt issuance costs, net for the Company of $67,119, as of December 31, 2015 were reclassified from deferred financing costs and presented as a reduction to debt in the consolidated balance sheets.
Debt issuance costs, net for the Company of $7,588 as of December 31, 2015 relating to its revolving credit facility were not impacted by the adoption of ASU No. 2015-03 and are reflected as long-term assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide certain disclosures when it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. ASU No. 2014-15 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2016.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period. ASU No. 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. Entities may apply the amendments in this ASU either: (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date; or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. ASU No. 2014-12 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2016 on a prospective basis and did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU No. 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective and allows the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 that approved deferring the effective date by one year so that ASU No. 2014-09 would become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The FASB also approved, in July 2015, permitting the early adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, but not before the original effective date for the Company of January 1, 2017.
In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to clarify the Codification and to correct any unintended application of the guidance. These items are not expected to have a significant effect on the current accounting standard. The amendments in this update affect the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09, which is not yet effective. ASU No. 2014-09 will be effective, reflecting the one-year deferral, for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (January 1, 2018 for the Company).  Early adoption of the standard is permitted but not before the original effective date. Companies can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and selecting the method of transition to the new standard. We currently expect the adoption to impact the timing of the recognition of residential installation revenue and the recognition of commission expenses.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, which requires that the statement of cash flows disclose the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. Restricted cash should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-18 provides specific guidance on the presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted and will be applied retrospectively.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted and will be applied retrospectively. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-15 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which provides simplification of income tax accounting for share-based payment awards. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2017 with early adoption permitted. Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures, and intrinsic value will be applied using the modified retrospective transition method. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term will be applied prospectively. The Company may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using either a prospective transition method or a retrospective transition method. In connection with the adoption on January 1, 2017, a deferred tax asset of approximately $309,000 for previously unrealized excess tax benefits will be recognized with the offset recorded to accumulated deficit.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted and will be applied using the modified retrospective method. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Common Stock of Cablevision
Prior to the Merger, each holder of CNYG Class A common stock had one vote per share while holders of CNYG Class B common stock had ten votes per share.  CNYG Class B shares could be converted to CNYG Class A common stock at anytime with a conversion ratio of one CNYG Class A common share for one CNYG Class B common share.  CNYG Class A stockholders were entitled to elect 25% of Cablevision's Board of Directors.  CNYG Class B stockholders had the right to elect the remaining members of Cablevision's Board of Directors.  In addition, CNYG Class B stockholders were parties to an agreement which had the effect of causing the voting power of these CNYG Class B stockholders to be cast as a block.
The following table provides details of Cablevision's shares of common stock through the Merger Date:
 
Shares of Common Stock Outstanding
 
Class A
Common Stock
 
Class B
Common Stock
Balance at December 31, 2014
220,219,935

 
54,137,673

Employee and non-employee director stock transactions (a)
2,352,275

 

Balance at December 31, 2015
222,572,210

 
54,137,673

Employee and non-employee director stock transactions (a)
(185,276
)
 

Balance at June 20, 2016
222,386,934

 
54,137,673

 
(a)
Primarily included issuances of common stock in connection with employee and non-employee director exercises of stock options and restricted shares granted to employees, offset by shares acquired by the Company in connection with the fulfillment of employees' statutory tax withholding obligation for applicable income and other employment taxes and forfeited employee restricted shares.

Dividends
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Cablevision was not permitted to declare and pay dividends or repurchase stock, in each case, without the prior written consent of Altice. In accordance with these terms, Cablevision did not declare dividends during the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016.
During the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, Cablevision paid $4,066 related to restricted shares that vested in respect of dividends declared and accrued on the CNYG common stock in prior periods. 
Prior to the Merger, the Board of Directors of Cablevision had declared and paid the following cash dividends to stockholders of record on both its CNYG Class A common stock and CNYG Class B common stock:
Declaration Date
 
Dividend per Share
 
Record Date
 
Payment Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
August 6, 2015
 
$0.15
 
August 21, 2015
 
September 10, 2015
May 1, 2015
 
$0.15
 
May 22, 2015
 
June 12, 2015
February 24, 2015
 
$0.15
 
March 16, 2015
 
April 3, 2015

Cablevision paid dividends aggregating $125,170 during the year ended December 31, 2015, including accrued dividends on vested restricted shares of $3,935
Cablevision's and CSC Holdings' indentures and CSC Holdings' credit agreement restrict the amount of dividends and distributions in respect of any equity interest that can be made.
Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic income per common share attributable to Cablevision stockholders was computed by dividing net income attributable to Cablevision stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted income per common share attributable to Cablevision stockholders reflected the dilutive effects of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units. For such awards that were performance based, the diluted effect was reflected upon the achievement of the performance criteria.
The following table presents a reconciliation of weighted average shares used in the calculations of the basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Cablevision stockholders:
 
January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
272,035

 
269,388

 
 
 
 
Effect of dilution:
 
 
 

Stock options
4,444

 
3,532

Restricted stock
3,720

 
3,419

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
280,199

 
276,339


Anti-dilutive shares (options whose exercise price exceeds the average market price of Cablevision's common stock during the period and certain restricted shares) totaling approximately 1,160,000 shares were excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended 2015.  There were no anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the period January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016. In addition, approximately 1,772,000 performance based restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2015 issued pursuant to the Company's former employee stock plan were also excluded from the diluted weighted average shares outstanding as the performance criteria on these awards had not yet been satisfied for the respective period.
Net income (loss) per share for Cablevision subsequent to the merger is not presented since Cablevision's common stock is no longer publicly traded.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that may potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade account receivables.  The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution.  The Company's emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the yield on its investments.  Management believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to its cash and cash equivalents balances because of its assessment of the creditworthiness and financial viability of the respective financial institutions.

The Company did not have a single customer that represented 10% or more of its consolidated revenues for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015, or 10% or more of its consolidated net trade receivables at December 31, 2015.
v3.8.0.1
CVC - ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
Activity related to the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts is presented below:
 
Balance at Beginning of Period
 
Provision for Bad Debt
 
Deductions/ Write-Offs and Other Charges
 
Balance at End of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
11,677

 
$
74,183

 
$
(72,440
)
 
$
13,420

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
1,051

 
$
53,249

 
$
(42,623
)
 
$
11,677

Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
Activity related to the allowance for doubtful accounts:
 
Balance at Beginning of Period
 
Provision for Bad Debt
 
Deductions/ Write-Offs and Other Charges
 
Balance at End of Period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period from January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
6,039

 
$
13,240

 
$
(12,378
)
 
$
6,901

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
12,112

 
$
35,802

 
$
(41,875
)
 
$
6,039

v3.8.0.1
CVC - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents.  The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value.
The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Continuing Operations:
 
 
 
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid
$
91,036

 
$
61,170

Notes payable to vendor
30,237

 

Capital lease obligations
656

 

Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
Cash interest paid
464,763

 
524,864

Income taxes paid (refunded), net
(1,027
)
 
1,553

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Continuing Operations:
 
 
 
Conversion of notes payable to affiliates and related parties of $1,750,000 (together with accrued and unpaid interest and applicable premium) to common stock (See Note 9)
$
2,264,252

 
$

Property and equipment accrued but unpaid
171,604

 
155,653

Distributions declared but not paid

 
79,617

Leasehold improvements paid by landlord
3,998

 

Notes payable to vendor
40,131

 
12,449

Capital lease obligations
9,385

 

Deferred financing costs accrued but unpaid

 
2,570

Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
Cash interest paid
1,765,126

 
1,192,370

Income taxes paid, net
29,006

 
1,538

Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION  
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:
 
January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016
 
Years Ended December 31,
2015
 
 
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Continuing Operations:
 
 
 
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid
$
68,356

 
$
63,843

Notes payable to vendor

 
8,318

Capital lease obligations

 
19,987

Intangible asset obligations
290

 
1,121

Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 

Dividends payable on unvested restricted share awards

 
3,517

Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
Continuing Operations:
 
 
 
Cash interest paid
258,940

 
560,361

Income taxes paid, net
7,082

 
3,849

v3.8.0.1
CVC - RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER EXPENSE
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
RESTRUCTURING COSTS AND OTHER EXPENSE
RESTRUCTURING COSTS AND OTHER EXPENSE
Restructuring
Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the Company commenced its restructuring initiatives (the "2016 Restructuring Plan") that are intended to simplify the Company's organizational structure.
The following table summarizes the activity for the 2016 Restructuring Plan during 2018:
 
 
 
Severance and Other Employee Related Costs
 
Facility Realignment and Other Costs
 
Total
Accrual balance at December 31, 2017
$
113,474

 
$
9,626

 
$
123,100

Restructuring charges
1,818

 
(497
)
 
1,321

Payments and other
(38,469
)
 
(4,475
)
 
(42,944
)
Accrual balance at March 31, 2018
$
76,823

 
$
4,654

 
$
81,477


The Company recorded restructuring charges of $76,751 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 relating to the 2016 Restructuring Plan.
Cumulative costs to date relating to the 2016 Restructuring Plan amounted to $310,294 and $67,526 for our Cablevision segment and Cequel segments, respectively.
Transaction Costs
The Company incurred transaction costs of $2,266 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 relating to the Distribution discussed in Note 1 and $178 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 related to the acquisition of a business.
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER EXPENSE
Restructuring
Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the Company commenced its restructuring initiatives (the "2016 Restructuring Plan") that are intended to simplify the Company's organizational structure.
The following table summarizes the activity for the 2016 Restructuring Plan:
 
 
 
Severance and Other Employee Related Costs
 
Facility Realignment and Other Costs
 
Total
Restructuring charges incurred in 2016
$
215,420

 
$
11,157

 
$
226,577

Payments and other
(113,301
)
 
(2,760
)
 
(116,061
)
Accrual balance at December 31, 2016
102,119

 
8,397

 
110,516

Restructuring charges
142,679

 
7,243

 
149,922

Payments and other
(131,324
)
 
(6,014
)
 
(137,338
)
Accrual balance at December 31, 2017
$
113,474

 
$
9,626

 
$
123,100


Cumulative costs to date relating to the 2016 Restructuring Plan amounted to $309,297 and $67,202 for our Cablevision segment and Cequel segment, respectively.
Transaction Costs
For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company incurred transaction costs of $2,479 related to the acquisition of a business during the first quarter of 2017 and other transactions. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company incurred transaction costs of $13,845, related to the acquisitions of Cablevision and Cequel.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]    
RESTRUCTURING COSTS AND OTHER EXPENSE  
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER EXPENSE
Restructuring
The Company recorded net restructuring charges (credits) of $2,299 and $(1,649), for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively. The 2016 and 2015 restructuring expense (credit) primarily related to changes to the Company's previous estimates recorded in connection with the Company's prior restructuring plans.
Subsequent to the Altice Merger, the Company commenced its restructuring initiatives (the "2016 Restructuring Plan") that are intended to simplify the Company's organizational structure. The 2016 Restructuring Plan resulted in charges of $188,847 associated with the elimination of positions primarily in corporate, administrative and infrastructure functions across the Company and estimated charges of $10,410 associated with facility realignment and other costs.
Other Expense
In connection with the Altice Merger, the Company incurred transaction costs of $19,924 and $17,862 for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively, which are reflected in restructuring and other expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Subsequent to the Altice Merger, the Company incurred transaction costs of $12,920.
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS  
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Loss from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $21,272 ($12,541, net of income taxes) and primarily reflects an expense of $21,000 ($12,380, net of income taxes) related to the settlement of a legal matter relating to Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, a business whose operations were previously discontinued (see Note 17).
v3.8.0.1
CVC - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Costs incurred in the construction of the Company's cable systems, including line extensions to, and upgrade of, the Company's hybrid fiber/coaxial infrastructure, initial placement of the feeder cable to connect a customer that had not been previously connected, and headend facilities are capitalized.  These costs consist of materials, subcontractor labor, direct consulting fees, and internal labor and related costs associated with the construction activities.  The internal costs that are capitalized consist of salaries and benefits of the Company's employees and the portion of facility costs, including rent, taxes, insurance and utilities, that supports the construction activities.  These costs are depreciated over the estimated life of the plant (10 to 25 years) and headend facilities (4 to 25 years).  Costs of operating the plant and the technical facilities, including repairs and maintenance, are expensed as incurred.
Installation costs associated with the initial deployment of new customer premise equipment (“CPE”) necessary to provide pay television, broadband or telephony services are also capitalized. These costs include materials, subcontractor labor, internal labor, and other related costs associated with the connection activities.  The departmental activities supporting the connection process are tracked through specific metrics, and the portion of departmental costs that is capitalized is determined through a time weighted activity allocation of costs incurred based on time studies used to estimate the average time spent on each activity.  These installation costs are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the CPE necessary to provide pay television, broadband or telephony services.  In circumstances where CPE tracking is not available, the Company estimates the amount of capitalized installation costs based on whether or not the business or residence had been previously connected to the network. These installation costs are depreciated over their estimated useful life of 3-5 years. The portion of departmental costs related to disconnecting services and removing CPE from a customer, costs related to connecting CPE that has been previously connected to the network and repair and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
The estimated useful lives assigned to our property, plant and equipment are reviewed on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances warrant and such lives are revised to the extent necessary due to changing facts and circumstances.  Any changes in estimated useful lives are reflected prospectively.
Property, plant and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) consist of the following assets, which are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives shown below:
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Estimated
Useful Lives
Customer premise equipment
$
1,093,726

 
$
871,049

 
3 to 5 years
Headends and related equipment
1,626,293

 
1,482,631

 
4 to 25 years
Infrastructure
4,003,845

 
3,740,494

 
3 to 25 years
Equipment and software
918,298

 
735,012

 
3 to 10 years
Construction in progress (including materials and supplies)
240,496

 
84,321

 
 
Furniture and fixtures
52,545

 
45,576

 
5 to 12 years
Transportation equipment
138,147

 
135,488

 
5 to 10 years
Buildings and building improvements
394,421

 
390,337

 
10 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements
108,071

 
104,309

 
Term of lease
Land
47,563

 
47,715

 
 
 
8,623,405

 
7,636,932

 
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(2,599,579
)
 
(1,039,297
)
 
 
 
$
6,023,826

 
$
6,597,635

 
 

For the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company capitalized certain costs aggregating $151,646 and $75,804, respectively, related to the acquisition and development of internal use software, which are included in the table above. 
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment (including capital leases) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounted to $1,588,764 and $1,046,896, respectively.
The gross amount of buildings and equipment and related accumulated depreciation recorded under capital leases is presented below:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Buildings and equipment
$
48,936

 
$
53,833

Less accumulated depreciation
(12,972
)
 
(6,306
)
 
$
35,964

 
$
47,527

Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Costs incurred in the construction of the Company's cable systems, including line extensions to, and upgrade of, the Company's hybrid fiber/coaxial infrastructure, initial placement of the feeder cable to connect a customer that had not been previously connected, and headend facilities are capitalized.  These costs consist of materials, subcontractor labor, direct consulting fees, and internal labor and related costs associated with the construction activities.  The internal costs that are capitalized consist of salaries and benefits of the Company's employees and the portion of facility costs, including rent, taxes, insurance and utilities, that supports the construction activities.  These costs are depreciated over the estimated life of the plant (10 to 25 years) and headend facilities (4 to 25 years).  Costs of operating the plant and the technical facilities, including repairs and maintenance, are expensed as incurred.
Costs associated with initial customer installations and the additions of network equipment necessary to enable advanced services are also capitalized. Costs capitalized as part of new customer installations include materials, subcontractor costs and internal direct labor costs, including service technicians and internal overhead costs incurred to connect the customer to the plant from the time of installation scheduling through the time service is activated and functioning. The internal direct labor cost capitalized is based on a combination of the actual and estimated time to complete the installation. Overhead capitalized consists mainly of employee benefits, such as payroll taxes and health insurance, directly associated with that portion of the capitalized labor and vehicle operating costs related to capitalizable activities. New connections are amortized over the estimated useful life of 5 years for customer wiring and feeder cable to the home.  The portion of departmental costs related to disconnecting services, reconnection of a customer, and repair and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
The estimated useful lives assigned to our property, plant and equipment are reviewed on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances warrant and such lives are revised to the extent necessary due to changing facts and circumstances.  Any changes in estimated useful lives are reflected prospectively.
Property, plant and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) consist of the following assets, which are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives shown below:
 
December 31, 2015
 
Estimated
Useful Lives
Customer equipment
$
1,952,336

 
3 to 5 years
Headends and related equipment
2,388,289

 
4 to 25 years
Infrastructure
5,639,226

 
3 to 25 years
Equipment and software
1,577,616

 
3 to 10 years
Construction in progress (including materials and supplies)
87,412

 
 
Furniture and fixtures
96,561

 
5 to 12 years
Transportation equipment
210,013

 
5 to 18 years
Buildings and building improvements
322,267

 
10 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements
354,136

 
Term of lease
Land
14,507

 
 
 
12,642,363

 
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(9,625,348
)
 
 
 
$
3,017,015

 
 

During the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Company capitalized certain costs aggregating $58,409 and $144,349, respectively, related to the acquisition and development of internal use software, which are included in the table above. 
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment (including capital leases) for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $404,234 and $857,440, respectively.
At December 31, 2015, the gross amount of equipment and related accumulated amortization recorded under capital leases was as follows:
 
December 31, 2015
Equipment
$
90,099

Less accumulated amortization
(28,119
)
 
$
61,980

v3.8.0.1
CVC - OPERATING LEASES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
OPERATING LEASES
OPERATING LEASES
The Company leases certain office, production, and transmission facilities under terms of leases expiring at various dates through 2035.  The leases generally provide for escalating rentals over the term of the lease plus certain real estate taxes and other costs or credits.  Costs associated with such operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term.  The difference between rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent.  In addition, the Company rents space on utility poles for its operations.  The Company's pole rental agreements are for varying terms, and management anticipates renewals as they expire.  Rent expense, including pole rentals, for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $41,573 and $82,704, respectively.
The minimum future annual payments for all operating leases (with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year) during the next five years and thereafter, including pole rentals from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021, are as follows:
2017
$
57,853

2018
52,206

2019
44,908

2020
41,221

2021
38,697

Thereafter
141,063

v3.8.0.1
CVC - INTANGIBLE ASSETS
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired amortizable intangible assets: 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Useful Lives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer relationships
$
5,970,884

 
$
(1,603,142
)
 
$
4,367,742

 
$
5,970,884

 
$
(1,409,021
)
 
$
4,561,863

 
8 to 18 years
Trade names
1,067,083

 
(624,276
)
 
442,807

 
1,067,083

 
(588,574
)
 
478,509

 
2 to 5 years
Other amortizable intangibles
37,060

 
(12,972
)
 
24,088

 
37,060

 
(10,978
)
 
26,082

 
1 to 15 years
 
$
7,075,027

 
$
(2,240,390
)
 
$
4,834,637

 
$
7,075,027

 
$
(2,008,573
)
 
$
5,066,454

 
 
Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 aggregated $231,817, and $238,019, respectively.
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
Cable television franchises
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

 
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

Goodwill
5,866,108

 
2,153,741

 
8,019,849

 
5,866,120

 
2,153,741

 
8,019,861

Total
$
13,979,683

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,039,930

 
$
13,979,695

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,039,942


The carrying amount of goodwill is presented below:
Gross goodwill as of December 31, 2017, as reported
$
7,996,760

ATS goodwill included in Cablevision segment (See Note 3 for further details)
23,101

Gross goodwill as of December 31, 2017, as adjusted
8,019,861

Adjustment to purchase accounting relating to business acquired in fourth quarter of 2017
(12
)
Net goodwill as of March 31, 2018
$
8,019,849

INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired amortizable intangible assets: 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Useful Lives
Customer relationships
$
5,970,884

 
$
(1,409,021
)
 
$
4,561,863

 
$
5,925,884

 
$
(580,276
)
 
$
5,345,608

 
8 to 18 years
Trade names (a)
1,067,083

 
(588,574
)
 
478,509

 
1,066,783

 
(83,397
)
 
983,386

 
2 to 5 years
Other amortizable intangibles
37,060

 
(10,978
)
 
26,082

 
26,743

 
(3,093
)
 
23,650

 
1 to 15 years
 
$
7,075,027

 
$
(2,008,573
)
 
$
5,066,454

 
$
7,019,410

 
$
(666,766
)
 
$
6,352,644

 
 
 
(a)
On May 23, 2017, Altice N.V. announced the adoption of a global brand to replace the Company's brands in the future, reducing the remaining useful lives of these trade name intangibles to three years from the date of the adoption, which reflected one year as an in-use asset and two years as a defensive asset. In December 2017, the Company made a decision to postpone the adoption of a global brand that would have replaced the Optimum brand, increasing the useful life of the Optimum trade name intangible asset to 5 years.
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and aggregated $1,341,807 and $653,410, respectively.
The following table sets forth the estimated amortization expense on intangible assets for the periods presented:
Estimated amortization expense
 

Year Ending December 31, 2018
$
873,133

Year Ending December 31, 2019
777,846

Year Ending December 31, 2020
696,240

Year Ending December 31, 2021
616,718

Year Ending December 31, 2022
537,100


The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
Cable television franchises
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

 
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

Goodwill
5,866,120

 
2,153,741

 
8,019,861

 
5,838,959

 
2,153,741

 
7,992,700

Total
$
13,979,695

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,039,942

 
$
13,952,534

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,012,781


The carrying amount of goodwill is presented below:
Gross goodwill as of January 1, 2016
$
2,040,402

Goodwill recorded in connection with Cablevision Acquisition
5,838,959

Adjustments to purchase accounting relating to Cequel Acquisition
113,339

Gross goodwill as of January 1, 2017
7,992,700

Goodwill recorded in connection with acquisitions in the first and fourth quarters of 2017 (Cablevision Segment)
23,948

Adjustments to purchase accounting relating to Cablevision Acquisition
3,213

Net goodwill as of December 31, 2017
$
8,019,861

Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
INTANGIBLE ASSETS  
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired intangible assets: 
 
December 31, 2015
 
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying Amount
Estimated Useful Lives
 
 
 
 
   
Customer relationships
$
39,414

$
(27,778
)
$
11,636

10 to 18 years
Trade names



 
Other amortizable intangibles
57,847

(32,532
)
25,315

3 to 28 years
 
$
97,261

$
(60,310
)
$
36,951

 

Amortization expense for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $10,316 and $7,812, respectively.
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets: 
 
December 31, 2015
Cable television franchises
$
731,848

Trademarks and other assets
7,250

Goodwill
262,345

Total
$
1,001,443


The carrying amount of goodwill is presented below:
Gross goodwill as of December 31, 2015 (Predecessor)
$
596,403

Accumulated impairment losses
(334,058
)
Net goodwill as of June 20, 2016
$
262,345


Impairment Charges
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment or earlier upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. 
No goodwill impairments were recorded for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively.
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DEBT
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
DEBT
DEBT
The following table provides details of the Company's outstanding credit facility debt:
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
CSC Holdings Restricted Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (b)
$20,000 on October 9, 2020, remaining balance on November 30, 2021
 
—%
 
$

 
$

 
$
450,000

 
$
425,488

Term Loan Facility
July 17, 2025
 
4.04%
 
2,977,500

 
2,960,859

 
2,985,000

 
2,967,818

Incremental Term Loan Facility
January 25, 2026
 
4.28%
 
1,500,000

 
1,481,825

 

 

Cequel:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (c)
$65,000 on November 30, 2021, and remaining balance on April 5, 2023
 
 

 

 

 

Term Loan Facility
July 28, 2025
 
4.13%
 
1,255,513

 
1,247,318

 
1,258,675

 
1,250,217

 
 
 
 
 
$
5,733,013

 
5,690,002

 
$
4,693,675

 
4,643,523

Less: Current portion
 
 
 
53,900

 
 
 
42,650

Long-term debt
 
 
 
$
5,636,102

 
 
 
$
4,600,873


(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
(b)
At March 31, 2018, $115,973 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $2,184,027 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
(c)
At March 31, 2018, $13,500 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $336,500 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
In January 2018, CSC Holdings borrowed $150,000 under its revolving credit facility and entered into a new $1,500,000 incremental term loan facility (the "Incremental Term Loan") under its existing CVC Credit Facilities Agreement. The Incremental Term Loan was priced at 99.5% and will mature on January 25, 2026. The Incremental Term Loan is comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternate base rate borrowings, and bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBO rate or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.50% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.50% per annum.
The Company made a voluntary repayment of $600,000 under the CSC Holdings revolving credit facility in January 2018.
On March 22, 2018, Altice US Finance I Corporation, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Fourth Amendment to Cequel Credit Agreement (Extension Amendment), by and among the borrower, the Revolving Consent Lenders (as defined in the Fourth Amendment) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders (the “Fourth Amendment”).  The Fourth Amendment amends and supplements the Borrower’s credit agreement, dated as of June 12, 2015, as amended by the first amendment (refinancing amendment), dated as of October 25, 2016, the second amendment (extension amendment), dated as of December 9, 2016, and the third amendment (incremental loan assumption agreement and refinancing amendment), dated as of March 15, 2017, (as so amended and as may be further amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time and as further amended by the Fourth Amendment among, inter alios, the borrower, the lenders party thereto and the administrative agent.
The Fourth Amendment extends the maturity date of the revolving loans and/or commitments of the Revolving Consent Lenders to April 5, 2023. The Fourth Amendment and the extended maturity date will not apply to the revolving loans and/or commitments of revolving lenders under the Cequel Credit Agreement that are not Revolving Consent Lenders.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the CSC Holdings Credit Facilities Agreement and the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement.
Senior Guaranteed Notes, Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes and Debentures
The following table summarizes the Company's senior guaranteed notes, senior secured notes and senior notes and debentures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Date Issued
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
CSC Holdings Senior Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 6, 1998
 
February 15, 2018
 
7.875
%
(b)
(f)
(o)
$

 
$

 
$
300,000

 
$
301,184

July 21, 1998
 
July 15, 2018
 
7.625
%
(b)
(f)
 
500,000

 
504,213

 
500,000

 
507,744

February 12, 2009
 
February 15, 2019
 
8.625
%
(c)
(f)
 
526,000

 
537,930

 
526,000

 
541,165

November 15, 2011
 
November 15, 2021
 
6.750
%
(c)
(f)
 
1,000,000

 
962,332

 
1,000,000

 
960,146

May 23, 2014
 
June 1, 2024
 
5.250
%
(c)
(f)
 
750,000

 
663,291

 
750,000

 
660,601

October 9, 2015
 
January 15, 2023
 
10.125
%
(e)
 
 
1,800,000

 
1,778,745

 
1,800,000

 
1,777,914

October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
10.875
%
(e)
(l)
 
1,684,221

 
1,661,516

 
1,684,221

 
1,661,135

CSC Holdings Senior Guaranteed Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
6.625
%
(e)
 
 
1,000,000

 
987,037

 
1,000,000

 
986,717

September 23, 2016
 
April 15, 2027
 
5.500
%
(g)
 
 
1,310,000

 
1,304,581

 
1,310,000

 
1,304,468

January 29, 2018
 
February 1, 2028
 
5.375
%
(n)
 
 
1,000,000

 
991,665

 

 

Cablevision Senior Notes (k):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2018
 
7.750
%
(c)
(f)
(o)

 

 
750,000

 
754,035

April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2020
 
8.000
%
(c)
(f)
 
500,000

 
492,795

 
500,000

 
492,009

September 27, 2012
 
September 15, 2022
 
5.875
%
(c)
(f)
 
649,024

 
575,348

 
649,024

 
572,071

Cequel and Cequel Capital Senior Notes (l):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oct. 25, 2012 Dec. 28, 2012
 
September 15, 2020
 
6.375
%
(d)
(m)
 
1,050,000

 
1,029,364

 
1,050,000

 
1,027,493

May 16, 2013 Sept. 9, 2014
 
December 15, 2021
 
5.125
%
(d)
 
 
1,250,000

 
1,144,929

 
1,250,000

 
1,138,870

June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2025
 
7.750
%
(i)
 
 
620,000

 
604,755

 
620,000

 
604,374

Altice US Finance I Corporation Senior Secured Notes (l):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2023
 
5.375
%
(h)
 
 
1,100,000

 
1,083,159

 
1,100,000

 
1,082,482

April 26, 2016
 
May 15, 2026
 
5.500
%
(j)
 
 
1,500,000

 
1,488,306

 
1,500,000

 
1,488,024

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
16,239,245

 
15,809,966

 
$
16,289,245

 
15,860,432

Less: current portion
 
 
1,042,143

 
 
 
507,744

Long-term debt
 
 
$
14,767,823

 
 
 
$
15,352,688

 
(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
(b)
The debentures are not redeemable by CSC Holdings prior to maturity.
(c)
Notes are redeemable at any time at a specified "make-whole" price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
(d)
The Company may redeem some or more of all the notes at the redemption price set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(e)
The Company may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes at any time on or after January 15, 2019, and some or all of the 2025 Notes and 2025 Guaranteed Notes at any time on or after October 15, 2020, at the redemption prices set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  The Company may also redeem up to 40% of each series of the Cablevision Acquisition Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 110.125% for the 2023 Notes, 110.875% for the 2025 Notes and 106.625% for the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, at any time prior to January 15, 2019, CSC Holdings may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes, and at any time prior to October 15, 2020, the Company may redeem some or all of the 2025 Notes and the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a “make whole” premium specified in the relevant indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(f)
The carrying value of the notes was adjusted to reflect their fair value on the Cablevision Acquisition Date (aggregate reduction of $52,788).
(g)
The 2027 Guaranteed Notes are redeemable at any time on or after April 15, 2022 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  In addition, up to 40% may be redeemed for each series of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(h)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2018, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 105.375%.
(i)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2020, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 107.750%.
(j)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after May 15, 2021, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before May 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%.
(k)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any dividends or distributions received from CSC Holdings. CSC Holdings is restricted, in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement.
(l)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any contributions/distributions from Cequel Communications, LLC (an indirect subsidiary of Cequel and the parent of Altice US Finance I). Cequel Communications, LLC is restricted in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement.
(m)
These notes were repaid in April 2018 with the proceeds from the issuance of new senior notes (see Note 17).
(n)
The 2028 Guaranteed Notes are redeemable at any time on or after February 1, 2023 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  In addition, up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before February 1, 2021, at a redemption price equal to 105.375%, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(o)
These notes were repaid in February 2018 with the proceeds from the 2028 Guaranteed Notes (defined below) and with the proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan.
In January 2018, CSC Holdings issued $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior guaranteed notes due February 1, 2028 (the "2028 Guaranteed Notes"). The 2028 Guaranteed Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior indebtedness, including the existing senior notes and the CVC Credit Facilities and rank senior in right of payment to all of existing and future subordinated indebtedness.
The proceeds from the 2028 Guaranteed Notes, together with proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan (discussed above), borrowings under the CVC revolving credit facility and cash on hand, were used in February 2018 to repay $300,000 principal amount of CSC Holdings' senior notes due in February 2018 and $750,000 principal amount of Cablevision senior notes due in April 2018 and will be used to fund a dividend of $1,500,000 to the Company's stockholders immediately prior to and in connection with the Distribution discussed in Note 1.
The indentures under which the senior notes and debentures were issued contain various covenants.  The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under these indentures as of March 31, 2018.
Notes Payable to Affiliates and Related Parties
On June 21, 2016, in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, the Company issued notes payable to affiliates and related parties aggregating $1,750,000, of which $875,000 bore interest at 10.75% and matured on December 20, 2023 and $875,000 bore interest at 11% and matured on December 20, 2024.
In connection with the Company's IPO in June 2017, the Company converted the notes payable to affiliates and related parties (together with accrued and unpaid interest of $529 and applicable premium of $513,723) into shares of the Company’s common stock at the IPO price. The premium was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt on the Company's statement of operations in the second quarter of 2017. In connection with the conversion of the notes, the Company recorded a credit to paid in capital of $2,264,252 in the second quarter of 2017.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recognized $47,588 of interest expense related to these notes prior to their conversion.
Summary of Debt Maturities
The future maturities of debt payable by the Company under its various debt obligations outstanding as of March 31, 2018, including notes payable, collateralized indebtedness (see Note 10), and capital leases, are as follows:
Years Ending December 31,
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
2018
$
581,298

 
$
14,193

 
$
595,491

2019
579,587

 
32,563

 
612,150

2020
547,517

 
1,062,715

 
1,610,232

2021
2,506,407

 
1,262,725

 
3,769,132

2022
695,806

 
12,730

 
708,536

Thereafter
11,812,663

 
4,416,240

 
16,228,903

DEBT
CSC Holdings Credit Facilities
In connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, in October 2015, Finco, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, which merged with and into CSC Holdings on June 21, 2016, entered into a senior secured credit facility, which provides U.S. dollar term loans currently in an aggregate principal amount of $3,000,000 ($2,985,000 outstanding at December 31, 2017) (the “CVC Term Loan Facility”, and the term loans extended under the CVC Term Loan Facility, the “CVC Term Loans”) and U.S. dollar revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $2,300,000 (the “CVC Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the Term Loan Facility, the “CVC Credit Facilities”), which are governed by a credit facilities agreement entered into by, inter alios, CSC Holdings, certain lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and security agent (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified on June 20, 2016, June 21, 2016, July 21, 2016, September 9, 2016, December 9, 2016 and March 15, 2017, respectively, and as further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “CVC Credit Facilities Agreement”).
The amendment to the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement entered into on September 9, 2016, extended the maturity date of the CVC Term Loan Facility to October 11, 2024. In October 2016, CSC Holdings used the net proceeds from the sale of $1,310,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.5% senior guaranteed notes due 2027 (the ‘‘2027 Guaranteed Notes’’) (after the deduction of fees and expenses) to prepay outstanding loans under the CSC Holdings Term Credit Facility that were not extended pursuant to this amendment. In connection with the prepayment of the Term Credit Facility, the Company wrote-off the deferred financing costs and the unamortized discount related to the existing term loan aggregating $102,894. Additionally, the Company recorded deferred financing costs and an original issue discount of $7,249 and $6,250, respectively, which are both being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Term Loan Facility.
The amendment to the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement entered into on March 15, 2017 (“Extension Amendment”) increased the Term Loan by $500,000 to $3,000,000 and the maturity date for this facility was extended to July 17, 2025. The closing of the Extension Amendment occurred in April 2017 and the proceeds were used to refinance the entire $2,493,750 principal amount of existing Term Loans and redeem $500,000 of the 8.625% Senior Notes due September 2017 issued by Cablevision. In connection with the Extension Amendment and the redemption of the senior notes, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs aggregating $18,976.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, CSC Holdings borrowed $1,350,000 under its revolving credit facility ($500,000 was used to make cash distributions to its stockholders) and made voluntary repayments aggregating $1,075,256 with cash on hand.
Under the Extension Amendment, the Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $7,500) of the principal amount of the Term Loan, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on July 17, 2025.
The CVC Credit Facilities permit CSC Holdings to request revolving loans, swing line loans or letters of credit from the revolving lenders, swingline lenders or issuing banks, as applicable, thereunder, from time to time prior to November 30, 2021, unless the commitments under the CVC Revolving Credit Facility have been previously terminated.
Loans comprising each eurodollar borrowing or alternate base rate borrowing, as applicable, bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBO rate or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is:
in respect of the CVC Term Loans, (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.25% per annum, and
in respect of the CVC Revolving Credit Facility loans (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 2.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 3.25% per annum.
The CVC Credit Facilities Agreement requires the prepayment of outstanding CVC Term Loans, subject to certain exceptions and deductions, with (i) 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales, subject to reinvestment rights and certain other exceptions; and (ii) commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, a pari ratable share (based on the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans divided by the sum of the outstanding principal amount of all pari passu indebtedness and the Term Loans) of 50% of annual excess cash flow, which will be reduced to 0% if the consolidated net senior secured leverage ratio of CSC Holdings is less than or equal to 4.5 to 1.
The obligations under the CVC Credit Facilities are guaranteed by each restricted subsidiary of CSC Holdings (other than CSC TKR, LLC and its subsidiaries and certain excluded subsidiaries) (the “Initial Guarantors”) and, subject to certain limitations, will be guaranteed by each future material wholly-owned restricted subsidiary of CSC Holdings.  The obligations under the CVC Credit Facilities (including any guarantees thereof) are secured on a first priority basis, subject to any liens permitted by the Credit Facilities, by capital stock held by CSC Holdings or any guarantor in certain subsidiaries of CSC Holdings, subject to certain exclusions and limitations. 
The CVC Credit Facilities Agreement includes certain negative covenants which, among other things and subject to certain significant exceptions and qualifications, limit CSC Holdings' ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, (ii) make investments, (iii) create liens, (iv) sell assets and subsidiary stock, (v) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our capital stock or subordinated debt, (vi) engage in certain transactions with affiliates, (vii) enter into agreements that restrict the payment of dividends by subsidiaries or the repayment of intercompany loans and advances; and (viii) engage in mergers or consolidations. In addition, the CVC Revolving Credit Facility includes a financial maintenance covenant solely for the benefit of the lenders under the CVC Revolving Credit Facility consisting of a maximum consolidated net senior secured leverage ratio of CSC Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries of 5.0 to 1.0. The financial covenant will be tested on the last day of any fiscal quarter, but only if on such day there are outstanding borrowings under the CVC Revolving Credit Facility (including swingline loans but excluding any cash collateralized letters of credit and undrawn letters of credit not to exceed $15,000).
The CVC Credit Facilities Agreement also contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default (including, among others, an event of default upon a change of control). If an event of default occurs, the lenders under the CVC Credit Facilities will be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the CVC Credit Facilities and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.
CSC Holdings was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the CVC Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2017.
Cequel Credit Facilities
On June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance I Corporation, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Cequel, entered into a senior secured credit facility which currently provides term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $1,265,000 ($1,258,675 outstanding at December 31, 2017) (the “Cequel Term Loan Facility” and the term loans extended under the Cequel Term Loan Facility, the “Cequel Term Loans”) and revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $350,000 (the “Cequel Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the Cequel Term Loan Facility, the “Cequel Credit Facilities”) which are governed by a credit facilities agreement entered into by, inter alios, Altice US Finance I Corporation, certain lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified on October 25, 2016, December 9, 2016 and March 15, 2017, and as further amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time, the “Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement”).
The amendment to the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement entered into on March 15, 2017 (“Cequel Extension Amendment”) increased the Term Loan by $450,000 to $1,265,000 and the maturity date for this facility was extended to July 28, 2025. The closing of the Extension Amendment occurred in April 2017 and the proceeds were used to refinance the entire $812,963 principal amount of loans under the Term Loan and redeem $450,000 of the 6.375% Senior Notes due September 15, 2020. In connection with the Cequel Extension Amendment and the redemption of the senior notes, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financings costs aggregating $28,684.
Under the Cequel Extension Amendment, the Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $3,163) of the principal amount of the Cequel Term Loan, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on July 28, 2025.
Loans comprising each eurodollar borrowing or alternate base rate borrowing, as applicable, bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBO rate or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is:
in respect of the Cequel Term Loans, (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.25% per annum, and
in respect of Cequel Revolving Credit Facility loans (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 2.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 3.25% per annum.
The Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement requires the prepayment of outstanding Term Loans, subject to certain exceptions and deductions, with (i) 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales, subject to reinvestment rights and certain other exceptions; and (ii) a pari ratable share (based on the outstanding principal amount of the Cequel Term Loans divided by the sum of the outstanding principal amount of all pari passu indebtedness and the Cequel Term Loans) of 50% of annual excess cash flow, which will be reduced to 0% if the consolidated net senior secured leverage ratio is less than or equal to 4.5:1.
The debt under the Cequel Credit Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in the capital stock of Cequel Communications, LLC and substantially all of the present and future assets of Cequel Communications, LLC and its restricted subsidiaries, and is guaranteed by Cequel Communications Holdings II, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Cequel (the "Parent Guarantor"), as well as all of Cequel Communications, LLC's existing and future direct and indirect subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement. The Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and affirmative covenants. In addition, the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement contains restrictive covenants that limit, among other things, the ability of Cequel Communications, LLC and its subsidiaries to incur indebtedness, create liens, engage in mergers, consolidations and other fundamental changes, make investments or loans, engage in transactions with affiliates, pay dividends, and make acquisitions and dispose of assets. The Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement also contains a maximum senior secured leverage maintenance covenant of 5.0 to 1.0. Additionally, the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement contains customary events of default, including failure to make payments, breaches of covenants and representations, cross defaults to other indebtedness, unpaid judgments, changes of control and bankruptcy events. The lenders’ commitments to fund amounts under the revolving credit facility are subject to certain customary conditions.
As of December 31, 2017, Cequel was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement.
The following table provides details of the Company's outstanding credit facility debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying Amount (a)
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
 
Principal
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
CSC Holdings Restricted Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (b)
$20,000 on October 9, 2020, remaining balance on November 30, 2021
 
4.75%
 
$
450,000

 
$
425,488

 
$
145,013

Term Loan Facility
July 17, 2025
 
3.74%
 
2,985,000

 
2,967,818

 
2,486,874

Cequel:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (c)
November 30, 2021
 
 

 

 

Term Loan Facility
July 28, 2025
 
3.82%
 
1,258,675

 
1,250,217

 
812,903

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,693,675

 
4,643,523

 
3,444,790

Less: Current portion
42,650

 
33,150

Long-term debt
$
4,600,873

 
$
3,411,640


(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts.
(b)
At December 31, 2017, $115,973 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $1,734,027 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
(c)
At December 31, 2017, $13,500 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $336,500 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
Senior Guaranteed Notes, Senior Secured Notes, and Senior Notes and Debentures
The following table summarizes the Company's senior guaranteed notes, senior secured notes and senior notes and debentures:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
Issuer
Date Issued
 
Maturity Date
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CSC Holdings (b)(f)(n)
February 6, 1998
 
February 15, 2018
 
7.875
%
 
$
300,000

 
$
301,184

 
$
310,334

CSC Holdings (b)(f)
July 21, 1998
 
July 15, 2018
 
7.625
%
 
500,000

 
507,744

 
521,654

CSC Holdings (c)(f)
February 12, 2009
 
February 15, 2019
 
8.625
%
 
526,000

 
541,165

 
553,804

CSC Holdings (c)(f)
November 15, 2011
 
November 15, 2021
 
6.750
%
 
1,000,000

 
960,146

 
951,702

CSC Holdings (c)(f)
May 23, 2014
 
June 1, 2024
 
5.250
%
 
750,000

 
660,601

 
650,193

CSC Holdings (e)
October 9, 2015
 
January 15, 2023
 
10.125
%
 
1,800,000

 
1,777,914

 
1,774,750

CSC Holdings (e)(l)
October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
10.875
%
 
1,684,221

 
1,661,135

 
1,970,379

Senior guaranteed notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CSC Holdings (e)
October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
6.625
%
 
1,000,000

 
986,717

 
985,469

CSC Holdings (g)
September 23, 2016
 
April 15, 2027
 
5.500
%
 
1,310,000

 
1,304,468

 
1,304,025

Senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cablevision (k)(o)
September 23, 2009
 
September 15, 2017
 
8.625
%
 

 

 
926,045

Cablevision (c)(f)(n)(o)
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2018
 
7.750
%
 
750,000

 
754,035

 
767,545

Cablevision (c)(f)(o)
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2020
 
8.000
%
 
500,000

 
492,009

 
488,992

Cablevision (c)(f)(o)
September 27, 2012
 
September 15, 2022
 
5.875
%
 
649,024

 
572,071

 
559,500

Senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cequel Communications Holdings I and Cequel Capital (d)(m)(p)
Oct. 25, 2012 Dec. 28, 2012
 
September 15, 2020
 
6.375
%
 
1,050,000

 
1,027,493

 
1,457,439

Cequel Communications Holdings I and Cequel Capital (d)(p)
May 16, 2013 Sept. 9, 2014
 
December 15, 2021
 
5.125
%
 
1,250,000

 
1,138,870

 
1,115,767

Cequel Communications Holdings I and Cequel Capital (i)(p)
June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2025
 
7.750
%
 
620,000

 
604,374

 
602,925

Senior secured notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Altice US Finance I Corporation (h)(p)
June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2023
 
5.375
%
 
1,100,000

 
1,082,482

 
1,079,869

Altice US Finance I Corporation (j)(p)
April 26, 2016
 
May 15, 2026
 
5.500
%
 
1,500,000

 
1,488,024

 
1,486,933

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
16,289,245

 
15,860,432

 
17,507,325

Less: Current portion
 
507,744

 
926,045

Long-term debt
 
$
15,352,688

 
$
16,581,280

 
(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
(b)
The debentures are not redeemable by CSC Holdings prior to maturity.
(c)
Notes are redeemable at any time at a specified "make-whole" price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
(d)
The Company may redeem some or more of all the notes at the redemption price set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(e)
The Company may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes at any time on or after January 15, 2019, and some or all of the 2025 Notes and 2025 Guaranteed Notes at any time on or after October 15, 2020, at the redemption prices set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  The Company may also redeem up to 40% of each series of the Cablevision Acquisition Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 110.125% for the 2023 Notes, 110.875% for the 2025 Notes and 106.625% for the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, at any time prior to January 15, 2019, CSC Holdings may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes, and at any time prior to October 15, 2020, the Company may redeem some or all of the 2025 Notes and the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a “make whole” premium specified in the relevant indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(f)
The carrying value of the notes was adjusted to reflect their fair value on the Cablevision Acquisition Date (aggregate reduction of $52,788).
(g)
The 2027 Guaranteed Notes are redeemable at any time on or after April 15, 2022 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  In addition, up to 40% may be redeemed for each series of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(h)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2018, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 105.375%.
(i)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2020, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 107.750%.
(j)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after May 15, 2021, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before May 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%.
(k)
In April 2017, the Company redeemed $500,000 of the senior notes from proceeds from the CVC Term Loan facility. In September 2017, these senior notes matured and the Company repaid the remaining principal balance of $400,000.
(l)
In July 2017, the Company used approximately $350,120 of the proceeds from the IPO to fund the redemption of $315,779 principal amount of CSC Holdings senior notes due October 2025 and the related call premium of approximately $34,341which was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt. The Company also recorded a write-off of deferred financings costs in connection with this redemption aggregating $4,516.
(m)
In April 2017, the Company redeemed $450,000 of the senior notes from proceeds from the Cequel Term Loan facility.
(n)
As a result of the repayment of these notes in February 2018, discussed in Note 20, the carrying amount of these Notes has been classified as long-term indebtedness.
(o)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any dividends or distributions received from CSC Holdings. CSC Holdings is restricted, in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement.
(p)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any contributions/distributions from Cequel Communications, LLC (an indirect subsidiary of Cequel and the parent of Altice US Finance I). Cequel Communications, LLC is restricted in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement.
The indentures under which the senior notes and debentures were issued contain various covenants.  The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under these indentures as of December 31, 2017.
CSC Holdings 5.5% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2027
In September 2016, CSC Holdings issued $1,310,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.50% senior guaranteed notes due April 15, 2027. The 2027 Guaranteed Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior indebtedness, including the existing senior notes and the Credit Facilities and rank senior in right of payment to all of existing and future subordinated indebtedness.
As discussed above , in October 2016, CSC Holdings used the proceeds from the issuance of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes (after the deduction of fees and expenses) to prepay the outstanding loans under the CVC Term Credit Facility that were not extended pursuant to the extension amendment on September 9,2016. In connection with the issuance of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes, the Company incurred deferred financing costs of approximately $5,575, which are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes.
Cablevision Acquisition Notes
The $1,000,000 principal amount of the 2025 Guaranteed Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.625% per annum and were issued at a price of 100.00%. Interest on the 2025 Guaranteed Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15, commencing on July 15, 2016. These 2025 Guaranteed Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by the Initial Guarantors.
The $1,800,000 principal amount of the 2023 Notes and $2,000,000 principal amount of the 2025 Notes, bear interest at a rate of 10.125% and 10.875%, respectively, per annum and were issued at prices of 100.00%. Interest on the 2023 Notes and 2025 Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15, which began on July 15, 2016.
Deferred financing costs of approximately $76,579 incurred in connection with the issuance of the Cablevision Acquisition Notes are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Cablevision Acquisition Notes.
The indentures under which the Cablevision and CSC Holdings Senior Guaranteed Notes and Senior Notes and Debentures were issued contain certain covenants and agreements with respect to investment grade debt securities, including limitations on the ability of CSC Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries to (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, (ii) make investments or other restricted payments, (iii) create liens, (iv) sell assets and subsidiary stock, (v) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our capital stock or subordinated debt, (vi) engage in certain transactions with affiliates, (vii) enter into agreements that restrict the payment of dividends by subsidiaries or the repayment of intercompany loans and advances, and (viii) engage in mergers or consolidations, in each case subject to certain exceptions. The indentures also contain certain customary events of default. If an event of default occurs, the obligations under the Cablevision Acquisition Notes may be accelerated.
As of December 31, 2017, Cablevision and CSC Holdings were in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the indentures under which the senior notes and debentures and senior guaranteed notes were issued.
Cequel Senior Secured Notes
On June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance I Corporation, an indirect subsidiary of Altice N.V., issued $1,100,000 principal amount of senior secured notes (the ‘‘Cequel 2023 Senior Secured Notes’’), the proceeds from which were placed in escrow to finance a portion of the purchase price for the Cequel Acquisition. The Cequel 2023 Senior Secured Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per annum and were issued at a price of 100.00%. Interest on the Cequel 2023 Senior Secured Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. Following the consummation of the Cequel Acquisition and related transactions the equity interests in Altice US Finance I Corporation were contributed through one or more intermediary steps to Suddenlink, and the Senior Secured Notes were guaranteed by Cequel Communications Holdings II LLC, Suddenlink and certain of the subsidiaries of Suddenlink and are secured by certain assets of Cequel Communications Holdings II LLC, Suddenlink and its subsidiaries.
On April 26, 2016, Altice US Finance I Corporation issued $1,500,000 aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes (the ‘‘Cequel 2026 Senior Secured Notes’’). The proceeds from the sale were used to repay the $1,477,200 remaining balance under the previous credit facility and to pay related fees and expenses. The Cequel 2026 Senior Secured Notes mature on May 15, 2026 and bear interest at a rate of 5.50% annually. Interest on the Cequel 2026 Senior Secured Notes is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2016. Deferred financing costs recorded in connection with the issuance of these notes amounted to $13,773 and are being amortized over the term of the notes.
Cequel Senior Notes
On June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance II Corporation, an indirect subsidiary of Altice N.V., issued $300,000 principal amount of the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes, the proceeds from which were placed in escrow, to finance a portion of the purchase price for the Cequel Acquisition. The Cequel 2025 Senior Notes were issued by the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes Issuer, an indirect subsidiary of Altice N.V., bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per annum and were issued at a price of 100.00%. Interest on the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. Following the consummation of the Cequel Acquisition and related transactions, the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes Issuer merged into Cequel, the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes became the obligations of Cequel and Cequel Capital Corporation became the co-issuer of the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes.
On June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance S.A., an indirect subsidiary of Altice N.V. issued $320,000 principal amount of the 7.75% Senior Notes due 2025 (the ‘‘Holdco Notes’’), the proceeds from which were placed in escrow, to finance a portion of the purchase price for the Cequel Acquisition. The Holdco Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per annum and were issued at a price of 98.275%. Interest on the Holdco Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The Holdco Notes were automatically exchanged into an equal aggregate principal amount of Cequel 2025 Senior Notes at Cequel during the second quarter of 2016.
The Cequel Indentures contain certain covenants, agreements and events of default which are customary with respect to non-investment grade debt securities, including limitations on the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on or make other distributions or repurchase the Company’s capital stock, make certain investments, enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, create liens and sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies.
Notes Payable to Affiliates and Related Parties
On June 21, 2016, in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, the Company issued notes payable to affiliates and related parties aggregating $1,750,000, of which $875,000 bore interest at 10.75% and matured on December 20, 2023 and $875,000 bore interest at 11% and matured on December 20, 2024.
As discussed in Note 1, in connection with the Company's IPO, the Company converted the notes payable to affiliates and related parties (together with accrued and unpaid interest of $529 and applicable premium of $513,723) into shares of the Company’s common stock at the IPO price. The premium was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt on the Company's statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. In connection with the conversion of the notes, the Company recorded a credit to paid in capital of $2,264,252.
For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized interest expense of $90,405 and $102,557 related to these notes prior to their conversion.
Summary of Debt Maturities
The future maturities of debt payable by the Company under its various debt obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2017, including notes payable, collateralized indebtedness (see Note 10), and capital leases, are as follows:
Years Ending December 31,
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
2018
$
1,619,094

 
$
16,518

 
$
1,635,612

2019
565,604

 
18,310

 
583,914

2020
552,902

 
1,062,713

 
1,615,615

2021
2,921,269

 
1,262,723

 
4,183,992

2022
680,700

 
12,734

 
693,434

Thereafter
9,380,513

 
4,416,270

 
13,796,783


The amounts in the table above do not include the effects of the debt transactions discussed in Note 20.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
DEBT  
DEBT
Restricted Group Credit Facility
Prior to the Merger, CSC Holdings and certain of its subsidiaries (the "Restricted Subsidiaries") had a credit agreement (the "Previous Credit Facility") that provided for (1) a revolving credit facility of $1,500,000, (2) a Term A facility of $958,510, and (3) a Term B facility of $1,200,000.  
Loans under the Previous Credit Facility bore interest as follows:
Revolving credit loans and Term A loans, either (i) the Eurodollar rate (as defined) plus a spread ranging from 1.50% to 2.25% based on the cash flow ratio (as defined), or (ii) the base rate (as defined) plus a spread ranging from 0.50% to 1.25% based on the cash flow ratio;
Term B loans, either (i) the Eurodollar rate plus a spread of 2.50% or (ii) the base rate plus a spread of 1.50%.
There was a commitment fee of 0.30% on undrawn amounts under the revolving credit facility in connection with the Previous Credit Facility.
Repayment of Restricted Group Credit Facility Debt
In April 2015, CSC Holdings made a repayment of $200,000 on its outstanding Term B loan facility with cash on hand. In connection with the repayment, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $731 and wrote-off unamortized deferred financing costs related to this loan facility of $1,004 for the year ended December 31, 2015.
On June 21, 2016, in connection with the Merger, the Previous Credit Facility was repaid.
Newsday LLC Credit Facility
Newsday LLC ("Newsday") had a senior secured credit agreement (the "Newsday Credit Agreement"), which consisted of a $480,000 floating rate term loan.  Interest under the Newsday Credit Agreement was calculated, at the election of Newsday, at either the Eurodollar rate or the base rate, plus 3.50% or 2.50%, respectively, as specified in the Newsday Credit Agreement.  Borrowings under the Newsday Credit Agreement were guaranteed by CSC Holdings on a senior unsecured basis and certain of its subsidiaries that own interests in Newsday on a senior secured basis.  The Newsday Credit Agreement was secured by a lien on the assets of Newsday and Cablevision senior notes with an aggregate principal amount of $611,455 owned by Newsday Holdings. 
On June 21, 2016, in connection with the Merger, Newsday LLC repaid its outstanding indebtedness under the Newsday Credit Agreement.
The following table provides details of the Company's outstanding credit facility debt (net of unamortized financing costs and unamortized discounts):
 
Maturity
Date
 
Interest Rate
 
Principal
 
December 31, 2015 (a)
Restricted Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term A loan facility (b)
April 17, 2018
 
2.17%
 
$
886,621

 
$
885,105

Term B loan facility (b)
April 17, 2020
 
2.92%
 
1,159,031

 
1,150,227

Restricted Group Credit Facilities debt
$
2,035,332

 
(a)
The unamortized discounts and deferred financing costs amounted to $11,200 at December 31, 2015.
(b)
In connection with the Merger, the Company repaid the then outstanding Term A and Term B loan facilities (see discussion above).
Senior Notes and Debentures
The following table summarizes the Company's senior notes and debentures as of December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
Principal
 
Carrying
Issuer
Date Issued
 
Maturity Date
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Amount (c)
CSC Holdings (a)
February 6, 1998
 
February 15, 2018
 
7.875
%
 
$
300,000

 
$
299,091

CSC Holdings (a)
July 21, 1998
 
July 15, 2018
 
7.625
%
 
500,000

 
498,942

CSC Holdings (b)
February 12, 2009
 
February 15, 2019
 
8.625
%
 
526,000

 
511,079

CSC Holdings (b)
November 15, 2011
 
November 15, 2021
 
6.750
%
 
1,000,000

 
985,640

CSC Holdings (b)
May 23, 2014
 
June 1, 2024
 
5.250
%
 
750,000

 
737,500

Cablevision (b)
September 23, 2009
 
September 15, 2017
 
8.625
%
 
900,000

 
891,238

Cablevision (b)
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2018
 
7.750
%
 
750,000

 
744,402

Cablevision (b)
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2020
 
8.000
%
 
500,000

 
494,410

Cablevision (b)
September 27, 2012
 
September 15, 2022
 
5.875
%
 
649,024

 
638,709

Total
$
5,801,011

 
(a)
The debentures are not redeemable by the Company prior to maturity.
(b)
The Company may redeem some or all of the notes at any time at a specified "make-whole" price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
(c)
The carrying amount of the notes is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
The table above excludes (i) the principal amount of Cablevision 7.75% senior notes due 2018 of $345,238 and the principal amount of Cablevision 8.00% senior notes due 2020 of $266,217 held by Newsday at December 31, 2015 which are eliminated in the consolidated balance sheets of Cablevision.
Debt Transaction Subsequent to Merger
In connection with the Merger, in October 2015, Finco borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $3,800,000 under the Term Credit Facility and entered into revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $2,000,000. The Term Credit Facility was to mature on October 9, 2022 and the Revolving Credit Facility was to mature on October 9, 2020 (see discussion below regarding the extension amendments). In addition, on June 21, 2016 and July 21, 2016, the Company entered into incremental loan assumption agreements whereby the Revolving Credit Facility was increased by $70,000 and $35,000, respectively, to $2,105,000.

Finco also issued $1,800,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes, $2,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes, and $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Guaranteed Notes.

On June 21, 2016, immediately following the Merger, Finco merged with and into CSC Holdings, with CSC Holdings surviving the merger (the "CSC Holdings Merger"), and the Merger Notes and the Credit Facilities became obligations of CSC Holdings. The 2025 Guaranteed Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by each restricted subsidiary of CSC Holdings (other than CSC TKR, LLC and its subsidiaries, which own and operate the New Jersey cable television systems, Cablevision Lightpath, Inc. and any subsidiaries of CSC Holdings that are "Excluded Subsidiaries" under the indenture governing the 2025 Guaranteed Notes) (such subsidiaries, the "Initial Guarantors") and the obligations under the Credit Facilities are (i) guaranteed on a senior basis by each Initial Guarantor and (ii) secured on a first priority basis by capital stock held by CSC Holdings and the guarantors in certain subsidiaries of CSC Holdings, subject to certain exclusions and limitations.

Altice used the proceeds from the Term Credit Facility and the Merger Notes, together with an equity contribution from Altice and its Co-Investors and existing cash at Cablevision, to (a) finance the Merger, (b) refinance the credit agreement, dated as of April 17, 2013 (the "Previous Credit Facility"), among CSC Holdings, certain subsidiaries of CSC Holdings and the lenders party thereto ($2,030,699 outstanding at Merger Date), (c) repay the senior secured credit agreement, dated as of October 12, 2012, among Newsday LLC, CSC Holdings, and the lenders party thereto (the "Previous Newsday Credit Facility") of $480,000 at Merger Debt, and (d) pay related fees and expenses.

The Credit Facilities permit CSC Holdings to request revolving loans, swing line loans or letters of credit from the revolving lenders, swingline lenders or issuing banks, as applicable, thereunder, from time to time prior to October 9, 2020, unless the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility have been previously terminated.

Loans comprising each Eurodollar Borrowing or ABR Borrowing, as applicable, bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the Alternate Base Rate, as applicable, plus the Applicable Margin, where the Applicable Margin means: in respect of revolving credit loans with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, 3.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any ABR Loan, 2.25% per annum.

On September 9, 2016, CSC Holdings entered into an amendment (the "Extension Amendment") to the Credit Facilities and the incremental loan assumption agreements dated June 21, 2016 and July 21, 2016 between CSC Holdings and certain lenders party thereto (the "Extending Lenders") pursuant to which each Extending Lender agreed to extend the maturity of its Term Credit Facility under the Credit Facilities to October 11, 2024 and to certain other amendments to the Credit Facilities. In October 2016, CSC Holdings used the net proceeds from the sale of $1,310,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.5% senior guaranteed notes due 2027 (the "2027 Guaranteed Notes") (after the deduction of fees
and expenses) to prepay outstanding loans under the Term Credit Facility that were not extended pursuant to the Extension Amendment. The total aggregate principal amount of the Term Credit Facility, after giving effect to the use of proceeds of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes, is $2,500,000 (the "Extended Term Loan"). The Extended Term Loan was effective on October 11, 2016. In connection with the prepayment of the Term Credit Facility, the Company wrote-off the deferred financing costs and the unamortized discount related to the existing term loan aggregating $102,894. Additionally, the
Company recorded deferred financing costs and an original issue discount of $7,249 and $6,250, respectively, which are both being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Extended Term Loan.

On December 9, 2016, the Credit Facilities were amended to increase the availability under the Revolving Credit Facility from $2,105,000 to $2,300,000 and extend the maturity on $2,280,000 of this facility to November 30, 2021. The remaining $20,000 will mature on October 9, 2020. The Credit Facilities require CSC Holdings to prepay outstanding term loans, subject to certain exceptions and deductions, with (i) 100%of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales, subject to reinvestment rights and certain other exceptions, and (ii) commencing with the first full fiscal year after the consummation of the Merger, a ratable share (based on the outstanding principal amount of the Extended Term Loan divided by the sum of the outstanding principal amount of all pari passu indebtedness and the Extended Term Loan) of 50% of the annual excess cash flow of CSC Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries, which will be reduced to 0% if the Consolidated Net Senior Secured Leverage Ratio of CSC Holdings is less than or equal to 4.5 to 1.

Under the Term Credit Facility, CSC Holdings was required to make and made scheduled quarterly payment of $9,500 beginning with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2016. Under the Extended Term Loan, CSC Holdings is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% of the principal amount of the Extended Term Loan, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on October 11, 2024, beginning with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2017.

Interest will be calculated under the Extended Term Loan subject to a "floor" applicable to the Adjusted LIBO Rate of 0.75% per annum, and the Applicable Margin is (1) with respect to any ABR Loan, 2.00% per annum and (2) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, 3.00% per annum. If the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Extended Term Loan is less than 0.75% for any given period, the interest rate is fixed at 3.75% per annum.

The Credit Facilities include negative covenants that are substantially similar to the negative covenants contained in the indentures under which the Merger Notes were issued (see discussion below). The Credit Facilities include one financial maintenance covenant (solely for the benefit of the Revolving Credit Facility), consisting of a maximum Consolidated Net Senior Secured Leverage Ratio of 5.0 to 1, which will be tested on the last day of any fiscal quarter but only if on such day there are outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility (including swingline loans but excluding any cash collateralized letters of credit and undrawn letters of credit not to exceed $15,000). The Credit Facilities also contain certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default (including, among others, an event of default upon a change of control). If an event of default occurs, the obligations under the Credit Facilities may be accelerated.

Total amounts payable by the Company under its various debt obligations outstanding, including the debt transaction subsequent to the merger discussed above and including notes payable, collateralized indebtedness, and capital leases, during the periods shown below, are as follows:
Years Ending December 31,
 
2017
$
1,719,180

2018
2,103,441

2019
557,348

2020
526,340

2021
1,200,256

Thereafter
9,884,024

v3.8.0.1
CVC - DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS
DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS
Prepaid Forward Contracts
The Company has entered into various transactions to limit the exposure against equity price risk on its shares of Comcast Corporation ("Comcast") common stock.  The Company has monetized all of its stock holdings in Comcast through the execution of prepaid forward contracts, collateralized by an equivalent amount of the respective underlying stock.  At maturity, the contracts provide for the option to deliver cash or shares of Comcast stock with a value determined by reference to the applicable stock price at maturity.  These contracts, at maturity, are expected to offset declines in the fair value of these securities below the hedge price per share while allowing the Company to retain upside appreciation from the hedge price per share to the relevant cap price.  
The Company received cash proceeds upon execution of the prepaid forward contracts discussed above which has been reflected as collateralized indebtedness in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.  In addition, the Company separately accounts for the equity derivative component of the prepaid forward contracts.  These equity derivatives have not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes.  Therefore, the net fair values of the equity derivatives have been reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as an asset or liability and the net increases or decreases in the fair value of the equity derivative component of the prepaid forward contracts are included in gain (loss) on derivative contracts in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
All of the Company's monetization transactions are obligations of its wholly-owned subsidiaries that are not part of the Restricted Group; however, CSC Holdings has provided guarantees of the subsidiaries' ongoing contract payment expense obligations and potential payments that could be due as a result of an early termination event (as defined in the agreements).  If any one of these contracts were terminated prior to its scheduled maturity date, the Company would be obligated to repay the fair value of the collateralized indebtedness less the sum of the fair values of the underlying stock and equity collar, calculated at the termination date.  As of March 31, 2018, the Company did not have an early termination shortfall relating to any of these contracts.
The Company monitors the financial institutions that are counterparties to its equity derivative contracts.  All of the counterparties to such transactions carry investment grade credit ratings as of March 31, 2018.
Interest Rate Swap Contracts
In June 2016, the Company entered into two fixed to floating interest rate swap contracts. One fixed to floating interest rate swap is converting $750,000 from a fixed rate of 1.6655% to six-month LIBO rate and a second tranche of $750,000 from a fixed rate of 1.68% to six-month LIBO rate. The objective of these swaps is to cover the exposure of the 2026 Senior Secured Notes issued by Cequel to changes in the market interest rate. These swap contracts were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of these interest rate swap contracts are recorded through the statements of operations.
The Company does not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
The following represents the location of the assets and liabilities associated with the Company's derivative instruments within the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
 
 
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value at March 31, 2018
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value at March 31, 2018
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, current
 
$
9,211

 
$
52,545

 
$
(9,211
)
 
$
(52,545
)
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, long-term
 
63,343

 

 
(4,495
)
 
(109,504
)
Interest rate swap contracts
 
Liabilities under derivative contracts, long-term
 

 

 
(109,824
)
 
(77,902
)
 
 
 
 
$
72,554

 
$
52,545

 
$
(123,530
)
 
$
(239,951
)

Gain (loss) related to the Company's derivative contracts related to the Comcast common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 of $168,352 and $(71,044), respectively, are reflected in gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net in the Company's condensed consolidated statement of operations.
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded a gain (loss) on investments of $(252,576) and $131,658, respectively, primarily representing the net increase (decrease) in the fair values of the investment securities pledged as collateral. 
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded a gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts of $(31,922) and $2,342, respectively.
DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS
Prepaid Forward Contracts
The Company has entered into various transactions to limit the exposure against equity price risk on its shares of Comcast Corporation ("Comcast") common stock.  The Company has monetized all of its stock holdings in Comcast through the execution of prepaid forward contracts, collateralized by an equivalent amount of the respective underlying stock.  At maturity, the contracts provide for the option to deliver cash or shares of Comcast stock with a value determined by reference to the applicable stock price at maturity.  These contracts, at maturity, are expected to offset declines in the fair value of these securities below the hedge price per share while allowing the Company to retain upside appreciation from the hedge price per share to the relevant cap price.  
The Company received cash proceeds upon execution of the prepaid forward contracts discussed above which has been reflected as collateralized indebtedness in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  In addition, the Company separately accounts for the equity derivative component of the prepaid forward contracts.  These equity derivatives have not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes.  Therefore, the net fair values of the equity derivatives have been reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as an asset or liability and the net increases or decreases in the fair value of the equity derivative component of the prepaid forward contracts are included in gain (loss) on derivative contracts in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
All of the Company's monetization transactions are obligations of its wholly-owned subsidiaries that are not part of CSC Holdings' Restricted Group; however, CSC Holdings has provided guarantees of the subsidiaries' ongoing contract payment expense obligations and potential payments that could be due as a result of an early termination event (as defined in the agreements).  If any one of these contracts were terminated prior to its scheduled maturity date, the Company would be obligated to repay the fair value of the collateralized indebtedness less the sum of the fair values of the underlying stock and equity collar, calculated at the termination date.  As of December 31, 2017, the Company did not have an early termination shortfall relating to any of these contracts.
The Company monitors the financial institutions that are counterparties to its equity derivative contracts.  All of the counterparties to such transactions carry investment grade credit ratings as of December 31, 2017.
Put/Call Options
In the third quarter of 2017, the Company entered into a put-call contract that expired in the third quarter of 2018 whereby the Company sold a put option and purchased a call option with the same strike price. These put-call options were settled as of December 31, 2017 and the Company recorded a loss of $97,410 for the year ended December 31, 2017, which represents the difference between the strike price and the closing price of the underlying shares.
Interest Rate Swap Contracts
In June 2016, the Company entered into two fixed to floating interest rate swap contracts. One fixed to floating interest rate swap is converting $750,000 from a fixed rate of 1.6655% to six-month LIBO rate and a second tranche of $750,000 from a fixed rate of 1.68% to six-month LIBO rate. The objective of these swaps is to cover the exposure of the Cequel 2026 Senior Secured Notes issued by Cequel to changes in the market interest rate. These swap contracts were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of these interest rate swap contracts are recorded through the statements of operations.
The Company does not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
The following represents the location of the assets and liabilities associated with the Company's derivative instruments within the consolidated balance sheets:
 
 
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2016
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, current
 
$
52,545

 
$
352

 
$
(52,545
)
 
$
(13,158
)
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, long-term
 

 
10,604

 
(109,504
)
 

Interest rate swap contracts
 
Liabilities under derivative contracts, long-term
 

 

 
(77,902
)
 
(78,823
)
 
 
 
 
$
52,545

 
$
10,956

 
$
(239,951
)
 
$
(91,981
)

Loss related to the Company's derivative contracts related to the Comcast common stock for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 of $(138,920) and $(53,696), respectively, are reflected in gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded a gain on investments of $237,354 and $141,896, respectively, primarily representing the net increase in the fair values of the investment securities pledged as collateral. 
For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded a gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts of $5,482 and $(72,961), respectively.
Settlements of Collateralized Indebtedness
The following table summarizes the settlement of the Company's collateralized indebtedness relating to Comcast shares that were settled by delivering cash equal to the collateralized loan value, net of the value of the related equity derivative contracts during the year ended December 31, 2017
Number of shares (a)
26,815,368

Collateralized indebtedness settled
$
(774,703
)
Derivatives contracts settled
(56,356
)
 
(831,059
)
Proceeds from new monetization contracts
838,794

Net cash proceeds
$
7,735

 
(a)
Share amounts are adjusted for the 2 for 1 stock split in February 2017.
The cash to settle the collateralized indebtedness was obtained from the proceeds of new monetization contracts covering an equivalent number of Comcast shares.  The terms of the new contracts allow the Company to retain upside participation in Comcast shares up to each respective contract's upside appreciation limit with downside exposure limited to the respective hedge price. 
In April 2017, the Company entered into new monetization contracts related to 32,153,118 shares of Comcast common stock held by Cablevision, which synthetically reversed the existing contracts related to these shares (the "Synthetic Monetization Closeout"). As the existing collateralized debt matures, the Company will settle the contracts with proceeds received from the new monetization contracts. The new monetization contracts mature on April 28, 2021. The new monetization contracts provide the Company with downside protection below the hedge price of $35.47 and upside benefit of stock price appreciation up to $44.72 per share. In connection with the execution of these contracts, the Company recorded (i) the fair value of the equity derivative contracts of $53,316 (in a net asset position), (ii) notes payable of $111,657, representing the fair value of the existing equity derivative contracts, in a liability position, and (iii) a discount on notes payable of $58,341.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS  
DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS
The Company has entered into various transactions to limit the exposure against equity price risk on its shares of Comcast Corporation ("Comcast") common stock.  The Company has monetized all of its stock holdings in Comcast through the execution of prepaid forward contracts, collateralized by an equivalent amount of the respective underlying stock.  At maturity, the contracts provide for the option to deliver cash or shares of Comcast stock with a value determined by reference to the applicable stock price at maturity.  These contracts, at maturity, are expected to offset declines in the fair value of these securities below the hedge price per share while allowing the Company to retain upside appreciation from the hedge price per share to the relevant cap price.  
The Company received cash proceeds upon execution of the prepaid forward contracts discussed above which has been reflected as collateralized indebtedness in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  In addition, the Company separately accounts for the equity derivative component of the prepaid forward contracts.  These equity derivatives have not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes.  Therefore, the net fair values of the equity derivatives have been reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as an asset or liability and the net increases or decreases in the fair value of the equity derivative component of the prepaid forward contracts are included in gain (loss) on derivative contracts in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
All of the Company's monetization transactions are obligations of its wholly-owned subsidiaries that are not part of the Restricted Group; however, CSC Holdings has provided guarantees of the subsidiaries' ongoing contract payment expense obligations and potential payments that could be due as a result of an early termination event (as defined in the agreements).  If any one of these contracts were terminated prior to its scheduled maturity date, the Company would be obligated to repay the fair value of the collateralized indebtedness less the sum of the fair values of the underlying stock and equity collar, calculated at the termination date. 
The Company monitors the financial institutions that are counterparties to its equity derivative contracts and it diversifies its equity derivative contracts among various counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution. 
The following represents the location of the assets and liabilities associated with the Company's derivative instruments within the consolidated balance sheets:
Derivatives Not
Designated as
 Hedging
Instruments
 
Balance
Sheet
Location
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2015
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Current derivative contracts
 
$
10,333

 
$
2,706

Prepaid forward contracts
 
Long-term derivative contracts
 
72,075

 

 
 
 
 
$
82,408

 
$
2,706


Unrealized and realized gains (losses) related to Company's equity derivative contracts related to the Comcast common stock for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 of $(36,283) and $104,927, respectively, are reflected in gain (loss) on equity derivative contracts, net in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
For the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 and , the Company recorded a gain (loss) on investments of $129,510 and $(33,935), respectively, representing the net increase (decrease) in the fair values of all investment securities pledged as collateral. 
Settlements of Collateralized Indebtedness
The following table summarizes the settlement of the Company's collateralized indebtedness relating to Comcast shares that were settled by delivering cash equal to the collateralized loan value, net of the value of the related equity derivative contracts. 
 
January 1 to June 20, 2016
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
Number of shares (a)
10,802,118

 
26,815,368

Collateralized indebtedness settled
$
(273,519
)
 
$
(569,562
)
Derivative contracts settled
(8,075
)
 
(69,675
)
 
(281,594
)
 
(639,237
)
Proceeds from new monetization contracts
337,149

 
774,703

Net cash receipt
$
55,555

 
$
135,466

______________________
(a)
Share amounts adjusted for the 2 for 1 stock split in February 2017.
The cash was obtained from the proceeds of new monetization contracts covering an equivalent number of Comcast shares.  The terms of the new contracts allow the Company to retain upside participation in Comcast shares up to each respective contract's upside appreciation limit with downside exposure limited to the respective hedge price.
v3.8.0.1
CVC - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable.  Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity's pricing based upon their own market assumptions.  The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
Level I - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level II - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
Level III - Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
Level I
 
$
1,121,432

 
$
5,949

Investment securities pledged as collateral
Level I
 
1,467,781

 
1,720,357

Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
72,554

 
52,545

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
13,706

 
162,049

Interest rate swap contracts
Level II
 
109,824

 
77,902

Contingent consideration related to 2017 acquisitions
Level III
 
3,233

 
32,233


The Company's cash equivalents, investment securities and investment securities pledged as collateral are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices.
The Company's derivative contracts and liabilities under derivative contracts on the Company's balance sheets are valued using market-based inputs to valuation models.  These valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, and measures of volatility.  When appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads and credit risk considerations.  Such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence.  Since model inputs can generally be verified and do not involve significant management judgment, the Company has concluded that these instruments should be classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of the contingent consideration as of March 31, 2018 related to acquisitions in the first quarter and fourth quarters of 2017 of approximately $1,000 and $2,233, respectively. The estimated amount recorded as of March 31, 2018 is the remaining unpaid contractual amount for the first quarter 2017 acquisition and approximately 51% of the contractual amount for the fourth quarter 2017 acquisition. The fair value of the consideration was estimated based on a probability assessment of attaining the targets as of March 31, 2018.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate:
Credit Facility Debt, Collateralized Indebtedness, Senior Notes and Debentures, Senior Secured Notes, Senior Guaranteed Notes, and Notes Payable
The fair values of each of the Company's debt instruments are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for instruments of the same remaining maturities. The fair value of notes payable is based primarily on the present value of the remaining payments discounted at the borrowing cost.
The carrying values, estimated fair values, and classification under the fair value hierarchy of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
CSC Holdings debt instruments:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Credit facility debt
Level II
 
$
4,442,684

 
$
4,477,500

 
$
3,393,306

 
$
3,435,000

Collateralized indebtedness
Level II
 
1,351,271

 
1,298,060

 
1,349,474

 
1,305,932

Senior guaranteed notes
Level II
 
3,283,283

 
3,231,825

 
2,291,185

 
2,420,000

Senior notes and debentures
Level II
 
6,108,028

 
6,797,434

 
6,409,889

 
7,221,846

Notes payable
Level II
 
78,938

 
76,340

 
56,956

 
55,289

Cablevision senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes and debentures
Level II
 
1,068,142

 
1,172,906

 
1,818,115

 
1,931,239

Cequel debt instruments:
 
 


 


 


 


Cequel credit facility
Level II
 
1,247,318

 
1,255,513

 
1,250,217

 
1,258,675

Senior secured notes
Level II
 
2,571,465

 
2,580,000

 
2,570,506

 
2,658,930

Senior notes
Level II
 
2,779,048

 
2,987,700

 
2,770,737

 
2,983,615

Notes payable
Level II
 
24,149

 
24,149

 
8,946

 
8,946

 
 
 
$
22,954,326

 
$
23,901,427

 
$
21,919,331

 
$
23,279,472

 
(a)
Amounts are net of unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts.
The fair value estimates related to the Company's debt instruments presented above are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.  These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable.  Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity's pricing based upon their own market assumptions.  The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
Level I - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level II - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
Level III - Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds (of which $14,700 is classified as restricted cash as of December 31, 2016)
Level I
 
$
5,949

 
$
100,139

Investment securities pledged as collateral
Level I
 
1,720,357

 
1,483,030

Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
52,545

 
10,956

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
162,049

 
13,158

Interest rate swap contracts
Level II
 
77,902

 
78,823

Contingent consideration related to 2017 acquisitions
Level III
 
32,233

 


The Company's cash equivalents, investment securities and investment securities pledged as collateral are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices.
The Company's derivative contracts and liabilities under derivative contracts on the Company's balance sheets are valued using market-based inputs to valuation models.  These valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, and measures of volatility.  When appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads and credit risk considerations.  Such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence.  Since model inputs can generally be verified and do not involve significant management judgment, the Company has concluded that these instruments should be classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of the contingent consideration related to acquisitions in the first and fourth quarters of 2017 of $30,000 and $2,233, respectively, was estimated based on a probability assessment of attaining the targets. The estimated amount recorded as of December 31, 2017 is the full contractual amount for the first quarter acquisition and approximately 51% of the contractual amount for the acquisition that occurred in the fourth quarter.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate:
Credit Facility Debt, Collateralized Indebtedness, Senior Notes and Debentures, Senior Secured Notes, Senior Guaranteed Notes, Notes Payable to Affiliates and Related Parties and Notes Payable
The fair values of each of the Company's debt instruments are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for instruments of the same remaining maturities. The fair value of notes payable is based primarily on the present value of the remaining payments discounted at the borrowing cost.
The carrying values, estimated fair values, and classification under the fair value hierarchy of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Altice USA debt instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable to affiliates and related parties
Level II
 
$

 
$

 
$
1,750,000

 
$
1,837,876

CSC Holdings debt instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit facility debt
Level II
 
3,393,306

 
3,435,000

 
2,631,887

 
2,675,256

Collateralized indebtedness
Level II
 
1,349,474

 
1,305,932

 
1,286,069

 
1,280,048

Senior guaranteed notes
Level II
 
2,291,185

 
2,420,000

 
2,289,494

 
2,416,375

Senior notes and debentures
Level II
 
6,409,889

 
7,221,846

 
6,732,816

 
7,731,150

Notes payable
Level II
 
56,956

 
55,289

 
13,726

 
13,260

Cablevision senior notes
Level II
 
1,818,115

 
1,931,239

 
2,742,082

 
2,920,056

Cequel debt instruments:
 
 


 


 


 


Cequel credit facility
Level II
 
1,250,217

 
1,258,675

 
812,903

 
815,000

Senior secured notes
Level II
 
2,570,506

 
2,658,930

 
2,566,802

 
2,689,750

Senior notes
Level II
 
2,770,737

 
2,983,615

 
3,176,131

 
3,517,275

Notes payable
Level II
 
8,946

 
8,946

 

 

 
 
 
$
21,919,331

 
$
23,279,472

 
$
24,001,910

 
$
25,896,046

 
(a)
Amounts are net of unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts/premiums.
The fair value estimates related to the Company's debt instruments presented above are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.  These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable.  Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity's pricing based upon their own market assumptions.  The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
Level I - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level II - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
Level III - Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
At December 31, 2015
 
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
$
922,765

 
$

 
$

 
$
922,765

Investment securities
130

 

 

 
130

Investment securities pledged as collateral
1,211,982

 

 

 
1,211,982

Prepaid forward contracts

 
82,408

 

 
82,408

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts

 
2,706

 

 
2,706

 
The Company's cash equivalents, investment securities and investment securities pledged as collateral are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices.
The Company's prepaid forward contracts reflected as derivative contracts and liabilities under derivative contracts on the Company's balance sheets are valued using market-based inputs to valuation models.  These valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, and measures of volatility.  When appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads and credit risk considerations.  Such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence.  Since model inputs can generally be verified and do not involve significant management judgment, the Company has concluded that these instruments should be classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy.
In addition, see Note 9 for a discussion of impairment charges related to nonfinancial assets not measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate:
Credit Facility Debt, Collateralized Indebtedness, Senior Notes and Debentures, Senior Guaranteed Notes and Notes Payable
The fair values of each of the Company's debt instruments are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for instruments of the same remaining maturities. The fair value of notes payable is based primarily on the present value of the remaining payments discounted at the borrowing cost.
The carrying values, estimated fair values, and classification under the fair value hierarchy of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows:
 
  
 
December 31, 2015
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt instruments:
 
 
 

 
 

Credit facility debt
Level II
 
$
2,514,454

 
$
2,525,654

Collateralized indebtedness
Level II
 
1,191,324

 
1,176,396

Senior notes and debentures
Level II
 
5,801,011

 
5,756,608

Notes payable
Level II
 
14,544

 
14,483

Total debt instruments
 
 
$
9,521,333

 
$
9,473,141


The fair value estimates related to the Company's debt instruments and senior notes receivable presented above are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.  These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
v3.8.0.1
CVC - INCOME TAXES
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES
In general, the Company is required to use an estimated annual effective tax rate to measure the income tax expense or benefit recognized in an interim period. The estimated annual effective tax rate is revised on a quarterly basis and therefore may be different from the rate used in a prior interim period. In addition, certain items included in income tax expense as well as the tax impact of certain items included in pretax income from continuing operations must be treated as discrete items. The income tax expense or benefit associated with these discrete items is fully recognized in the interim period in which the items occur.
The Company recorded income tax benefit of $60,703 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, reflecting an effective tax rate of 32%, which has declined compared to previous years primarily as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act in December 2017 which lowered the corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%.
The Company recorded income tax benefit of $45,908 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, reflecting an effective tax rate of 38%. Nondeductible share-based compensation expense resulted in tax expense of $3,140. Absent this item, the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 would have been 40%.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company's federal net operating losses (“NOLs”) were approximately $2,486,000. The utilization of certain pre-merger NOLs of Cablevision and Cequel are limited pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 382. The Company does not expect such limitations to impact the ability to utilize the NOLs prior to their expiration.
INCOME TAXES
The Company files a federal consolidated and certain state combined income tax returns with its 80% or more owned subsidiaries.
Income tax benefit attributable to the Company's operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of the following components:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Current expense (benefit):
 
 
 
Federal
$
5,261

 
$
(981
)
State
12,530

 
5,310

 
17,791

 
4,329

Deferred benefit:
 
 
 
Federal
(2,095,930
)
 
(223,159
)
State
(784,224
)
 
(40,830
)
 
(2,880,154
)
 
(263,989
)
Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions
11

 
(6
)
Income tax benefit
$
(2,862,352
)
 
$
(259,666
)

The income tax benefit attributable to the Company's operations differs from the amount derived by applying the statutory federal rate to pretax loss principally due to the effect of the following items:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Federal tax benefit at statutory rate
$
(478,656
)
 
$
(381,901
)
State income taxes, net of federal impact
(61,698
)
 
(39,336
)
Changes in the valuation allowance
(111
)
 
297

Impact of Federal Tax Reform
(2,332,677
)
 

Changes in the state rates used to measure deferred taxes, net of federal impact
(12,896
)
 
153,239

Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions
(253
)
 
(120
)
Non-deductible share-based compensation related to the carried unit plan
20,101

 
5,029

Non-deductible Cablevision Acquisition transaction costs

 
4,457

Other non-deductible expenses
3,405

 
1,551

Other, net
433

 
(2,882
)
Income tax benefit
$
(2,862,352
)
 
$
(259,666
)

Pursuant to the enactment of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act ("Tax Reform") on December 22, 2017, the Company recorded a noncash deferred tax benefit of $2,332,677 to remeasure the net deferred tax liability to adjust for the reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate 35% to 21% which is effective on January 1, 2018. This adjustment results primarily from a decrease in the deferred tax liabilities with regard to fixed assets and intangibles, partially offset by a decrease in the deferred tax asset for the federal net operating loss carry forward (‘‘NOL’’). The noncash deferred tax benefit is provisional. Revised estimates and additional guidance regarding application of Tax Reform may require adjustments during the allowable measurement period.
Overall, Tax Reform will have a favorable impact on the Company’s income tax profile. Additional first-year depreciation deductions represent a significant timing benefit. Since Tax Reform only limits the deduction for NOLs arising in years beginning after December 31, 2017, the timing of the Company’s deductions with regard to its existing NOLs is largely unaffected. The Company will be subject to Tax Reform’s limitation on interest deductibility which is based on a limit calculated without regard to depreciation or amortization through 2021. The resulting interest deduction that is deferred, and can be carried forward indefinitely, is expected to fully reverse. However, as is the case with any future deductible temporary difference, management will evaluate realizability to determine whether a valuation allowance is required. Management does not expect that a valuation allowance will be required based on its preliminary estimate of the current facts and circumstances. Repeal of the alternative minimum tax will reduce projected tax payments in the short term while also providing for the refund of alternative minimum tax credits.
As described in Note 1, in June, 2016, (i) Cequel was contributed to Altice USA and (ii) Altice USA completed the Cablevision Acquisition. Accordingly, in the second quarter of 2016, Cequel and Cablevision joined the federal consolidated and certain state combined income tax returns of Altice USA. As a result, the applicate tax rate used to measure deferred tax assets and liabilities of Cequel increased, resulting in a noncash deferred income tax charge of $153,660.
The tax effects of temporary differences which give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets or liabilities and the corresponding valuation allowance are as follows.
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Noncurrent
 
 
 
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards
$
785,809

 
$
971,728

Compensation and benefit plans
49,698

 
93,939

Partnership investments
68,054

 
113,473

Restructuring liability
33,247

 
37,393

Other liabilities
40,149

 
45,561

Liabilities under derivative contracts
21,034

 
31,529

Interest deferred for tax purposes
128,516

 
39,633

Other
8,849

 
6,615

Deferred tax asset
1,135,356

 
1,339,871

Valuation allowance
(3,000
)
 
(3,125
)
Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent
1,132,356

 
1,336,746

Fixed assets and intangibles
(5,729,274
)
 
(9,065,635
)
Investments
(113,628
)
 
(187,795
)
Prepaid expenses
(8,105
)
 
(10,172
)
Fair value adjustments related to debt and deferred financing costs
(40,215
)
 
(30,535
)
Other
(10,420
)
 
(14,109
)
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent
(5,901,642
)
 
(9,308,246
)
Total net deferred tax liability
$
(4,769,286
)
 
$
(7,971,500
)

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09 using the prospective transition method with respect to the presentation of excess tax benefits in the statement of cash flows. In connection with the adoption, a deferred tax asset of $310,771 for previously unrealized excess tax benefits related to share-based payment awards was recognized with the offset recorded to accumulated deficit.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company's federal NOLs were approximately $2,676,000.  The utilization of certain pre-merger NOLs of Cablevision and Cequel are limited pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 382. The Company does not expect such limitations to impact the ability to utilize the NOLs prior to their expiration.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company has $48,995 of alternative minimum tax credits which do not expire and $17,806 of research credits, expiring in varying amounts from 2023 through 2035.
Deferred tax assets have resulted primarily from the Company's future deductible temporary differences and NOLs. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, management takes into account various factors, including the expected level of future taxable income, available tax planning strategies and reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. If such estimates and related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record additional valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets, resulting in additional income tax expense in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Management evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets and the need for additional valuation allowances quarterly. Pursuant to the Cablevision Acquisition and Cequel Acquisition, deferred tax liabilities resulting from the book fair value adjustment increased significantly and future taxable income that will result from the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences for which deferred tax liabilities are recognized is sufficient to conclude it is more likely than not that the Company will realize all of its gross deferred tax assets, except those deferred tax assets against which a valuation allowance has been recorded which relate to certain state NOLs.
In the normal course of business, the Company engages in transactions in which the income tax consequences may be uncertain. The Company's income tax returns are filed based on interpretation of tax laws and regulations. Such income tax returns are subject to examination by taxing authorities. For financial statement purposes, the Company only recognizes tax positions that it believes are more likely than not of being sustained. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether positions taken or expected to be taken on the tax return are more likely than not of being sustained.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions, excluding associated deferred tax benefits and accrued interest, is as follows:
Balance at January 1, 2016
$
4,025

Increases related to prior year tax positions
11

Balance at December 31, 2017
$
4,036


As of December 31, 2017, if all uncertain tax positions were sustained at the amounts reported or expected to be reported in the Company's tax returns, the elimination of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits, net of the deferred tax impact, would decrease income tax expense by $5,585.
In the second quarter of 2016, the Company changed its accounting policy on a prospective basis to present interest expense relating to uncertain tax positions as additional interest expense. For the year ended December 31, 2017, $659 of interest expense relating to uncertain tax position was recorded to interest expense.
The most significant jurisdictions in which the Company is required to file income tax returns include the states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, the City of New York, Texas and West Virginia. The State of New York is presently auditing income tax returns for years 2009 through 2011. The State of New Jersey is presently auditing income tax returns for years 2013 through 2015.
Management does not believe that the resolution of the ongoing income tax examination described above will have a material adverse impact on the financial position of the Company.  Changes in the liabilities for uncertain tax positions will be recognized in the interim period in which the positions are effectively settled or there is a change in factual circumstances.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
INCOME TAXES  
INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense attributable to the Company's continuing operations consists of the following components:
 
January 1 to June 20, 2016
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
Current expense:
 
 
 
Federal
$
6,473

 
$
4,844

State
1,917

 
15,869

 
8,390

 
20,713

Deferred (benefit) expense:
 

 
 

Federal
93,253

 
97,927

State
22,897

 
35,469

 
116,150

 
133,396

Tax (benefit) expense relating to uncertain tax positions
308

 
763

Income tax expense
$
124,848

 
$
154,872


Income tax benefit attributable to discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $8,731 is comprised of current and deferred income tax benefit of $111 and $8,620, respectively.
The income tax (benefit) expense attributable to the Company's continuing operations differs from the amount derived by applying the statutory federal rate to pretax income principally due to the effect of the following items:
 
January 1 to June 20, 2016
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
Federal tax expense at statutory rate
$
100,926

 
$
119,931

State income taxes, net of federal impact
14,825

 
18,874

Changes in the valuation allowance
86

 
(902
)
Changes in the state rates used to measure deferred taxes, net of federal impact

 
(1,006
)
Tax expense (benefit) relating to uncertain tax positions
178

 
574

New York tax reform

 
16,334

Non-deductible officers' compensation
462

 
846

Non-deductible merger transaction costs
9,392

 

Other non-deductible expenses
1,337

 
3,099

Research credit
(850
)
 
(2,630
)
Adjustment to prior year tax expense

 
(515
)
Other, net
(1,508
)
 
267

Income tax expense
$
124,848

 
$
154,872


The tax effects of temporary differences which give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets or liabilities and the corresponding valuation allowance at December 31, 2015 are as follows.
Deferred Tax Asset (Liability)
 
Current
 
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards
$
76,007

Compensation and benefit plans
80,831

Allowance for doubtful accounts
2,196

Merger transaction costs
7,332

Inventory
7,135

Other
26,216

Deferred tax asset
199,717

Valuation allowance
(2,098
)
Net deferred tax asset, current
197,619

Investments
(163,396
)
Prepaid expenses
(19,627
)
Deferred tax liability, current
(183,023
)
Net deferred tax asset, current
$
14,596

Noncurrent
 
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards
36,866

Compensation and benefit plans
97,005

Partnership investments
123,529

Investments
9,798

Other
9,201

Deferred tax asset
276,399

Valuation allowance
(2,816
)
Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent
273,583

Fixed assets and intangibles
(978,418
)
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent
(978,418
)
Net deferred tax liability, noncurrent
(704,835
)
Total net deferred tax liability
$
(690,239
)

The Company used the 'with-and-without' approach to determine the recognition and measurement of excess tax benefits.  Cash flows resulting from excess tax benefits were classified as cash flows from financing activities.  Excess tax benefits are realized tax benefits from tax deductions for options exercised and restricted shares issued in excess of the deferred tax asset attributable to share-based compensation expense for such awards. The Company realized excess tax benefit of $82 and $5,694 for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, and for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively, resulting in an increase to paid-in-capital. 
Deferred tax assets have resulted primarily from the Company's future deductible temporary differences and NOLs. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company's ability to realize its deferred tax assets depends upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income and tax planning strategies to allow for the utilization of its NOLs and deductible temporary differences. If such estimates and related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record additional valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets, resulting in additional income tax expense in the Company's consolidated statements of income. Management evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets and the need for additional valuation allowances quarterly. At this time, based on current facts and circumstances, management believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize benefit for its gross deferred tax assets, except those deferred tax assets against which a valuation allowance has been recorded which relate to certain state NOLs.
In the normal course of business, the Company engages in transactions in which the income tax consequences may be uncertain. The Company's income tax returns are filed based on interpretation of tax laws and regulations. Such income tax returns are subject to examination by taxing authorities. For financial statement purposes, the Company only recognizes tax positions that it believes are more likely than not of being sustained. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether positions taken or expected to be taken on the tax return are more likely than not of being sustained.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions, excluding associated deferred tax benefits and accrued interest, is as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
4,022

Increases related to prior year tax positions
3

Increases related to current year tax positions
6

Balance at June 20, 2016
$
4,031


In the second quarter of 2016, the Company changed its accounting policy on a prospective basis to present interest expense relating to uncertain tax positions as additional interest expense. During the period ended June 20, 2016 and December 31, 2015, interest expense of $209 and $314 was included in income tax expense, respectively.
The most significant jurisdictions in which the Company is required to file income tax returns include the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and the City of New York.  The State of New York is presently auditing income tax returns for years 2009 through 2011. 
Management does not believe that the resolution of the ongoing income tax examination described above will have a material adverse impact on the financial position of the Company.  Changes in the liabilities for uncertain tax positions will be recognized in the interim period in which the positions are effectively settled or there is a change in factual circumstances.
v3.8.0.1
CVC - BENEFIT PLANS
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
INCOME TAXES
In general, the Company is required to use an estimated annual effective tax rate to measure the income tax expense or benefit recognized in an interim period. The estimated annual effective tax rate is revised on a quarterly basis and therefore may be different from the rate used in a prior interim period. In addition, certain items included in income tax expense as well as the tax impact of certain items included in pretax income from continuing operations must be treated as discrete items. The income tax expense or benefit associated with these discrete items is fully recognized in the interim period in which the items occur.
The Company recorded income tax benefit of $60,703 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, reflecting an effective tax rate of 32%, which has declined compared to previous years primarily as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act in December 2017 which lowered the corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%.
The Company recorded income tax benefit of $45,908 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, reflecting an effective tax rate of 38%. Nondeductible share-based compensation expense resulted in tax expense of $3,140. Absent this item, the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 would have been 40%.
As of March 31, 2018, the Company's federal net operating losses (“NOLs”) were approximately $2,486,000. The utilization of certain pre-merger NOLs of Cablevision and Cequel are limited pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 382. The Company does not expect such limitations to impact the ability to utilize the NOLs prior to their expiration.
INCOME TAXES
The Company files a federal consolidated and certain state combined income tax returns with its 80% or more owned subsidiaries.
Income tax benefit attributable to the Company's operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of the following components:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Current expense (benefit):
 
 
 
Federal
$
5,261

 
$
(981
)
State
12,530

 
5,310

 
17,791

 
4,329

Deferred benefit:
 
 
 
Federal
(2,095,930
)
 
(223,159
)
State
(784,224
)
 
(40,830
)
 
(2,880,154
)
 
(263,989
)
Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions
11

 
(6
)
Income tax benefit
$
(2,862,352
)
 
$
(259,666
)

The income tax benefit attributable to the Company's operations differs from the amount derived by applying the statutory federal rate to pretax loss principally due to the effect of the following items:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Federal tax benefit at statutory rate
$
(478,656
)
 
$
(381,901
)
State income taxes, net of federal impact
(61,698
)
 
(39,336
)
Changes in the valuation allowance
(111
)
 
297

Impact of Federal Tax Reform
(2,332,677
)
 

Changes in the state rates used to measure deferred taxes, net of federal impact
(12,896
)
 
153,239

Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions
(253
)
 
(120
)
Non-deductible share-based compensation related to the carried unit plan
20,101

 
5,029

Non-deductible Cablevision Acquisition transaction costs

 
4,457

Other non-deductible expenses
3,405

 
1,551

Other, net
433

 
(2,882
)
Income tax benefit
$
(2,862,352
)
 
$
(259,666
)

Pursuant to the enactment of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act ("Tax Reform") on December 22, 2017, the Company recorded a noncash deferred tax benefit of $2,332,677 to remeasure the net deferred tax liability to adjust for the reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate 35% to 21% which is effective on January 1, 2018. This adjustment results primarily from a decrease in the deferred tax liabilities with regard to fixed assets and intangibles, partially offset by a decrease in the deferred tax asset for the federal net operating loss carry forward (‘‘NOL’’). The noncash deferred tax benefit is provisional. Revised estimates and additional guidance regarding application of Tax Reform may require adjustments during the allowable measurement period.
Overall, Tax Reform will have a favorable impact on the Company’s income tax profile. Additional first-year depreciation deductions represent a significant timing benefit. Since Tax Reform only limits the deduction for NOLs arising in years beginning after December 31, 2017, the timing of the Company’s deductions with regard to its existing NOLs is largely unaffected. The Company will be subject to Tax Reform’s limitation on interest deductibility which is based on a limit calculated without regard to depreciation or amortization through 2021. The resulting interest deduction that is deferred, and can be carried forward indefinitely, is expected to fully reverse. However, as is the case with any future deductible temporary difference, management will evaluate realizability to determine whether a valuation allowance is required. Management does not expect that a valuation allowance will be required based on its preliminary estimate of the current facts and circumstances. Repeal of the alternative minimum tax will reduce projected tax payments in the short term while also providing for the refund of alternative minimum tax credits.
As described in Note 1, in June, 2016, (i) Cequel was contributed to Altice USA and (ii) Altice USA completed the Cablevision Acquisition. Accordingly, in the second quarter of 2016, Cequel and Cablevision joined the federal consolidated and certain state combined income tax returns of Altice USA. As a result, the applicate tax rate used to measure deferred tax assets and liabilities of Cequel increased, resulting in a noncash deferred income tax charge of $153,660.
The tax effects of temporary differences which give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets or liabilities and the corresponding valuation allowance are as follows.
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Noncurrent
 
 
 
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards
$
785,809

 
$
971,728

Compensation and benefit plans
49,698

 
93,939

Partnership investments
68,054

 
113,473

Restructuring liability
33,247

 
37,393

Other liabilities
40,149

 
45,561

Liabilities under derivative contracts
21,034

 
31,529

Interest deferred for tax purposes
128,516

 
39,633

Other
8,849

 
6,615

Deferred tax asset
1,135,356

 
1,339,871

Valuation allowance
(3,000
)
 
(3,125
)
Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent
1,132,356

 
1,336,746

Fixed assets and intangibles
(5,729,274
)
 
(9,065,635
)
Investments
(113,628
)
 
(187,795
)
Prepaid expenses
(8,105
)
 
(10,172
)
Fair value adjustments related to debt and deferred financing costs
(40,215
)
 
(30,535
)
Other
(10,420
)
 
(14,109
)
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent
(5,901,642
)
 
(9,308,246
)
Total net deferred tax liability
$
(4,769,286
)
 
$
(7,971,500
)

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09 using the prospective transition method with respect to the presentation of excess tax benefits in the statement of cash flows. In connection with the adoption, a deferred tax asset of $310,771 for previously unrealized excess tax benefits related to share-based payment awards was recognized with the offset recorded to accumulated deficit.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company's federal NOLs were approximately $2,676,000.  The utilization of certain pre-merger NOLs of Cablevision and Cequel are limited pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 382. The Company does not expect such limitations to impact the ability to utilize the NOLs prior to their expiration.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company has $48,995 of alternative minimum tax credits which do not expire and $17,806 of research credits, expiring in varying amounts from 2023 through 2035.
Deferred tax assets have resulted primarily from the Company's future deductible temporary differences and NOLs. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, management takes into account various factors, including the expected level of future taxable income, available tax planning strategies and reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. If such estimates and related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record additional valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets, resulting in additional income tax expense in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Management evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets and the need for additional valuation allowances quarterly. Pursuant to the Cablevision Acquisition and Cequel Acquisition, deferred tax liabilities resulting from the book fair value adjustment increased significantly and future taxable income that will result from the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences for which deferred tax liabilities are recognized is sufficient to conclude it is more likely than not that the Company will realize all of its gross deferred tax assets, except those deferred tax assets against which a valuation allowance has been recorded which relate to certain state NOLs.
In the normal course of business, the Company engages in transactions in which the income tax consequences may be uncertain. The Company's income tax returns are filed based on interpretation of tax laws and regulations. Such income tax returns are subject to examination by taxing authorities. For financial statement purposes, the Company only recognizes tax positions that it believes are more likely than not of being sustained. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether positions taken or expected to be taken on the tax return are more likely than not of being sustained.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions, excluding associated deferred tax benefits and accrued interest, is as follows:
Balance at January 1, 2016
$
4,025

Increases related to prior year tax positions
11

Balance at December 31, 2017
$
4,036


As of December 31, 2017, if all uncertain tax positions were sustained at the amounts reported or expected to be reported in the Company's tax returns, the elimination of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits, net of the deferred tax impact, would decrease income tax expense by $5,585.
In the second quarter of 2016, the Company changed its accounting policy on a prospective basis to present interest expense relating to uncertain tax positions as additional interest expense. For the year ended December 31, 2017, $659 of interest expense relating to uncertain tax position was recorded to interest expense.
The most significant jurisdictions in which the Company is required to file income tax returns include the states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, the City of New York, Texas and West Virginia. The State of New York is presently auditing income tax returns for years 2009 through 2011. The State of New Jersey is presently auditing income tax returns for years 2013 through 2015.
Management does not believe that the resolution of the ongoing income tax examination described above will have a material adverse impact on the financial position of the Company.  Changes in the liabilities for uncertain tax positions will be recognized in the interim period in which the positions are effectively settled or there is a change in factual circumstances.
BENEFIT PLANS  
BENEFIT PLANS
Qualified and Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Retirement Plans (collectively, the "Defined Benefit Plans")
The Company sponsors a non-contributory qualified defined benefit cash balance retirement plan (the "Pension Plan") for the benefit of non-union employees of Cablevision, as well as certain employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement in Brooklyn.
The Company maintains an unfunded non-contributory non-qualified defined benefit excess cash balance plan ("Excess Cash Balance Plan") covering certain current and former employees of Cablevision who participate in the Pension Plan. The Company also maintained an additional unfunded non-contributory, non-qualified defined benefit plan ("CSC Supplemental Benefit Plan") for the benefit of certain former officers and employees of Cablevision which provided that, upon retiring on or after normal retirement age, a participant receives a benefit equal to a specified percentage of the participant's average compensation, as defined.  All participants were 100% vested in the CSC Supplemental Benefit Plan.  The benefits related to the CSC Supplemental Plan were paid to participants in January 2017 and the plan was terminated.   
Cablevision's Pension Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Plan are frozen and no employee of Cablevision who was not already a participant could participate in the plans and no further annual Pay Credits (a certain percentage of employees' eligible pay) are made.  Existing account balances under the plans continue to be credited with monthly interest in accordance with the terms of the plans.
Plan Results for Defined Benefit Plans
Summarized below is the funded status and the amounts recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheets for all of the Company's Defined Benefit Plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
382,517

 
$
403,963

Interest cost
11,786

 
14,077

Actuarial loss (gain)
13,171

 
(11,429
)
Curtailments
6,332

 
3,968

Settlements
6,910

 

Benefits paid
(121,650
)
 
(28,062
)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
299,066

 
382,517

 
 
 
 
Change in plan assets:
 
 
 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
284,118

 
297,846

Actual return on plan assets, net
6,356

 
5,829

Employer contributions
26,944

 
8,505

Benefits paid
(121,650
)
 
(28,062
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
195,768

 
284,118

Unfunded status at end of year
$
(103,298
)
 
$
(98,399
)

The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company's Defined Benefit Plans aggregated $299,066 and $382,517 at December 31, 2017 and 2016.
The Company's net funded status relating to its Defined Benefit Plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016, is as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Defined Benefit Plans
$
(103,298
)
 
$
(98,399
)
Less: Current portion related to nonqualified plans
135

 
14,293

Long-term defined benefit plan obligations
$
(103,163
)
 
$
(84,106
)
 
Components of the benefit costs, recorded in other income (expense), net, for the Defined Benefit Plans for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, is as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Interest cost
$
11,786

 
$
6,946

Expected return on plan assets, net
(4,905
)
 
(3,880
)
Curtailment loss
3,137

 
231

Settlement loss (income) (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss) (a)
1,845

 
(154
)
Non-operating pension costs
$
11,863

 
$
3,143

 
(a)
As a result of benefit payments to terminated or retired individuals exceeding the service and interest costs for the Pension Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Pension Plan during the year ended December 31, 2017 and during the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016, the Company recognized a non-cash settlement loss that represented the acceleration of the recognition of a portion of the previously unrecognized actuarial losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet relating to these plans.
Plan Assumptions for Defined Benefit Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine pension costs (made at the beginning of the year) and benefit obligations (made at the end of the year) for the Defined Benefit Plans are as follows:
 
Benefit Costs
 
Benefit Obligations at December 31,
 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
For the Period June 21, 2016 to
December 31, 2016
 
2017
 
2016
Discount rate (a)
3.69
%
 
3.53
%
 
3.50
%
 
3.81
%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
Expected rate of return on plan assets (Pension Plan only)
3.90
%
 
3.97
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
(a)
The discount rate of 3.53% for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016, represents the average of the quarterly discount rates used to remeasure the Company's projected benefit obligation and benefit costs in connection with the recognition of settlement losses discussed above.
The discount rate used by the Company in calculating the benefit costs for the Cash Balance Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Plan was determined based on the expected future benefit payments for the plans and from the Towers Watson U.S. Rate Link: 40-90 Discount Rate Model. The model was developed by examining the yields on selected highly rated corporate bonds.
The Company's expected long-term return on Pension Plan assets is based on a periodic review and modeling of the plan's asset allocation structure over a long-term horizon.  Expectations of returns and risk for each asset class are the most important of the assumptions used in the review and modeling and are based on comprehensive reviews of historical data, forward looking economic outlook, and economic/financial market theory.  The expected long-term rate of return was chosen as a best estimate and was determined by (a) historical real returns, net of inflation, for the asset classes covered by the investment policy, and (b) projections of inflation over the long-term period during which benefits are payable to plan participants. 
Pension Plan Assets and Investment Policy
The weighted average asset allocations of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
 
Plan Assets at December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Asset Class:
 
 
 
Mutual funds
32
%
 
43
%
Fixed income securities
66

 
55

Cash equivalents and other
2

 
2

 
100
%
 
100
%

The Pension Plan's investment objectives reflect an overall low risk tolerance to stock market volatility.  This strategy allows for the Pension Plan to invest in portfolios that would obtain a rate of return throughout economic cycles, commensurate with the investment risk and cash flow needs of the Pension Plan. The investments held in the Pension Plan are readily marketable and can be sold to fund benefit payment obligations of the plan as they become payable.
Investment allocation decisions are formally made by the Company's Benefit Committee, which takes into account investment advice provided by its external investment consultant.  The investment consultant takes into account expected long-term risk, return, correlation, and other prudent investment assumptions when recommending asset classes and investment managers to the Company's Benefit Committee. The major categories of the Pension Plan assets are cash equivalents and bonds which are marked-to-market on a daily basis.  Due to the Pension Plan's significant holdings in long-term government and non-government fixed income securities, the Pension Plan's assets are subjected to interest rate risk; specifically, a rising interest rate environment. Consequently, an increase in interest rates may cause a decrease to the overall liability of the Pension Plan thus creating a hedge against rising interest rates. In addition, a portion of the Pension Plan's bond portfolio is invested in foreign debt securities where there could be foreign currency risks associated with them, as well as in non-government securities which are subject to credit risk of the bond issuer defaulting on interest and/or principal payments. 
Investments at Estimated Fair Value
The fair values of the assets of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2017 by asset class are as follows:
Asset Class
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds
$
61,833

 
$

 
$

 
$
61,833

Fixed income securities held in a portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign issued corporate debt

 
10,721

 

 
10,721

U.S. corporate debt

 
39,992

 

 
39,992

Government debt

 
4,645

 

 
4,645

U.S. Treasury securities

 
62,601

 

 
62,601

Asset-backed securities

 
10,978

 

 
10,978

Other

 

 

 

Cash equivalents (a)
6,691

 
2,782

 

 
9,473

Total (b)
$
68,524

 
$
131,719

 
$

 
$
200,243

 
(a)
A significant portion represents an investment in a short-term investment fund that invests primarily in securities of high quality and low risk.
(b)
Excludes cash and net payables relating to the purchase of securities that were not settled as of December 31, 2017.
The fair values of the assets of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2016 by asset class are as follows:
Asset Class
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds
$
121,356

 
$

 
$

 
$
121,356

Fixed income securities held in a portfolio:

 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign issued corporate debt

 
13,583

 

 
13,583

U.S. corporate debt

 
48,046

 

 
48,046

Government debt

 
4,810

 

 
4,810

U.S. Treasury securities

 
77,285

 

 
77,285

Asset-backed securities

 
14,065

 

 
14,065

Other

 
247

 

 
247

Cash equivalents (a)
2,593

 
3,089

 

 
5,682

Total (b)
$
123,949

 
$
161,125

 
$

 
$
285,074

 
(a)
A significant portion represents an investment in a short-term investment fund that invests primarily in securities of high quality and low risk.
(b)
Excludes cash and net payables relating to the purchase of securities that were not settled as of December 31, 2016.
The fair values of mutual funds and cash equivalents were derived from quoted market prices that the Pension Plan administrator has the ability to access.
The fair values of corporate and government debt, treasury securities and asset-back securities were derived from bids received from a vendor or broker not available in an active market that the Pension Plan administrator has the ability to access.
Benefit Payments and Contributions for Defined Benefit Plans
The following benefit payments are expected to be paid during the periods indicated:
2018
$
96,482

2019
18,960

2020
14,052

2021
13,282

2022
13,792

2023-2027
69,369


The Company currently expects to contribute approximately $18,000 to the Pension Plan in 2018. 
Defined Contribution Plans 
The Company maintains the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan, a contributory qualified defined contribution plan for the benefit of non-union employees of Cablevision.  Participants can contribute a percentage of eligible annual compensation and the Company will make a matching cash contribution or discretionary contribution, as defined in the plan.  In addition, the Company maintains an unfunded non-qualified excess savings plan which was frozen on January 1, 2017 for which the Company provided a matching contribution similar to the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan.  Applicable employees of the Company were eligible for an enhanced employer matching contribution, as well as a year-end employer discretionary contribution to the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan and the Cablevision Excess Savings Plan.
Through September 30, 2017, the Company also maintained a 401(k) plan for employees of Cequel. Cequel employees that qualified for participation were able to contribute a percentage of eligible annual compensation and the Company would make a matching cash contribution, as defined in the plan. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Suddenlink 401(k) plan assets were transferred to the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan and the plan was renamed the Altice USA 401(k) Savings Plan.
The cost associated with these plans (including the enhanced employer matching and discretionary contributions on 2016) was $27,577 and $28,501 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]  
INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense attributable to the Company's continuing operations consists of the following components:
 
January 1 to June 20, 2016
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
Current expense:
 
 
 
Federal
$
6,473

 
$
4,844

State
1,917

 
15,869

 
8,390

 
20,713

Deferred (benefit) expense:
 

 
 

Federal
93,253

 
97,927

State
22,897

 
35,469

 
116,150

 
133,396

Tax (benefit) expense relating to uncertain tax positions
308

 
763

Income tax expense
$
124,848

 
$
154,872


Income tax benefit attributable to discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $8,731 is comprised of current and deferred income tax benefit of $111 and $8,620, respectively.
The income tax (benefit) expense attributable to the Company's continuing operations differs from the amount derived by applying the statutory federal rate to pretax income principally due to the effect of the following items:
 
January 1 to June 20, 2016
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
Federal tax expense at statutory rate
$
100,926

 
$
119,931

State income taxes, net of federal impact
14,825

 
18,874

Changes in the valuation allowance
86

 
(902
)
Changes in the state rates used to measure deferred taxes, net of federal impact

 
(1,006
)
Tax expense (benefit) relating to uncertain tax positions
178

 
574

New York tax reform

 
16,334

Non-deductible officers' compensation
462

 
846

Non-deductible merger transaction costs
9,392

 

Other non-deductible expenses
1,337

 
3,099

Research credit
(850
)
 
(2,630
)
Adjustment to prior year tax expense

 
(515
)
Other, net
(1,508
)
 
267

Income tax expense
$
124,848

 
$
154,872


The tax effects of temporary differences which give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets or liabilities and the corresponding valuation allowance at December 31, 2015 are as follows.
Deferred Tax Asset (Liability)
 
Current
 
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards
$
76,007

Compensation and benefit plans
80,831

Allowance for doubtful accounts
2,196

Merger transaction costs
7,332

Inventory
7,135

Other
26,216

Deferred tax asset
199,717

Valuation allowance
(2,098
)
Net deferred tax asset, current
197,619

Investments
(163,396
)
Prepaid expenses
(19,627
)
Deferred tax liability, current
(183,023
)
Net deferred tax asset, current
$
14,596

Noncurrent
 
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards
36,866

Compensation and benefit plans
97,005

Partnership investments
123,529

Investments
9,798

Other
9,201

Deferred tax asset
276,399

Valuation allowance
(2,816
)
Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent
273,583

Fixed assets and intangibles
(978,418
)
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent
(978,418
)
Net deferred tax liability, noncurrent
(704,835
)
Total net deferred tax liability
$
(690,239
)

The Company used the 'with-and-without' approach to determine the recognition and measurement of excess tax benefits.  Cash flows resulting from excess tax benefits were classified as cash flows from financing activities.  Excess tax benefits are realized tax benefits from tax deductions for options exercised and restricted shares issued in excess of the deferred tax asset attributable to share-based compensation expense for such awards. The Company realized excess tax benefit of $82 and $5,694 for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, and for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively, resulting in an increase to paid-in-capital. 
Deferred tax assets have resulted primarily from the Company's future deductible temporary differences and NOLs. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company's ability to realize its deferred tax assets depends upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income and tax planning strategies to allow for the utilization of its NOLs and deductible temporary differences. If such estimates and related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record additional valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets, resulting in additional income tax expense in the Company's consolidated statements of income. Management evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets and the need for additional valuation allowances quarterly. At this time, based on current facts and circumstances, management believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize benefit for its gross deferred tax assets, except those deferred tax assets against which a valuation allowance has been recorded which relate to certain state NOLs.
In the normal course of business, the Company engages in transactions in which the income tax consequences may be uncertain. The Company's income tax returns are filed based on interpretation of tax laws and regulations. Such income tax returns are subject to examination by taxing authorities. For financial statement purposes, the Company only recognizes tax positions that it believes are more likely than not of being sustained. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether positions taken or expected to be taken on the tax return are more likely than not of being sustained.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions, excluding associated deferred tax benefits and accrued interest, is as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
4,022

Increases related to prior year tax positions
3

Increases related to current year tax positions
6

Balance at June 20, 2016
$
4,031


In the second quarter of 2016, the Company changed its accounting policy on a prospective basis to present interest expense relating to uncertain tax positions as additional interest expense. During the period ended June 20, 2016 and December 31, 2015, interest expense of $209 and $314 was included in income tax expense, respectively.
The most significant jurisdictions in which the Company is required to file income tax returns include the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and the City of New York.  The State of New York is presently auditing income tax returns for years 2009 through 2011. 
Management does not believe that the resolution of the ongoing income tax examination described above will have a material adverse impact on the financial position of the Company.  Changes in the liabilities for uncertain tax positions will be recognized in the interim period in which the positions are effectively settled or there is a change in factual circumstances.
BENEFIT PLANS  
BENEFIT PLANS
Qualified and Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Cablevision Retirement Plans (collectively, the "Defined Benefit Plans")
The Company sponsors a non-contributory qualified defined benefit cash balance retirement plan (the "Pension Plan") for the benefit of non-union employees other than those of Newsday, as well as certain employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement in Brooklyn.
The Company maintains an unfunded non-contributory non-qualified defined benefit excess cash balance plan ("Excess Cash Balance Plan") covering certain current and former employees of the Company who participate in the Pension Plan, as well as an additional unfunded non-contributory, non-qualified defined benefit plan ("CSC Supplemental Benefit Plan") for the benefit of certain former officers and employees of the Company which provided that, upon retiring on or after normal retirement age, a participant receives a benefit equal to a specified percentage of the participant's average compensation, as defined.  All participants were 100% vested in the CSC Supplemental Benefit Plan.  The benefits related to the CSC Supplemental Plan were paid to participants in January 2017 and the plan was terminated.   
The Company amended the Pension Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Plan to freeze participation and future benefit accruals effective December 31, 2013 for all Company employees except those covered by a collective bargaining agreement in Brooklyn.  Effective April 1, 2015, participation was frozen and future benefit accruals ceased for employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement in Brooklyn. Therefore, after April 1, 2015, no employee of the Company who was not already a participant could participate in the plans and no further annual Pay Credits (a certain percentage of employees' eligible pay) were made.  Existing account balances under the plans continue to be credited with monthly interest in accordance with the terms of the plans.
Plan Results for Defined Benefit Plans
Summarized below is the funded status and the amounts recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheets for all of the Company's Defined Benefit Plans at December 31, 2015:
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
430,846

Service cost
344

Interest cost
15,523

Actuarial (gain) loss
(14,912
)
Curtailments

Benefits paid
(27,838
)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
403,963

 
 
Change in plan assets:
 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
303,676

Actual return (loss) on plan assets, net
(3,921
)
Employer contributions
25,929

Benefits paid
(27,838
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
297,846

 
 
Unfunded status at end of year
$
(106,117
)

The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company's Defined Benefit Plans aggregated $403,963 at December 31, 2015.
The Company's net funded status relating to its Defined Benefit Plans at December 31, 2015 are as follows:
Defined Benefit Plans
$
(106,117
)
Less: Current portion related to nonqualified plans
6,889

Long-term defined benefit plan obligations
$
(99,228
)
 
Components of the net periodic benefit cost, recorded in other operating expenses, for the Defined Benefit Plans for the period January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015, are as follows:
 
January 1, 2016 to
June 20, 2016
 
Year ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$

 
$
344

Interest cost
7,130

 
15,523

Expected return on plan assets, net
(3,565
)
 
(8,297
)
Recognized actuarial loss (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss)
(1,446
)
 
1,294

Settlement (income) loss (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss) (a)
1,655

 
3,822

Net periodic benefit cost
$
3,774

 
$
12,686

 
(a)
As a result of benefit payments to terminated or retired individuals exceeding the service and interest costs for the Pension Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Pension Plan during the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, and year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized a non-cash settlement loss that represented the acceleration of the recognition of a portion of the previously unrecognized actuarial losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets relating to these plans.
Plan Assumptions for Defined Benefit Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost (made at the beginning of the year) and benefit obligations (made at the end of the year) for the Defined Benefit Plans are as follows:
 
Weighted-Average Assumptions
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
Benefit Obligations
 
January 1, 2016 to
June 20, 2016
 
Year ended December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2015
Discount rate (a)
3.76
%
 
3.83
%
 
3.94
%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
%
 
%
 
%
Expected rate of return on plan assets (Pension Plan only)
3.97
%
 
4.03
%
 
N/A

 
(a)
The discount rates of 3.76% and 3.83%, for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively, represent the average of the quarterly discount rates used to remeasure the Company's projected benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost in connection with the recognition of settlement losses discussed above.
The discount rate used by the Company in calculating the net periodic benefit cost for the Cash Balance Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Plan was determined based on the expected future benefit payments for the plans and from the Towers Watson U.S. Rate Link: 40-90 Discount Rate Model. The model was developed by examining the yields on selected highly rated corporate bonds.
The Company's expected long-term return on Pension Plan assets is based on a periodic review and modeling of the plan's asset allocation structure over a long-term horizon.  Expectations of returns and risk for each asset class are the most important of the assumptions used in the review and modeling and are based on comprehensive reviews of historical data, forward looking economic outlook, and economic/financial market theory.  The expected long-term rate of return was chosen as a best estimate and was determined by (a) historical real returns, net of inflation, for the asset classes covered by the investment policy, and (b) projections of inflation over the long-term period during which benefits are payable to plan participants. 
Pension Plan Assets and Investment Policy
The weighted average asset allocations of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2015 are as follows:
 
Plan Assets at
December 31,
 
2015
Asset Class:
 
Mutual funds
39
%
Fixed income securities
61

Cash equivalents and other

 
100
%

The Pension Plan's investment objectives reflect an overall low risk tolerance to stock market volatility.  This strategy allows for the Pension Plan to invest in portfolios that would obtain a rate of return throughout economic cycles, commensurate with the investment risk and cash flow needs of the Pension Plan. The investments held in the Pension Plan are readily marketable and can be sold to fund benefit payment obligations of the plan as they become payable.
Investment allocation decisions are formally made by the Altice USA Benefits Committee, which takes into account investment advice provided by its external investment consultant.  The investment consultant takes into account expected long-term risk, return, correlation, and other prudent investment assumptions when recommending asset classes and investment managers to the Company's Investment and Benefit Committee. The major categories of the Pension Plan assets are cash equivalents and bonds which are marked-to-market on a daily basis.  Due to the Pension Plan's significant holdings in long-term government and non-government fixed income securities, the Pension Plan's assets are subjected to interest rate risk; specifically, a rising interest rate environment. Consequently, an increase in interest rates may cause a decrease to the overall liability of the Pension Plan thus creating a hedge against rising interest rates. In addition, a portion of the Pension Plan's bond portfolio is invested in foreign debt securities where there could be foreign currency risks associated with them, as well as in non-government securities which are subject to credit risk of the bond issuer defaulting on interest and/or principal payments. 
Investments at Estimated Fair Value
The fair values of the assets of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2015 by asset class are as follows:
Asset Class
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds
$
117,174

 
$

 
$

 
$
117,174

Fixed income securities held in a portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign issued corporate debt

 
12,825

 

 
12,825

U.S. corporate debt

 
54,005

 

 
54,005

Government debt

 
8,273

 

 
8,273

U.S. Treasury securities

 
90,414

 

 
90,414

Asset-backed securities

 
18,563

 

 
18,563

Cash equivalents (a)
893

 

 

 
893

Total (b)
$
118,067

 
$
184,080

 
$

 
$
302,147

 
(a)
Represents an investment in a money market fund.
(b)
Excludes cash and net payables relating to the sale of securities that were not settled as of December 31, 2015.
The fair values of mutual funds and cash equivalents were derived from quoted market prices that the Pension Plan administrator has the ability to access.
The fair values of corporate and government debt, treasury securities and asset-back securities were derived from bids received from a vendor or broker not available in an active market that the Pension Plan administrator has the ability to access.
Defined Contribution Plans 
The Company also maintains the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan, a contributory qualified defined contribution plan for the benefit of non-union employees of the Company.  Employees can contribute a percentage of eligible annual compensation and the Company will make a matching cash contribution or discretionary contribution, as defined in the plan.  In addition, the Company maintains an unfunded non-qualified excess savings plan for which the Company provides a matching contribution similar to the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan. 
Applicable employees of the Company are eligible for an enhanced employer matching contribution, as well as a year-end employer discretionary contribution to the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan and the Cablevision Excess Savings Plan.
The cost associated with these plans (including the enhanced employer matching and discretionary contributions) was $26,964 and $61,343 for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively.
v3.8.0.1
CVC - EQUITY AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
Certain employees of the Company and its affiliates received awards of units in a carry unit plan of Neptune Management LP, an entity which has an ownership interest in the Company. The awards generally vest as follows: 50% on the second anniversary of June 21, 2016 for Cablevision employees or December 21, 2015 for Cequel employees ("Base Date"), 25% on the third anniversary of the Base Date, and 25% on the fourth anniversary of the Base Date.  Neptune Holding US GP LLC, the general partner of Neptune Management LP, has the right to repurchase (or to assign to an affiliate, including the Company, the right to repurchase) vested awards held by employees for sixty days following their termination.  For performance-based awards under the plan, vesting occurs upon achievement or satisfaction of a specified performance condition. The Company considered the probability of achieving the established performance targets in determining the share-based compensation with respect to these awards at the end of each reporting period.
Beginning on the fourth anniversary of the Base Date, the holders of carry units have an annual opportunity (a sixty day period determined by the administrator of the plan) to sell their units back to Neptune Holding US GP LLC (or affiliate, including the Company, designated by Neptune Holding US GP LLC). Accordingly, the carry units are presented as temporary equity on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Adjustments to fair value at each reporting period are recorded in paid-in capital.
The right of Neptune Holding US GP LLC to assign to an affiliate, including the Company, the right to repurchase an employee’s vested units during the sixty-day period following termination, or to satisfy its obligation to repurchase an employee’s vested units during annual 60 day periods following the fourth anniversary of the Base Date, may be exercised by Neptune Holding US GP LLC in its discretion at the time a repurchase right or obligation arises. The carry unit plan requires the purchase price payable to the employee or former employee, as the case may be, to be paid in cash, a promissory note (with a term of not more than 3 years and bearing interest at the long-term applicable federal rate under Section 1274(d) of the Internal Revenue Code) or combination thereof, in each case as determined by Neptune Holding US GP LLC in its discretion at the time of the repurchase. Neptune Holding US GP LLC expects that vested units will be redeemed for shares of the Company's Class A common stock upon vesting.
The following table summarizes activity relating to carry units:
 
Number of Time
Vesting Awards
 
Number of Performance
Based Vesting Awards
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance, December 31, 2017
168,550,001

 
10,000,000

 
$
0.71

Forfeited
(3,500,001
)
 

 
0.86

Balance, March 31, 2018
165,050,000

 
10,000,000

 
0.71


The weighted average fair value per unit was $2.50 and $2.10 as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2018, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized an expense of $17,501 and $7,848 related to the push down of share-based compensation related to the carry unit plan of which approximately $16,872 and $5,786 related to units granted to employees of the Company and $629 and $2,062 related to employees of Altice N.V. and affiliated companies allocated to the Company.
Stock Option Plan
The following table summarizes activity related to employee stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2018:
 
Shares Under Option
 
Weighted Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
 
Weighted Average Remaining
Contractual Term
(in years)
 
 
 
Time
Vesting
 
Performance
Based Vesting
 
 
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value (a)
Balance at December 31, 2017
5,110,747

 

 
$
19.48

 
9.97

 
$
8,944

Granted
298,394

 
39,050

 
21.22

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
(103,766
)
 
(22,314
)
 
21.81

 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2018
5,305,375

 
16,736

 
$
19.54

 
9.92

 
(5,615
)
Options exercisable at March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 
(a)
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price and the closing price of the Company's Class A common stock at the respective date.
The Company recognized share based compensation expense related to employee stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2018 of $4,122.
The following aggregate assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of stock option awards granted during the three months ended March 31, 2018:
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.64%
Expected life (in years)
 
6.49
Dividend yield
 
—%
Volatility
 
33.86%
Grant date fair value
 
$7.49
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
Carry Unit Plan
Certain employees of the Company and its affiliates received awards of units in a carry unit plan of Neptune Management LP, an entity which has an ownership interest in the Company. The awards generally vest as follows: 50% on the second anniversary of June 21, 2016 for Cablevision employees or December 21, 2015 for Cequel employees ("Base Date"), 25% on the third anniversary of the Base Date, and 25% on the fourth anniversary of the Base Date.  Neptune Holding US GP LLC, the general partner of Neptune Management LP, has the right to repurchase (or to assign to an affiliate, including the Company, the right to repurchase) vested awards held by employees for sixty days following their termination.  For performance-based awards under the plan, vesting occurs upon achievement or satisfaction of a specified performance condition. The Company considered the probability of achieving the established performance targets in determining the share-based compensation with respect to these awards at the end of each reporting period. The carry unit plan has 259,442,785 units authorized for issuance, of which 211,670,834 have been issued to employees of the Company and 11,300,000 have been issued to employees of Altice N.V. and affiliated companies as of December 31, 2017.
Beginning on the fourth anniversary of the Base Date, the holders of carry units have an annual opportunity (a sixty day period determined by the administrator of the plan) to sell their units back to Neptune Holding US GP LLC (or affiliate, including the Company, designated by Neptune Holding US GP LLC). Accordingly, the carry units are presented as temporary equity on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Adjustments to fair value at each reporting period are recorded in paid-in capital.
The right of Neptune Holding US GP LLC to assign to an affiliate, including the Company, the right to repurchase an employee’s vested units during the sixty-day period following termination, or to satisfy its obligation to repurchase an employee’s vested units during annual 60 day periods following the fourth anniversary of the Base Date, may be exercised by Neptune Holding US GP LLC in its discretion at the time a repurchase right or obligation arises. The carry unit plan requires the purchase price payable to the employee or former employee, as the case may be, to be paid in cash, a promissory note (with a term of not more than 3 years and bearing interest at the long-term applicable federal rate under Section 1274(d) of the Internal Revenue Code) or combination thereof, in each case as determined by Neptune Holding US GP LLC in its discretion at the time of the repurchase. Neptune Holding US GP LLC expects that vested units will be redeemed for shares of the Company's Class A common stock upon vesting.
The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for carry units based on the fair value of the award at grant date. In addition these units are presented as temporary equity on our consolidated balance sheet at fair value. For carry unit awards granted in 2016, an option pricing model was used which requires subjective assumptions for which changes in these assumptions could materially affect the fair value of the carry units outstanding. The time to liquidity event assumption was based on management’s judgment. The equity volatility assumption was estimated using the historical weekly volatility of publicly traded comparable companies. The risk-free rate assumed was based on the U.S. Constant Maturity Treasury Rates for a period matching the expected time to liquidity event. The discount for lack of marketability was based on Finnerty's (2012) average-strike put option model.
For carry unit awards granted in the first and second quarter of 2017, the Company estimated the grant date fair value based on the value established in the Company's IPO.
The following table summarizes activity relating to carry units:
 
Number of Time
Vesting Awards
 
Number of Performance
Based Vesting Awards
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance, December 31, 2016
192,800,000

 
10,000,000

 
$
0.37

Granted
28,025,000

 

 
3.14

Forfeited
(7,854,166
)
 

 
0.37

Vested
(44,420,833
)
 

 
0.41

Balance, December 31, 2017
168,550,001

 
10,000,000

 
0.71


The weighted average fair value per unit was $1.76 and $2.50 as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized an expense of $57,430 and $14,368, respectively, related to the push down of share-based compensation related to the carry unit plan of which approximately $55,258 and $9,849 related to units granted to employees of the Company and $2,172 and $4,519 related to employees of Altice N.V. and affiliated companies allocated to the Company.
Stock Option Plan
In connection with the Company's IPO, the Company adopted the Altice USA 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "2017 LTIP"). Under the 2017 LTIP, the Company may grant awards of options, restricted shares, restricted share units, stock appreciation rights, performance stock, performance stock units and other awards. Under the 2017 LTIP, awards may be granted to officers, employees and consultants of the Company or any of its affiliates. The 2017 LTIP will be administered by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"), subject to the provision of the stockholders' agreement. The Board has delegated its authority to the Company's Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has the full power and authority to, among other things, select eligible participants, to grant awards in accordance with the 2017 LTIP, to determine the number of shares subject to each award or the cash amount payable in connection with an award and determine the terms and conditions of each award. The maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the 2017 LTIP is 9,879,291. The Board has the authority to amend, suspend, or terminate the 2017 LTIP. No amendment, suspension or termination will be effective without the approval of the Company's stockholders if such approval is required under applicable laws, rules and regulations.
On December 30, 2017, the Company granted 5,110,747 nonqualified stock options under the 2017 LTIP. The stock options were granted with an exercise price of $19.48, equal to the 30 day volume weighted average of the closing price of Class A common stock as of the grant date. Certain nonqualified stock options (2,730,949 awards) will vest 100% on December 21, 2020 and 2,379,798 awards will vest 50% on the second anniversary, 25% on the third anniversary and 25% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant, generally subject to continued employment with the Company or any of its affiliates, and expire ten years from the date of grant.
The Company calculated the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model.  The Company's computation of expected life was determined based on the simplified method (the average of the vesting period and option term) due to the Company's lack of recent historical data for similar awards.  The interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the stock option was based on interest yields for U.S. Treasury instruments in effect at the time of grant.  The Company's computation of expected volatility was based on historical volatility of its common stock and the expected volatility of comparable publicly-traded companies who granted options that had similar expected lives.
The following aggregate assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of stock option awards granted on December 30, 2017:
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.30%
Expected life (in years)
 
6.44
Dividend yield
 
—%
Volatility
 
33.95%
Grant date fair value
 
$8.77
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION  
EQUITY AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS
Equity Plans
In connection with the Merger, outstanding equity-based awards granted under the Company’s equity plans were cancelled and converted into a right to receive cash based upon the $34.90 per Share merger price in accordance with the original terms of the awards. On the Merger Date, the Company had 11,880,700 stock options, 3,769,485 restricted shares, 1,724,940 restricted stock units issued to employees and 466,283 restricted stock units issued to non-employee directors outstanding. The aggregate payment was $439,167 and represents a portion of the merger consideration. Approximately $63,484 of compensation costs related to the acceleration of the vesting of these awards in connection with the Merger and the related employer payroll taxes of $7,929 were recorded on the black line and therefore are not reflected in either the Predecessor or Successor periods.
In March 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved the Cablevision Systems Corporation 2015 Employee Stock Plan ("2015 Plan"), which was approved by Cablevision's stockholders at its annual stockholders meeting on May 21, 2015. Under the 2015 Plan, the Company was authorized to grant stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and other equity-based awards. As of December 31, 2015, 79,780 equity based awards had been granted under the 2015 Plan.
The Company also had an employee stock plan ("2006 Plan") under which it was authorized to grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and other equity-based awards and a 2006 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, whereby the Company was authorized to grant nonqualified stock options, restricted stock units and other equity-based awards. In 2015, the Company granted its non-employee directors an aggregate of 73,056 restricted stock units.  Total non-employee director restricted stock units outstanding as of December 31, 2015 were 466,283
Since share-based compensation expense is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest, such compensation expense was reduced for estimated forfeitures.  Forfeitures were estimated based primarily on historical experience.
The following table presents the share-based compensation expense recognized by the Company as other operating expenses:
 
January 1, 2016 to
June 20, 2016
 
Year ended December 31, 2015
Stock options
$
3,848

 
$
9,159

Restricted shares and restricted stock units
20,930

 
51,162

Share-based compensation related to equity classified awards
24,778

 
60,321

Other share-based compensation
453

 
4,965

Total share-based compensation
$
25,231

 
$
65,286


An income tax benefit of $10,357 and $26,718 was recognized in continuing operations resulting from share-based compensation expense for the period from January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively.
Cash received from stock option exercises for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively was $14,411 and $18,727, respectively.
Valuation Assumptions - Stock Options
The Company calculated the fair value of each option award on the date of grant.  The Company's computation of expected life was determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the share-based awards and vesting schedules, or by using the simplified method (the average of the vesting period and option term), if applicable.  The interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the stock option was based on interest yields for U.S. Treasury instruments in effect at the time of grant.   The Company's computation of expected volatility was based on historical volatility of its common stock.
The following assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of stock option awards granted in the first quarter of 2015:
 
2015
 
 
Risk-free interest rate
1.82
%
Expected life (in years)
8

Dividend yield
3.63
%
Volatility
39.98
%
Grant date fair value
$
5.45


Share-Based Payment Award Activity
The following table summarizes activity relating to Company employees who held Cablevision stock options for the period January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015:
 
Shares
Under Option
 
Weighted Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
 
Weighted Average Remaining
Contractual Term
(in years)
 
 
 
Time
Vesting Options
 
Performance
Based Vesting Options
 
 
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value (a)
Balance, December 31, 2014
5,097,666

 
7,633,500

 
$
14.41

 
7.17
 
$
79,347

Granted
2,000,000

 

 
19.17

 
 
 
 

Exercised
(353,666
)
 
(1,024,283
)
 
12.84

 
 
 
 

Balance, December 31, 2015
6,744,000

 
6,609,217

 
15.28

 
6.80
 
221,900

Exercised
(744,000
)
 
(728,517
)
 
13.97

 
 
 
 

Balance, June 20, 2016
6,000,000

 
5,880,700

 
$
15.45

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between (i) the exercise price of the underlying award and (ii) the quoted price of CNYG Class A common stock on December 31, 2015, as indicated.
Restricted Stock Award Activity
The following table summarizes activity relating to Company employees who held Cablevision restricted shares and restricted stock units for the period January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015:
 
Number of Restricted Shares
 
Number of Performance Restricted Shares
 
Number of Performance Based Restricted Stock Units ("PSU") (a)
 
Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share at Date of Grant
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2014
5,314,870

 
2,035,300

 

 
$
15.46

Granted
1,747,870

 
584,400

 
1,851,700

 
19.43

Vested
(1,598,363
)
 
(739,600
)
 

 
14.48

Awards forfeited
(496,629
)
 

 
(79,270
)
 
17.28

Unvested award balance, December 31, 2015
4,967,748

 
1,880,100

 
1,772,430

 
17.53

Vested
(2,239,167
)
 
(753,296
)
 

 
15.35

Awards forfeited
(85,900
)
 

 
(47,490
)
 
18.38

Unvested award balance, June 20, 2016
2,642,681

 
1,126,804

 
1,724,940

 
 
 
(a)
The PSUs entitled the employee to shares of CNYG common stock up to 150% of the number of PSUs granted depending on the level of achievement of the specified performance criteria. If the minimum performance threshold was not met, no shares were issued. Accrued dividends were paid to the extent that a PSU vested and the related stock was issued.
During the first quarter of 2016, 2,992,463 Cablevision restricted shares issued to employees of the Company vested.  To fulfill the employees' statutory minimum tax withholding obligations for the applicable income and other employment taxes, 1,248,875 of these shares, with an aggregate value of $41,469, were surrendered to the Company.  During the year ended December 31, 2015, 2,337,963 Cablevision restricted shares issued to employees of the Company vested.  To fulfill the employees' statutory minimum tax withholding obligations for the applicable income and other employment taxes, 1,004,950 of these shares, with an aggregate value of $19,141 were surrendered to the Company.  These acquired shares had been classified as treasury stock.
Long-Term Incentive Plan Awards
In March 2011, the Company's Board of Directors approved the Cablevision Systems Corporation 2011 Cash Incentive Plan, which was approved by the Company's stockholders at its annual stockholders meeting in May 2011. The Company recorded expenses of $9,169 and $27,170 for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively, related to this plan. 
Carried Unit Plan

Subsequent to the merger, in July 2016, certain employees of the Company and its affiliates received awards of units in a Carry Unit Plan of an entity which has an ownership interest in the Company’s parent, Neptune Holding. The awards generally will vest as follows: 50% on the second anniversary of June 21, 2016 (“Base Date”),25% on the third anniversary of the Base Date, and 25% on the fourth anniversary of the Base Date. Prior to the fourth anniversary, the Company has the right to repurchase vested awards held by employees upon their termination. The Carry Unit Plan has 259,442,785 units authorized for issuance, of which 102,500,000 have been issued to employees of the Company and 100,300,000 have been issued to employees of Altice and affiliated companies.
v3.8.0.1
CVC - AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Equity Method Investments
In July 2016, the Company completed the sale of a 75% interest in Newsday LLC ("Newsday") to an employee of the Company. The Company retained the remaining 25% ownership interest. Effective July 7, 2016, the operating results of Newsday are no longer consolidated with those of the Company and the Company's 25% interest in the operating results of Newsday is recorded using the equity method.
At March 31, 2018, the Company's 25% investment in Newsday and its 25% interest in i24NEWS, Altice N.V.'s 24/7 international news and current affairs channel aggregated $12,891 and $800, respectively and is included in investments in affiliates on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The operating results of i24NEWS is also recorded using the equity method. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded equity in net loss of Newsday of $9,312 and $1,510, respectively, and equity in net loss of i24NEWS of $1,130 and $1,247, respectively. In April 2018, Altice NV transferred its ownership of i24 US and i24 Europe to the Company for minimal consideration.
Affiliate and Related Party Transactions
As the transactions discussed below were conducted between subsidiaries of Altice N.V. under common control and equity method investees, amounts charged for certain services may not have represented amounts that might have been received or incurred if the transactions were based upon arm's length negotiations.
The following table summarizes the revenue and charges related to services provided to or received from subsidiaries of Altice N.V. and Newsday:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenue
$
125

 
$
141

Operating expenses:
 

 
 
Programming and other direct costs
(1,154
)
 
(735
)
Other operating expenses, net
(7,994
)
 
(7,298
)
Operating expenses, net
(9,148
)
 
(8,033
)
 
 
 
 
Interest expense (a)

 
(47,588
)
Net charges
$
(9,023
)
 
$
(55,480
)
Capital Expenditures
$
1,626

 
$
892


(a)
In connection with the Company's IPO in June 2017, the Company converted the notes payable to affiliates and related parties into shares of the Company’s common stock at the IPO price.
Revenue
The Company recognized revenue primarily in connection with the sale of advertising to Newsday.
Programming and other direct costs
Programming and other direct costs include costs incurred by the Company for the transport and termination of voice and data services provided by a subsidiary of Altice N.V.
Other operating expenses
A subsidiary of Altice N.V. provides certain executive services, as well as consulting, advisory and other services, including, prior to the IPO, CEO, CFO and COO services, to the Company. Compensation under the terms of the agreement is an annual fee of $30,000 to be paid by the Company. Fees associated with this agreement recorded by the Company amounted to approximately $7,500, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. As of June 20, 2017, the CEO, CFO and COO became employees of the Company and the agreement was assigned to Altice N.V. by a subsidiary of Altice N.V. This agreement will be terminated upon the completion of the Distribution discussed in Note 1.
Other operating expenses also include charges for services provided by other subsidiaries of Altice N.V. aggregating $494 and $(202), respectively, net of a credit of $482 for transition services provided to Newsday for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures include $1,626 and $892, respectively, for equipment purchases and software development services provided by subsidiaries of Altice NV.
Aggregate amounts that were due from and due to related parties are summarized below:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Due from:
 
 
 
Altice US Finance S.A. (a)
$
12,951

 
$
12,951

Newsday (b)
2,558

 
2,713

Altice Management Americas (b)
1,271

 
33

i24 News (b)
4,335

 
4,036

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (b)
31

 
31

 
$
21,146

 
$
19,764

Due to:
 
 
 
Altice Management International (c)
7,500

 

Newsday (b)
33

 
33

Altice Labs S.A. (c)
1,051

 
7,354

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (c)
2,494

 
3,611

 
$
11,078

 
$
10,998

 
(a)
Represents interest on senior notes paid by the Company on behalf of the affiliate.
(b)
Represents amounts paid by the Company on behalf of the respective related party and for Newsday, the net amounts due from the related party also include charges for certain transition services provided.
(c)
Represents amounts due to affiliates for services provided to the Company.
AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Equity Method Investments
In July 2016, the Company completed the sale of a 75% interest in Newsday LLC ("Newsday") to an employee of the Company. The Company retained the remaining 25% ownership interest. Effective July 7, 2016, the operating results of Newsday are no longer consolidated with those of the Company and the Company's 25% interest in the operating results of Newsday is recorded on the equity method.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company's 25% investment in Newsday and its 25% interest in i24NEWS, Altice N.V.'s 24/7 international news and current affairs channel aggregated $(2,649) and $5,606, respectively, and is included in investments in affiliates on our consolidated balance sheets. The operating results of Newsday and i24NEWS are recorded on the equity basis. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded equity in net loss of Newsday of $7,219 and $1,132, respectively, and equity in net loss of i24NEWS of $2,821 and $0, respectively.
Affiliate and Related Party Transactions
As the transactions discussed below were conducted between subsidiaries of Altice N.V. under common control and equity method investees, amounts charged for certain services may not have represented amounts that might have been received or incurred if the transactions were based upon arm's length negotiations.
The following table summarizes the revenue and charges related to services provided to or received from subsidiaries of Altice N.V. and Newsday:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue
$
1,100

 
$
1,086

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Programming and other direct costs
$
(4,176
)
 
$
(1,947
)
Other operating expenses, net
(33,140
)
 
(18,854
)
Operating expenses, net
(37,316
)
 
(20,801
)
 
 
 
 
Interest expense (see Note 9)(a)
(90,405
)
 
(112,712
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs (see Note 9)
(513,723
)
 

Net charges
$
(640,344
)
 
$
(132,427
)
Capital Expenditures
$
22,012

 
$
45,886

 
(a)
The 2016 amount includes $10,155 related to Holdco Notes prior to the exchange in addition to the interest related to notes payable to affiliates and related parties discussed in Note 9.
Revenue
The Company recognized revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to Newsday.
Programming and other direct costs
Programming and other direct costs include costs incurred by the Company for the transport and termination of voice and data services provided by a subsidiary of Altice N.V.
Other operating expenses
Altice N.V. provides certain executive services, as well as consulting, advisory and other services, including, prior to the IPO, CEO, CFO and COO services, to the Company. Compensation under the terms of the agreement is an annual fee of $30,000 to be paid by the Company. Fees associated with this agreement recorded by the Company amounted to approximately $30,000 and $20,556, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of June 20, 2017, the CEO, CFO and COO became employees of the Company and the agreement was assigned to Altice N.V. by a subsidiary of Altice N.V. This agreement will be terminated upon the completion of the Distribution discussed in Note 1.
Other operating expenses also include charges for services provided by other subsidiaries of Altice N.V. aggregating $4,057 and $887, respectively, net of a credit of $917 and $2,589 related to transition services provided to Newsday for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2017 include $17,434 of equipment purchased from Altice Labs S.A., and $4,578 of software development services, that were capitalized, from Altice Management International and other Altice N.V. subsidiaries.
Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2016 include $44,121 of equipment purchased from Altice Management International and $1,025 from another Altice N.V. subsidiary. In addition, the Company acquired certain software development services that were capitalized from Altice Labs S.A. aggregating $740.
Aggregate amounts that were due from and due to related parties are summarized below:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Due from:
 
 
 
Altice US Finance S.A. (a)
$
12,951

 
$
12,951

Newsday (b)
2,713

 
6,114

Altice Management Americas (b)
33

 
3,117

i24NEWS (b)
4,036

 

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (b)
31

 

 
$
19,764

 
$
22,182

Due to:
 
 
 
CVC 3BV (c)
$

 
$
71,655

Neptune Holdings US LP (c)

 
7,962

Altice Management International (d)

 
44,121

Newsday (b)
33

 
275

Altice Labs S.A. (d)
7,354

 
866

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (e)
3,611

 
2,484

 
$
10,998

 
$
127,363

 
(a)
Represents interest on senior notes paid by the Company on behalf of the affiliate.
(b)
Represents amounts paid by the Company on behalf of the respective related party and for Newsday, the net amounts due from the related party also include charges for certain transition services provided.
(c)
Represents distributions payable to stockholders.
(d)
Amounts payable as of December 31, 2016 primarily represent amounts due for equipment purchases and/or software development services discussed above.
(e)
Represents amounts due to affiliates for services provided to the Company.
The table above does not include notes payable to affiliates and related parties of $1,750,000 and the related accrued interest of $102,557 as of December 31, 2016, respectively, which is reflected in accrued interest in the Company's balance sheet. See discussion in Note 9.
In the second quarter of 2017, prior to the Company's IPO, the Company declared and paid cash distributions aggregating $839,700 to stockholders, $500,000 of which were funded with proceeds from borrowings under CSC Holdings' revolving credit facility. In 2016, the Company declared cash distributions of $445,176, of which $365,559 were paid in 2016 and $79,617 were paid in the first quarter of 2017.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS  
AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Equity Method Investments
In September 2015, the Company purchased the minority interest in Newsday Holdings LLC ("Newsday Holdings") held by Tribune Media Company ("Tribune") for approximately $8,300. As a result of this transaction, Newsday Holdings became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. In addition, the indemnity provided by the Company to Tribune for certain taxes incurred by Tribune if Newsday Holdings or its subsidiary sold or otherwise disposed of Newsday assets in a taxable transaction or failed to maintain specified minimum outstanding indebtedness, was amended so that the restriction period lapsed on September 2, 2015.
Subsequent to the Merger, in July 2016, the Company completed the sale of a 75% interest in Newsday LLC. The Company retained the remaining 25% ownership interest.

In December 2016, the Company made an investment of $1,966 in i24NEWS, Altice’s 24/7 international news and current affairs channel, representing a 25% ownership interest and the 75% interest is owned by a subsidiary of Altice.

Related Party Transactions
As the transactions discussed below were conducted between subsidiaries under common control, amounts charged for certain services may not have represented amounts that might have been received or incurred if the transactions were based upon arm's length negotiations.
Cablevision is controlled by Charles F. Dolan, certain members of his immediate family and certain family related entities (collectively the “Dolan Family”).  Members of the Dolan Family are also the controlling stockholders of AMC Networks, The Madison Square Garden Company and MSG Networks Inc. ("MSG Networks").
The following table summarizes the revenue and charges (credits) related to services provided to or received from AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden Company and MSG Networks for the Predecessor periods:
 
January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
2,088

 
$
5,343

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

Programming and other direct costs, net of credits
$
84,636

 
$
176,909

Other operating expenses, net of credits
2,182

 
5,372

Operating expenses, net
86,818

 
182,281

Net charges
$
84,730

 
$
176,938


Revenue
The Company recognized revenue in connection with television advertisements and print advertising, as well as certain telecommunication services charged by its subsidiaries to AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks.  The Company and its subsidiaries, together with AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks may have entered into agreements with third parties in which the amounts paid/received by AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks, their subsidiaries, or the Company may have differed from the amounts that would have been paid/received if such arrangements were negotiated separately.  Where subsidiaries of the Company have incurred a cost incremental to fair value and AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks have received a benefit incremental to fair value from these negotiations, the Company and its subsidiaries charged AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks for the incremental amount.
Programming and other direct costs
Programming and other direct costs included costs incurred by the Company for the carriage of the MSG Networks, as well as for AMC, WE tv, IFC, Sundance Channel and BBC America (2015 period only) on the Company's cable systems.  The Company also purchased certain programming signal transmission and production services from AMC Networks.
Other operating expenses (credits)
The Company, AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks routinely entered into transactions with each other in the ordinary course of business.  Such transactions included, but were not limited to, sponsorship agreements and cross-promotion arrangements. Additionally, amounts reflected in the tables were net of allocations to AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks for services performed by the Company on their behalf.  Amounts also included charges to the Company for services performed or paid by the affiliate on the Company's behalf.
Subsequent to the Merger, the Company continues to receive or provide services to these entities, but these entities are no longer related parties.
Transactions with Other Affiliates
During the period ended January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company provided services to or incurred costs on behalf of certain related parties, including from time to time, the Dolan Family.  All costs incurred on behalf of these related parties were reimbursed to the Company. Aggregate amounts that were due from and due to AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks and other affiliates at December 31, 2015 (Predecessor) is summarized below:
 
December 31,
 
2015
Amounts due from affiliates
$
767

Amounts due to affiliates
29,729

v3.8.0.1
CVC - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]    
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Matters
Following expiration of the affiliation agreements for carriage of certain Fox broadcast stations and cable networks on October 16, 2010, News Corporation terminated delivery of the programming feeds to Cablevision, and as a result, those stations and networks were unavailable on Cablevision's cable television systems. On October 30, 2010, Cablevision and Fox reached an agreement on new affiliation agreements for these stations and networks, and carriage was restored. Several purported class action lawsuits alleging breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and consumer fraud and seeking unspecified compensatory damages, punitive damages and attorneys' fees were subsequently filed on behalf of Cablevision's customers seeking recovery for the lack of Fox programming. Those lawsuits were consolidated in an action before the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and a consolidated complaint was filed in that court on February 22, 2011. On March 28, 2012, in ruling on Cablevision's motion to dismiss, the Court dismissed all of plaintiffs’ claims, except for breach of contract.  On March 30, 2014, the Court granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. The parties have entered into a settlement agreement, which is subject to Court approval. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had an estimated liability associated with a potential settlement totaling $6,000. The amount ultimately paid in connection with the proposed settlement could exceed the amount recorded.
In October 2015, the New York Attorney General began an investigation into whether the major Internet Service Providers in New York State deliver advertised Internet speeds. The Company is cooperating with this investigation and is currently in discussions with the New York Attorney General about resolving the investigation as to the Company, which resolution may involve operational and or financial components. While the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the investigation or these discussions, at this time it does not expect that the outcome will have a material adverse effect on its operations, financial conditions or cash flows.
The Company receives notices from third parties and, in some cases, is named as a defendant in certain lawsuits claiming infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of the Company's businesses.  In certain of these cases other industry participants are also defendants.  In certain of these cases the Company expects that any potential liability would be the responsibility of the Company's equipment vendors pursuant to applicable contractual indemnification provisions.  The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to defend the actions vigorously, but is unable to predict the outcome of these matters or reasonably estimate a range of possible loss.
In addition to the matters discussed above, the Company is party to various lawsuits, some involving claims for substantial damages.  Although the outcome of these other matters cannot be predicted and the impact of the final resolution of these other matters on the Company's results of operations in a particular subsequent reporting period is not known, management does not believe that the resolution of these other lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
Future cash payments and commitments required under arrangements pursuant to contracts entered into by the Company in the normal course of business as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:
 
Payments Due by Period
 
Total
 
Year 1
 
Years 2-3
 
Years 4-5
 
More than
5 years
Off balance sheet arrangements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase obligations (a)
$
8,427,609

 
$
3,072,083

 
$
4,181,199

 
$
1,094,508

 
$
79,819

Guarantees (b)
36,224

 
34,716

 
1,508

 

 

Letters of credit (c)
129,473

 
200

 
120

 
129,153

 

Total
$
8,593,306

 
$
3,106,999

 
$
4,182,827

 
$
1,223,661

 
$
79,819

 
(a)
Purchase obligations primarily include contractual commitments with various programming vendors to provide video services to customers and minimum purchase obligations to purchase goods or services.  Future fees payable under contracts with programming vendors are based on numerous factors, including the number of customers receiving the programming.  Amounts reflected above related to programming agreements are based on the number of customers receiving the programming as of December 31, 2017 multiplied by the per customer rates or the stated annual fee, as applicable, contained in the executed agreements in effect as of December 31, 2017
(b)
Includes franchise and performance surety bonds primarily for the Company's cable television systems. 
(c)
Represent letters of credit guaranteeing performance to municipalities and public utilities and payment of insurance premiums. Payments due by period for these arrangements represent the year in which the commitment expires although payments under these arrangements are required only in the event of nonperformance.
The table above does not include obligations for payments required to be made under multi-year franchise agreements based on a percentage of revenues generated from video service per year.
Many of the Company's franchise agreements and utility pole leases require the Company to remove its cable wires and other equipment upon termination of the respective agreements.  The Company has concluded that the fair value of these asset retirement obligations cannot be reasonably estimated since the range of potential settlement dates is not determinable.
Legal Matters
Following expiration of the affiliation agreements for carriage of certain Fox broadcast stations and cable networks on October 16, 2010, News Corporation terminated delivery of the programming feeds to Cablevision, and as a result, those stations and networks were unavailable on Cablevision's cable television systems. On October 30, 2010, Cablevision and Fox reached an agreement on new affiliation agreements for these stations and networks, and carriage was restored. Several purported class action lawsuits alleging breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and consumer fraud and seeking unspecified compensatory damages, punitive damages and attorneys' fees were subsequently filed on behalf of Cablevision's customers seeking recovery for the lack of Fox programming. Those lawsuits were consolidated in an action before the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and a consolidated complaint was filed in that court on February 22, 2011. On March 28, 2012, in ruling on Cablevision's motion to dismiss, the Court dismissed all of plaintiffs’ claims, except for breach of contract.  On March 30, 2014, the Court granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. The parties have entered into a settlement agreement. The Court granted preliminary approval of the settlement agreement on January 8, 2018, and set a hearing for final approval on May 17, 2018. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had an estimated liability associated with a potential settlement totaling $5,200. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded an additional liability of $800. The amount ultimately paid in connection with the proposed settlement could exceed the amount recorded.
In October 2015, the New York Attorney General began an investigation into whether the major Internet Service Providers in New York State deliver advertised Internet speeds. The Company is cooperating with this investigation and is currently in discussions with the New York Attorney General about resolving the investigation as to the Company, which resolution may involve operational and/or financial components. While the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the investigation or these discussions, at this time it does not expect that the outcome will have a material adverse effect on its operations, financial conditions or cash flows.
The Company receives notices from third parties and, in some cases, is named as a defendant in certain lawsuits claiming infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of the Company's businesses.  In certain of these cases other industry participants are also defendants.  In certain of these cases the Company expects that any potential liability would be the responsibility of the Company's equipment vendors pursuant to applicable contractual indemnification provisions.  The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to defend the actions vigorously, but is unable to predict the outcome of these matters or reasonably estimate a range of possible loss.
In addition to the matters discussed above, the Company is party to various lawsuits, some involving claims for substantial damages.  Although the outcome of these other matters cannot be predicted and the impact of the final resolution of these other matters on the Company's results of operations in a particular subsequent reporting period is not known, management does not believe that the resolution of these other lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]    
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Matters
Cable Operations Litigation
Marchese, et al. v. Cablevision Systems Corporation and CSC Holdings, LLC:
The Company is a defendant in a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey by several present and former Cablevision subscribers, purportedly on behalf of a class of iO video subscribers in New Jersey, Connecticut and New York.  After three versions of the complaint were dismissed without prejudice by the District Court, plaintiffs filed their third amended complaint on August 22, 2011, alleging that the Company violated Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act by allegedly tying the sale of interactive services offered as part of iO television packages to the rental and use of set-top boxes distributed by Cablevision, and violated Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act by allegedly seeking to monopolize the distribution of Cablevision compatible set-top boxes.  Plaintiffs seek unspecified treble monetary damages, attorney's fees, as well as injunctive and declaratory relief.  On September 23, 2011, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the third amended complaint.  On January 10, 2012, the District Court issued a decision dismissing with prejudice the Section 2 monopolization claim, but allowing the Section 1 tying claim and related state common law claims to proceed.  Cablevision's answer to the third amended complaint was filed on February 13, 2012.  On December 7, 2015, the parties entered into a settlement agreement, which is subject to approval by the Court. On December 11, 2015, plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of the settlement, conditional certification of the settlement class, and approval of a class notice distribution plan. On March 10, 2016 the Court granted preliminary approval of the settlement and approved the class notice distribution plan.
Subsequent to the Merger, the class notice distribution and the claims submission process have now concluded. The Court granted final approval of the settlement on September 12, 2016 in the amount of $15,600, and the effective date of the settlement was October 24, 2016.

In re Cablevision Consumer Litigation:

Following expiration of the affiliation agreements for carriage of certain Fox broadcast stations and cable networks on October 16, 2010, News Corporation terminated delivery of the programming feeds to the Company, and as a result, those stations and networks were unavailable on the Company's cable television systems. On October 30, 2010, the Company and Fox reached an agreement on new affiliation agreements for these stations and networks, and carriage was restored. Several purported class action lawsuits were subsequently filed on behalf of the Company's customers seeking recovery for the lack of Fox programming. Those lawsuits were consolidated in an action before the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and a consolidated complaint was filed in that court on February 22, 2011. Plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and consumer fraud, seeking unspecified compensatory damages, punitive damages and attorneys' fees. On March 28, 2012, the Court ruled on the Company's motion to dismiss, denying the motion with regard to plaintiffs' breach of contract claim, but granting it with regard to the remaining claims, which were dismissed. On April 16, 2012, plaintiffs filed a second consolidated amended complaint, which asserts a claim only for breach of contract. The Company's answer was filed on May 2, 2012. On October 10, 2012, plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification and on December 13, 2012, a motion for partial summary judgment. On March 31, 2014, the Court granted plaintiffs' motion for class certification, and denied without prejudice plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment. On May 30, 2014, the Court approved the form of class notice, and on October 7, 2014, approved the class notice distribution plan. The class notice distribution has been completed, and the opt-out period expired on February 27, 2015. Expert discovery commenced on May 5, 2014, and concluded on December 8 and 28, 2015, when the Court ruled on the pending expert discovery motions. On January 26, 2016, the Court approved a schedule for filing of summary judgment motions. Plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment on March 31, 2016. The Company filed its own summary judgment motion on June 13, 2016. The parties are actively engaged in settlement discussions although financial terms have not yet been finalized.
Patent Litigation
Cablevision is named as a defendant in certain lawsuits claiming infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of the Company's businesses.  In certain of these cases other industry participants are also defendants.  In certain of these cases the Company expects that any potential liability would be the responsibility of the Company's equipment vendors pursuant to applicable contractual indemnification provisions.  The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to defend the actions vigorously, but is unable to predict the outcome of these lawsuits or reasonably estimate a range of possible loss.
In addition to the matters discussed above, the Company is party to various lawsuits, some involving claims for substantial damages.  Although the outcome of these other matters cannot be predicted and the impact of the final resolution of these other matters on the Company's results of operations in a particular subsequent reporting period is not known, management does not believe that the resolution of these other lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due.
Other Litigation
In April 2011, Thomas C. Dolan, a director and Executive Vice President, Strategy and Development, in the Office of the Chairman at Cablevision, filed a lawsuit against Cablevision and Rainbow Media Holdings LLC (which was subsequently dismissed as a party) in New York State Supreme Court.  The lawsuit raised compensation-related claims related to events largely from 2005 to 2008.  The matter was handled under the direction of an independent committee of the Board of Directors of Cablevision. In April 2015, the Court granted summary judgment in favor of the plaintiff on liability, with damages to be determined.  On June 18, 2015, the Company filed a notice of appeal. On February 8, 2016, Cablevision and Thomas C. Dolan entered into a settlement pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay plaintiff $21,000 and plaintiff released all claims.  A stipulation of dismissal with prejudice was approved and entered by the Court on February 8, 2016, and payment was made the same day.  The appeal has also been withdrawn. The Company recorded an expense of $21,000 which is reflected in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 (see Note 6).
v3.8.0.1
CVC - INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Selected Quarterly Financial Information  
INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of the Company's selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
March 31,
2017
 
June 30,
2017
 
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2017 (a)
 
Total
2017
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
1,083,878

 
$
1,071,163

 
$
1,069,946

 
$
1,049,135

 
$
4,274,122

Broadband
625,918

 
642,620

 
658,278

 
681,779

 
2,608,595

Telephony
180,961

 
178,261

 
172,479

 
169,064

 
700,765

Business services and wholesale
319,420

 
323,641

 
324,642

 
330,510

 
1,298,213

Advertising
83,361

 
97,501

 
89,292

 
121,712

 
391,866

Other
8,721

 
9,176

 
7,884

 
7,608

 
33,389

Revenue
2,302,259

 
2,322,362

 
2,322,521

 
2,359,808

 
9,306,950

Operating expenses
(2,052,149
)
 
(2,069,094
)
 
(2,201,946
)
 
(2,142,753
)
 
(8,465,942
)
Operating income
$
250,110

 
$
253,268

 
$
120,575

 
$
217,055

 
$
841,008

Net income (loss)
$
(76,188
)
 
$
(479,939
)
 
$
(192,434
)
 
$
2,243,325

 
$
1,494,764

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(237
)
 
(365
)
 
(135
)
 
(850
)
 
(1,587
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders
$
(76,425
)
 
$
(480,304
)
 
$
(192,569
)
 
$
2,242,475

 
$
1,493,177

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.73
)
 
$
(0.26
)
 
$
3.04

 
$
2.15

 
(a)
Pursuant to the enactment of the Tax Reform on December 22, 2017, the Company recorded a noncash deferred tax benefit of $2,332,677 to remeasure the net deferred tax liability to adjust for the reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate 35% to 21% which is effective on January 1, 2018.
 
March 31,
2016
 
June 30,
2016
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2016
 
Total
2016
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
279,736

 
$
370,122

 
$
1,066,019

 
$
1,072,996

 
$
2,788,873

Broadband
196,691

 
245,568

 
594,932

 
614,383

 
1,651,574

Telephony
39,735

 
55,855

 
185,834

 
184,347

 
465,771

Business services and wholesale
84,404

 
111,193

 
309,366

 
314,578

 
819,541

Advertising
20,887

 
29,843

 
90,555

 
110,764

 
252,049

Other
6,136

 
10,920

 
13,515

 
8,833

 
39,404

Revenue
627,589

 
823,501

 
2,260,221

 
2,305,901

 
6,017,212

Operating expenses
(573,329
)
 
(777,564
)
 
(2,115,955
)
 
(2,087,555
)
 
(5,554,403
)
Operating income
$
54,260

 
$
45,937

 
$
144,266

 
$
218,346

 
$
462,809

Net loss
$
(140,748
)
 
$
(282,129
)
 
$
(172,553
)
 
$
(236,049
)
 
$
(831,479
)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
364

 
(256
)
 
(659
)
 
(551
)
Net loss attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders
$
(140,748
)
 
$
(281,765
)
 
$
(172,809
)
 
$
(236,708
)
 
$
(832,030
)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders
$
(0.22
)
 
$
(0.43
)
 
$
(0.27
)
 
$
(0.36
)
 
$
(1.28
)

The Company’s previously reported statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017, the six months ended June 30, 2017 and the nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflected distributions to stockholders of $79,617 in cash provided by operating activities. These distributions should have been reflected in financing activities.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Selected Quarterly Financial Information  
INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of the Company's selected quarterly financial data:
 
Predecessor
2016:
March 31,
2016
 
April 1 to June 20, 2016
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
1,645,890

 
$
1,491,714

Operating expenses
(1,394,635
)
 
(1,267,663
)
Operating income
$
251,255

 
$
224,051

Net income
$
94,311

 
$
69,201

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
66

 
170

Net income attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders
$
94,377

 
$
69,371

Basic income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
$
0.35

 
$
0.25

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$

 
$

Net income
$
0.35

 
$
0.25

Diluted income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
$
0.34

 
$
0.25

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$

 
$

Net income
$
0.34

 
$
0.25

Amounts attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
$
94,377

 
$
69,371

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

 

Net income
$
94,377

 
$
69,371

 
 
Predecessor
2015:
March 31,
2015
 
June 30,
2015
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2015
 
Total
2015
Revenue
$
1,622,352

 
$
1,661,940

 
$
1,624,828

 
$
1,636,425

 
$
6,545,545

Operating expenses
(1,398,601
)
 
(1,417,476
)
 
(1,441,712
)
 
(1,439,285
)
 
(5,697,074
)
Operating income
$
223,751

 
$
244,464

 
$
183,116

 
$
197,140

 
$
848,471

Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
$
54,901

 
$
75,676

 
$
23,431

 
$
33,781

 
$
187,789

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(10,502
)
 

 
(406
)
 
(1,633
)
 
(12,541
)
Net income
44,399

 
75,676

 
23,025

 
32,148

 
175,248

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
234

 
(81
)
 
78

 
(30
)
 
201

Net income attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders
$
44,633

 
$
75,595

 
$
23,103

 
$
32,118

 
$
175,449

Basic income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
$
0.21

 
$
0.28

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.70

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$
(0.04
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
(0.05
)
Net income
$
0.17

 
$
0.28

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.65

Diluted income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
$
0.20

 
$
0.27

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.68

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$
(0.04
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
(0.05
)
Net income
$
0.16

 
$
0.27

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.63

Amounts attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
$
55,135

 
$
75,595

 
$
23,509

 
$
33,751

 
$
187,990

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(10,502
)
 

 
(406
)
 
(1,633
)
 
(12,541
)
Net income
$
44,633

 
$
75,595

 
$
23,103

 
$
32,118

 
$
175,449

v3.8.0.1
CVC - BUSINESS COMBINATION
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
ATS Acquisition
As the ATS acquisition discussed in Note 1 is a combination of businesses under common control, the Company combined the results of operations and related assets and liabilities of ATS for all periods since its formation. See Note 20 for the impact of the ATS Acquisition on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Cablevision Acquisition
As discussed in Note 1, the Company completed the Cablevision Acquisition on June 21, 2016. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 805. Accordingly, the Company recorded the fair value of the assets and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
The following table provides the allocation of the total purchase price of $9,958,323 to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of Cablevision based on their respective fair values. The remaining useful lives represent the period over which acquired tangible and intangible assets with a finite life are being depreciated or amortized.
 
Fair Values
 
Estimated Useful Lives
 
 
 
 
Current assets
$
1,923,071

 
 
Accounts receivable
271,305

 
 
Property, plant and equipment
4,864,621

 
2-18 years
Goodwill
5,842,172

 
 
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises
8,113,575

 
Indefinite-lived
Customer relationships
4,850,000

 
8 to 18 years
Trade names (a)
1,010,000

 
12 years
Amortizable intangible assets
23,296

 
1-15 years
Other non-current assets
748,998

 
 
Current liabilities
(2,311,201
)
 
 
Long-term debt
(8,355,386
)
 
 
Deferred income taxes.
(6,832,773
)
 
 
Other non-current liabilities
(189,355
)
 
 
Total
$
9,958,323

 
 
 
(a)
See Note 8 for additional information regarding a change in the remaining estimated useful lives of the Company's trade names.
The fair value of customer relationships and cable television franchises were valued using derivations of the "income" approach. The future expected earnings from these assets were discounted to their present value equivalent.
Trade names were valued using the relief from royalty method, which is based on the present value of the royalty payments avoided as a result of the company owning the intangible asset.
The basis for the valuation methods was the Company’s projections. These projections were based on management’s assumptions including among others, penetration rates for pay television, broadband, and telephony; revenue growth rates; operating margins; and capital expenditures. The assumptions are derived based on the Company’s and its peers’ historical operating performance adjusted for current and expected competitive and economic factors surrounding the cable industry. The discount rates used in the analysis are intended to reflect the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the respective intangible asset. The value is highly dependent on the achievement of the future financial results contemplated in the projections. The estimates and assumptions made in the valuation are inherently subject to significant uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and there is no assurance that these results can be achieved. The primary assumptions for which there is a reasonable possibility of the occurrence of a variation that would have significantly affected the value include the assumptions regarding revenue growth, programming expense growth rates, the amount and timing of capital expenditures and the discount rate utilized.
In establishing fair value for the vast majority of the acquired property, plant and equipment, the cost approach was utilized. The cost approach considers the amount required to replace an asset by constructing or purchasing a new asset with similar utility, then adjusts the value in consideration of physical depreciation, and functional and economic obsolescence as of the appraisal date. The cost approach relies on management’s assumptions regarding current material and labor costs required to rebuild and repurchase significant components of property, plant and equipment along with assumptions regarding the age and estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment.
The estimates of expected useful lives take into consideration the effects of contractual relationships, customer attrition, eventual development of new technologies and market competition.
Long-term debt assumed was valued using quoted market prices (Level 2). The carrying value of most other assets and liabilities approximated fair value as of the acquisition date.
As a result of applying business combination accounting, the Company recorded goodwill, which represented the excess of organization value over amounts assigned to the other identifiable tangible and intangible assets arising from expectations of future operational performance and cash generation.
The following table presents the unaudited pro forma revenue and net loss for the period presented as if the Cablevision Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2016:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Revenue
$
9,154,816

Net loss
$
(721,257
)

The pro forma results presented above include the impact of additional amortization expense related to the identifiable intangible assets recorded in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, additional depreciation expense related to the fair value adjustment to property, plant and equipment and the incremental interest resulting from the issuance of debt to fund the Cablevision Acquisition, net of the reversal of interest and amortization of deferred financing costs related to credit facilities that were repaid on the date of the Cablevision Acquisition and the accretion/amortization of fair value adjustments associated with the long-term debt acquired.
Other Acquisitions
In connection with certain acquisitions completed in the first and fourth quarters of 2017, the Company recorded amortizable intangibles of $45,000 relating to customer relationships and $9,400 relating to other amortizable intangibles. The Company recorded goodwill of $23,948, which represents the excess of the estimated purchase price of approximately $80,000 (based on current probability of contingent consideration) over the net book value of assets acquired. These values are based on preliminary fair value information currently available, which is subject to change within the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date). The acquired entities are included in the Cablevision segment.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
BUSINESS COMBINATION
As discussed in Note 1, Cablevision completed the Merger on June 21, 2016. The Merger was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 805. The following table provides the preliminary allocation of the total purchase price of $9,958,323 to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of Cablevision based on preliminary fair value information currently available, which is subject to change within the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date).
 
Estimates of Fair Values (As of December 31, 2016)
Estimated Useful Lives
 
 
 
Current assets
$
1,923,071

 
Accounts receivable
271,305

 
Property, plant and equipment
4,864,621

2-18 years
Goodwill
5,838,959

 
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises
8,113,575

Indefinite-lived
Customer relationships
4,850,000

8 to 18 years
Trade names
1,010,000

12 years
Amortizable intangible assets
23,296

1-15 years
Other non-current assets
748,998

 
Current liabilities
(2,305,954
)
 
Long-term debt
(8,355,386
)
 
Deferred income taxes.
(6,834,807
)
 
Other non-current liabilities
(189,355
)
 
Total
$
9,958,323

 

The fair value of identified intangible assets was estimated using derivations of the "income" approach. Customer relationships and cable television franchises were valued using the multiple period excess earnings method (“MPEEM”) approach. The MPEEM approach quantifies the expected earnings of an asset by isolating earnings attributable to the asset from the overall business enterprise earnings and then removing a charge for those assets that contribute to the generation of the isolated earnings. The future expected earnings are discounted to their present value equivalent.

Trade names were valued using the relief from royalty method, which is based on the present value of the royalty payments avoided as a result of the company owning the intangible asset.

The basis for the valuation methods was the Company’s projections. These projections were based on management’s assumptions including among others, penetration rates for video, high speed data, and voice; revenue growth rates; operating margins; and capital expenditures. The assumptions are derived based on the Company’s and its peers’ historical operating performance adjusted for current and expected competitive and economic factors surrounding the cable industry. The discount rates used in the analysis are intended to reflect the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the respective intangible asset. The value is highly dependent on the achievement of the future financial results contemplated in the projections. The estimates and assumptions made in the valuation are inherently subject to significant uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and there is no assurance that these results can be achieved. The primary assumptions for which there is a reasonable possibility of the occurrence of a variation that would have significantly affected the value include the assumptions regarding revenue growth, programming expense growth rates, the amount and timing of capital expenditures and the discount rate utilized.

In establishing fair value for the vast majority of the Company’s property, plant and equipment, the cost approach was utilized. The cost approach considers the amount required to replace an asset by constructing or purchasing a new asset with similar utility, then adjusts the value in consideration of physical depreciation, and functional and economic obsolescence as of the appraisal date. The cost approach relies on management’s assumptions regarding current material and labor costs required to rebuild and repurchase significant components of our property, plant and equipment along with assumptions regarding the age and estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment.

The estimates of expected useful lives take into consideration the effects of contractual relationships, customer attrition, eventual development of new technologies and market competition.

As a result of applying business combination accounting, the Company recorded goodwill, which represented the excess of organization value over amounts assigned to the other identifiable tangible and intangible assets arising from expectations of future operational performance and cash generation.

The following table sets forth the estimated amortization expense on the intangible assets recorded in the connection with the Merger for the years ending December 31:
Estimated amortization expense
 

Year Ending December 31, 2017
$
701,908

Year Ending December 31, 2018
655,409

Year Ending December 31, 2019
609,245

Year Ending December 31, 2020
562,613

Year Ending December 31, 2021
515,430



The unaudited pro forma revenue, loss from continuing operations and net loss for the years ended December 31, 2015, as if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2015, are as follows:
Revenue
$
6,545,545

Loss from continuing operations
$
(740,115
)
Net loss
$
(752,656
)

The pro forma results presented above include the impact of additional interest expense related to the debt issued to finance the Merger. The pro forma results also reflect additional amortization expense related to the identifiable intangible assets recorded in connection with the Merger and additional depreciation expense related to the fair value adjustment to property, plant and equipment.
v3.8.0.1
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]    
Revenue Recognition  
Revenue Recognition
Residential Services
The Company derives revenue through monthly charges to residential customers of its pay television, broadband, and telephony services, including installation services. In addition, the Company derives revenue from digital video recorder ("DVR"), video-on-demand ("VOD"), pay‑per‑view, and home shopping commissions which are reflected in "Residential pay TV" revenues. The Company recognizes pay television, broadband, and telephony revenues as the services are provided to a customer on a monthly basis. Revenue from the sale of bundled services at a discounted rate is allocated to each product based on the standalone selling price of each performance obligation within the bundled offer. The standalone selling price requires judgment and is typically determined based on the current prices at which the separate services are sold by the Company. Installation revenue for the Company's residential services is deferred and recognized over the benefit period, which is estimated to be less than one year. The estimated benefit period takes into account both quantitative and qualitative factors including the significance of average installation fees to total recurring revenue per customer.
The Company is assessed non-income related taxes by governmental authorities, including franchising authorities (generally under multi-year agreements), and collects such taxes from its customers.  In instances where the tax is being assessed directly on the Company, amounts paid to the governmental authorities are recorded as programming and other direct costs and amounts received from the customers are recorded as revenue. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amount of franchise fees and certain other taxes and fees included as a component of revenue aggregated $259,075 and $154,732, respectively.
Business and Wholesale Services
The Company derives revenue from the sale of products and services to both large enterprise and SMB customers, including broadband, telephony, networking, and pay television services reflected in "Business services and wholesale" revenues. The Company's business services also include Ethernet, data transport, and IP-based virtual private networks. The Company also provides managed services to businesses, including hosted telephony services (cloud based SIP-based private branch exchange), managed Wi-Fi, managed desktop and server backup and managed collaboration services including audio and web conferencing. The Company also offers fiber-to-the-tower services to wireless carriers for cell tower backhaul and enable wireline communications service providers to connect to customers that their own networks do not reach. The Company recognizes revenues for these services as the services are provided to a customer on a monthly basis.
Substantially all of our SMB customers are billed monthly and large enterprise customers are billed in accordance with the terms of their contracts which is typically also on a monthly basis. Contracts with large enterprise customers typically range from three to five years. Installation revenue related to our large enterprise customers is deferred and recognized over the average contract term. Installation revenue related to SMB customers is deferred and recognized over the benefit period, which is less than a year. The estimated benefit period for SMB customers takes into account both quantitative and qualitative factors including the significance of average installation fees to total recurring revenue per customer.
Advertising
As part of the agreements under which the Company acquires pay television programming, the Company typically receives an allocation of scheduled advertising time during such programming into which the Company's cable systems can insert commercials. In several of the markets in which the Company operates, it has entered into agreements commonly referred to as interconnects with other cable operators to jointly sell local advertising. In some of these markets, the Company represents the advertising sales efforts of other cable operators; in other markets, other cable operators represent the Company. Advertising revenues are recognized when commercials are aired. Arrangements in which the Company controls the sale of advertising and acts as the principal to the transaction, the Company recognizes revenue earned from the advertising customer on a gross basis and the amount remitted to the distributor as an operating expense. Arrangements in which the Company does not control the sale of advertising and acts as an agent to the transaction, the Company recognizes revenue net of any fee remitted to the distributor.
The Company's advanced advertising businesses provide data-driven, audience-based advertising solutions using advanced analytics tools that provide granular measurement of consumer groups, accurate hyper-local ratings and other insights into target audience behavior not available through traditional sample-based measurement services. Revenue earned from the Company's advanced advertising businesses are recognized when services are provided.
Other
Revenues derived from other sources are recognized when services are provided or events occur.
Contract Assets
Incremental costs incurred in obtaining a contract with a customer are deferred and recorded as a contract asset if the period of benefit is expected to be greater than one year. Sales commissions for enterprise and certain SMB customers are deferred and amortized over the average contract term. For sales commission expenses related to residential and SMB customers with a term of one year or less, the Company is utilizing the practical expedient and is recognizing the costs when incurred.  Cost of fulfilling a contract with a customer are deferred and recorded as a contract asset if they generate or enhance resources of the Company that will be used in satisfying future performance obligations and are expected to be recovered. Installation costs related to residential and SMB customers that are not capitalized as part of the initial deployment of new customer premise equipment are expensed as incurred pursuant to industry-specific guidance.
The following table provides information about contracts assets and contract liabilities related to contracts with customers:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Contract assets (a)
$
24,329

 
$
24,329

Deferred revenue (b)
117,679

 
103,996

 
(a)
Contract assets include primarily sales commissions for enterprise customers that are deferred and amortized over the average contract term.
(b)
Deferred revenue represents payments received from customers for services that have yet to be provided and installation revenue which is deferred and recognized over the benefit period. The majority of the Company's deferred revenue represents payments for services for up to one month in advance from residential and SMB customers which is realized within the following month as services are performed.
A significant portion of our revenue is derived from residential and SMB customer contracts which are month-to month. As such, the amount of revenue related to unsatisfied performance obligations is not necessarily indicative of the future revenue to be recognized from our existing customer base. Contracts with enterprise customers generally range from three to five years, and services may only be terminated in accordance with the contractual terms.
Multiple Element Transactions  
Multiple-Element Transactions
In the normal course of business, the Company may enter into multiple-element transactions where it is simultaneously both a customer and a vendor with the same counterparty or in which it purchases multiple products and/or services, or settles outstanding items contemporaneously with the purchase of a product or service, from a single counterparty. The Company's policy for accounting for each transaction negotiated contemporaneously is to record each deliverable of the transaction based on its best estimate of selling price in a manner consistent with that used to determine the price to sell each deliverable on a standalone basis.  In determining the fair value of the respective deliverable, the Company will utilize quoted market prices (as available), historical transactions or comparable transactions.
Programming Costs  
Technical and Operating Expenses
Costs of revenue related to sales of services are classified as "programming and other direct costs" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Programming Costs
Programming expenses related to the Company's pay television service represent fees paid to programming distributors to license the programming distributed to customers.  This programming is acquired generally under multi-year distribution agreements, with rates usually based on the number of customers that receive the programming.  If there are periods when an existing distribution agreement has expired and the parties have not finalized negotiations of either a renewal of that agreement or a new agreement for certain periods of time, the Company continues to carry and pay for these services until execution of definitive replacement agreements or renewals.  The amount of programming expense recorded during the interim period is based on the Company's estimates of the ultimate contractual agreement expected to be reached, which is based on several factors, including previous contractual rates, customary rate increases and the current status of negotiations.  Such estimates are adjusted as negotiations progress until new programming terms are finalized.
In addition, the Company has received, or may receive, incentives from programming distributors for carriage of the distributors' programming.  The Company generally recognizes these incentives as a reduction of programming costs in "programming and other direct costs", generally over the term of the distribution agreement.
Advertising Expenses  
Advertising Expenses
Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred and are reflected in "other operating expenses" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Share-based Compensation  
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense is based on the fair value of the portion of share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Share-based compensation cost relates to awards of units in a carried unit plan and options.
For carried interest units, the Company measures share-based compensation cost at the grant date fair value and recognizes the expense over the requisite service period or when it is probable any related performance condition will be met. For carried interest units with graded vesting requirement, compensation cost is recognized on an accelerated method under the graded vesting method over the requisite service period for the carried interest unit. Carried interest units that vest entirely at the end of the vesting requirement are expensed on a straight-line basis.
The Company estimated the fair value of carried interest units using an option pricing model. Key inputs that were used in applying the option pricing method were total equity value, equity volatility, risk free rate and time to liquidity event. The estimate of total equity value was determined using a combination of the income approach, which incorporated cash flow projections that were discounted at an appropriate rate, and the market approach, which involved applying a market multiple to the Company’s projected operating results. The Company estimated volatility based on the historical equity volatility of comparable publicly-traded companies. Subsequent to the IPO, such subjective valuations and estimates were no longer necessary as the Company relied on the market price of the Company’s common stock to determine the fair value of share-based compensation awards. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about our share-based compensation.
For stock option awards, the Company recognizes compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model. For options not subject to performance based vesting conditions, the Company recognizes the compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method.
Income Taxes  
Income Taxes
The Company's provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in estimates with regard to uncertain tax positions.  Deferred tax assets are subject to an ongoing assessment of realizability.  The Company provides deferred taxes for the outside basis difference of its investment in partnerships.
Cash and Cash Equivalents  
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company's cash investments are placed with money market funds and financial institutions that are investment grade as rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service.  The Company selects money market funds that predominantly invest in marketable, direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies, commercial paper, fully collateralized repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, and time deposits.
The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents.  The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value.
Accounts Receivable  
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of valuation allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable by evaluating the collectability of outstanding receivables and general factors such as historical collection experience, length of time individual receivables are past due, and the economic and competitive environment.
Investments  
Investments
Investment securities and investment securities pledged as collateral are classified as trading securities and are stated at fair value with realized and unrealized holding gains and losses included in net income.
Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets - Property, Plant, and Equipment  
The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets subject to amortization that arose from acquisitions) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value
Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets
Property, plant and equipment, including construction materials, are carried at cost, and include all direct costs and certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable systems, and the costs of new equipment installations.  Equipment under capital leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments.  Depreciation on equipment is calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets' useful lives and reported in depreciation and amortization (including impairments) in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company capitalizes certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or develop internal-use software.  Capitalized software costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the software and reported in depreciation and amortization.
Amortizable Intangible Assets  
Customer relationships, trade names and other intangibles established in connection with acquisitions that are finite-lived are amortized in a manner that reflects the pattern in which the projected net cash inflows to the Company are expected to occur, such as the sum of the years' digits method, or when such pattern does not exist, using the straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives.
The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets subject to amortization that arose from acquisitions) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets  
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and the value of franchises acquired in purchase business combinations which have indefinite useful lives are not amortized.  Rather, such assets are tested for impairment annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event.
The Company assesses qualitative factors for its reporting units that carry goodwill.  If the qualitative assessment results in a conclusion that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, then no further testing is performed for that reporting unit.
When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive and it is necessary to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit, then the impairment analysis for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level using a two-step approach.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill utilizing an enterprise-value based premise approach.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss, if any.  The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill which would be recognized in a business combination.
The Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the one-step quantitative identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test.  This quantitative test is required only if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that a unit of accounting’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.  When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive, the impairment test for other intangible assets not subject to amortization requires a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value.  If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Deferred Financing Costs  
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the terms of the related debt.
Derivative Financial Instruments  
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value.  The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market risks from changes in certain equity prices and interest rates and does not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.  These derivative instruments are not designated as hedges, and changes in the fair values of these derivatives are recognized in the statements of operations as gains (losses) on derivative contracts. 
Commitments and Contingencies  
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when the Company believes it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The primary provision of ASU No. 2018-02 allows for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU No. 2018-02 also requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. ASU No. 2018‑02 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted and will be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. The Company elected to adopt ASU No. 2018-02 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption resulted in the reclassification of stranded tax amounts of $2,163 associated with net unrecognized losses from the Company's pension plans from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑09, Compensation- Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU No. 2017‑09 provides clarity and guidance on which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. ASU No. 2017‑09 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). ASU No. 2017‑07 requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. It also provides guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and what component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization. ASU No. 2017‑07 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and was applied retrospectively. As a result of the adoption, the Company reclassified the non-service cost components of the Company's pension expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from other operating expenses to other income (expense), net. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient which allowed it to reclassify amounts disclosed previously in the benefits plan note as the basis for applying retrospective presentation for comparative periods, as the Company determined it was impracticable to disaggregate the cost components for amounts capitalized and amortized in those periods. See Note 3 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2017-07.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which amends Topic 805 to interpret the definition of a business by adding guidance to assist in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  ASU No. 2016-01 modifies how entities measure certain equity investments and also modifies the recognition of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option. Entities will be required to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. For financial liabilities measured using the fair value option, entities will be required to record changes in fair value caused by a change in instrument-specific credit risk (own credit risk) separately in other comprehensive income. ASU No. 2016-01 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASC 606 replaced most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and allowed the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.
In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to clarify the Codification and to correct any unintended application of the guidance. The amendments in this update affected the guidance in ASC 606. ASC 606 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 on a full retrospective basis, which required the Company to reflect the impact of the updated guidance for all periods presented. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. See Note 3 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASC 606.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). ASU No. 2017‑04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two‑step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU No. 2017‑04 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted and will be applied prospectively.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASC 606 replaced most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and allowed the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.
In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to clarify the Codification and to correct any unintended application of the guidance. The amendments in this update affected the guidance in ASC 606. ASC 606 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 on a full retrospective basis, which required the Company to reflect the impact of the updated guidance for all periods presented. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. See Note 20 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASC 606.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). ASU No. 2017‑07 requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. It also provides guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and what component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization. ASU No. 2017‑07 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and was applied retrospectively. As a result of the adoption, the Company reclassified the non-service cost components of the Company's pension expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 from other operating expenses to other income (expense), net. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient which allowed it to reclassify amounts disclosed previously in the benefits plan note (Note 17 of the consolidated financial statements) as the basis for applying retrospective presentation for comparative periods, as the Company determined it was impracticable to disaggregate the cost components for amounts capitalized and amortized in those periods. See Note 20 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2017-07.
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which provides simplification of income tax accounting for share-based payment awards. The new guidance became effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures, and intrinsic value were applied using the modified retrospective transition method. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term were applied prospectively. The Company elected to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using the prospective transition method. In connection with the adoption on January 1, 2017, a deferred tax asset of approximately $310,771 for previously unrealized excess tax benefits was recognized with the offset recorded to accumulated deficit.
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The primary provision of ASU No. 2018-02 allows for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU 2018-02 also requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. ASU No. 2018‑02 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted and will be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑09, Compensation- Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU No. 2017‑09 provides clarity and guidance on which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. ASU No. 2017‑09 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied prospectively.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). ASU No. 2017‑04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two‑step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU No. 2017‑04 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted and will be applied prospectively.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which amends Topic 805 to interpret the definition of a business by adding guidance to assist in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied prospectively.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied retrospectively. The Company does not believe that the adoption of ASU No. 2016-15 will have a material effect on its consolidated statements of cash flows.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted and will be applied using the modified retrospective method. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  ASU No. 2016-01 modifies how entities measure certain equity investments and also modifies the recognition of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option. Entities will be required to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. For financial liabilities measured using the fair value option, entities will be required to record changes in fair value caused by a change in instrument-specific credit risk (own credit risk) separately in other comprehensive income. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018.  The Company does expect the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 to have any effect on its consolidated financial statements.
Dividends and Distributions  
Dividends and Distributions
The Company may pay dividends on its capital stock only from net profits and surplus as determined under Delaware law.  If dividends are paid on the Altice USA common stock, holders of the Altice USA Class A common stock and Altice USA Class B common stock are entitled to receive dividends, and other distributions in cash, stock or property, equally on a per share basis, except that stock dividends with respect to Altice USA Class A common stock may be paid only with shares of Altice USA Class A common stock and stock dividends with respect to Altice USA Class B common stock may be paid only with shares of Altice USA Class B common stock.
The Company's indentures restrict the amount of dividends and distributions in respect of any equity interest that can be made.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share  
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted income per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders reflects the dilutive effects of stock options. Diluted net loss per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders excludes the effects of common stock equivalents as they are anti-dilutive. The weighted average number of shares used to compute basic and diluted net income (loss) per share reflect the retroactive impact of the organizational transactions, discussed in Note 1, that occurred prior to the Company's IPO.
Concentrations of Credit Risk  
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that may potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade account receivables.  The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution.  The Company's emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the yield on its investments.  Management believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to its cash and cash equivalents because of its assessment of the creditworthiness and financial viability of the respective financial institutions.
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements  
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  See Note 11 for a discussion of fair value estimates.
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CVC - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements  
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  See Note 11 for a discussion of fair value estimates.
Multiple-Element Transactions  
Multiple-Element Transactions
In the normal course of business, the Company may enter into multiple-element transactions where it is simultaneously both a customer and a vendor with the same counterparty or in which it purchases multiple products and/or services, or settles outstanding items contemporaneously with the purchase of a product or service, from a single counterparty. The Company's policy for accounting for each transaction negotiated contemporaneously is to record each deliverable of the transaction based on its best estimate of selling price in a manner consistent with that used to determine the price to sell each deliverable on a standalone basis.  In determining the fair value of the respective deliverable, the Company will utilize quoted market prices (as available), historical transactions or comparable transactions.
Advertising Expenses  
Advertising Expenses
Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred and are reflected in "other operating expenses" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Income Taxes  
Income Taxes
The Company's provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in estimates with regard to uncertain tax positions.  Deferred tax assets are subject to an ongoing assessment of realizability.  The Company provides deferred taxes for the outside basis difference of its investment in partnerships.
Cash and Cash Equivalents  
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company's cash investments are placed with money market funds and financial institutions that are investment grade as rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service.  The Company selects money market funds that predominantly invest in marketable, direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies, commercial paper, fully collateralized repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, and time deposits.
The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents.  The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value.
Investments  
Investments
Investment securities and investment securities pledged as collateral are classified as trading securities and are stated at fair value with realized and unrealized holding gains and losses included in net income.
Long-Lived Assets  
The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets subject to amortization that arose from acquisitions) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value
Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets
Property, plant and equipment, including construction materials, are carried at cost, and include all direct costs and certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable systems, and the costs of new equipment installations.  Equipment under capital leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments.  Depreciation on equipment is calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets' useful lives and reported in depreciation and amortization (including impairments) in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company capitalizes certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or develop internal-use software.  Capitalized software costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the software and reported in depreciation and amortization.
Amortizable Intangible Assets  
Customer relationships, trade names and other intangibles established in connection with acquisitions that are finite-lived are amortized in a manner that reflects the pattern in which the projected net cash inflows to the Company are expected to occur, such as the sum of the years' digits method, or when such pattern does not exist, using the straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives.
The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets subject to amortization that arose from acquisitions) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets  
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and the value of franchises acquired in purchase business combinations which have indefinite useful lives are not amortized.  Rather, such assets are tested for impairment annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event.
The Company assesses qualitative factors for its reporting units that carry goodwill.  If the qualitative assessment results in a conclusion that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, then no further testing is performed for that reporting unit.
When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive and it is necessary to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit, then the impairment analysis for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level using a two-step approach.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill utilizing an enterprise-value based premise approach.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss, if any.  The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill which would be recognized in a business combination.
The Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the one-step quantitative identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test.  This quantitative test is required only if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that a unit of accounting’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.  When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive, the impairment test for other intangible assets not subject to amortization requires a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value.  If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Derivative Financial Instruments  
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value.  The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market risks from changes in certain equity prices and interest rates and does not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.  These derivative instruments are not designated as hedges, and changes in the fair values of these derivatives are recognized in the statements of operations as gains (losses) on derivative contracts. 
Commitments and Contingencies  
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when the Company believes it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The primary provision of ASU No. 2018-02 allows for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU No. 2018-02 also requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. ASU No. 2018‑02 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted and will be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. The Company elected to adopt ASU No. 2018-02 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption resulted in the reclassification of stranded tax amounts of $2,163 associated with net unrecognized losses from the Company's pension plans from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑09, Compensation- Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU No. 2017‑09 provides clarity and guidance on which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. ASU No. 2017‑09 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). ASU No. 2017‑07 requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. It also provides guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and what component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization. ASU No. 2017‑07 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and was applied retrospectively. As a result of the adoption, the Company reclassified the non-service cost components of the Company's pension expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from other operating expenses to other income (expense), net. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient which allowed it to reclassify amounts disclosed previously in the benefits plan note as the basis for applying retrospective presentation for comparative periods, as the Company determined it was impracticable to disaggregate the cost components for amounts capitalized and amortized in those periods. See Note 3 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2017-07.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which amends Topic 805 to interpret the definition of a business by adding guidance to assist in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  ASU No. 2016-01 modifies how entities measure certain equity investments and also modifies the recognition of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option. Entities will be required to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. For financial liabilities measured using the fair value option, entities will be required to record changes in fair value caused by a change in instrument-specific credit risk (own credit risk) separately in other comprehensive income. ASU No. 2016-01 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASC 606 replaced most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and allowed the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.
In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to clarify the Codification and to correct any unintended application of the guidance. The amendments in this update affected the guidance in ASC 606. ASC 606 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 on a full retrospective basis, which required the Company to reflect the impact of the updated guidance for all periods presented. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. See Note 3 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASC 606.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 and had no impact to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). ASU No. 2017‑04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two‑step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU No. 2017‑04 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted and will be applied prospectively.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASC 606 replaced most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and allowed the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.
In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to clarify the Codification and to correct any unintended application of the guidance. The amendments in this update affected the guidance in ASC 606. ASC 606 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 on a full retrospective basis, which required the Company to reflect the impact of the updated guidance for all periods presented. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. See Note 20 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASC 606.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). ASU No. 2017‑07 requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. It also provides guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and what component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization. ASU No. 2017‑07 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018 and was applied retrospectively. As a result of the adoption, the Company reclassified the non-service cost components of the Company's pension expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 from other operating expenses to other income (expense), net. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient which allowed it to reclassify amounts disclosed previously in the benefits plan note (Note 17 of the consolidated financial statements) as the basis for applying retrospective presentation for comparative periods, as the Company determined it was impracticable to disaggregate the cost components for amounts capitalized and amortized in those periods. See Note 20 for information on the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2017-07.
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which provides simplification of income tax accounting for share-based payment awards. The new guidance became effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures, and intrinsic value were applied using the modified retrospective transition method. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term were applied prospectively. The Company elected to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using the prospective transition method. In connection with the adoption on January 1, 2017, a deferred tax asset of approximately $310,771 for previously unrealized excess tax benefits was recognized with the offset recorded to accumulated deficit.
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The primary provision of ASU No. 2018-02 allows for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU 2018-02 also requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. ASU No. 2018‑02 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted and will be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑09, Compensation- Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU No. 2017‑09 provides clarity and guidance on which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. ASU No. 2017‑09 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied prospectively.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). ASU No. 2017‑04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two‑step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU No. 2017‑04 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted and will be applied prospectively.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which amends Topic 805 to interpret the definition of a business by adding guidance to assist in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied prospectively.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied retrospectively. The Company does not believe that the adoption of ASU No. 2016-15 will have a material effect on its consolidated statements of cash flows.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted and will be applied using the modified retrospective method. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  ASU No. 2016-01 modifies how entities measure certain equity investments and also modifies the recognition of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option. Entities will be required to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. For financial liabilities measured using the fair value option, entities will be required to record changes in fair value caused by a change in instrument-specific credit risk (own credit risk) separately in other comprehensive income. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018.  The Company does expect the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 to have any effect on its consolidated financial statements.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Principles of Consolidation  
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Cablevision include the accounts of Cablevision and its majority-owned subsidiaries. Cablevision has no business operations independent of CSC Holdings, whose operating results and financial position are consolidated into Cablevision. All significant intercompany transactions and balances between Cablevision and CSC Holdings and their respective consolidated subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation. 
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements  
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  See Note 12 for a discussion of fair value estimates.
Reclassifications  
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made in the consolidated financial statements in the 2015 financial statements to conform to the 2016 presentation.
Revenue Recognition  
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes video, high-speed data, and voice services revenues as the services are provided to customers.  Revenue received from customers who purchase bundled services at a discounted rate is allocated to each product in a pro-rata manner based on the individual product’s selling price (generally, the price at which the product is regularly sold on a standalone basis). Installation revenue for the Company's video, consumer high-speed data and VoIP services is recognized as installations are completed, as direct selling costs have exceeded this revenue in all periods reported.  Advertising revenues are recognized when commercials are aired.
Revenues derived from other sources are recognized when services are provided or events occur.
Multiple-Element Transactions  
Multiple-Element Transactions
In the normal course of business, the Company may enter into multiple-element transactions where it is simultaneously both a customer and a vendor with the same counterparty or in which it purchases multiple products and/or services, or settles outstanding items contemporaneous with the purchase of a product or service from a single counterparty. The Company's policy for accounting for each transaction negotiated contemporaneously is to record each deliverable of the transaction based on its best estimate of selling price in a manner consistent with that used to determine the price to sell each deliverable on a standalone basis.  In determining the fair value of the respective deliverable, the Company will utilize quoted market prices (as available), historical transactions or comparable transactions.
Gross Versus Net Revenue Recognition  
Gross Versus Net Revenue Recognition
In the normal course of business, the Company is assessed non-income related taxes by governmental authorities, including franchising authorities (generally under multi-year agreements), and collects such taxes from its customers.  The Company's policy is that, in instances where the tax is being assessed directly on the Company, amounts paid to the governmental authorities and amounts received from the customers are recorded on a gross basis.  That is, amounts paid to the governmental authorities are recorded as programming and other direct costs and amounts received from the customer are recorded as revenue.  For the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015 , the amount of franchise fees and certain other taxes and fees included as a component of revenue aggregated $95,432 and $199,701, respectively.
Technical and Operating Expenses  
Technical and Operating Expenses
Costs of revenue related to sales of services are classified as "programming and other direct costs" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Programming Costs  
Programming Costs
Programming expenses related to the Company's video service represent fees paid to programming distributors to license the programming distributed to subscribers.  This programming is acquired generally under multi-year distribution agreements, with rates usually based on the number of subscribers that receive the programming.  There have been periods when an existing distribution agreement has expired and the parties have not finalized negotiations of either a renewal of that agreement or a new agreement for certain periods of time.  In substantially all these instances, the Company continues to carry and pay for these services until execution of definitive replacement agreements or renewals.  The amount of programming expense recorded during the interim period is based on the Company's estimates of the ultimate contractual agreement expected to be reached, which is based on several factors, including previous contractual rates, customary rate increases and the current status of negotiations.  Such estimates are adjusted as negotiations progress until new programming terms are finalized.
In addition, the Company has received, or may receive, incentives from programming distributors for carriage of the distributors' programming.  The Company generally recognizes these incentives as a reduction of programming costs in "programming and other direct costs", generally over the term of the distribution agreement.
Advertising Expenses  
Advertising Expenses
Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred and are reflected in "other operating expenses" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. 
Share-Based Compensation  
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense is based on the fair value of the portion of share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. For share-based compensation awards that can be settled in cash, the Company recognizes compensation expense based on the estimated fair value of the award at each reporting period.
For options and performance based option awards, Cablevision recognized compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model.  For options not subject to performance based vesting conditions, Cablevision recognized the compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method.  For options subject to performance based vesting conditions, Cablevision recognized compensation expense based on the probable outcome of the performance criteria over the requisite service period for each tranche of awards.
For restricted shares, Cablevision recognized compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method based on the grant date price of CNYG Class A common stock over the vesting period. For restricted stock units granted to non-employee director which vested 100% on the date of grant, compensation expense was recognized on the date of grant based on the grant date price of CNYG Class A common stock.
For performance based restricted stock units ("PSUs") which cliff vested in three years, Cablevision recognized compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on the estimated number of shares of CNYG Class A common stock expected to be issued.
Income Taxes  
Income Taxes
The Company's provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in estimates with regard to uncertain tax positions.  Deferred tax assets are subject to an ongoing assessment of realizability.  The Company provides deferred taxes for the outside basis difference of its investment in partnerships.  In the second quarter of 2016, the Company changed its accounting policy on a prospective basis to present interest expense relating to uncertain tax position as additional interest expense.
Cash and Cash Equivalents  
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company's cash investments are placed with money market funds and financial institutions that are investment grade as rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service.  The Company selects money market funds that predominantly invest in marketable, direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies, commercial paper, fully collateralized repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, and time deposits.
The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents.  The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value.
Accounts Receivable  
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of valuation allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable by evaluating the collectability of outstanding receivables and general factors such as historical collection experience, length of time individual receivables are past due, and the economic and competitive environment.
Investments  
Investments
Investment securities and investment securities pledged as collateral are classified as trading securities and are stated at fair value with realized and unrealized holding gains and losses included in net income.
Long-Lived Assets  
Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets
Property, plant and equipment, including construction materials, are carried at cost, and include all direct costs and certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable systems, and the costs of new equipment installations.  Equipment under capital leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments.  Depreciation on equipment is calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets' useful lives and reported in depreciation and amortization (including impairments) in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company capitalizes certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or develop internal-use software.  Capitalized software costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the software and reported in depreciation and amortization (including impairments).
Customer relationships, trade names and other intangibles established in connection with acquisitions that are finite-lived are amortized in a manner that reflects the pattern in which the projected net cash inflows to the Company are expected to occur, such as the sum of the years' digits method, or when such pattern does not exist, using the straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives.
The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets subject to amortization that arose from acquisitions) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.
Amortizable Intangible Assets  
Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets
Property, plant and equipment, including construction materials, are carried at cost, and include all direct costs and certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable systems, and the costs of new equipment installations.  Equipment under capital leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments.  Depreciation on equipment is calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets' useful lives and reported in depreciation and amortization (including impairments) in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company capitalizes certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or develop internal-use software.  Capitalized software costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the software and reported in depreciation and amortization (including impairments).
Customer relationships, trade names and other intangibles established in connection with acquisitions that are finite-lived are amortized in a manner that reflects the pattern in which the projected net cash inflows to the Company are expected to occur, such as the sum of the years' digits method, or when such pattern does not exist, using the straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives.
The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets subject to amortization that arose from acquisitions) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets  
Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets
Property, plant and equipment, including construction materials, are carried at cost, and include all direct costs and certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable systems, and the costs of new equipment installations.  Equipment under capital leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments.  Depreciation on equipment is calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets' useful lives and reported in depreciation and amortization (including impairments) in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company capitalizes certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or develop internal-use software.  Capitalized software costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the software and reported in depreciation and amortization (including impairments).
Customer relationships, trade names and other intangibles established in connection with acquisitions that are finite-lived are amortized in a manner that reflects the pattern in which the projected net cash inflows to the Company are expected to occur, such as the sum of the years' digits method, or when such pattern does not exist, using the straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives.
The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets subject to amortization that arose from acquisitions) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets  
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and the value of franchises, trademarks, and certain other intangibles acquired in purchase business combinations which have indefinite useful lives are not amortized.  Rather, such assets are tested for impairment annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event.
The Company assesses qualitative factors for its reporting units that carry goodwill.  If the qualitative assessment results in a conclusion that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, then no further testing is performed for that reporting unit.
When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive and it is necessary to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit, then the impairment analysis for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level using a two-step approach.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill utilizing an enterprise-value based premise approach.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss, if any.  The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill which would be recognized in a business combination.
The Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the one-step quantitative identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test.  This quantitative test is required only if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that a unit of accounting’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.  When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive, the impairment test for other intangible assets not subject to amortization requires a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value.  If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Deferred Financing Costs  
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the terms of the related debt.
Derivative Financial Instruments  
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value.  The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market risks from changes in certain equity prices and interest rates and does not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.  These derivative instruments are not designated as hedges, and changes in the fair values of these derivatives are recognized in the statements of income as gains (losses) on derivative contracts. 
Commitments and Contingencies  
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when the Company believes it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements  
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-17 (Topic 740), Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This ASU amends existing guidance to require the presentation of deferred tax liabilities and assets as noncurrent within a classified statement of financial position. ASU No. 2015-17 was adopted by the Company as of June 30, 2016 and was applied prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, which requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Prior to the issuance of the standard, entities were required to retrospectively apply adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. ASU No. 2015-16 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2016.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. ASU No. 2015-05 provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. ASU No. 2015-05 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2016 and did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements, which clarifies the treatment of debt issuance costs from line-of-credit arrangements after adoption of ASU No. 2015-03. ASU No. 2015-15 clarifies that the Securities and Exchange Commission staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. ASU No. 2015-03 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2016 representing a change in accounting principle and was applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Debt issuance costs, net for the Company of $67,119, as of December 31, 2015 were reclassified from deferred financing costs and presented as a reduction to debt in the consolidated balance sheets.
Debt issuance costs, net for the Company of $7,588 as of December 31, 2015 relating to its revolving credit facility were not impacted by the adoption of ASU No. 2015-03 and are reflected as long-term assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide certain disclosures when it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. ASU No. 2014-15 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2016.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period. ASU No. 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. Entities may apply the amendments in this ASU either: (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date; or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. ASU No. 2014-12 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2016 on a prospective basis and did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU No. 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective and allows the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 that approved deferring the effective date by one year so that ASU No. 2014-09 would become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The FASB also approved, in July 2015, permitting the early adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, but not before the original effective date for the Company of January 1, 2017.
In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to clarify the Codification and to correct any unintended application of the guidance. These items are not expected to have a significant effect on the current accounting standard. The amendments in this update affect the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09, which is not yet effective. ASU No. 2014-09 will be effective, reflecting the one-year deferral, for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (January 1, 2018 for the Company).  Early adoption of the standard is permitted but not before the original effective date. Companies can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and selecting the method of transition to the new standard. We currently expect the adoption to impact the timing of the recognition of residential installation revenue and the recognition of commission expenses.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, which requires that the statement of cash flows disclose the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. Restricted cash should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-18 provides specific guidance on the presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted and will be applied retrospectively.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted and will be applied retrospectively. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-15 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which provides simplification of income tax accounting for share-based payment awards. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2017 with early adoption permitted. Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures, and intrinsic value will be applied using the modified retrospective transition method. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term will be applied prospectively. The Company may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using either a prospective transition method or a retrospective transition method. In connection with the adoption on January 1, 2017, a deferred tax asset of approximately $309,000 for previously unrealized excess tax benefits will be recognized with the offset recorded to accumulated deficit.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted and will be applied using the modified retrospective method. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
v3.8.0.1
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares
The following table presents a reconciliation of weighted average shares used in the calculation of the basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Altice USA stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2017:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
696,055,000

 
 
Effect of dilution:
 
Stock options

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
696,055,000

v3.8.0.1
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
The following table provides the allocation of the total purchase price of $9,958,323 to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of Cablevision based on their respective fair values. The remaining useful lives represent the period over which acquired tangible and intangible assets with a finite life are being depreciated or amortized.
 
Fair Values
 
Estimated Useful Lives
 
 
 
 
Current assets
$
1,923,071

 
 
Accounts receivable
271,305

 
 
Property, plant and equipment
4,864,621

 
2-18 years
Goodwill
5,842,172

 
 
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises
8,113,575

 
Indefinite-lived
Customer relationships
4,850,000

 
8 to 18 years
Trade names (a)
1,010,000

 
12 years
Amortizable intangible assets
23,296

 
1-15 years
Other non-current assets
748,998

 
 
Current liabilities
(2,311,201
)
 
 
Long-term debt
(8,355,386
)
 
 
Deferred income taxes.
(6,832,773
)
 
 
Other non-current liabilities
(189,355
)
 
 
Total
$
9,958,323

 
 
 
(a)
See Note 8 for additional information regarding a change in the remaining estimated useful lives of the Company's trade names.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information
The following table presents the unaudited pro forma revenue and net loss for the period presented as if the Cablevision Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2016:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Revenue
$
9,154,816

Net loss
$
(721,257
)
v3.8.0.1
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]    
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities and Other Supplemental Data
The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Continuing Operations:
 
 
 
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid
$
91,036

 
$
61,170

Notes payable to vendor
30,237

 

Capital lease obligations
656

 

Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
Cash interest paid
464,763

 
524,864

Income taxes paid (refunded), net
(1,027
)
 
1,553

 
The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Continuing Operations:
 
 
 
Conversion of notes payable to affiliates and related parties of $1,750,000 (together with accrued and unpaid interest and applicable premium) to common stock (See Note 9)
$
2,264,252

 
$

Property and equipment accrued but unpaid
171,604

 
155,653

Distributions declared but not paid

 
79,617

Leasehold improvements paid by landlord
3,998

 

Notes payable to vendor
40,131

 
12,449

Capital lease obligations
9,385

 

Deferred financing costs accrued but unpaid

 
2,570

Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
Cash interest paid
1,765,126

 
1,192,370

Income taxes paid, net
29,006

 
1,538

 
v3.8.0.1
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER EXPENSE (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]    
Restructuring Cost Activity
The following table summarizes the activity for the 2016 Restructuring Plan during 2018:
 
 
 
Severance and Other Employee Related Costs
 
Facility Realignment and Other Costs
 
Total
Accrual balance at December 31, 2017
$
113,474

 
$
9,626

 
$
123,100

Restructuring charges
1,818

 
(497
)
 
1,321

Payments and other
(38,469
)
 
(4,475
)
 
(42,944
)
Accrual balance at March 31, 2018
$
76,823

 
$
4,654

 
$
81,477

The following table summarizes the activity for the 2016 Restructuring Plan:
 
 
 
Severance and Other Employee Related Costs
 
Facility Realignment and Other Costs
 
Total
Restructuring charges incurred in 2016
$
215,420

 
$
11,157

 
$
226,577

Payments and other
(113,301
)
 
(2,760
)
 
(116,061
)
Accrual balance at December 31, 2016
102,119

 
8,397

 
110,516

Restructuring charges
142,679

 
7,243

 
149,922

Payments and other
(131,324
)
 
(6,014
)
 
(137,338
)
Accrual balance at December 31, 2017
$
113,474

 
$
9,626

 
$
123,100

v3.8.0.1
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) consist of the following assets, which are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives shown below:
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Estimated
Useful Lives
Customer premise equipment
$
1,093,726

 
$
871,049

 
3 to 5 years
Headends and related equipment
1,626,293

 
1,482,631

 
4 to 25 years
Infrastructure
4,003,845

 
3,740,494

 
3 to 25 years
Equipment and software
918,298

 
735,012

 
3 to 10 years
Construction in progress (including materials and supplies)
240,496

 
84,321

 
 
Furniture and fixtures
52,545

 
45,576

 
5 to 12 years
Transportation equipment
138,147

 
135,488

 
5 to 10 years
Buildings and building improvements
394,421

 
390,337

 
10 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements
108,071

 
104,309

 
Term of lease
Land
47,563

 
47,715

 
 
 
8,623,405

 
7,636,932

 
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(2,599,579
)
 
(1,039,297
)
 
 
 
$
6,023,826

 
$
6,597,635

 
 
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets
The gross amount of buildings and equipment and related accumulated depreciation recorded under capital leases is presented below:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Buildings and equipment
$
48,936

 
$
53,833

Less accumulated depreciation
(12,972
)
 
(6,306
)
 
$
35,964

 
$
47,527

v3.8.0.1
OPERATING LEASES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]  
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases
The minimum future annual payments for all operating leases (with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year) during the next five years and thereafter, including pole rentals from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2022, at rates now in force are as follows:
2018
$
74,992

2019
72,142

2020
69,203

2021
63,735

2022
55,234

Thereafter
140,406

v3.8.0.1
INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired amortizable intangible assets: 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Useful Lives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer relationships
$
5,970,884

 
$
(1,603,142
)
 
$
4,367,742

 
$
5,970,884

 
$
(1,409,021
)
 
$
4,561,863

 
8 to 18 years
Trade names
1,067,083

 
(624,276
)
 
442,807

 
1,067,083

 
(588,574
)
 
478,509

 
2 to 5 years
Other amortizable intangibles
37,060

 
(12,972
)
 
24,088

 
37,060

 
(10,978
)
 
26,082

 
1 to 15 years
 
$
7,075,027

 
$
(2,240,390
)
 
$
4,834,637

 
$
7,075,027

 
$
(2,008,573
)
 
$
5,066,454

 
 
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired amortizable intangible assets: 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Useful Lives
Customer relationships
$
5,970,884

 
$
(1,409,021
)
 
$
4,561,863

 
$
5,925,884

 
$
(580,276
)
 
$
5,345,608

 
8 to 18 years
Trade names (a)
1,067,083

 
(588,574
)
 
478,509

 
1,066,783

 
(83,397
)
 
983,386

 
2 to 5 years
Other amortizable intangibles
37,060

 
(10,978
)
 
26,082

 
26,743

 
(3,093
)
 
23,650

 
1 to 15 years
 
$
7,075,027

 
$
(2,008,573
)
 
$
5,066,454

 
$
7,019,410

 
$
(666,766
)
 
$
6,352,644

 
 
 
(a)
On May 23, 2017, Altice N.V. announced the adoption of a global brand to replace the Company's brands in the future, reducing the remaining useful lives of these trade name intangibles to three years from the date of the adoption, which reflected one year as an in-use asset and two years as a defensive asset. In December 2017, the Company made a decision to postpone the adoption of a global brand that would have replaced the Optimum brand, increasing the useful life of the Optimum trade name intangible asset to 5 years.
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense  
The following table sets forth the estimated amortization expense on intangible assets for the periods presented:
Estimated amortization expense
 

Year Ending December 31, 2018
$
873,133

Year Ending December 31, 2019
777,846

Year Ending December 31, 2020
696,240

Year Ending December 31, 2021
616,718

Year Ending December 31, 2022
537,100

Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
Cable television franchises
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

 
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

Goodwill
5,866,108

 
2,153,741

 
8,019,849

 
5,866,120

 
2,153,741

 
8,019,861

Total
$
13,979,683

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,039,930

 
$
13,979,695

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,039,942

The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
Cable television franchises
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

 
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

Goodwill
5,866,120

 
2,153,741

 
8,019,861

 
5,838,959

 
2,153,741

 
7,992,700

Total
$
13,979,695

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,039,942

 
$
13,952,534

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,012,781

Schedule of Goodwill
The carrying amount of goodwill is presented below:
Gross goodwill as of December 31, 2017, as reported
$
7,996,760

ATS goodwill included in Cablevision segment (See Note 3 for further details)
23,101

Gross goodwill as of December 31, 2017, as adjusted
8,019,861

Adjustment to purchase accounting relating to business acquired in fourth quarter of 2017
(12
)
Net goodwill as of March 31, 2018
$
8,019,849

The carrying amount of goodwill is presented below:
Gross goodwill as of January 1, 2016
$
2,040,402

Goodwill recorded in connection with Cablevision Acquisition
5,838,959

Adjustments to purchase accounting relating to Cequel Acquisition
113,339

Gross goodwill as of January 1, 2017
7,992,700

Goodwill recorded in connection with acquisitions in the first and fourth quarters of 2017 (Cablevision Segment)
23,948

Adjustments to purchase accounting relating to Cablevision Acquisition
3,213

Net goodwill as of December 31, 2017
$
8,019,861

v3.8.0.1
DEBT (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]    
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities
The following table provides details of the Company's outstanding credit facility debt:
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
CSC Holdings Restricted Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (b)
$20,000 on October 9, 2020, remaining balance on November 30, 2021
 
—%
 
$

 
$

 
$
450,000

 
$
425,488

Term Loan Facility
July 17, 2025
 
4.04%
 
2,977,500

 
2,960,859

 
2,985,000

 
2,967,818

Incremental Term Loan Facility
January 25, 2026
 
4.28%
 
1,500,000

 
1,481,825

 

 

Cequel:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (c)
$65,000 on November 30, 2021, and remaining balance on April 5, 2023
 
 

 

 

 

Term Loan Facility
July 28, 2025
 
4.13%
 
1,255,513

 
1,247,318

 
1,258,675

 
1,250,217

 
 
 
 
 
$
5,733,013

 
5,690,002

 
$
4,693,675

 
4,643,523

Less: Current portion
 
 
 
53,900

 
 
 
42,650

Long-term debt
 
 
 
$
5,636,102

 
 
 
$
4,600,873


(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
(b)
At March 31, 2018, $115,973 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $2,184,027 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
(c)
At March 31, 2018, $13,500 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $336,500 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
The following table provides details of the Company's outstanding credit facility debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying Amount (a)
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
 
Principal
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
CSC Holdings Restricted Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (b)
$20,000 on October 9, 2020, remaining balance on November 30, 2021
 
4.75%
 
$
450,000

 
$
425,488

 
$
145,013

Term Loan Facility
July 17, 2025
 
3.74%
 
2,985,000

 
2,967,818

 
2,486,874

Cequel:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (c)
November 30, 2021
 
 

 

 

Term Loan Facility
July 28, 2025
 
3.82%
 
1,258,675

 
1,250,217

 
812,903

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,693,675

 
4,643,523

 
3,444,790

Less: Current portion
42,650

 
33,150

Long-term debt
$
4,600,873

 
$
3,411,640


(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts.
(b)
At December 31, 2017, $115,973 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $1,734,027 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
(c)
At December 31, 2017, $13,500 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $336,500 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments
The following table summarizes the Company's senior guaranteed notes, senior secured notes and senior notes and debentures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Date Issued
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
CSC Holdings Senior Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 6, 1998
 
February 15, 2018
 
7.875
%
(b)
(f)
(o)
$

 
$

 
$
300,000

 
$
301,184

July 21, 1998
 
July 15, 2018
 
7.625
%
(b)
(f)
 
500,000

 
504,213

 
500,000

 
507,744

February 12, 2009
 
February 15, 2019
 
8.625
%
(c)
(f)
 
526,000

 
537,930

 
526,000

 
541,165

November 15, 2011
 
November 15, 2021
 
6.750
%
(c)
(f)
 
1,000,000

 
962,332

 
1,000,000

 
960,146

May 23, 2014
 
June 1, 2024
 
5.250
%
(c)
(f)
 
750,000

 
663,291

 
750,000

 
660,601

October 9, 2015
 
January 15, 2023
 
10.125
%
(e)
 
 
1,800,000

 
1,778,745

 
1,800,000

 
1,777,914

October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
10.875
%
(e)
(l)
 
1,684,221

 
1,661,516

 
1,684,221

 
1,661,135

CSC Holdings Senior Guaranteed Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
6.625
%
(e)
 
 
1,000,000

 
987,037

 
1,000,000

 
986,717

September 23, 2016
 
April 15, 2027
 
5.500
%
(g)
 
 
1,310,000

 
1,304,581

 
1,310,000

 
1,304,468

January 29, 2018
 
February 1, 2028
 
5.375
%
(n)
 
 
1,000,000

 
991,665

 

 

Cablevision Senior Notes (k):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2018
 
7.750
%
(c)
(f)
(o)

 

 
750,000

 
754,035

April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2020
 
8.000
%
(c)
(f)
 
500,000

 
492,795

 
500,000

 
492,009

September 27, 2012
 
September 15, 2022
 
5.875
%
(c)
(f)
 
649,024

 
575,348

 
649,024

 
572,071

Cequel and Cequel Capital Senior Notes (l):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oct. 25, 2012 Dec. 28, 2012
 
September 15, 2020
 
6.375
%
(d)
(m)
 
1,050,000

 
1,029,364

 
1,050,000

 
1,027,493

May 16, 2013 Sept. 9, 2014
 
December 15, 2021
 
5.125
%
(d)
 
 
1,250,000

 
1,144,929

 
1,250,000

 
1,138,870

June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2025
 
7.750
%
(i)
 
 
620,000

 
604,755

 
620,000

 
604,374

Altice US Finance I Corporation Senior Secured Notes (l):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2023
 
5.375
%
(h)
 
 
1,100,000

 
1,083,159

 
1,100,000

 
1,082,482

April 26, 2016
 
May 15, 2026
 
5.500
%
(j)
 
 
1,500,000

 
1,488,306

 
1,500,000

 
1,488,024

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
16,239,245

 
15,809,966

 
$
16,289,245

 
15,860,432

Less: current portion
 
 
1,042,143

 
 
 
507,744

Long-term debt
 
 
$
14,767,823

 
 
 
$
15,352,688

 
(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
(b)
The debentures are not redeemable by CSC Holdings prior to maturity.
(c)
Notes are redeemable at any time at a specified "make-whole" price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
(d)
The Company may redeem some or more of all the notes at the redemption price set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(e)
The Company may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes at any time on or after January 15, 2019, and some or all of the 2025 Notes and 2025 Guaranteed Notes at any time on or after October 15, 2020, at the redemption prices set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  The Company may also redeem up to 40% of each series of the Cablevision Acquisition Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 110.125% for the 2023 Notes, 110.875% for the 2025 Notes and 106.625% for the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, at any time prior to January 15, 2019, CSC Holdings may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes, and at any time prior to October 15, 2020, the Company may redeem some or all of the 2025 Notes and the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a “make whole” premium specified in the relevant indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(f)
The carrying value of the notes was adjusted to reflect their fair value on the Cablevision Acquisition Date (aggregate reduction of $52,788).
(g)
The 2027 Guaranteed Notes are redeemable at any time on or after April 15, 2022 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  In addition, up to 40% may be redeemed for each series of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(h)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2018, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 105.375%.
(i)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2020, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 107.750%.
(j)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after May 15, 2021, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before May 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%.
(k)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any dividends or distributions received from CSC Holdings. CSC Holdings is restricted, in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement.
(l)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any contributions/distributions from Cequel Communications, LLC (an indirect subsidiary of Cequel and the parent of Altice US Finance I). Cequel Communications, LLC is restricted in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement.
(m)
These notes were repaid in April 2018 with the proceeds from the issuance of new senior notes (see Note 17).
(n)
The 2028 Guaranteed Notes are redeemable at any time on or after February 1, 2023 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  In addition, up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before February 1, 2021, at a redemption price equal to 105.375%, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(o)
These notes were repaid in February 2018 with the proceeds from the 2028 Guaranteed Notes (defined below) and with the proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan.
The following table summarizes the Company's senior guaranteed notes, senior secured notes and senior notes and debentures:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
Issuer
Date Issued
 
Maturity Date
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CSC Holdings (b)(f)(n)
February 6, 1998
 
February 15, 2018
 
7.875
%
 
$
300,000

 
$
301,184

 
$
310,334

CSC Holdings (b)(f)
July 21, 1998
 
July 15, 2018
 
7.625
%
 
500,000

 
507,744

 
521,654

CSC Holdings (c)(f)
February 12, 2009
 
February 15, 2019
 
8.625
%
 
526,000

 
541,165

 
553,804

CSC Holdings (c)(f)
November 15, 2011
 
November 15, 2021
 
6.750
%
 
1,000,000

 
960,146

 
951,702

CSC Holdings (c)(f)
May 23, 2014
 
June 1, 2024
 
5.250
%
 
750,000

 
660,601

 
650,193

CSC Holdings (e)
October 9, 2015
 
January 15, 2023
 
10.125
%
 
1,800,000

 
1,777,914

 
1,774,750

CSC Holdings (e)(l)
October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
10.875
%
 
1,684,221

 
1,661,135

 
1,970,379

Senior guaranteed notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CSC Holdings (e)
October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
6.625
%
 
1,000,000

 
986,717

 
985,469

CSC Holdings (g)
September 23, 2016
 
April 15, 2027
 
5.500
%
 
1,310,000

 
1,304,468

 
1,304,025

Senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cablevision (k)(o)
September 23, 2009
 
September 15, 2017
 
8.625
%
 

 

 
926,045

Cablevision (c)(f)(n)(o)
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2018
 
7.750
%
 
750,000

 
754,035

 
767,545

Cablevision (c)(f)(o)
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2020
 
8.000
%
 
500,000

 
492,009

 
488,992

Cablevision (c)(f)(o)
September 27, 2012
 
September 15, 2022
 
5.875
%
 
649,024

 
572,071

 
559,500

Senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cequel Communications Holdings I and Cequel Capital (d)(m)(p)
Oct. 25, 2012 Dec. 28, 2012
 
September 15, 2020
 
6.375
%
 
1,050,000

 
1,027,493

 
1,457,439

Cequel Communications Holdings I and Cequel Capital (d)(p)
May 16, 2013 Sept. 9, 2014
 
December 15, 2021
 
5.125
%
 
1,250,000

 
1,138,870

 
1,115,767

Cequel Communications Holdings I and Cequel Capital (i)(p)
June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2025
 
7.750
%
 
620,000

 
604,374

 
602,925

Senior secured notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Altice US Finance I Corporation (h)(p)
June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2023
 
5.375
%
 
1,100,000

 
1,082,482

 
1,079,869

Altice US Finance I Corporation (j)(p)
April 26, 2016
 
May 15, 2026
 
5.500
%
 
1,500,000

 
1,488,024

 
1,486,933

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
16,289,245

 
15,860,432

 
17,507,325

Less: Current portion
 
507,744

 
926,045

Long-term debt
 
$
15,352,688

 
$
16,581,280

 
(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
(b)
The debentures are not redeemable by CSC Holdings prior to maturity.
(c)
Notes are redeemable at any time at a specified "make-whole" price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
(d)
The Company may redeem some or more of all the notes at the redemption price set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(e)
The Company may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes at any time on or after January 15, 2019, and some or all of the 2025 Notes and 2025 Guaranteed Notes at any time on or after October 15, 2020, at the redemption prices set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  The Company may also redeem up to 40% of each series of the Cablevision Acquisition Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 110.125% for the 2023 Notes, 110.875% for the 2025 Notes and 106.625% for the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, at any time prior to January 15, 2019, CSC Holdings may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes, and at any time prior to October 15, 2020, the Company may redeem some or all of the 2025 Notes and the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a “make whole” premium specified in the relevant indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(f)
The carrying value of the notes was adjusted to reflect their fair value on the Cablevision Acquisition Date (aggregate reduction of $52,788).
(g)
The 2027 Guaranteed Notes are redeemable at any time on or after April 15, 2022 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  In addition, up to 40% may be redeemed for each series of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(h)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2018, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 105.375%.
(i)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2020, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 107.750%.
(j)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after May 15, 2021, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before May 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%.
(k)
In April 2017, the Company redeemed $500,000 of the senior notes from proceeds from the CVC Term Loan facility. In September 2017, these senior notes matured and the Company repaid the remaining principal balance of $400,000.
(l)
In July 2017, the Company used approximately $350,120 of the proceeds from the IPO to fund the redemption of $315,779 principal amount of CSC Holdings senior notes due October 2025 and the related call premium of approximately $34,341which was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt. The Company also recorded a write-off of deferred financings costs in connection with this redemption aggregating $4,516.
(m)
In April 2017, the Company redeemed $450,000 of the senior notes from proceeds from the Cequel Term Loan facility.
(n)
As a result of the repayment of these notes in February 2018, discussed in Note 20, the carrying amount of these Notes has been classified as long-term indebtedness.
(o)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any dividends or distributions received from CSC Holdings. CSC Holdings is restricted, in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement.
(p)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any contributions/distributions from Cequel Communications, LLC (an indirect subsidiary of Cequel and the parent of Altice US Finance I). Cequel Communications, LLC is restricted in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt
The future maturities of debt payable by the Company under its various debt obligations outstanding as of March 31, 2018, including notes payable, collateralized indebtedness (see Note 10), and capital leases, are as follows:
Years Ending December 31,
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
2018
$
581,298

 
$
14,193

 
$
595,491

2019
579,587

 
32,563

 
612,150

2020
547,517

 
1,062,715

 
1,610,232

2021
2,506,407

 
1,262,725

 
3,769,132

2022
695,806

 
12,730

 
708,536

Thereafter
11,812,663

 
4,416,240

 
16,228,903

The future maturities of debt payable by the Company under its various debt obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2017, including notes payable, collateralized indebtedness (see Note 10), and capital leases, are as follows:
Years Ending December 31,
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
2018
$
1,619,094

 
$
16,518

 
$
1,635,612

2019
565,604

 
18,310

 
583,914

2020
552,902

 
1,062,713

 
1,615,615

2021
2,921,269

 
1,262,723

 
4,183,992

2022
680,700

 
12,734

 
693,434

Thereafter
9,380,513

 
4,416,270

 
13,796,783

v3.8.0.1
DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]    
Location of Assets and Liabilities Associated With Derivative Instruments Within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
The following represents the location of the assets and liabilities associated with the Company's derivative instruments within the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
 
 
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value at March 31, 2018
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value at March 31, 2018
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, current
 
$
9,211

 
$
52,545

 
$
(9,211
)
 
$
(52,545
)
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, long-term
 
63,343

 

 
(4,495
)
 
(109,504
)
Interest rate swap contracts
 
Liabilities under derivative contracts, long-term
 

 

 
(109,824
)
 
(77,902
)
 
 
 
 
$
72,554

 
$
52,545

 
$
(123,530
)
 
$
(239,951
)
The following represents the location of the assets and liabilities associated with the Company's derivative instruments within the consolidated balance sheets:
 
 
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2016
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, current
 
$
52,545

 
$
352

 
$
(52,545
)
 
$
(13,158
)
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, long-term
 

 
10,604

 
(109,504
)
 

Interest rate swap contracts
 
Liabilities under derivative contracts, long-term
 

 

 
(77,902
)
 
(78,823
)
 
 
 
 
$
52,545

 
$
10,956

 
$
(239,951
)
 
$
(91,981
)
Schedule of Collateralized Debt Settlement  
The following table summarizes the settlement of the Company's collateralized indebtedness relating to Comcast shares that were settled by delivering cash equal to the collateralized loan value, net of the value of the related equity derivative contracts during the year ended December 31, 2017
Number of shares (a)
26,815,368

Collateralized indebtedness settled
$
(774,703
)
Derivatives contracts settled
(56,356
)
 
(831,059
)
Proceeds from new monetization contracts
838,794

Net cash proceeds
$
7,735

 
(a)
Share amounts are adjusted for the 2 for 1 stock split in February 2017.
v3.8.0.1
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]    
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
Level I
 
$
1,121,432

 
$
5,949

Investment securities pledged as collateral
Level I
 
1,467,781

 
1,720,357

Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
72,554

 
52,545

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
13,706

 
162,049

Interest rate swap contracts
Level II
 
109,824

 
77,902

Contingent consideration related to 2017 acquisitions
Level III
 
3,233

 
32,233

The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds (of which $14,700 is classified as restricted cash as of December 31, 2016)
Level I
 
$
5,949

 
$
100,139

Investment securities pledged as collateral
Level I
 
1,720,357

 
1,483,030

Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
52,545

 
10,956

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
162,049

 
13,158

Interest rate swap contracts
Level II
 
77,902

 
78,823

Contingent consideration related to 2017 acquisitions
Level III
 
32,233

 

Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
CSC Holdings debt instruments:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Credit facility debt
Level II
 
$
4,442,684

 
$
4,477,500

 
$
3,393,306

 
$
3,435,000

Collateralized indebtedness
Level II
 
1,351,271

 
1,298,060

 
1,349,474

 
1,305,932

Senior guaranteed notes
Level II
 
3,283,283

 
3,231,825

 
2,291,185

 
2,420,000

Senior notes and debentures
Level II
 
6,108,028

 
6,797,434

 
6,409,889

 
7,221,846

Notes payable
Level II
 
78,938

 
76,340

 
56,956

 
55,289

Cablevision senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes and debentures
Level II
 
1,068,142

 
1,172,906

 
1,818,115

 
1,931,239

Cequel debt instruments:
 
 


 


 


 


Cequel credit facility
Level II
 
1,247,318

 
1,255,513

 
1,250,217

 
1,258,675

Senior secured notes
Level II
 
2,571,465

 
2,580,000

 
2,570,506

 
2,658,930

Senior notes
Level II
 
2,779,048

 
2,987,700

 
2,770,737

 
2,983,615

Notes payable
Level II
 
24,149

 
24,149

 
8,946

 
8,946

 
 
 
$
22,954,326

 
$
23,901,427

 
$
21,919,331

 
$
23,279,472

 
(a)
Amounts are net of unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts.
The carrying values, estimated fair values, and classification under the fair value hierarchy of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Altice USA debt instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable to affiliates and related parties
Level II
 
$

 
$

 
$
1,750,000

 
$
1,837,876

CSC Holdings debt instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit facility debt
Level II
 
3,393,306

 
3,435,000

 
2,631,887

 
2,675,256

Collateralized indebtedness
Level II
 
1,349,474

 
1,305,932

 
1,286,069

 
1,280,048

Senior guaranteed notes
Level II
 
2,291,185

 
2,420,000

 
2,289,494

 
2,416,375

Senior notes and debentures
Level II
 
6,409,889

 
7,221,846

 
6,732,816

 
7,731,150

Notes payable
Level II
 
56,956

 
55,289

 
13,726

 
13,260

Cablevision senior notes
Level II
 
1,818,115

 
1,931,239

 
2,742,082

 
2,920,056

Cequel debt instruments:
 
 


 


 


 


Cequel credit facility
Level II
 
1,250,217

 
1,258,675

 
812,903

 
815,000

Senior secured notes
Level II
 
2,570,506

 
2,658,930

 
2,566,802

 
2,689,750

Senior notes
Level II
 
2,770,737

 
2,983,615

 
3,176,131

 
3,517,275

Notes payable
Level II
 
8,946

 
8,946

 

 

 
 
 
$
21,919,331

 
$
23,279,472

 
$
24,001,910

 
$
25,896,046

 
(a)
Amounts are net of unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts/premiums.
v3.8.0.1
INCOME TAXES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax benefit attributable to the Company's operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of the following components:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Current expense (benefit):
 
 
 
Federal
$
5,261

 
$
(981
)
State
12,530

 
5,310

 
17,791

 
4,329

Deferred benefit:
 
 
 
Federal
(2,095,930
)
 
(223,159
)
State
(784,224
)
 
(40,830
)
 
(2,880,154
)
 
(263,989
)
Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions
11

 
(6
)
Income tax benefit
$
(2,862,352
)
 
$
(259,666
)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
The income tax benefit attributable to the Company's operations differs from the amount derived by applying the statutory federal rate to pretax loss principally due to the effect of the following items:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Federal tax benefit at statutory rate
$
(478,656
)
 
$
(381,901
)
State income taxes, net of federal impact
(61,698
)
 
(39,336
)
Changes in the valuation allowance
(111
)
 
297

Impact of Federal Tax Reform
(2,332,677
)
 

Changes in the state rates used to measure deferred taxes, net of federal impact
(12,896
)
 
153,239

Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions
(253
)
 
(120
)
Non-deductible share-based compensation related to the carried unit plan
20,101

 
5,029

Non-deductible Cablevision Acquisition transaction costs

 
4,457

Other non-deductible expenses
3,405

 
1,551

Other, net
433

 
(2,882
)
Income tax benefit
$
(2,862,352
)
 
$
(259,666
)
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
The tax effects of temporary differences which give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets or liabilities and the corresponding valuation allowance are as follows.
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Noncurrent
 
 
 
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards
$
785,809

 
$
971,728

Compensation and benefit plans
49,698

 
93,939

Partnership investments
68,054

 
113,473

Restructuring liability
33,247

 
37,393

Other liabilities
40,149

 
45,561

Liabilities under derivative contracts
21,034

 
31,529

Interest deferred for tax purposes
128,516

 
39,633

Other
8,849

 
6,615

Deferred tax asset
1,135,356

 
1,339,871

Valuation allowance
(3,000
)
 
(3,125
)
Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent
1,132,356

 
1,336,746

Fixed assets and intangibles
(5,729,274
)
 
(9,065,635
)
Investments
(113,628
)
 
(187,795
)
Prepaid expenses
(8,105
)
 
(10,172
)
Fair value adjustments related to debt and deferred financing costs
(40,215
)
 
(30,535
)
Other
(10,420
)
 
(14,109
)
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent
(5,901,642
)
 
(9,308,246
)
Total net deferred tax liability
$
(4,769,286
)
 
$
(7,971,500
)
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions, excluding associated deferred tax benefits and accrued interest, is as follows:
Balance at January 1, 2016
$
4,025

Increases related to prior year tax positions
11

Balance at December 31, 2017
$
4,036

v3.8.0.1
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]    
Activity for Shares
The following table summarizes activity relating to carry units:
 
Number of Time
Vesting Awards
 
Number of Performance
Based Vesting Awards
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance, December 31, 2017
168,550,001

 
10,000,000

 
$
0.71

Forfeited
(3,500,001
)
 

 
0.86

Balance, March 31, 2018
165,050,000

 
10,000,000

 
0.71

The following table summarizes activity relating to carry units:
 
Number of Time
Vesting Awards
 
Number of Performance
Based Vesting Awards
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance, December 31, 2016
192,800,000

 
10,000,000

 
$
0.37

Granted
28,025,000

 

 
3.14

Forfeited
(7,854,166
)
 

 
0.37

Vested
(44,420,833
)
 

 
0.41

Balance, December 31, 2017
168,550,001

 
10,000,000

 
0.71

Summary of activity relating of stock options
The following table summarizes activity related to employee stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2018:
 
Shares Under Option
 
Weighted Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
 
Weighted Average Remaining
Contractual Term
(in years)
 
 
 
Time
Vesting
 
Performance
Based Vesting
 
 
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value (a)
Balance at December 31, 2017
5,110,747

 

 
$
19.48

 
9.97

 
$
8,944

Granted
298,394

 
39,050

 
21.22

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
(103,766
)
 
(22,314
)
 
21.81

 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2018
5,305,375

 
16,736

 
$
19.54

 
9.92

 
(5,615
)
Options exercisable at March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 
(a)
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price and the closing price of the Company's Class A common stock at the respective date.
 
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions
The following aggregate assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of stock option awards granted during the three months ended March 31, 2018:
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.64%
Expected life (in years)
 
6.49
Dividend yield
 
—%
Volatility
 
33.86%
Grant date fair value
 
$7.49
The following aggregate assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of stock option awards granted on December 30, 2017:
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.30%
Expected life (in years)
 
6.44
Dividend yield
 
—%
Volatility
 
33.95%
Grant date fair value
 
$8.77
v3.8.0.1
AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]    
Summary of related party transactions
Aggregate amounts that were due from and due to related parties are summarized below:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Due from:
 
 
 
Altice US Finance S.A. (a)
$
12,951

 
$
12,951

Newsday (b)
2,558

 
2,713

Altice Management Americas (b)
1,271

 
33

i24 News (b)
4,335

 
4,036

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (b)
31

 
31

 
$
21,146

 
$
19,764

Due to:
 
 
 
Altice Management International (c)
7,500

 

Newsday (b)
33

 
33

Altice Labs S.A. (c)
1,051

 
7,354

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (c)
2,494

 
3,611

 
$
11,078

 
$
10,998

 
(a)
Represents interest on senior notes paid by the Company on behalf of the affiliate.
(b)
Represents amounts paid by the Company on behalf of the respective related party and for Newsday, the net amounts due from the related party also include charges for certain transition services provided.
(c)
Represents amounts due to affiliates for services provided to the Company.
The following table summarizes the revenue and charges related to services provided to or received from subsidiaries of Altice N.V. and Newsday:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenue
$
125

 
$
141

Operating expenses:
 

 
 
Programming and other direct costs
(1,154
)
 
(735
)
Other operating expenses, net
(7,994
)
 
(7,298
)
Operating expenses, net
(9,148
)
 
(8,033
)
 
 
 
 
Interest expense (a)

 
(47,588
)
Net charges
$
(9,023
)
 
$
(55,480
)
Capital Expenditures
$
1,626

 
$
892


(a)
In connection with the Company's IPO in June 2017, the Company converted the notes payable to affiliates and related parties into shares of the Company’s common stock at the IPO price.
The following table summarizes the revenue and charges related to services provided to or received from subsidiaries of Altice N.V. and Newsday:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue
$
1,100

 
$
1,086

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Programming and other direct costs
$
(4,176
)
 
$
(1,947
)
Other operating expenses, net
(33,140
)
 
(18,854
)
Operating expenses, net
(37,316
)
 
(20,801
)
 
 
 
 
Interest expense (see Note 9)(a)
(90,405
)
 
(112,712
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs (see Note 9)
(513,723
)
 

Net charges
$
(640,344
)
 
$
(132,427
)
Capital Expenditures
$
22,012

 
$
45,886

 
(a)
The 2016 amount includes $10,155 related to Holdco Notes prior to the exchange in addition to the interest related to notes payable to affiliates and related parties discussed in Note 9.
Aggregate amounts that were due from and due to related parties are summarized below:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Due from:
 
 
 
Altice US Finance S.A. (a)
$
12,951

 
$
12,951

Newsday (b)
2,713

 
6,114

Altice Management Americas (b)
33

 
3,117

i24NEWS (b)
4,036

 

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (b)
31

 

 
$
19,764

 
$
22,182

Due to:
 
 
 
CVC 3BV (c)
$

 
$
71,655

Neptune Holdings US LP (c)

 
7,962

Altice Management International (d)

 
44,121

Newsday (b)
33

 
275

Altice Labs S.A. (d)
7,354

 
866

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (e)
3,611

 
2,484

 
$
10,998

 
$
127,363

 
(a)
Represents interest on senior notes paid by the Company on behalf of the affiliate.
(b)
Represents amounts paid by the Company on behalf of the respective related party and for Newsday, the net amounts due from the related party also include charges for certain transition services provided.
(c)
Represents distributions payable to stockholders.
(d)
Amounts payable as of December 31, 2016 primarily represent amounts due for equipment purchases and/or software development services discussed above.
(e)
Represents amounts due to affiliates for services provided to the Company.
v3.8.0.1
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule
Future cash payments and commitments required under arrangements pursuant to contracts entered into by the Company in the normal course of business as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:
 
Payments Due by Period
 
Total
 
Year 1
 
Years 2-3
 
Years 4-5
 
More than
5 years
Off balance sheet arrangements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase obligations (a)
$
8,427,609

 
$
3,072,083

 
$
4,181,199

 
$
1,094,508

 
$
79,819

Guarantees (b)
36,224

 
34,716

 
1,508

 

 

Letters of credit (c)
129,473

 
200

 
120

 
129,153

 

Total
$
8,593,306

 
$
3,106,999

 
$
4,182,827

 
$
1,223,661

 
$
79,819

 
(a)
Purchase obligations primarily include contractual commitments with various programming vendors to provide video services to customers and minimum purchase obligations to purchase goods or services.  Future fees payable under contracts with programming vendors are based on numerous factors, including the number of customers receiving the programming.  Amounts reflected above related to programming agreements are based on the number of customers receiving the programming as of December 31, 2017 multiplied by the per customer rates or the stated annual fee, as applicable, contained in the executed agreements in effect as of December 31, 2017
(b)
Includes franchise and performance surety bonds primarily for the Company's cable television systems. 
(c)
Represent letters of credit guaranteeing performance to municipalities and public utilities and payment of insurance premiums. Payments due by period for these arrangements represent the year in which the commitment expires although payments under these arrangements are required only in the event of nonperformance.
v3.8.0.1
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]    
Schedule of Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Operating Income (Loss)
The Company has presented the components that reconcile Adjusted EBITDA to operating income, an accepted GAAP measure:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
Operating income
$
170,693

 
$
142,345

 
$
313,038

 
$
122,044

 
$
128,066

 
$
250,110

Share-based compensation
16,172

 
5,451

 
21,623

 
5,082

 
2,766

 
7,848

Restructuring and other expense
3,083

 
504

 
3,587

 
58,647

 
18,282

 
76,929

Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)
485,364

 
157,341

 
642,705

 
443,176

 
165,548

 
608,724

Adjusted EBITDA
$
675,312

 
$
305,641

 
$
980,953

 
$
628,949

 
$
314,662

 
$
943,611

The Company has presented the components that reconcile Adjusted EBITDA to operating income, an accepted GAAP measure:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
Operating income
$
320,686

 
$
520,322

 
$
841,008

 
$
78,008

 
$
384,801

 
$
462,809

Share-based compensation
42,060

 
15,370

 
57,430

 
9,164

 
5,204

 
14,368

Restructuring and other expense
112,384

 
40,017

 
152,401

 
212,150

 
28,245

 
240,395

Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)
2,251,710

 
678,861

 
2,930,571

 
963,665

 
736,641

 
1,700,306

Adjusted EBITDA
$
2,726,840

 
$
1,254,570

 
$
3,981,410

 
$
1,262,987

 
$
1,154,891

 
$
2,417,878

 
(a)
Reflects operating results of Cablevision from the date of acquisition.
Reconciliation of Reportable Segment Amounts to Cablevision's and CSC Holdings' Consolidated Balances
A reconciliation of reportable segment amounts to the Company's condensed consolidated balances are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Operating income for reportable segments
$
313,038

 
$
250,110

Items excluded from operating income:

 

Interest expense
(377,258
)
 
(433,294
)
Interest income
3,103

 
232

Gain (loss) on investments and sale of affiliate interests, net
(248,602
)
 
131,658

Gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net
168,352

 
(71,044
)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts
(31,922
)
 
2,342

Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs
(4,705
)
 

Other expense, net
(11,658
)
 
(2,100
)
Loss before income taxes
$
(189,652
)
 
$
(122,096
)
A reconciliation of reportable segment amounts to the Company's consolidated balances are as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Operating income for reportable segments
$
841,008

 
$
462,809

Items excluded from operating income:
 
 
 
Interest expense
(1,603,132
)
 
(1,456,541
)
Interest income
1,921

 
13,811

Gain on investments, net
237,354

 
141,896

Loss on derivative contracts, net
(236,330
)
 
(53,696
)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts
5,482

 
(72,961
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs
(600,240
)
 
(127,649
)
Other income (expense), net
(13,651
)
 
1,186

Loss before income taxes
$
(1,367,588
)
 
$
(1,091,145
)
Schedule of Revenue by Products and Services and Segments
The following tables present the composition of revenue by segment:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Eliminations (a)
 
Total
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
763,720

 
$
269,988

 
$

 
$
1,033,708

 
$
802,194

 
$
281,684

 
$
1,083,878

Broadband
440,351

 
261,270

 

 
701,621

 
396,333

 
229,585

 
625,918

Telephony
135,585

 
30,453

 

 
166,038

 
146,557

 
34,404

 
180,961

Business services and wholesale
234,172

 
98,918

 

 
333,090

 
228,544

 
90,876

 
319,420

Advertising
74,643

 
17,068

 
(4,129
)
 
87,582

 
65,132

 
18,229

 
83,361

Other
2,823

 
4,852

 

 
7,675

 
3,227

 
5,494

 
8,721

Total Revenue
$
1,651,294

 
$
682,549

 
$
(4,129
)
 
$
2,329,714

 
$
1,641,987

 
$
660,272

 
$
2,302,259

 
(a)     Reflects revenue recognized by Cablevision from the sale of services to Cequel.
The following table presents the composition of revenue by segment:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Cablevision (a)
 
Cequel
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
Cablevision (a)
 
Cequel
 
Total
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
3,175,097

 
$
1,099,025

 
$

 
$
4,274,122

 
$
1,668,348

 
$
1,120,525

 
$
2,788,873

Broadband
1,649,771

 
958,824

 

 
2,608,595

 
817,160

 
834,414

 
1,651,574

Telephony
570,871

 
129,894

 

 
700,765

 
311,832

 
153,939

 
465,771

Business services and wholesale
922,691

 
375,522

 

 
1,298,213

 
468,632

 
350,909

 
819,541

Advertising
321,149

 
73,509

 
(2,792
)
 
391,866

 
163,678

 
88,371

 
252,049

Other
10,747

 
22,642

 

 
33,389

 
14,402

 
25,002

 
39,404

Total Revenue
$
6,650,326

 
$
2,659,416

 
$
(2,792
)
 
$
9,306,950

 
$
3,444,052

 
$
2,573,160

 
$
6,017,212

 
(a)
Reflects revenue from the Cablevision Acquisition Date.
Capital Expenditures by Reportable Segment
Capital expenditures (cash basis) by reportable segment are presented below:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Cablevision
$
166,801

 
$
184,399

Cequel
90,814

 
73,028

 
$
257,615

 
$
257,427

Capital expenditures (cash basis) by reportable segment are presented below:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Cablevision
$
671,417

 
$
298,357

Cequel
279,932

 
327,184

 
$
951,349

 
$
625,541

v3.8.0.1
BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Schedule of Net Funded Status
Summarized below is the funded status and the amounts recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheets for all of the Company's Defined Benefit Plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
382,517

 
$
403,963

Interest cost
11,786

 
14,077

Actuarial loss (gain)
13,171

 
(11,429
)
Curtailments
6,332

 
3,968

Settlements
6,910

 

Benefits paid
(121,650
)
 
(28,062
)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
299,066

 
382,517

 
 
 
 
Change in plan assets:
 
 
 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
284,118

 
297,846

Actual return on plan assets, net
6,356

 
5,829

Employer contributions
26,944

 
8,505

Benefits paid
(121,650
)
 
(28,062
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
195,768

 
284,118

Unfunded status at end of year
$
(103,298
)
 
$
(98,399
)
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
The Company's net funded status relating to its Defined Benefit Plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016, is as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Defined Benefit Plans
$
(103,298
)
 
$
(98,399
)
Less: Current portion related to nonqualified plans
135

 
14,293

Long-term defined benefit plan obligations
$
(103,163
)
 
$
(84,106
)
 
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs
Components of the benefit costs, recorded in other income (expense), net, for the Defined Benefit Plans for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, is as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Interest cost
$
11,786

 
$
6,946

Expected return on plan assets, net
(4,905
)
 
(3,880
)
Curtailment loss
3,137

 
231

Settlement loss (income) (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss) (a)
1,845

 
(154
)
Non-operating pension costs
$
11,863

 
$
3,143

 
(a)
As a result of benefit payments to terminated or retired individuals exceeding the service and interest costs for the Pension Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Pension Plan during the year ended December 31, 2017 and during the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016, the Company recognized a non-cash settlement loss that represented the acceleration of the recognition of a portion of the previously unrecognized actuarial losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet relating to these plans.
Schedule of Assumptions Used
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine pension costs (made at the beginning of the year) and benefit obligations (made at the end of the year) for the Defined Benefit Plans are as follows:
 
Benefit Costs
 
Benefit Obligations at December 31,
 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
For the Period June 21, 2016 to
December 31, 2016
 
2017
 
2016
Discount rate (a)
3.69
%
 
3.53
%
 
3.50
%
 
3.81
%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
Expected rate of return on plan assets (Pension Plan only)
3.90
%
 
3.97
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
(a)
The discount rate of 3.53% for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016, represents the average of the quarterly discount rates used to remeasure the Company's projected benefit obligation and benefit costs in connection with the recognition of settlement losses discussed above.
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets
The weighted average asset allocations of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
 
Plan Assets at December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Asset Class:
 
 
 
Mutual funds
32
%
 
43
%
Fixed income securities
66

 
55

Cash equivalents and other
2

 
2

 
100
%
 
100
%
The fair values of the assets of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2017 by asset class are as follows:
Asset Class
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds
$
61,833

 
$

 
$

 
$
61,833

Fixed income securities held in a portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign issued corporate debt

 
10,721

 

 
10,721

U.S. corporate debt

 
39,992

 

 
39,992

Government debt

 
4,645

 

 
4,645

U.S. Treasury securities

 
62,601

 

 
62,601

Asset-backed securities

 
10,978

 

 
10,978

Other

 

 

 

Cash equivalents (a)
6,691

 
2,782

 

 
9,473

Total (b)
$
68,524

 
$
131,719

 
$

 
$
200,243

 
(a)
A significant portion represents an investment in a short-term investment fund that invests primarily in securities of high quality and low risk.
(b)
Excludes cash and net payables relating to the purchase of securities that were not settled as of December 31, 2017.
The fair values of the assets of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2016 by asset class are as follows:
Asset Class
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds
$
121,356

 
$

 
$

 
$
121,356

Fixed income securities held in a portfolio:

 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign issued corporate debt

 
13,583

 

 
13,583

U.S. corporate debt

 
48,046

 

 
48,046

Government debt

 
4,810

 

 
4,810

U.S. Treasury securities

 
77,285

 

 
77,285

Asset-backed securities

 
14,065

 

 
14,065

Other

 
247

 

 
247

Cash equivalents (a)
2,593

 
3,089

 

 
5,682

Total (b)
$
123,949

 
$
161,125

 
$

 
$
285,074

 
(a)
A significant portion represents an investment in a short-term investment fund that invests primarily in securities of high quality and low risk.
(b)
Excludes cash and net payables relating to the purchase of securities that were not settled as of December 31, 2016.
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments
The following benefit payments are expected to be paid during the periods indicated:
2018
$
96,482

2019
18,960

2020
14,052

2021
13,282

2022
13,792

2023-2027
69,369

v3.8.0.1
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]  
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables
Activity related to the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts is presented below:
 
Balance at Beginning of Period
 
Provision for Bad Debt
 
Deductions/ Write-Offs and Other Charges
 
Balance at End of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
11,677

 
$
74,183

 
$
(72,440
)
 
$
13,420

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
1,051

 
$
53,249

 
$
(42,623
)
 
$
11,677

v3.8.0.1
INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
Quarterly Financial Information
for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
March 31,
2017
 
June 30,
2017
 
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2017 (a)
 
Total
2017
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
1,083,878

 
$
1,071,163

 
$
1,069,946

 
$
1,049,135

 
$
4,274,122

Broadband
625,918

 
642,620

 
658,278

 
681,779

 
2,608,595

Telephony
180,961

 
178,261

 
172,479

 
169,064

 
700,765

Business services and wholesale
319,420

 
323,641

 
324,642

 
330,510

 
1,298,213

Advertising
83,361

 
97,501

 
89,292

 
121,712

 
391,866

Other
8,721

 
9,176

 
7,884

 
7,608

 
33,389

Revenue
2,302,259

 
2,322,362

 
2,322,521

 
2,359,808

 
9,306,950

Operating expenses
(2,052,149
)
 
(2,069,094
)
 
(2,201,946
)
 
(2,142,753
)
 
(8,465,942
)
Operating income
$
250,110

 
$
253,268

 
$
120,575

 
$
217,055

 
$
841,008

Net income (loss)
$
(76,188
)
 
$
(479,939
)
 
$
(192,434
)
 
$
2,243,325

 
$
1,494,764

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(237
)
 
(365
)
 
(135
)
 
(850
)
 
(1,587
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders
$
(76,425
)
 
$
(480,304
)
 
$
(192,569
)
 
$
2,242,475

 
$
1,493,177

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.73
)
 
$
(0.26
)
 
$
3.04

 
$
2.15

 
(a)
Pursuant to the enactment of the Tax Reform on December 22, 2017, the Company recorded a noncash deferred tax benefit of $2,332,677 to remeasure the net deferred tax liability to adjust for the reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate 35% to 21% which is effective on January 1, 2018.
 
March 31,
2016
 
June 30,
2016
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2016
 
Total
2016
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
279,736

 
$
370,122

 
$
1,066,019

 
$
1,072,996

 
$
2,788,873

Broadband
196,691

 
245,568

 
594,932

 
614,383

 
1,651,574

Telephony
39,735

 
55,855

 
185,834

 
184,347

 
465,771

Business services and wholesale
84,404

 
111,193

 
309,366

 
314,578

 
819,541

Advertising
20,887

 
29,843

 
90,555

 
110,764

 
252,049

Other
6,136

 
10,920

 
13,515

 
8,833

 
39,404

Revenue
627,589

 
823,501

 
2,260,221

 
2,305,901

 
6,017,212

Operating expenses
(573,329
)
 
(777,564
)
 
(2,115,955
)
 
(2,087,555
)
 
(5,554,403
)
Operating income
$
54,260

 
$
45,937

 
$
144,266

 
$
218,346

 
$
462,809

Net loss
$
(140,748
)
 
$
(282,129
)
 
$
(172,553
)
 
$
(236,049
)
 
$
(831,479
)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
364

 
(256
)
 
(659
)
 
(551
)
Net loss attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders
$
(140,748
)
 
$
(281,765
)
 
$
(172,809
)
 
$
(236,708
)
 
$
(832,030
)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders
$
(0.22
)
 
$
(0.43
)
 
$
(0.27
)
 
$
(0.36
)
 
$
(1.28
)
v3.8.0.1
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ATS ACQUISITION (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]    
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles
The following table summarizes the impact of adopting ASC 606 and the impact of the ATS Acquisition on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet: 
 
December 31, 2017
 
As Reported
 
Impact of ASC 606
 
Impact of ATS Acquisition
 
As Adjusted
Cash and cash equivalents
$
273,329

 
$

 
$
56,519

 
$
329,848

Other current assets
580,231

 
14,068

 
(20,548
)
 
573,751

Property, plant and equipment, net
6,063,829

 

 
(40,003
)
 
6,023,826

Goodwill
7,996,760

 

 
23,101

 
8,019,861

Other assets, long-term
19,861,076

 
10,261

 
(6,541
)
 
19,864,796

Total assets
$
34,775,225

 
$
24,329

 
$
12,528

 
$
34,812,082

Current liabilities
$
2,492,983

 
$
6,978

 
$
20,401

 
$
2,520,362

Deferred tax liability, long-term
4,775,115

 
4,685

 
(10,514
)
 
4,769,286

Liabilities, long-term
21,779,997

 

 
6,394

 
21,786,391

Total liabilities
29,048,095

 
11,663

 
16,281

 
29,076,039

Redeemable equity
231,290

 

 

 
231,290

Paid-in capital
4,642,128

 

 
23,101

 
4,665,229

Retained earnings
854,824

 
12,666

 
(26,854
)
 
840,636

Total stockholders' equity
5,495,840

 
12,666

 
(3,753
)
 
5,504,753

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
34,775,225

 
$
24,329

 
$
12,528

 
$
34,812,082

The ATS Acquisition did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The following table summarizes the impact of adopting ASC 606 and ASU No. 2017-07 on the Company's condensed consolidated statement of operations:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
As Reported
 
Impact of ASC 606
 
Impact of ASU No. 2017-07
 
As Adjusted
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
1,071,361

 
$
12,517

 
$

 
$
1,083,878

Broadband
611,769

 
14,149

 

 
625,918

Telephony
210,873

 
(29,912
)
 

 
180,961

Business services and wholesale
319,591

 
(171
)
 

 
319,420

Advertising
83,361

 

 

 
83,361

Other
8,721

 

 

 
8,721

Total revenue
2,305,676

 
(3,417
)
 

 
2,302,259

 
 
 
 
 

 

Programming and other direct costs
758,352

 

 

 
758,352

Other operating expenses
613,437

 
(3,417
)
 
(1,876
)
 
608,144

Restructuring and other expense
76,929

 

 

 
76,929

Depreciation and amortization
608,724

 

 

 
608,724

Operating income
248,234

 

 
1,876

 
250,110

Other expense, net
(370,330
)
 

 
(1,876
)
 
(372,206
)
Loss before income taxes
(122,096
)
 

 

 
(122,096
)
Income tax benefit
45,908

 

 

 
45,908

Net loss
$
(76,188
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(76,188
)
The adoption of ASU No. 2017-07 had no impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The following table summarizes the impact of adopting ASC 606 and the impact of the ATS Acquisition on the Company's consolidated balance sheets: 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
As Reported
 
Impact of ASC 606
 
Impact of ATS Acquisition
 
As Adjusted
 
As Reported
 
Impact of ASC 606
 
As Adjusted
Cash and cash equivalents
$
273,329

 
$

 
$
56,519

 
$
329,848

 
$
486,792

 
$

 
$
486,792

Other current assets
580,231

 
14,068

 
(20,548
)
 
573,751

 
1,218,127

 
14,068

 
1,232,195

Property, plant and equipment, net
6,063,829

 

 
(40,003
)
 
6,023,826

 
6,597,635

 

 
6,597,635

Goodwill
7,996,760

 

 
23,101

 
8,019,861

 
7,992,700

 

 
7,992,700

Other assets, long-term
19,861,076

 
10,261

 
(6,541
)
 
19,864,796

 
20,178,995

 
10,261

 
20,189,256

Total assets
$
34,775,225

 
$
24,329

 
$
12,528

 
$
34,812,082

 
$
36,474,249

 
$
24,329

 
$
36,498,578

Current liabilities
2,492,983

 
6,978

 
20,401

 
2,520,362

 
3,704,933

 
6,978

 
3,711,911

Deferred tax liability
4,775,115

 
4,685

 
(10,514
)
 
4,769,286

 
7,966,815

 
4,685

 
7,971,500

Liabilities, long-term
21,779,997

 

 
6,394

 
21,786,391

 
22,704,512

 

 
22,704,512

Total liabilities
$
29,048,095

 
$
11,663

 
$
16,281

 
$
29,076,039

 
$
34,376,260

 
$
11,663

 
$
34,387,923

Redeemable equity
231,290

 

 

 
231,290

 
68,147

 

 
68,147

Paid-in-capital
4,642,128

 

 
23,101

 
4,665,229

 
3,003,554

 

 
3,003,554

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
854,824

 
12,666

 
(26,854
)
 
840,636

 
(975,978
)
 
12,666

 
(963,312
)
Total stockholders' equity
5,495,840

 
12,666

 
(3,753
)
 
5,504,753

 
2,029,842

 
12,666

 
2,042,508

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
34,775,225

 
$
24,329

 
$
12,528

 
$
34,812,082

 
$
36,474,249

 
$
24,329

 
$
36,498,578

The following table summarizes the impact of adopting ASC 606 and ASU No. 2017-07 and the impact of the ATS Acquisition on the Company's consolidated statements of operations:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
As Reported
 
Impact of ASC 606
Impact of ASU No. 2017-07
Impact of ATS Acquisition
 
As Adjusted
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
4,214,745

 
$
59,878

$

$
(501
)
 
$
4,274,122

Broadband
2,563,772

 
45,192


(369
)
 
2,608,595

Telephony
823,981

 
(122,981
)

(235
)
 
700,765

Business services and wholesale
1,298,817

 
(604
)


 
1,298,213

Advertising
391,866

 



 
391,866

Other
33,389

 



 
33,389

Total revenue
9,326,570

 
(18,515
)

(1,105
)
 
9,306,950

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Programming and other direct costs
3,035,655

 



 
3,035,655

Other operating expenses
2,342,655

 
(18,515
)
(11,863
)
35,038

 
2,347,315

Restructuring and other expense
152,401

 



 
152,401

Depreciation and amortization
2,930,475

 


96

 
2,930,571

Operating income
865,384

 

11,863

(36,239
)
 
841,008

Other income (expense), net
(2,196,733
)
 

(11,863
)

 
(2,208,596
)
Loss before income taxes
(1,331,349
)
 


(36,239
)
 
(1,367,588
)
Income tax benefit
2,852,967

 


9,385

 
2,862,352

Net income
$
1,521,618

 
$

$

$
(26,854
)
 
$
1,494,764


 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
As Reported
 
Impact of ASC 606
Impact of ASU No. 2017-07
 
As Adjusted
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
2,759,216

 
$
29,657

$

 
$
2,788,873

Broadband
1,617,029

 
34,545


 
1,651,574

Telephony
529,973

 
(64,202
)

 
465,771

Business services and wholesale
819,541

 


 
819,541

Advertising
252,049

 


 
252,049

Other
39,404

 


 
39,404

Total revenue
6,017,212

 


 
6,017,212

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Programming and other direct costs
1,911,230

 


 
1,911,230

Other operating expenses
1,705,615

 

(3,143
)
 
1,702,472

Restructuring and other expense
240,395

 


 
240,395

Depreciation and amortization
1,700,306

 


 
1,700,306

Operating income
459,666

 

3,143

 
462,809

Other income (expense), net
(1,550,811
)
 

(3,143
)
 
(1,553,954
)
Loss before income taxes
(1,091,145
)
 


 
(1,091,145
)
Income tax benefit
259,666

 


 
259,666

Net loss
$
(831,479
)
 
$

$

 
$
(831,479
)
v3.8.0.1
REVENUE AND CONTRACT ASSETS (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]    
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability
The following table provides information about contracts assets and contract liabilities related to contracts with customers:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017, as adjusted
Contract assets (a)
$
23,682

 
$
24,329

Deferred revenue (b)
129,560

 
117,679


 

(a)
Contract assets include primarily sales commissions for enterprise customers that are deferred and amortized over the average contract term.
(b)
Deferred revenue represents payments received from customers for services that have yet to be provided and installation revenue which is deferred and recognized over the benefit period. The majority of the Company's deferred revenue represents payments for services for up to one month in advance from residential and SMB customers which is realized within the following month as services are performed.
The following table provides information about contracts assets and contract liabilities related to contracts with customers:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Contract assets (a)
$
24,329

 
$
24,329

Deferred revenue (b)
117,679

 
103,996

 
(a)
Contract assets include primarily sales commissions for enterprise customers that are deferred and amortized over the average contract term.
(b)
Deferred revenue represents payments received from customers for services that have yet to be provided and installation revenue which is deferred and recognized over the benefit period. The majority of the Company's deferred revenue represents payments for services for up to one month in advance from residential and SMB customers which is realized within the following month as services are performed.
v3.8.0.1
CVC - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of weighted average shares used in the calculations of the basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Cablevision stockholders
The following table presents a reconciliation of weighted average shares used in the calculation of the basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Altice USA stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2017:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
696,055,000

 
 
Effect of dilution:
 
Stock options

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
696,055,000

Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Schedule of common stock
The following table provides details of Cablevision's shares of common stock through the Merger Date:
 
Shares of Common Stock Outstanding
 
Class A
Common Stock
 
Class B
Common Stock
Balance at December 31, 2014
220,219,935

 
54,137,673

Employee and non-employee director stock transactions (a)
2,352,275

 

Balance at December 31, 2015
222,572,210

 
54,137,673

Employee and non-employee director stock transactions (a)
(185,276
)
 

Balance at June 20, 2016
222,386,934

 
54,137,673

 
(a)
Primarily included issuances of common stock in connection with employee and non-employee director exercises of stock options and restricted shares granted to employees, offset by shares acquired by the Company in connection with the fulfillment of employees' statutory tax withholding obligation for applicable income and other employment taxes and forfeited employee restricted shares.

Schedule of cash dividends declared
Prior to the Merger, the Board of Directors of Cablevision had declared and paid the following cash dividends to stockholders of record on both its CNYG Class A common stock and CNYG Class B common stock:
Declaration Date
 
Dividend per Share
 
Record Date
 
Payment Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
August 6, 2015
 
$0.15
 
August 21, 2015
 
September 10, 2015
May 1, 2015
 
$0.15
 
May 22, 2015
 
June 12, 2015
February 24, 2015
 
$0.15
 
March 16, 2015
 
April 3, 2015
Reconciliation of weighted average shares used in the calculations of the basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Cablevision stockholders
The following table presents a reconciliation of weighted average shares used in the calculations of the basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Cablevision stockholders:
 
January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
272,035

 
269,388

 
 
 
 
Effect of dilution:
 
 
 

Stock options
4,444

 
3,532

Restricted stock
3,720

 
3,419

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
280,199

 
276,339

v3.8.0.1
CVC - ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of activity related to the allowance for doubtful accounts
Activity related to the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts is presented below:
 
Balance at Beginning of Period
 
Provision for Bad Debt
 
Deductions/ Write-Offs and Other Charges
 
Balance at End of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
11,677

 
$
74,183

 
$
(72,440
)
 
$
13,420

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
1,051

 
$
53,249

 
$
(42,623
)
 
$
11,677

Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Schedule of activity related to the allowance for doubtful accounts
Activity related to the allowance for doubtful accounts:
 
Balance at Beginning of Period
 
Provision for Bad Debt
 
Deductions/ Write-Offs and Other Charges
 
Balance at End of Period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period from January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
6,039

 
$
13,240

 
$
(12,378
)
 
$
6,901

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
12,112

 
$
35,802

 
$
(41,875
)
 
$
6,039

v3.8.0.1
CVC - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data
The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Continuing Operations:
 
 
 
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid
$
91,036

 
$
61,170

Notes payable to vendor
30,237

 

Capital lease obligations
656

 

Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
Cash interest paid
464,763

 
524,864

Income taxes paid (refunded), net
(1,027
)
 
1,553

 
The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Continuing Operations:
 
 
 
Conversion of notes payable to affiliates and related parties of $1,750,000 (together with accrued and unpaid interest and applicable premium) to common stock (See Note 9)
$
2,264,252

 
$

Property and equipment accrued but unpaid
171,604

 
155,653

Distributions declared but not paid

 
79,617

Leasehold improvements paid by landlord
3,998

 

Notes payable to vendor
40,131

 
12,449

Capital lease obligations
9,385

 

Deferred financing costs accrued but unpaid

 
2,570

Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
Cash interest paid
1,765,126

 
1,192,370

Income taxes paid, net
29,006

 
1,538

 
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data  
The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:
 
January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016
 
Years Ended December 31,
2015
 
 
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Continuing Operations:
 
 
 
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid
$
68,356

 
$
63,843

Notes payable to vendor

 
8,318

Capital lease obligations

 
19,987

Intangible asset obligations
290

 
1,121

Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 

Dividends payable on unvested restricted share awards

 
3,517

Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
Continuing Operations:
 
 
 
Cash interest paid
258,940

 
560,361

Income taxes paid, net
7,082

 
3,849

 
v3.8.0.1
CVC - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Schedule of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) consist of the following assets, which are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives shown below:
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Estimated
Useful Lives
Customer premise equipment
$
1,093,726

 
$
871,049

 
3 to 5 years
Headends and related equipment
1,626,293

 
1,482,631

 
4 to 25 years
Infrastructure
4,003,845

 
3,740,494

 
3 to 25 years
Equipment and software
918,298

 
735,012

 
3 to 10 years
Construction in progress (including materials and supplies)
240,496

 
84,321

 
 
Furniture and fixtures
52,545

 
45,576

 
5 to 12 years
Transportation equipment
138,147

 
135,488

 
5 to 10 years
Buildings and building improvements
394,421

 
390,337

 
10 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements
108,071

 
104,309

 
Term of lease
Land
47,563

 
47,715

 
 
 
8,623,405

 
7,636,932

 
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(2,599,579
)
 
(1,039,297
)
 
 
 
$
6,023,826

 
$
6,597,635

 
 
Schedule of buildings and equipment under capital lease
The gross amount of buildings and equipment and related accumulated depreciation recorded under capital leases is presented below:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Buildings and equipment
$
48,936

 
$
53,833

Less accumulated depreciation
(12,972
)
 
(6,306
)
 
$
35,964

 
$
47,527

Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Schedule of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) consist of the following assets, which are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives shown below:
 
December 31, 2015
 
Estimated
Useful Lives
Customer equipment
$
1,952,336

 
3 to 5 years
Headends and related equipment
2,388,289

 
4 to 25 years
Infrastructure
5,639,226

 
3 to 25 years
Equipment and software
1,577,616

 
3 to 10 years
Construction in progress (including materials and supplies)
87,412

 
 
Furniture and fixtures
96,561

 
5 to 12 years
Transportation equipment
210,013

 
5 to 18 years
Buildings and building improvements
322,267

 
10 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements
354,136

 
Term of lease
Land
14,507

 
 
 
12,642,363

 
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(9,625,348
)
 
 
 
$
3,017,015

 
 
Schedule of buildings and equipment under capital lease
At December 31, 2015, the gross amount of equipment and related accumulated amortization recorded under capital leases was as follows:
 
December 31, 2015
Equipment
$
90,099

Less accumulated amortization
(28,119
)
 
$
61,980

v3.8.0.1
CVC - OPERATING LEASES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Schedule of future minimum annual payments for all operating leases
The minimum future annual payments for all operating leases (with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year) during the next five years and thereafter, including pole rentals from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021, are as follows:
2017
$
57,853

2018
52,206

2019
44,908

2020
41,221

2021
38,697

Thereafter
141,063

v3.8.0.1
CVC - INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired amortizable intangible assets: 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Useful Lives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer relationships
$
5,970,884

 
$
(1,603,142
)
 
$
4,367,742

 
$
5,970,884

 
$
(1,409,021
)
 
$
4,561,863

 
8 to 18 years
Trade names
1,067,083

 
(624,276
)
 
442,807

 
1,067,083

 
(588,574
)
 
478,509

 
2 to 5 years
Other amortizable intangibles
37,060

 
(12,972
)
 
24,088

 
37,060

 
(10,978
)
 
26,082

 
1 to 15 years
 
$
7,075,027

 
$
(2,240,390
)
 
$
4,834,637

 
$
7,075,027

 
$
(2,008,573
)
 
$
5,066,454

 
 
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired amortizable intangible assets: 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Useful Lives
Customer relationships
$
5,970,884

 
$
(1,409,021
)
 
$
4,561,863

 
$
5,925,884

 
$
(580,276
)
 
$
5,345,608

 
8 to 18 years
Trade names (a)
1,067,083

 
(588,574
)
 
478,509

 
1,066,783

 
(83,397
)
 
983,386

 
2 to 5 years
Other amortizable intangibles
37,060

 
(10,978
)
 
26,082

 
26,743

 
(3,093
)
 
23,650

 
1 to 15 years
 
$
7,075,027

 
$
(2,008,573
)
 
$
5,066,454

 
$
7,019,410

 
$
(666,766
)
 
$
6,352,644

 
 
 
(a)
On May 23, 2017, Altice N.V. announced the adoption of a global brand to replace the Company's brands in the future, reducing the remaining useful lives of these trade name intangibles to three years from the date of the adoption, which reflected one year as an in-use asset and two years as a defensive asset. In December 2017, the Company made a decision to postpone the adoption of a global brand that would have replaced the Optimum brand, increasing the useful life of the Optimum trade name intangible asset to 5 years.
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
Cable television franchises
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

 
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

Goodwill
5,866,108

 
2,153,741

 
8,019,849

 
5,866,120

 
2,153,741

 
8,019,861

Total
$
13,979,683

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,039,930

 
$
13,979,695

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,039,942

The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
 
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
Cable television franchises
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

 
$
8,113,575

 
$
4,906,506

 
$
13,020,081

Goodwill
5,866,120

 
2,153,741

 
8,019,861

 
5,838,959

 
2,153,741

 
7,992,700

Total
$
13,979,695

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,039,942

 
$
13,952,534

 
$
7,060,247

 
$
21,012,781

Schedule of Goodwill
The carrying amount of goodwill is presented below:
Gross goodwill as of December 31, 2017, as reported
$
7,996,760

ATS goodwill included in Cablevision segment (See Note 3 for further details)
23,101

Gross goodwill as of December 31, 2017, as adjusted
8,019,861

Adjustment to purchase accounting relating to business acquired in fourth quarter of 2017
(12
)
Net goodwill as of March 31, 2018
$
8,019,849

The carrying amount of goodwill is presented below:
Gross goodwill as of January 1, 2016
$
2,040,402

Goodwill recorded in connection with Cablevision Acquisition
5,838,959

Adjustments to purchase accounting relating to Cequel Acquisition
113,339

Gross goodwill as of January 1, 2017
7,992,700

Goodwill recorded in connection with acquisitions in the first and fourth quarters of 2017 (Cablevision Segment)
23,948

Adjustments to purchase accounting relating to Cablevision Acquisition
3,213

Net goodwill as of December 31, 2017
$
8,019,861

Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class  
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired intangible assets: 
 
December 31, 2015
 
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying Amount
Estimated Useful Lives
 
 
 
 
   
Customer relationships
$
39,414

$
(27,778
)
$
11,636

10 to 18 years
Trade names



 
Other amortizable intangibles
57,847

(32,532
)
25,315

3 to 28 years
 
$
97,261

$
(60,310
)
$
36,951

 
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets  
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets: 
 
December 31, 2015
Cable television franchises
$
731,848

Trademarks and other assets
7,250

Goodwill
262,345

Total
$
1,001,443

Schedule of Goodwill  
The carrying amount of goodwill is presented below:
Gross goodwill as of December 31, 2015 (Predecessor)
$
596,403

Accumulated impairment losses
(334,058
)
Net goodwill as of June 20, 2016
$
262,345

v3.8.0.1
CVC - DEBT (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities
The following table provides details of the Company's outstanding credit facility debt:
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
CSC Holdings Restricted Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (b)
$20,000 on October 9, 2020, remaining balance on November 30, 2021
 
—%
 
$

 
$

 
$
450,000

 
$
425,488

Term Loan Facility
July 17, 2025
 
4.04%
 
2,977,500

 
2,960,859

 
2,985,000

 
2,967,818

Incremental Term Loan Facility
January 25, 2026
 
4.28%
 
1,500,000

 
1,481,825

 

 

Cequel:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (c)
$65,000 on November 30, 2021, and remaining balance on April 5, 2023
 
 

 

 

 

Term Loan Facility
July 28, 2025
 
4.13%
 
1,255,513

 
1,247,318

 
1,258,675

 
1,250,217

 
 
 
 
 
$
5,733,013

 
5,690,002

 
$
4,693,675

 
4,643,523

Less: Current portion
 
 
 
53,900

 
 
 
42,650

Long-term debt
 
 
 
$
5,636,102

 
 
 
$
4,600,873


(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
(b)
At March 31, 2018, $115,973 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $2,184,027 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
(c)
At March 31, 2018, $13,500 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $336,500 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
The following table provides details of the Company's outstanding credit facility debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying Amount (a)
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
 
Principal
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
CSC Holdings Restricted Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (b)
$20,000 on October 9, 2020, remaining balance on November 30, 2021
 
4.75%
 
$
450,000

 
$
425,488

 
$
145,013

Term Loan Facility
July 17, 2025
 
3.74%
 
2,985,000

 
2,967,818

 
2,486,874

Cequel:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility (c)
November 30, 2021
 
 

 

 

Term Loan Facility
July 28, 2025
 
3.82%
 
1,258,675

 
1,250,217

 
812,903

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,693,675

 
4,643,523

 
3,444,790

Less: Current portion
42,650

 
33,150

Long-term debt
$
4,600,873

 
$
3,411,640


(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts.
(b)
At December 31, 2017, $115,973 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $1,734,027 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
(c)
At December 31, 2017, $13,500 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $336,500 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments
The following table summarizes the Company's senior guaranteed notes, senior secured notes and senior notes and debentures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Date Issued
 
Maturity Date
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
CSC Holdings Senior Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 6, 1998
 
February 15, 2018
 
7.875
%
(b)
(f)
(o)
$

 
$

 
$
300,000

 
$
301,184

July 21, 1998
 
July 15, 2018
 
7.625
%
(b)
(f)
 
500,000

 
504,213

 
500,000

 
507,744

February 12, 2009
 
February 15, 2019
 
8.625
%
(c)
(f)
 
526,000

 
537,930

 
526,000

 
541,165

November 15, 2011
 
November 15, 2021
 
6.750
%
(c)
(f)
 
1,000,000

 
962,332

 
1,000,000

 
960,146

May 23, 2014
 
June 1, 2024
 
5.250
%
(c)
(f)
 
750,000

 
663,291

 
750,000

 
660,601

October 9, 2015
 
January 15, 2023
 
10.125
%
(e)
 
 
1,800,000

 
1,778,745

 
1,800,000

 
1,777,914

October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
10.875
%
(e)
(l)
 
1,684,221

 
1,661,516

 
1,684,221

 
1,661,135

CSC Holdings Senior Guaranteed Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
6.625
%
(e)
 
 
1,000,000

 
987,037

 
1,000,000

 
986,717

September 23, 2016
 
April 15, 2027
 
5.500
%
(g)
 
 
1,310,000

 
1,304,581

 
1,310,000

 
1,304,468

January 29, 2018
 
February 1, 2028
 
5.375
%
(n)
 
 
1,000,000

 
991,665

 

 

Cablevision Senior Notes (k):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2018
 
7.750
%
(c)
(f)
(o)

 

 
750,000

 
754,035

April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2020
 
8.000
%
(c)
(f)
 
500,000

 
492,795

 
500,000

 
492,009

September 27, 2012
 
September 15, 2022
 
5.875
%
(c)
(f)
 
649,024

 
575,348

 
649,024

 
572,071

Cequel and Cequel Capital Senior Notes (l):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oct. 25, 2012 Dec. 28, 2012
 
September 15, 2020
 
6.375
%
(d)
(m)
 
1,050,000

 
1,029,364

 
1,050,000

 
1,027,493

May 16, 2013 Sept. 9, 2014
 
December 15, 2021
 
5.125
%
(d)
 
 
1,250,000

 
1,144,929

 
1,250,000

 
1,138,870

June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2025
 
7.750
%
(i)
 
 
620,000

 
604,755

 
620,000

 
604,374

Altice US Finance I Corporation Senior Secured Notes (l):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2023
 
5.375
%
(h)
 
 
1,100,000

 
1,083,159

 
1,100,000

 
1,082,482

April 26, 2016
 
May 15, 2026
 
5.500
%
(j)
 
 
1,500,000

 
1,488,306

 
1,500,000

 
1,488,024

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
16,239,245

 
15,809,966

 
$
16,289,245

 
15,860,432

Less: current portion
 
 
1,042,143

 
 
 
507,744

Long-term debt
 
 
$
14,767,823

 
 
 
$
15,352,688

 
(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
(b)
The debentures are not redeemable by CSC Holdings prior to maturity.
(c)
Notes are redeemable at any time at a specified "make-whole" price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
(d)
The Company may redeem some or more of all the notes at the redemption price set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(e)
The Company may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes at any time on or after January 15, 2019, and some or all of the 2025 Notes and 2025 Guaranteed Notes at any time on or after October 15, 2020, at the redemption prices set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  The Company may also redeem up to 40% of each series of the Cablevision Acquisition Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 110.125% for the 2023 Notes, 110.875% for the 2025 Notes and 106.625% for the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, at any time prior to January 15, 2019, CSC Holdings may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes, and at any time prior to October 15, 2020, the Company may redeem some or all of the 2025 Notes and the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a “make whole” premium specified in the relevant indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(f)
The carrying value of the notes was adjusted to reflect their fair value on the Cablevision Acquisition Date (aggregate reduction of $52,788).
(g)
The 2027 Guaranteed Notes are redeemable at any time on or after April 15, 2022 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  In addition, up to 40% may be redeemed for each series of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(h)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2018, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 105.375%.
(i)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2020, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 107.750%.
(j)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after May 15, 2021, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before May 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%.
(k)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any dividends or distributions received from CSC Holdings. CSC Holdings is restricted, in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement.
(l)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any contributions/distributions from Cequel Communications, LLC (an indirect subsidiary of Cequel and the parent of Altice US Finance I). Cequel Communications, LLC is restricted in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement.
(m)
These notes were repaid in April 2018 with the proceeds from the issuance of new senior notes (see Note 17).
(n)
The 2028 Guaranteed Notes are redeemable at any time on or after February 1, 2023 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  In addition, up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before February 1, 2021, at a redemption price equal to 105.375%, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(o)
These notes were repaid in February 2018 with the proceeds from the 2028 Guaranteed Notes (defined below) and with the proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan.
The following table summarizes the Company's senior guaranteed notes, senior secured notes and senior notes and debentures:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
Principal Amount
 
Carrying Amount (a)
Issuer
Date Issued
 
Maturity Date
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CSC Holdings (b)(f)(n)
February 6, 1998
 
February 15, 2018
 
7.875
%
 
$
300,000

 
$
301,184

 
$
310,334

CSC Holdings (b)(f)
July 21, 1998
 
July 15, 2018
 
7.625
%
 
500,000

 
507,744

 
521,654

CSC Holdings (c)(f)
February 12, 2009
 
February 15, 2019
 
8.625
%
 
526,000

 
541,165

 
553,804

CSC Holdings (c)(f)
November 15, 2011
 
November 15, 2021
 
6.750
%
 
1,000,000

 
960,146

 
951,702

CSC Holdings (c)(f)
May 23, 2014
 
June 1, 2024
 
5.250
%
 
750,000

 
660,601

 
650,193

CSC Holdings (e)
October 9, 2015
 
January 15, 2023
 
10.125
%
 
1,800,000

 
1,777,914

 
1,774,750

CSC Holdings (e)(l)
October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
10.875
%
 
1,684,221

 
1,661,135

 
1,970,379

Senior guaranteed notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CSC Holdings (e)
October 9, 2015
 
October 15, 2025
 
6.625
%
 
1,000,000

 
986,717

 
985,469

CSC Holdings (g)
September 23, 2016
 
April 15, 2027
 
5.500
%
 
1,310,000

 
1,304,468

 
1,304,025

Senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cablevision (k)(o)
September 23, 2009
 
September 15, 2017
 
8.625
%
 

 

 
926,045

Cablevision (c)(f)(n)(o)
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2018
 
7.750
%
 
750,000

 
754,035

 
767,545

Cablevision (c)(f)(o)
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2020
 
8.000
%
 
500,000

 
492,009

 
488,992

Cablevision (c)(f)(o)
September 27, 2012
 
September 15, 2022
 
5.875
%
 
649,024

 
572,071

 
559,500

Senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cequel Communications Holdings I and Cequel Capital (d)(m)(p)
Oct. 25, 2012 Dec. 28, 2012
 
September 15, 2020
 
6.375
%
 
1,050,000

 
1,027,493

 
1,457,439

Cequel Communications Holdings I and Cequel Capital (d)(p)
May 16, 2013 Sept. 9, 2014
 
December 15, 2021
 
5.125
%
 
1,250,000

 
1,138,870

 
1,115,767

Cequel Communications Holdings I and Cequel Capital (i)(p)
June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2025
 
7.750
%
 
620,000

 
604,374

 
602,925

Senior secured notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Altice US Finance I Corporation (h)(p)
June 12, 2015
 
July 15, 2023
 
5.375
%
 
1,100,000

 
1,082,482

 
1,079,869

Altice US Finance I Corporation (j)(p)
April 26, 2016
 
May 15, 2026
 
5.500
%
 
1,500,000

 
1,488,024

 
1,486,933

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
16,289,245

 
15,860,432

 
17,507,325

Less: Current portion
 
507,744

 
926,045

Long-term debt
 
$
15,352,688

 
$
16,581,280

 
(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
(b)
The debentures are not redeemable by CSC Holdings prior to maturity.
(c)
Notes are redeemable at any time at a specified "make-whole" price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
(d)
The Company may redeem some or more of all the notes at the redemption price set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(e)
The Company may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes at any time on or after January 15, 2019, and some or all of the 2025 Notes and 2025 Guaranteed Notes at any time on or after October 15, 2020, at the redemption prices set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  The Company may also redeem up to 40% of each series of the Cablevision Acquisition Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 110.125% for the 2023 Notes, 110.875% for the 2025 Notes and 106.625% for the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, at any time prior to January 15, 2019, CSC Holdings may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes, and at any time prior to October 15, 2020, the Company may redeem some or all of the 2025 Notes and the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a “make whole” premium specified in the relevant indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(f)
The carrying value of the notes was adjusted to reflect their fair value on the Cablevision Acquisition Date (aggregate reduction of $52,788).
(g)
The 2027 Guaranteed Notes are redeemable at any time on or after April 15, 2022 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  In addition, up to 40% may be redeemed for each series of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(h)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2018, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 105.375%.
(i)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2020, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 107.750%.
(j)
Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after May 15, 2021, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before May 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%.
(k)
In April 2017, the Company redeemed $500,000 of the senior notes from proceeds from the CVC Term Loan facility. In September 2017, these senior notes matured and the Company repaid the remaining principal balance of $400,000.
(l)
In July 2017, the Company used approximately $350,120 of the proceeds from the IPO to fund the redemption of $315,779 principal amount of CSC Holdings senior notes due October 2025 and the related call premium of approximately $34,341which was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt. The Company also recorded a write-off of deferred financings costs in connection with this redemption aggregating $4,516.
(m)
In April 2017, the Company redeemed $450,000 of the senior notes from proceeds from the Cequel Term Loan facility.
(n)
As a result of the repayment of these notes in February 2018, discussed in Note 20, the carrying amount of these Notes has been classified as long-term indebtedness.
(o)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any dividends or distributions received from CSC Holdings. CSC Holdings is restricted, in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement.
(p)
The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any contributions/distributions from Cequel Communications, LLC (an indirect subsidiary of Cequel and the parent of Altice US Finance I). Cequel Communications, LLC is restricted in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt
The future maturities of debt payable by the Company under its various debt obligations outstanding as of March 31, 2018, including notes payable, collateralized indebtedness (see Note 10), and capital leases, are as follows:
Years Ending December 31,
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
2018
$
581,298

 
$
14,193

 
$
595,491

2019
579,587

 
32,563

 
612,150

2020
547,517

 
1,062,715

 
1,610,232

2021
2,506,407

 
1,262,725

 
3,769,132

2022
695,806

 
12,730

 
708,536

Thereafter
11,812,663

 
4,416,240

 
16,228,903

The future maturities of debt payable by the Company under its various debt obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2017, including notes payable, collateralized indebtedness (see Note 10), and capital leases, are as follows:
Years Ending December 31,
Cablevision
 
Cequel
 
Total
2018
$
1,619,094

 
$
16,518

 
$
1,635,612

2019
565,604

 
18,310

 
583,914

2020
552,902

 
1,062,713

 
1,615,615

2021
2,921,269

 
1,262,723

 
4,183,992

2022
680,700

 
12,734

 
693,434

Thereafter
9,380,513

 
4,416,270

 
13,796,783

Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities  
The following table provides details of the Company's outstanding credit facility debt (net of unamortized financing costs and unamortized discounts):
 
Maturity
Date
 
Interest Rate
 
Principal
 
December 31, 2015 (a)
Restricted Group:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Term A loan facility (b)
April 17, 2018
 
2.17%
 
$
886,621

 
$
885,105

Term B loan facility (b)
April 17, 2020
 
2.92%
 
1,159,031

 
1,150,227

Restricted Group Credit Facilities debt
$
2,035,332

 
(a)
The unamortized discounts and deferred financing costs amounted to $11,200 at December 31, 2015.
(b)
In connection with the Merger, the Company repaid the then outstanding Term A and Term B loan facilities (see discussion above).
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments  
The following table summarizes the Company's senior notes and debentures as of December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
Principal
 
Carrying
Issuer
Date Issued
 
Maturity Date
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Amount (c)
CSC Holdings (a)
February 6, 1998
 
February 15, 2018
 
7.875
%
 
$
300,000

 
$
299,091

CSC Holdings (a)
July 21, 1998
 
July 15, 2018
 
7.625
%
 
500,000

 
498,942

CSC Holdings (b)
February 12, 2009
 
February 15, 2019
 
8.625
%
 
526,000

 
511,079

CSC Holdings (b)
November 15, 2011
 
November 15, 2021
 
6.750
%
 
1,000,000

 
985,640

CSC Holdings (b)
May 23, 2014
 
June 1, 2024
 
5.250
%
 
750,000

 
737,500

Cablevision (b)
September 23, 2009
 
September 15, 2017
 
8.625
%
 
900,000

 
891,238

Cablevision (b)
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2018
 
7.750
%
 
750,000

 
744,402

Cablevision (b)
April 15, 2010
 
April 15, 2020
 
8.000
%
 
500,000

 
494,410

Cablevision (b)
September 27, 2012
 
September 15, 2022
 
5.875
%
 
649,024

 
638,709

Total
$
5,801,011

 
(a)
The debentures are not redeemable by the Company prior to maturity.
(b)
The Company may redeem some or all of the notes at any time at a specified "make-whole" price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
(c)
The carrying amount of the notes is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt  
Total amounts payable by the Company under its various debt obligations outstanding, including the debt transaction subsequent to the merger discussed above and including notes payable, collateralized indebtedness, and capital leases, during the periods shown below, are as follows:
Years Ending December 31,
 
2017
$
1,719,180

2018
2,103,441

2019
557,348

2020
526,340

2021
1,200,256

Thereafter
9,884,024

v3.8.0.1
CVC - DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Location of Assets and Liabilities Associated With Derivative Instruments Within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
The following represents the location of the assets and liabilities associated with the Company's derivative instruments within the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
 
 
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value at March 31, 2018
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value at March 31, 2018
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, current
 
$
9,211

 
$
52,545

 
$
(9,211
)
 
$
(52,545
)
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, long-term
 
63,343

 

 
(4,495
)
 
(109,504
)
Interest rate swap contracts
 
Liabilities under derivative contracts, long-term
 

 

 
(109,824
)
 
(77,902
)
 
 
 
 
$
72,554

 
$
52,545

 
$
(123,530
)
 
$
(239,951
)
The following represents the location of the assets and liabilities associated with the Company's derivative instruments within the consolidated balance sheets:
 
 
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2016
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, current
 
$
52,545

 
$
352

 
$
(52,545
)
 
$
(13,158
)
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Derivative contracts, long-term
 

 
10,604

 
(109,504
)
 

Interest rate swap contracts
 
Liabilities under derivative contracts, long-term
 

 

 
(77,902
)
 
(78,823
)
 
 
 
 
$
52,545

 
$
10,956

 
$
(239,951
)
 
$
(91,981
)
Schedule of Collateralized Debt Settlement  
The following table summarizes the settlement of the Company's collateralized indebtedness relating to Comcast shares that were settled by delivering cash equal to the collateralized loan value, net of the value of the related equity derivative contracts during the year ended December 31, 2017
Number of shares (a)
26,815,368

Collateralized indebtedness settled
$
(774,703
)
Derivatives contracts settled
(56,356
)
 
(831,059
)
Proceeds from new monetization contracts
838,794

Net cash proceeds
$
7,735

 
(a)
Share amounts are adjusted for the 2 for 1 stock split in February 2017.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Location of Assets and Liabilities Associated With Derivative Instruments Within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets  
The following represents the location of the assets and liabilities associated with the Company's derivative instruments within the consolidated balance sheets:
Derivatives Not
Designated as
 Hedging
Instruments
 
Balance
Sheet
Location
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2015
Prepaid forward contracts
 
Current derivative contracts
 
$
10,333

 
$
2,706

Prepaid forward contracts
 
Long-term derivative contracts
 
72,075

 

 
 
 
 
$
82,408

 
$
2,706

Schedule of Collateralized Debt Settlement  
The following table summarizes the settlement of the Company's collateralized indebtedness relating to Comcast shares that were settled by delivering cash equal to the collateralized loan value, net of the value of the related equity derivative contracts. 
 
January 1 to June 20, 2016
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
Number of shares (a)
10,802,118

 
26,815,368

Collateralized indebtedness settled
$
(273,519
)
 
$
(569,562
)
Derivative contracts settled
(8,075
)
 
(69,675
)
 
(281,594
)
 
(639,237
)
Proceeds from new monetization contracts
337,149

 
774,703

Net cash receipt
$
55,555

 
$
135,466

v3.8.0.1
CVC - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
Level I
 
$
1,121,432

 
$
5,949

Investment securities pledged as collateral
Level I
 
1,467,781

 
1,720,357

Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
72,554

 
52,545

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
13,706

 
162,049

Interest rate swap contracts
Level II
 
109,824

 
77,902

Contingent consideration related to 2017 acquisitions
Level III
 
3,233

 
32,233

The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds (of which $14,700 is classified as restricted cash as of December 31, 2016)
Level I
 
$
5,949

 
$
100,139

Investment securities pledged as collateral
Level I
 
1,720,357

 
1,483,030

Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
52,545

 
10,956

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts
Level II
 
162,049

 
13,158

Interest rate swap contracts
Level II
 
77,902

 
78,823

Contingent consideration related to 2017 acquisitions
Level III
 
32,233

 

Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
CSC Holdings debt instruments:
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Credit facility debt
Level II
 
$
4,442,684

 
$
4,477,500

 
$
3,393,306

 
$
3,435,000

Collateralized indebtedness
Level II
 
1,351,271

 
1,298,060

 
1,349,474

 
1,305,932

Senior guaranteed notes
Level II
 
3,283,283

 
3,231,825

 
2,291,185

 
2,420,000

Senior notes and debentures
Level II
 
6,108,028

 
6,797,434

 
6,409,889

 
7,221,846

Notes payable
Level II
 
78,938

 
76,340

 
56,956

 
55,289

Cablevision senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes and debentures
Level II
 
1,068,142

 
1,172,906

 
1,818,115

 
1,931,239

Cequel debt instruments:
 
 


 


 


 


Cequel credit facility
Level II
 
1,247,318

 
1,255,513

 
1,250,217

 
1,258,675

Senior secured notes
Level II
 
2,571,465

 
2,580,000

 
2,570,506

 
2,658,930

Senior notes
Level II
 
2,779,048

 
2,987,700

 
2,770,737

 
2,983,615

Notes payable
Level II
 
24,149

 
24,149

 
8,946

 
8,946

 
 
 
$
22,954,326

 
$
23,901,427

 
$
21,919,331

 
$
23,279,472

 
(a)
Amounts are net of unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts.
The carrying values, estimated fair values, and classification under the fair value hierarchy of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Altice USA debt instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable to affiliates and related parties
Level II
 
$

 
$

 
$
1,750,000

 
$
1,837,876

CSC Holdings debt instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit facility debt
Level II
 
3,393,306

 
3,435,000

 
2,631,887

 
2,675,256

Collateralized indebtedness
Level II
 
1,349,474

 
1,305,932

 
1,286,069

 
1,280,048

Senior guaranteed notes
Level II
 
2,291,185

 
2,420,000

 
2,289,494

 
2,416,375

Senior notes and debentures
Level II
 
6,409,889

 
7,221,846

 
6,732,816

 
7,731,150

Notes payable
Level II
 
56,956

 
55,289

 
13,726

 
13,260

Cablevision senior notes
Level II
 
1,818,115

 
1,931,239

 
2,742,082

 
2,920,056

Cequel debt instruments:
 
 


 


 


 


Cequel credit facility
Level II
 
1,250,217

 
1,258,675

 
812,903

 
815,000

Senior secured notes
Level II
 
2,570,506

 
2,658,930

 
2,566,802

 
2,689,750

Senior notes
Level II
 
2,770,737

 
2,983,615

 
3,176,131

 
3,517,275

Notes payable
Level II
 
8,946

 
8,946

 

 

 
 
 
$
21,919,331

 
$
23,279,472

 
$
24,001,910

 
$
25,896,046

 
(a)
Amounts are net of unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts/premiums.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis  
The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
At December 31, 2015
 
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
$
922,765

 
$

 
$

 
$
922,765

Investment securities
130

 

 

 
130

Investment securities pledged as collateral
1,211,982

 

 

 
1,211,982

Prepaid forward contracts

 
82,408

 

 
82,408

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid forward contracts

 
2,706

 

 
2,706

 
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments  
The carrying values, estimated fair values, and classification under the fair value hierarchy of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows:
 
  
 
December 31, 2015
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt instruments:
 
 
 

 
 

Credit facility debt
Level II
 
$
2,514,454

 
$
2,525,654

Collateralized indebtedness
Level II
 
1,191,324

 
1,176,396

Senior notes and debentures
Level II
 
5,801,011

 
5,756,608

Notes payable
Level II
 
14,544

 
14,483

Total debt instruments
 
 
$
9,521,333

 
$
9,473,141

v3.8.0.1
CVC - INCOME TAXES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Attributable to Continuing Operations
Income tax benefit attributable to the Company's operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of the following components:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Current expense (benefit):
 
 
 
Federal
$
5,261

 
$
(981
)
State
12,530

 
5,310

 
17,791

 
4,329

Deferred benefit:
 
 
 
Federal
(2,095,930
)
 
(223,159
)
State
(784,224
)
 
(40,830
)
 
(2,880,154
)
 
(263,989
)
Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions
11

 
(6
)
Income tax benefit
$
(2,862,352
)
 
$
(259,666
)
Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate from Continuing Operations
The income tax benefit attributable to the Company's operations differs from the amount derived by applying the statutory federal rate to pretax loss principally due to the effect of the following items:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Federal tax benefit at statutory rate
$
(478,656
)
 
$
(381,901
)
State income taxes, net of federal impact
(61,698
)
 
(39,336
)
Changes in the valuation allowance
(111
)
 
297

Impact of Federal Tax Reform
(2,332,677
)
 

Changes in the state rates used to measure deferred taxes, net of federal impact
(12,896
)
 
153,239

Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions
(253
)
 
(120
)
Non-deductible share-based compensation related to the carried unit plan
20,101

 
5,029

Non-deductible Cablevision Acquisition transaction costs

 
4,457

Other non-deductible expenses
3,405

 
1,551

Other, net
433

 
(2,882
)
Income tax benefit
$
(2,862,352
)
 
$
(259,666
)
Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
The tax effects of temporary differences which give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets or liabilities and the corresponding valuation allowance are as follows.
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Noncurrent
 
 
 
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards
$
785,809

 
$
971,728

Compensation and benefit plans
49,698

 
93,939

Partnership investments
68,054

 
113,473

Restructuring liability
33,247

 
37,393

Other liabilities
40,149

 
45,561

Liabilities under derivative contracts
21,034

 
31,529

Interest deferred for tax purposes
128,516

 
39,633

Other
8,849

 
6,615

Deferred tax asset
1,135,356

 
1,339,871

Valuation allowance
(3,000
)
 
(3,125
)
Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent
1,132,356

 
1,336,746

Fixed assets and intangibles
(5,729,274
)
 
(9,065,635
)
Investments
(113,628
)
 
(187,795
)
Prepaid expenses
(8,105
)
 
(10,172
)
Fair value adjustments related to debt and deferred financing costs
(40,215
)
 
(30,535
)
Other
(10,420
)
 
(14,109
)
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent
(5,901,642
)
 
(9,308,246
)
Total net deferred tax liability
$
(4,769,286
)
 
$
(7,971,500
)
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Associated with Uncertain Tax Positions, Excluding Associated Deferred Tax Benefits and Accrued Interest
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions, excluding associated deferred tax benefits and accrued interest, is as follows:
Balance at January 1, 2016
$
4,025

Increases related to prior year tax positions
11

Balance at December 31, 2017
$
4,036

Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Associated with Uncertain Tax Positions, Excluding Associated Deferred Tax Benefits and Accrued Interest
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions, excluding associated deferred tax benefits and accrued interest, is as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
4,022

Increases related to prior year tax positions
3

Increases related to current year tax positions
6

Balance at June 20, 2016
$
4,031

v3.8.0.1
CVC - BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Components of Net Benefit Cost for defined Benefit Plans
Components of the benefit costs, recorded in other income (expense), net, for the Defined Benefit Plans for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, is as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Interest cost
$
11,786

 
$
6,946

Expected return on plan assets, net
(4,905
)
 
(3,880
)
Curtailment loss
3,137

 
231

Settlement loss (income) (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss) (a)
1,845

 
(154
)
Non-operating pension costs
$
11,863

 
$
3,143

 
(a)
As a result of benefit payments to terminated or retired individuals exceeding the service and interest costs for the Pension Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Pension Plan during the year ended December 31, 2017 and during the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016, the Company recognized a non-cash settlement loss that represented the acceleration of the recognition of a portion of the previously unrecognized actuarial losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet relating to these plans.
Plan Assumptions for Defined Benefit Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine pension costs (made at the beginning of the year) and benefit obligations (made at the end of the year) for the Defined Benefit Plans are as follows:
 
Benefit Costs
 
Benefit Obligations at December 31,
 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
For the Period June 21, 2016 to
December 31, 2016
 
2017
 
2016
Discount rate (a)
3.69
%
 
3.53
%
 
3.50
%
 
3.81
%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
Expected rate of return on plan assets (Pension Plan only)
3.90
%
 
3.97
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
(a)
The discount rate of 3.53% for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016, represents the average of the quarterly discount rates used to remeasure the Company's projected benefit obligation and benefit costs in connection with the recognition of settlement losses discussed above.
Fair Values of the Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category
The weighted average asset allocations of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
 
Plan Assets at December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Asset Class:
 
 
 
Mutual funds
32
%
 
43
%
Fixed income securities
66

 
55

Cash equivalents and other
2

 
2

 
100
%
 
100
%
The fair values of the assets of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2017 by asset class are as follows:
Asset Class
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds
$
61,833

 
$

 
$

 
$
61,833

Fixed income securities held in a portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign issued corporate debt

 
10,721

 

 
10,721

U.S. corporate debt

 
39,992

 

 
39,992

Government debt

 
4,645

 

 
4,645

U.S. Treasury securities

 
62,601

 

 
62,601

Asset-backed securities

 
10,978

 

 
10,978

Other

 

 

 

Cash equivalents (a)
6,691

 
2,782

 

 
9,473

Total (b)
$
68,524

 
$
131,719

 
$

 
$
200,243

 
(a)
A significant portion represents an investment in a short-term investment fund that invests primarily in securities of high quality and low risk.
(b)
Excludes cash and net payables relating to the purchase of securities that were not settled as of December 31, 2017.
The fair values of the assets of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2016 by asset class are as follows:
Asset Class
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds
$
121,356

 
$

 
$

 
$
121,356

Fixed income securities held in a portfolio:

 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign issued corporate debt

 
13,583

 

 
13,583

U.S. corporate debt

 
48,046

 

 
48,046

Government debt

 
4,810

 

 
4,810

U.S. Treasury securities

 
77,285

 

 
77,285

Asset-backed securities

 
14,065

 

 
14,065

Other

 
247

 

 
247

Cash equivalents (a)
2,593

 
3,089

 

 
5,682

Total (b)
$
123,949

 
$
161,125

 
$

 
$
285,074

 
(a)
A significant portion represents an investment in a short-term investment fund that invests primarily in securities of high quality and low risk.
(b)
Excludes cash and net payables relating to the purchase of securities that were not settled as of December 31, 2016.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Funded Status for All Qualified and Non-Qualified defined Benefit Plans
Summarized below is the funded status and the amounts recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheets for all of the Company's Defined Benefit Plans at December 31, 2015:
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
430,846

Service cost
344

Interest cost
15,523

Actuarial (gain) loss
(14,912
)
Curtailments

Benefits paid
(27,838
)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
403,963

 
 
Change in plan assets:
 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
303,676

Actual return (loss) on plan assets, net
(3,921
)
Employer contributions
25,929

Benefits paid
(27,838
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
297,846

 
 
Unfunded status at end of year
$
(106,117
)
Net Funded Status Relating to Defined Benefit Plans
The Company's net funded status relating to its Defined Benefit Plans at December 31, 2015 are as follows:
Defined Benefit Plans
$
(106,117
)
Less: Current portion related to nonqualified plans
6,889

Long-term defined benefit plan obligations
$
(99,228
)
 
Components of Net Benefit Cost for defined Benefit Plans
Components of the net periodic benefit cost, recorded in other operating expenses, for the Defined Benefit Plans for the period January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015, are as follows:
 
January 1, 2016 to
June 20, 2016
 
Year ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$

 
$
344

Interest cost
7,130

 
15,523

Expected return on plan assets, net
(3,565
)
 
(8,297
)
Recognized actuarial loss (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss)
(1,446
)
 
1,294

Settlement (income) loss (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss) (a)
1,655

 
3,822

Net periodic benefit cost
$
3,774

 
$
12,686

 
(a)
As a result of benefit payments to terminated or retired individuals exceeding the service and interest costs for the Pension Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Pension Plan during the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, and year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized a non-cash settlement loss that represented the acceleration of the recognition of a portion of the previously unrecognized actuarial losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets relating to these plans.
Plan Assumptions for Defined Benefit Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost (made at the beginning of the year) and benefit obligations (made at the end of the year) for the Defined Benefit Plans are as follows:
 
Weighted-Average Assumptions
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
Benefit Obligations
 
January 1, 2016 to
June 20, 2016
 
Year ended December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2015
Discount rate (a)
3.76
%
 
3.83
%
 
3.94
%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
%
 
%
 
%
Expected rate of return on plan assets (Pension Plan only)
3.97
%
 
4.03
%
 
N/A

 
(a)
The discount rates of 3.76% and 3.83%, for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively, represent the average of the quarterly discount rates used to remeasure the Company's projected benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost in connection with the recognition of settlement losses discussed above.
Weighted Average Asset Allocations of Pension Plan
The weighted average asset allocations of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2015 are as follows:
 
Plan Assets at
December 31,
 
2015
Asset Class:
 
Mutual funds
39
%
Fixed income securities
61

Cash equivalents and other

 
100
%
Fair Values of the Pension Plan Assets by Asset Category
The fair values of the assets of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2015 by asset class are as follows:
Asset Class
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds
$
117,174

 
$

 
$

 
$
117,174

Fixed income securities held in a portfolio:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign issued corporate debt

 
12,825

 

 
12,825

U.S. corporate debt

 
54,005

 

 
54,005

Government debt

 
8,273

 

 
8,273

U.S. Treasury securities

 
90,414

 

 
90,414

Asset-backed securities

 
18,563

 

 
18,563

Cash equivalents (a)
893

 

 

 
893

Total (b)
$
118,067

 
$
184,080

 
$

 
$
302,147

 
(a)
Represents an investment in a money market fund.
(b)
Excludes cash and net payables relating to the sale of securities that were not settled as of December 31, 2015.
v3.8.0.1
CVC - EQUITY AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Schedule of assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of stock option awards granted
The following aggregate assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of stock option awards granted during the three months ended March 31, 2018:
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.64%
Expected life (in years)
 
6.49
Dividend yield
 
—%
Volatility
 
33.86%
Grant date fair value
 
$7.49
The following aggregate assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of stock option awards granted on December 30, 2017:
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.30%
Expected life (in years)
 
6.44
Dividend yield
 
—%
Volatility
 
33.95%
Grant date fair value
 
$8.77
Summary of activity relating of stock options
The following table summarizes activity related to employee stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2018:
 
Shares Under Option
 
Weighted Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
 
Weighted Average Remaining
Contractual Term
(in years)
 
 
 
Time
Vesting
 
Performance
Based Vesting
 
 
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value (a)
Balance at December 31, 2017
5,110,747

 

 
$
19.48

 
9.97

 
$
8,944

Granted
298,394

 
39,050

 
21.22

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
(103,766
)
 
(22,314
)
 
21.81

 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2018
5,305,375

 
16,736

 
$
19.54

 
9.92

 
(5,615
)
Options exercisable at March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 
(a)
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price and the closing price of the Company's Class A common stock at the respective date.
 
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]    
Summary of share-based compensation expense  
The following table presents the share-based compensation expense recognized by the Company as other operating expenses:
 
January 1, 2016 to
June 20, 2016
 
Year ended December 31, 2015
Stock options
$
3,848

 
$
9,159

Restricted shares and restricted stock units
20,930

 
51,162

Share-based compensation related to equity classified awards
24,778

 
60,321

Other share-based compensation
453

 
4,965

Total share-based compensation
$
25,231

 
$
65,286

Schedule of assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of stock option awards granted  
The following assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of stock option awards granted in the first quarter of 2015:
 
2015
 
 
Risk-free interest rate
1.82
%
Expected life (in years)
8

Dividend yield
3.63
%
Volatility
39.98
%
Grant date fair value
$
5.45

Summary of activity relating of stock options  
The following table summarizes activity relating to Company employees who held Cablevision stock options for the period January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015:
 
Shares
Under Option
 
Weighted Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
 
Weighted Average Remaining
Contractual Term
(in years)
 
 
 
Time
Vesting Options
 
Performance
Based Vesting Options
 
 
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value (a)
Balance, December 31, 2014
5,097,666

 
7,633,500

 
$
14.41

 
7.17
 
$
79,347

Granted
2,000,000

 

 
19.17

 
 
 
 

Exercised
(353,666
)
 
(1,024,283
)
 
12.84

 
 
 
 

Balance, December 31, 2015
6,744,000

 
6,609,217

 
15.28

 
6.80
 
221,900

Exercised
(744,000
)
 
(728,517
)
 
13.97

 
 
 
 

Balance, June 20, 2016
6,000,000

 
5,880,700

 
$
15.45

 
 
 
 
 
(a)
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between (i) the exercise price of the underlying award and (ii) the quoted price of CNYG Class A common stock on December 31, 2015, as indicated.
Summary of activity relating of restricted shares and restricted stock units  
Restricted Stock Award Activity
The following table summarizes activity relating to Company employees who held Cablevision restricted shares and restricted stock units for the period January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015:
 
Number of Restricted Shares
 
Number of Performance Restricted Shares
 
Number of Performance Based Restricted Stock Units ("PSU") (a)
 
Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share at Date of Grant
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2014
5,314,870

 
2,035,300

 

 
$
15.46

Granted
1,747,870

 
584,400

 
1,851,700

 
19.43

Vested
(1,598,363
)
 
(739,600
)
 

 
14.48

Awards forfeited
(496,629
)
 

 
(79,270
)
 
17.28

Unvested award balance, December 31, 2015
4,967,748

 
1,880,100

 
1,772,430

 
17.53

Vested
(2,239,167
)
 
(753,296
)
 

 
15.35

Awards forfeited
(85,900
)
 

 
(47,490
)
 
18.38

Unvested award balance, June 20, 2016
2,642,681

 
1,126,804

 
1,724,940

 
 
 
(a)
The PSUs entitled the employee to shares of CNYG common stock up to 150% of the number of PSUs granted depending on the level of achievement of the specified performance criteria. If the minimum performance threshold was not met, no shares were issued. Accrued dividends were paid to the extent that a PSU vested and the related stock was issued.
v3.8.0.1
CVC - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Summary of related party transactions
Aggregate amounts that were due from and due to related parties are summarized below:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Due from:
 
 
 
Altice US Finance S.A. (a)
$
12,951

 
$
12,951

Newsday (b)
2,558

 
2,713

Altice Management Americas (b)
1,271

 
33

i24 News (b)
4,335

 
4,036

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (b)
31

 
31

 
$
21,146

 
$
19,764

Due to:
 
 
 
Altice Management International (c)
7,500

 

Newsday (b)
33

 
33

Altice Labs S.A. (c)
1,051

 
7,354

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (c)
2,494

 
3,611

 
$
11,078

 
$
10,998

 
(a)
Represents interest on senior notes paid by the Company on behalf of the affiliate.
(b)
Represents amounts paid by the Company on behalf of the respective related party and for Newsday, the net amounts due from the related party also include charges for certain transition services provided.
(c)
Represents amounts due to affiliates for services provided to the Company.
The following table summarizes the revenue and charges related to services provided to or received from subsidiaries of Altice N.V. and Newsday:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenue
$
125

 
$
141

Operating expenses:
 

 
 
Programming and other direct costs
(1,154
)
 
(735
)
Other operating expenses, net
(7,994
)
 
(7,298
)
Operating expenses, net
(9,148
)
 
(8,033
)
 
 
 
 
Interest expense (a)

 
(47,588
)
Net charges
$
(9,023
)
 
$
(55,480
)
Capital Expenditures
$
1,626

 
$
892


(a)
In connection with the Company's IPO in June 2017, the Company converted the notes payable to affiliates and related parties into shares of the Company’s common stock at the IPO price.
The following table summarizes the revenue and charges related to services provided to or received from subsidiaries of Altice N.V. and Newsday:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue
$
1,100

 
$
1,086

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Programming and other direct costs
$
(4,176
)
 
$
(1,947
)
Other operating expenses, net
(33,140
)
 
(18,854
)
Operating expenses, net
(37,316
)
 
(20,801
)
 
 
 
 
Interest expense (see Note 9)(a)
(90,405
)
 
(112,712
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs (see Note 9)
(513,723
)
 

Net charges
$
(640,344
)
 
$
(132,427
)
Capital Expenditures
$
22,012

 
$
45,886

 
(a)
The 2016 amount includes $10,155 related to Holdco Notes prior to the exchange in addition to the interest related to notes payable to affiliates and related parties discussed in Note 9.
Aggregate amounts that were due from and due to related parties are summarized below:
 
December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Due from:
 
 
 
Altice US Finance S.A. (a)
$
12,951

 
$
12,951

Newsday (b)
2,713

 
6,114

Altice Management Americas (b)
33

 
3,117

i24NEWS (b)
4,036

 

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (b)
31

 

 
$
19,764

 
$
22,182

Due to:
 
 
 
CVC 3BV (c)
$

 
$
71,655

Neptune Holdings US LP (c)

 
7,962

Altice Management International (d)

 
44,121

Newsday (b)
33

 
275

Altice Labs S.A. (d)
7,354

 
866

Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (e)
3,611

 
2,484

 
$
10,998

 
$
127,363

 
(a)
Represents interest on senior notes paid by the Company on behalf of the affiliate.
(b)
Represents amounts paid by the Company on behalf of the respective related party and for Newsday, the net amounts due from the related party also include charges for certain transition services provided.
(c)
Represents distributions payable to stockholders.
(d)
Amounts payable as of December 31, 2016 primarily represent amounts due for equipment purchases and/or software development services discussed above.
(e)
Represents amounts due to affiliates for services provided to the Company.
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Summary of related party transactions  
Aggregate amounts that were due from and due to AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks and other affiliates at December 31, 2015 (Predecessor) is summarized below:
 
December 31,
 
2015
Amounts due from affiliates
$
767

Amounts due to affiliates
29,729

The following table summarizes the revenue and charges (credits) related to services provided to or received from AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden Company and MSG Networks for the Predecessor periods:
 
January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
2,088

 
$
5,343

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

Programming and other direct costs, net of credits
$
84,636

 
$
176,909

Other operating expenses, net of credits
2,182

 
5,372

Operating expenses, net
86,818

 
182,281

Net charges
$
84,730

 
$
176,938

v3.8.0.1
CVC - INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Selected Quarterly Financial Information  
Selected Quarterly Financial Information
for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
March 31,
2017
 
June 30,
2017
 
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2017 (a)
 
Total
2017
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
1,083,878

 
$
1,071,163

 
$
1,069,946

 
$
1,049,135

 
$
4,274,122

Broadband
625,918

 
642,620

 
658,278

 
681,779

 
2,608,595

Telephony
180,961

 
178,261

 
172,479

 
169,064

 
700,765

Business services and wholesale
319,420

 
323,641

 
324,642

 
330,510

 
1,298,213

Advertising
83,361

 
97,501

 
89,292

 
121,712

 
391,866

Other
8,721

 
9,176

 
7,884

 
7,608

 
33,389

Revenue
2,302,259

 
2,322,362

 
2,322,521

 
2,359,808

 
9,306,950

Operating expenses
(2,052,149
)
 
(2,069,094
)
 
(2,201,946
)
 
(2,142,753
)
 
(8,465,942
)
Operating income
$
250,110

 
$
253,268

 
$
120,575

 
$
217,055

 
$
841,008

Net income (loss)
$
(76,188
)
 
$
(479,939
)
 
$
(192,434
)
 
$
2,243,325

 
$
1,494,764

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(237
)
 
(365
)
 
(135
)
 
(850
)
 
(1,587
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders
$
(76,425
)
 
$
(480,304
)
 
$
(192,569
)
 
$
2,242,475

 
$
1,493,177

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders
$
(0.12
)
 
$
(0.73
)
 
$
(0.26
)
 
$
3.04

 
$
2.15

 
(a)
Pursuant to the enactment of the Tax Reform on December 22, 2017, the Company recorded a noncash deferred tax benefit of $2,332,677 to remeasure the net deferred tax liability to adjust for the reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate 35% to 21% which is effective on January 1, 2018.
 
March 31,
2016
 
June 30,
2016
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2016
 
Total
2016
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pay TV
$
279,736

 
$
370,122

 
$
1,066,019

 
$
1,072,996

 
$
2,788,873

Broadband
196,691

 
245,568

 
594,932

 
614,383

 
1,651,574

Telephony
39,735

 
55,855

 
185,834

 
184,347

 
465,771

Business services and wholesale
84,404

 
111,193

 
309,366

 
314,578

 
819,541

Advertising
20,887

 
29,843

 
90,555

 
110,764

 
252,049

Other
6,136

 
10,920

 
13,515

 
8,833

 
39,404

Revenue
627,589

 
823,501

 
2,260,221

 
2,305,901

 
6,017,212

Operating expenses
(573,329
)
 
(777,564
)
 
(2,115,955
)
 
(2,087,555
)
 
(5,554,403
)
Operating income
$
54,260

 
$
45,937

 
$
144,266

 
$
218,346

 
$
462,809

Net loss
$
(140,748
)
 
$
(282,129
)
 
$
(172,553
)
 
$
(236,049
)
 
$
(831,479
)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
364

 
(256
)
 
(659
)
 
(551
)
Net loss attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders
$
(140,748
)
 
$
(281,765
)
 
$
(172,809
)
 
$
(236,708
)
 
$
(832,030
)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders
$
(0.22
)
 
$
(0.43
)
 
$
(0.27
)
 
$
(0.36
)
 
$
(1.28
)
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Selected Quarterly Financial Information  
Selected Quarterly Financial Information
The following is a summary of the Company's selected quarterly financial data:
 
Predecessor
2016:
March 31,
2016
 
April 1 to June 20, 2016
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
1,645,890

 
$
1,491,714

Operating expenses
(1,394,635
)
 
(1,267,663
)
Operating income
$
251,255

 
$
224,051

Net income
$
94,311

 
$
69,201

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
66

 
170

Net income attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders
$
94,377

 
$
69,371

Basic income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
$
0.35

 
$
0.25

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$

 
$

Net income
$
0.35

 
$
0.25

Diluted income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
$
0.34

 
$
0.25

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$

 
$

Net income
$
0.34

 
$
0.25

Amounts attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
$
94,377

 
$
69,371

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

 

Net income
$
94,377

 
$
69,371

 
 
Predecessor
2015:
March 31,
2015
 
June 30,
2015
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2015
 
Total
2015
Revenue
$
1,622,352

 
$
1,661,940

 
$
1,624,828

 
$
1,636,425

 
$
6,545,545

Operating expenses
(1,398,601
)
 
(1,417,476
)
 
(1,441,712
)
 
(1,439,285
)
 
(5,697,074
)
Operating income
$
223,751

 
$
244,464

 
$
183,116

 
$
197,140

 
$
848,471

Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
$
54,901

 
$
75,676

 
$
23,431

 
$
33,781

 
$
187,789

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(10,502
)
 

 
(406
)
 
(1,633
)
 
(12,541
)
Net income
44,399

 
75,676

 
23,025

 
32,148

 
175,248

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
234

 
(81
)
 
78

 
(30
)
 
201

Net income attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders
$
44,633

 
$
75,595

 
$
23,103

 
$
32,118

 
$
175,449

Basic income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
$
0.21

 
$
0.28

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.70

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$
(0.04
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
(0.05
)
Net income
$
0.17

 
$
0.28

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.65

Diluted income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
$
0.20

 
$
0.27

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.68

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$
(0.04
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
(0.05
)
Net income
$
0.16

 
$
0.27

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.63

Amounts attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
$
55,135

 
$
75,595

 
$
23,509

 
$
33,751

 
$
187,990

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(10,502
)
 

 
(406
)
 
(1,633
)
 
(12,541
)
Net income
$
44,633

 
$
75,595

 
$
23,103

 
$
32,118

 
$
175,449

v3.8.0.1
CVC - BUSINESS COMBINATION (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
The following table provides the allocation of the total purchase price of $9,958,323 to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of Cablevision based on their respective fair values. The remaining useful lives represent the period over which acquired tangible and intangible assets with a finite life are being depreciated or amortized.
 
Fair Values
 
Estimated Useful Lives
 
 
 
 
Current assets
$
1,923,071

 
 
Accounts receivable
271,305

 
 
Property, plant and equipment
4,864,621

 
2-18 years
Goodwill
5,842,172

 
 
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises
8,113,575

 
Indefinite-lived
Customer relationships
4,850,000

 
8 to 18 years
Trade names (a)
1,010,000

 
12 years
Amortizable intangible assets
23,296

 
1-15 years
Other non-current assets
748,998

 
 
Current liabilities
(2,311,201
)
 
 
Long-term debt
(8,355,386
)
 
 
Deferred income taxes.
(6,832,773
)
 
 
Other non-current liabilities
(189,355
)
 
 
Total
$
9,958,323

 
 
 
(a)
See Note 8 for additional information regarding a change in the remaining estimated useful lives of the Company's trade names.
Schedule of future amortization expense
The following table sets forth the estimated amortization expense on intangible assets for the periods presented:
Estimated amortization expense
 

Year Ending December 31, 2018
$
873,133

Year Ending December 31, 2019
777,846

Year Ending December 31, 2020
696,240

Year Ending December 31, 2021
616,718

Year Ending December 31, 2022
537,100

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information
The following table presents the unaudited pro forma revenue and net loss for the period presented as if the Cablevision Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2016:
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Revenue
$
9,154,816

Net loss
$
(721,257
)
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
The following table provides the preliminary allocation of the total purchase price of $9,958,323 to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of Cablevision based on preliminary fair value information currently available, which is subject to change within the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date).
 
Estimates of Fair Values (As of December 31, 2016)
Estimated Useful Lives
 
 
 
Current assets
$
1,923,071

 
Accounts receivable
271,305

 
Property, plant and equipment
4,864,621

2-18 years
Goodwill
5,838,959

 
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises
8,113,575

Indefinite-lived
Customer relationships
4,850,000

8 to 18 years
Trade names
1,010,000

12 years
Amortizable intangible assets
23,296

1-15 years
Other non-current assets
748,998

 
Current liabilities
(2,305,954
)
 
Long-term debt
(8,355,386
)
 
Deferred income taxes.
(6,834,807
)
 
Other non-current liabilities
(189,355
)
 
Total
$
9,958,323

 
Schedule of future amortization expense
The following table sets forth the estimated amortization expense on the intangible assets recorded in the connection with the Merger for the years ending December 31:
Estimated amortization expense
 

Year Ending December 31, 2017
$
701,908

Year Ending December 31, 2018
655,409

Year Ending December 31, 2019
609,245

Year Ending December 31, 2020
562,613

Year Ending December 31, 2021
515,430

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information
The unaudited pro forma revenue, loss from continuing operations and net loss for the years ended December 31, 2015, as if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2015, are as follows:
Revenue
$
6,545,545

Loss from continuing operations
$
(740,115
)
Net loss
$
(752,656
)
v3.8.0.1
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND RELATED MATTERS - Narrative (Details)
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jan. 08, 2018
USD ($)
May 31, 2017
USD ($)
Jun. 21, 2016
USD ($)
Dec. 21, 2015
USD ($)
Sep. 16, 2015
USD ($)
$ / shares
Jan. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2017
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
segment
$ / shares
Jun. 30, 2017
USD ($)
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
segment
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
$ / shares
Oct. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Oct. 12, 2012
USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]                            
Number of reportable business segments | segment                 2   2      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                            
Transfer of Goodwill to an Affiliate in Connection With the Transfer of a Substantial Portion of the Company's Workforce                     $ 23,101,000      
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Price per share | $ / shares               $ 30.00   $ 30.00        
Percentage of issued stock owned by the parent company               70.20%   70.20%        
Voting power of parent company, percentage               98.20%   98.20%        
Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity               $ 362,069,000            
Underwriting discount and share issuance expense               12,998,000            
Senior Notes                 $ 15,809,966,000   15,860,432,000 $ 17,507,325,000    
Conversion of notes payable to affiliates and related parties to common stock                     $ 2,264,252,000 $ 0    
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares                     $ 0.01 $ 0.01    
Principal Amount                 5,733,013,000   $ 4,693,675,000      
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount                           $ 480,000,000
Cash distributions to shareholders $ 1,500,000,000                 $ 839,700,000 840,035,000 $ 445,176,000    
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount 2,000,000,000                          
10.875% Notes due October 15, 2025                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Stated interest rate             10.875%              
Senior Notes                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Principal Amount                 16,239,245,000   16,289,245,000      
Senior Notes | 10.125% Notes due January 15, 2023                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Senior Notes                 $ 1,778,745,000   $ 1,777,914,000 1,774,750,000    
Stated interest rate                 10.125%   10.125%      
Principal Amount                 $ 1,800,000,000   $ 1,800,000,000      
Senior Notes | 10.875% Notes due October 15, 2025                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Senior Notes             $ 315,779,000   $ 1,661,516,000   $ 1,661,135,000 1,970,379,000    
Stated interest rate                 10.875%   10.875%      
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt             (34,341,000)              
Principal Amount               $ 2,000,000,000 $ 1,684,221,000 $ 2,000,000,000 $ 1,684,221,000      
Senior Notes | 6.625% Notes due October 15, 2025                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Senior Notes                 $ 987,037,000   $ 986,717,000 $ 985,469,000    
Stated interest rate                 6.625%   6.625%      
Principal Amount                 $ 1,000,000,000   $ 1,000,000,000      
Common Class A                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Number of shares issued (in shares) | shares               71,724,139            
Initial public offering shares sold by company | shares               12,068,966            
Initial public offering shares sold by existing shareholders (in shares) | shares               59,655,173            
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares                 $ 0.01   $ 0.01      
Common Class B                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares                 $ 0.01   0.01      
Affiliates | Notes payable                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Principal Amount     $ 1,750,000,000                      
Cablevision Systems Corp.                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Business acquisition, share price (dollars per share) | $ / shares         $ 34.90                  
Consideration transfered     9,958,323,000                      
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Common Class A                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares                     0.01      
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Common Class B                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares                     $ 0.01      
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Neptune Finco Corp. | Term Loan | Senior Secured Credit Facilities                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Principal Amount                         $ 3,800,000,000  
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Neptune Finco Corp. | Term Loan | Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facilities                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount                         $ 2,000,000,000  
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Neptune Finco Corp. | Senior Notes | 10.125% Notes due January 15, 2023                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Stated interest rate                         10.125%  
Principal Amount                         $ 1,800,000,000  
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Neptune Finco Corp. | Senior Notes | 10.875% Notes due October 15, 2025                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Stated interest rate                         10.875%  
Principal Amount                         $ 2,000,000,000  
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Neptune Finco Corp. | Senior Notes | 6.625% Notes due October 15, 2025                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Stated interest rate                         6.625%  
Principal Amount                         $ 1,000,000,000  
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Affiliates                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Consideration transfered         $ 1,000,000,000                  
Indirect ownership interest by co-investors         30.00%                  
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Affiliates | Notes payable                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Principal Amount     $ 1,750,000,000                      
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Affiliates | Notes payable | Notes Payable at 10.75%                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Stated interest rate     10.75%                      
Principal Amount     $ 875,000,000                      
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Affiliates | Notes payable | Notes Payable at 11%                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Stated interest rate     11.00%                      
Principal Amount     $ 875,000,000                      
Cequel Corp.                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Consideration transfered       $ 3,973,528,000                    
Percentage of shares acquired       70.00%                    
Cash consideration       $ 2,797,928,000                    
Retained equity       $ 675,600,000                    
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners       30.00%                    
Cequel Corp. | Affiliates | Senior Notes                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Consideration transferred, debt issuance by an affiliate of parent company       $ 500,000,000                    
Altice Technical Services                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Percentage of voting interest acquired           70.00%                
Consideration transferred           $ 1.00                
Over-Allotment Option                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Number of shares issued (in shares) | shares               7,781,110            
IPO                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Consideration received on transaction, used to repay long term debt             $ 350,120,000              
Co-investors                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Conversion of notes payable to affiliates and related parties to common stock   $ 525,000,000                        
Subsidiary of Altice N.V.                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Conversion of notes payable to affiliates and related parties to common stock   $ 1,225,000,000                        
Subsequent Event                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Cash distributions to shareholders 1,500,000,000                          
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount $ 2,000,000,000.0                          
Subsequent Event | Altice Technical Services                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Percentage of voting interest acquired           70.00%                
Consideration transferred           $ 1.00                
Fees for Executive Services | Affiliates                            
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                            
Related party transaction, annual fee                 $ 30,000,000   $ 30,000,000      
v3.8.0.1
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jan. 08, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Jun. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
vote
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Accounting Policies [Abstract]            
Franchise fees and other taxes and fees   $ 63,830   $ 64,986 $ 259,075 $ 154,732
Advertising costs         224,120 $ 135,513
Unrealized excess tax benefits recognized with the adoption of ASU 2016-09         $ 310,771  
Class of Stock [Line Items]            
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) | shares           100
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares         $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock conversion ratio         1  
Cash distributions to shareholders $ 1,500,000   $ 839,700   $ 840,035 $ 445,176
Payments of dividends       $ 79,617 $ 919,317 $ 365,559
Antidilutive securities | shares         14,000  
Common Class A            
Class of Stock [Line Items]            
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) | shares   246,982,292     246,982,292  
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares   $ 0.01     $ 0.01  
Common stock number of votes per share | vote         1  
Common Class B            
Class of Stock [Line Items]            
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) | shares   490,086,674     490,086,674  
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares   $ 0.01     $ 0.01  
Common stock number of votes per share | vote         25  
Subsequent Event            
Class of Stock [Line Items]            
Cash distributions to shareholders $ 1,500,000          
v3.8.0.1
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares (Details) - shares
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]      
Basic weighted average common shares (in thousands) (in shares)   696,055,000 649,525,000
Effect of dilution:      
Stock options (in shares)   0  
Diluted weighted average common shares (in shares) 696,055,000 696,055,000 649,525,000
v3.8.0.1
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS - Assets and Liabilities Acquired (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 21, 2016
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Goodwill   $ 8,019,849 $ 8,019,861 $ 7,992,700 $ 2,040,402
Cablevision Systems Corp.          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Current assets $ 1,923,071        
Accounts receivable 271,305        
Property, plant and equipment 4,864,621        
Goodwill 5,842,172        
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises 8,113,575        
Other non-current assets 748,998        
Current liabilities (2,311,201)        
Long-term debt (8,355,386)        
Deferred income taxes. (6,832,773)        
Other non-current liabilities (189,355)        
Total 9,958,323        
Customer relationships | Cablevision Systems Corp.          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible assets 4,850,000        
Trade names | Cablevision Systems Corp.          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible assets $ 1,010,000        
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 12 years        
Amortizable intangible assets | Cablevision Systems Corp.          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible assets $ 23,296        
Minimum | Cablevision Systems Corp.          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 2 years        
Minimum | Customer relationships          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life   8 years 8 years    
Minimum | Customer relationships | Cablevision Systems Corp.          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 8 years        
Minimum | Trade names          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life   2 years 2 years    
Minimum | Amortizable intangible assets          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life   1 year 1 year    
Minimum | Amortizable intangible assets | Cablevision Systems Corp.          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 1 year        
Maximum | Cablevision Systems Corp.          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 18 years        
Maximum | Customer relationships          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life   18 years 18 years    
Maximum | Customer relationships | Cablevision Systems Corp.          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 18 years        
Maximum | Trade names          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life   5 years 5 years    
Maximum | Amortizable intangible assets          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life   15 years 15 years    
Maximum | Amortizable intangible assets | Cablevision Systems Corp.          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 15 years        
v3.8.0.1
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Jun. 21, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Goodwill acquired   $ 23,948 $ 5,838,959
Cablevision Systems Corp.      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Consideration transfered $ 9,958,323    
2017 Acquisition      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Consideration transfered   80,000  
Goodwill acquired   23,948  
Customer relationships | 2017 Acquisition      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Amortizable intangible assets acquired   45,000  
Other amortizable intangible assets | 2017 Acquisition      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Amortizable intangible assets acquired   $ 9,400  
v3.8.0.1
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS - Pro Forma Information (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Revenue $ 9,154,816
Net loss $ (721,257)
v3.8.0.1
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Jun. 21, 2016
Continuing Operations:          
Conversion of notes payable to affiliates and related parties of $1,750,000 (together with accrued and unpaid interest and applicable premium) to common stock (See Note 9)     $ 2,264,252,000 $ 0  
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid $ 91,036,000 $ 61,170,000 171,604,000 155,653,000  
Distributions declared but not paid     0 79,617,000  
Leasehold improvements paid by landlord     3,998,000 0  
Notes payable to vendor 30,237,000 0 40,131,000 12,449,000  
Capital lease obligations 656,000 0 9,385,000 0  
Deferred financing costs accrued but unpaid     0 2,570,000  
Supplemental Data:          
Cash interest paid 464,763,000 524,864,000      
Cash interest paid     1,765,126,000 1,192,370,000  
Income taxes paid, net (1,027,000) $ 1,553,000 29,006,000 $ 1,538,000  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Principal Amount $ 5,733,013,000   $ 4,693,675,000    
Affiliates | Notes payable          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Principal Amount         $ 1,750,000,000
v3.8.0.1
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER EXPENSE (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]        
Accrual, beginning balance $ 123,100 $ 110,516 $ 110,516  
Restructuring charges 1,321 76,751 149,922 $ 226,577
Payments and other (42,944)   (137,338) (116,061)
Accrual, ending balance 81,477   123,100 110,516
Transaction costs 2,266 178 2,479 13,845
Severance and Other Employee Related Costs        
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]        
Accrual, beginning balance 113,474 102,119 102,119  
Restructuring charges 1,818   142,679 215,420
Payments and other (38,469)   (131,324) (113,301)
Accrual, ending balance 76,823   113,474 102,119
Facility Realignment and Other Costs        
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]        
Accrual, beginning balance 9,626 $ 8,397 8,397  
Restructuring charges (497)   7,243 11,157
Payments and other (4,475)   (6,014) (2,760)
Accrual, ending balance 4,654   9,626 $ 8,397
Cablevision Systems Corp.        
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]        
Cumulative restructuring costs 310,294   309,297  
Cequel Corp.        
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]        
Cumulative restructuring costs $ 67,526   $ 67,202  
v3.8.0.1
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - Summary (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 8,623,405   $ 7,636,932
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (2,599,579) $ (2,983,696) (1,039,297)
Property, plant and equipment, net 6,023,826 $ 5,819,544 6,597,635
Customer premise equipment      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 1,093,726   871,049
Customer premise equipment | Minimum      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 3 years    
Customer premise equipment | Maximum      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 5 years    
Headends and related equipment      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 1,626,293   1,482,631
Headends and related equipment | Minimum      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 4 years    
Headends and related equipment | Maximum      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 25 years    
Infrastructure      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 4,003,845   3,740,494
Infrastructure | Minimum      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 3 years    
Infrastructure | Maximum      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 25 years    
Equipment and software      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 918,298   735,012
Equipment and software | Minimum      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 3 years    
Equipment and software | Maximum      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 10 years    
Construction in progress (including materials and supplies)      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 240,496   84,321
Furniture and fixtures      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 52,545   45,576
Furniture and fixtures | Minimum      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 5 years    
Furniture and fixtures | Maximum      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 12 years    
Transportation equipment      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 138,147   135,488
Transportation equipment | Minimum      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 5 years    
Transportation equipment | Maximum      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 10 years    
Buildings and building improvements      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 394,421   390,337
Buildings and building improvements | Minimum      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 10 years    
Buildings and building improvements | Maximum      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 40 years    
Leasehold improvements      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 108,071   104,309
Land      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 47,563   $ 47,715
v3.8.0.1
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Depreciation $ 1,588,764 $ 1,046,896
Plant | Minimum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 10 years  
Plant | Maximum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 25 years  
Headends and related equipment | Minimum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 4 years  
Headends and related equipment | Maximum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 25 years  
Installation costs | Minimum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 3 years  
Installation costs | Maximum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 5 years  
Acquisition and development of internal use software    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, plant and equipment capitalized $ 151,646 $ 75,804
v3.8.0.1
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - Capital Leased Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]    
Buildings and equipment $ 48,936 $ 53,833
Less accumulated depreciation (12,972) (6,306)
Capital leased assets, net $ 35,964 $ 47,527
v3.8.0.1
OPERATING LEASES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]    
Rent expense $ 95,017 $ 65,881
v3.8.0.1
OPERATING LEASES - Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]  
2018 $ 74,992
2019 72,142
2020 69,203
2021 63,735
2022 55,234
Thereafter $ 140,406
v3.8.0.1
INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Summary of Acquired Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Gross Carrying Amount $ 7,075,027 $ 7,075,027 $ 7,075,027 $ 7,019,410
Accumulated Amortization (2,008,573) (2,240,390) (2,008,573) (666,766)
Net Carrying Amount 5,066,454 4,834,637 5,066,454 6,352,644
Amortization expense, 2018 873,133   873,133  
Amortization expense, 2019 777,846   777,846  
Amortization expense, 2020 696,240   696,240  
Amortization expense, 2021 616,718   616,718  
Amortization expense, 2022 537,100   537,100  
Customer relationships        
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Gross Carrying Amount 5,970,884 5,970,884 5,970,884 5,925,884
Accumulated Amortization (1,409,021) (1,603,142) (1,409,021) (580,276)
Net Carrying Amount 4,561,863 4,367,742 4,561,863 5,345,608
Trade names        
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Gross Carrying Amount 1,067,083 1,067,083 1,067,083 1,066,783
Accumulated Amortization (588,574) (624,276) (588,574) (83,397)
Net Carrying Amount $ 478,509 442,807 $ 478,509 983,386
Remaining amortization period 5 years   3 years  
Remaining amortization period, in-use period     1 year  
Remaining amortization period, defensive asset     2 years  
Other amortizable intangible assets        
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Gross Carrying Amount $ 37,060 37,060 $ 37,060 26,743
Accumulated Amortization (10,978) (12,972) (10,978) (3,093)
Net Carrying Amount $ 26,082 $ 24,088 $ 26,082 $ 23,650
Minimum | Customer relationships        
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life   8 years 8 years  
Minimum | Trade names        
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life   2 years 2 years  
Minimum | Other amortizable intangible assets        
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life   1 year 1 year  
Maximum | Customer relationships        
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life   18 years 18 years  
Maximum | Trade names        
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life   5 years 5 years  
Maximum | Other amortizable intangible assets        
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life   15 years 15 years  
v3.8.0.1
INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]            
Amortization of intangible assets $ 231,817 $ 238,019 $ 10,316 $ 1,341,807 $ 653,410 $ 7,812
v3.8.0.1
INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Summary of Acquired Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Cable television franchises $ 13,020,081 $ 13,020,081 $ 13,020,081  
Goodwill 8,019,849 8,019,861 7,992,700 $ 2,040,402
Total 21,039,930 21,039,942 21,012,781  
Cablevision Systems Corp.        
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Cable television franchises 8,113,575 8,113,575 8,113,575  
Goodwill 5,866,108 5,866,120 5,838,959  
Total 13,979,683 13,979,695 13,952,534  
Cequel Corp.        
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
Cable television franchises 4,906,506 4,906,506 4,906,506  
Goodwill 2,153,741 2,153,741 2,153,741  
Total $ 7,060,247 $ 7,060,247 $ 7,060,247  
v3.8.0.1
INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Goodwill, beginning balance $ 8,019,861 $ 7,992,700 $ 2,040,402
Goodwill acquired   23,948 5,838,959
Adjustments to purchase accounting relating to acquisitions (12) 3,213 113,339
Goodwill, ending balance $ 8,019,849 $ 8,019,861 $ 7,992,700
v3.8.0.1
DEBT - CSC Holdings Credit Facilities (Details)
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jan. 08, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 15, 2017
USD ($)
Apr. 26, 2016
USD ($)
Apr. 17, 2013
USD ($)
Oct. 12, 2012
USD ($)
Jan. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Oct. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Oct. 11, 2016
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2016
USD ($)
Jun. 21, 2016
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Proceeds from Lines of Credit                 $ 1,642,500,000   $ 225,000,000   $ 5,593,675,000 $ 5,510,256,000      
Principal Amount                 5,733,013,000       4,693,675,000        
Credit facility                 5,690,002,000       4,643,523,000 3,444,790,000      
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount         $ 480,000,000                        
Repayments of lines of credit     $ 1,477,200,000                            
Redemption of debt amount                 1,057,019,000   0   1,729,400,000 0      
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs   $ 18,976,000             4,705,000   0   600,240,000 127,649,000      
Cash distributions to shareholders $ 1,500,000,000                 $ 839,700,000     840,035,000 445,176,000      
Repayments of Lines of Credit                 610,663,000   $ 183,288,000   4,411,581,000 9,133,543,000      
Credit facility debt                 53,900,000       42,650,000 33,150,000      
Alternate Base Rate                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Basis spread on variable rate         2.50%                        
Eurodollar                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Basis spread on variable rate         3.50%                        
Senior Notes                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Principal Amount                 16,239,245,000       16,289,245,000        
CSC Holdings 8.625% Notes due September 15, 2017 | Senior Notes                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Redemption of debt amount             $ 500,000,000                    
5.5% Notes due April 15, 2027 | Senior Notes                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Principal Amount                 $ 1,310,000,000       $ 1,310,000,000     $ 1,310,000,000  
Stated interest rate                 5.50%       5.50%     5.50%  
Deferred financing costs                               $ 5,575,000  
8.625% Notes due September 15, 2017 | Senior Notes                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Principal Amount                         $ 0        
Stated interest rate             8.625%           8.625%        
CSC Credit Facilities                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Percentage of proceeds from asset sales required to pay down term loans                         100.00%        
Percentage of excess cash flow required when minimum leverage ratio is not met                         50.00%        
Percentage of excess cash flow required to pay down term loans when minimum leverage ratio is fulfilled                         0.00%        
Minimum debt leverage ratio required for zero percent of excess cash flow obligation to prepay debt                         4.5        
Line of credit facility, covenant, leverage ratio                         5.0        
Line of credit facility, covenant, minimum undrawn letters of credit                         $ 15,000,000        
Revolving Credit Facility | Eurodollar                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Basis spread on variable rate                       3.25%          
Revolving Credit Facility | CSC Holdings Revolving Credit Facility                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Stated interest rate                 0.00%       4.75%        
Letters of credit outstanding                 $ 115,973,000       $ 115,973,000        
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity                 2,184,027,000       1,734,027,000        
Proceeds from Lines of Credit           $ 150,000,000                      
Principal Amount                 0       450,000,000        
Credit facility                 $ 0       425,488,000 145,013,000      
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount                                 $ 2,300,000,000
Repayments of lines of credit                         1,075,256,000        
Proceeds from credit facility debt                   $ 500,000,000     1,350,000,000        
Cash distributions to shareholders                         $ 500,000,000        
Line of credit facility periodic payment, percentage of principal                         0.25%        
Line of credit facility, periodic payment amount                         $ 7,500,000        
Repayments of Lines of Credit           600,000,000                      
Revolving Credit Facility | CSC Holdings Revolving Credit Facility | Alternate Base Rate                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Basis spread on variable rate                         2.25%        
Revolving Credit Facility | CSC Holdings Revolving Credit Facility | Eurodollar                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Basis spread on variable rate                         3.25%        
Revolving Credit Facility | Cequel Revolving Credit Facility                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Stated interest rate                 0.00%       0.00%        
Letters of credit outstanding                 $ 13,500,000       $ 13,500,000        
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity                 336,500,000       336,500,000        
Principal Amount                 0       0        
Credit facility                 $ 0       0 0      
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount                         $ 350,000,000        
Revolving Credit Facility | Cequel Revolving Credit Facility | Alternate Base Rate                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Basis spread on variable rate                         2.25%        
Revolving Credit Facility | Cequel Revolving Credit Facility | Eurodollar                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Basis spread on variable rate                         3.25%        
Term Loan                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Deferred financing costs                             $ 7,249,000    
Issue Discount                             $ 6,250,000    
Repayments of lines of credit       $ 2,030,699,000 $ 480,000,000                        
Term Loan | Alternate Base Rate                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Basis spread on variable rate                       2.25%          
Term Loan | CSC Holdings Term Loan Facility                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Stated interest rate                 4.04%       3.74%        
Principal Amount   3,000,000,000       $ 1,500,000,000     $ 2,977,500,000       $ 2,985,000,000        
Issued percentage of par           99.50%                      
Credit facility                 $ 2,960,859,000       2,967,818,000 2,486,874,000      
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount                         3,000,000,000        
Write-off the deferred financing costs and the unamortized discount               $ 102,894,000                  
Deferred financing costs                         7,249,000        
Issue Discount                         $ 6,250,000        
Line of credit facility, increase in borrowing capacity   500,000,000                              
Repayments of lines of credit             $ 2,493,750,000                    
Term Loan | CSC Holdings Term Loan Facility | Alternate Base Rate                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Basis spread on variable rate           1.50%             1.25%        
Term Loan | CSC Holdings Term Loan Facility | Eurodollar                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Basis spread on variable rate           2.50%             2.25%        
Term Loan | CSC Holdings Incremental Term Loan Facility                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Stated interest rate                 4.28%                
Principal Amount                 $ 1,500,000,000       $ 0        
Credit facility                 $ 1,481,825,000       $ 0        
Term Loan | Cequel Term Loan Facility                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Stated interest rate                 4.13%       3.82%        
Principal Amount                 $ 1,255,513,000       $ 1,258,675,000        
Credit facility   812,963,000             $ 1,247,318,000       1,250,217,000 $ 812,903,000      
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount   1,265,000,000                     $ 1,265,000,000        
Line of credit facility, increase in borrowing capacity   450,000,000                              
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs   $ 28,684,000                              
Line of credit facility periodic payment, percentage of principal                         0.25%        
Line of credit facility, periodic payment amount                         $ 3,163,000        
Term Loan | Cequel Term Loan Facility | Alternate Base Rate                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Basis spread on variable rate                         1.25%        
Term Loan | Cequel Term Loan Facility | Eurodollar                                  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                                  
Basis spread on variable rate                         2.25%        
v3.8.0.1
DEBT - Cequel Credit Facilities (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 15, 2017
Oct. 12, 2012
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]              
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount   $ 480,000,000          
Principal Amount     $ 5,733,013,000     $ 4,693,675,000  
Credit facility     5,690,002,000     4,643,523,000 $ 3,444,790,000
Redemption of debt amount     1,057,019,000 $ 0   1,729,400,000 0
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs $ 18,976,000   4,705,000 $ 0   600,240,000 127,649,000
Alternate Base Rate              
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]              
Basis spread on variable rate   2.50%          
Eurodollar              
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]              
Basis spread on variable rate   3.50%          
Senior Notes              
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]              
Principal Amount     16,239,245,000     16,289,245,000  
Revolving Credit Facility | Eurodollar              
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]              
Basis spread on variable rate         3.25%    
Term Loan | Alternate Base Rate              
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]              
Basis spread on variable rate         2.25%    
Cequel Term Loan Facility | Term Loan              
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]              
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount 1,265,000,000         1,265,000,000  
Principal Amount     1,255,513,000     1,258,675,000  
Line of credit facility, increase in borrowing capacity 450,000,000            
Credit facility 812,963,000   1,247,318,000     $ 1,250,217,000 812,903,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs 28,684,000            
Line of credit facility periodic payment, percentage of principal           0.25%  
Line of credit facility, periodic payment amount           $ 3,163,000  
Cequel Term Loan Facility | Term Loan | Alternate Base Rate              
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]              
Basis spread on variable rate           1.25%  
Cequel Term Loan Facility | Term Loan | Eurodollar              
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]              
Basis spread on variable rate           2.25%  
Cequel Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility              
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]              
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount           $ 350,000,000  
Principal Amount     0     0  
Credit facility     0     $ 0 $ 0
Cequel Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility | Alternate Base Rate              
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]              
Basis spread on variable rate           2.25%  
Cequel Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility | Eurodollar              
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]              
Basis spread on variable rate           3.25%  
6.375% Senior Notes due September 15, 2020 | Senior Notes              
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]              
Principal Amount     $ 1,050,000,000     $ 1,050,000,000  
Redemption of debt amount $ 450,000,000            
Stated interest rate 6.375%   6.375%     6.375%  
Cequel Credit Facilities              
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]              
Percentage of proceeds from asset sales required to pay down term loans           100.00%  
Percentage of excess cash flow required when minimum leverage ratio is not met           50.00%  
Percentage of excess cash flow required to pay down term loans when minimum leverage ratio is fulfilled           0.00%  
Minimum debt leverage ratio required for zero percent of excess cash flow obligation to prepay debt           4.5  
Leverage maintenance covenant           5.0  
v3.8.0.1
DEBT - Credit Facilities Outstanding (Details) - USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
Jan. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Mar. 15, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Principal Amount $ 5,733,013,000   $ 4,693,675,000    
Credit facility, Carrying Value 5,690,002,000   4,643,523,000   $ 3,444,790,000
Less: Current portion 53,900,000   42,650,000   33,150,000
Credit facility, noncurrent $ 5,636,102,000   $ 4,600,873,000   3,411,640,000
CSC Holdings Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Stated interest rate 0.00%   4.75%    
Principal Amount $ 0   $ 450,000,000    
Credit facility, Carrying Value 0   425,488,000   145,013,000
Letters of credit outstanding 115,973,000   115,973,000    
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity $ 2,184,027,000   1,734,027,000    
CSC Holdings Revolving Credit Facility, Portion Due October 9, 2020 | Revolving Credit Facility          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Principal Amount     $ 20,000,000    
CSC Holdings Term Loan Facility | Term Loan          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Stated interest rate 4.04%   3.74%    
Principal Amount $ 2,977,500,000 $ 1,500,000,000 $ 2,985,000,000 $ 3,000,000,000  
Credit facility, Carrying Value $ 2,960,859,000   $ 2,967,818,000   2,486,874,000
Cequel Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Stated interest rate 0.00%   0.00%    
Principal Amount $ 0   $ 0    
Credit facility, Carrying Value 0   0   0
Letters of credit outstanding 13,500,000   13,500,000    
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity $ 336,500,000   $ 336,500,000    
Cequel Term Loan Facility | Term Loan          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Stated interest rate 4.13%   3.82%    
Principal Amount $ 1,255,513,000   $ 1,258,675,000    
Credit facility, Carrying Value $ 1,247,318,000   $ 1,250,217,000 $ 812,963,000 $ 812,903,000
v3.8.0.1
DEBT - Senior Guaranteed Notes and Senior Notes and Debentures (Details) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 15, 2017
Jun. 21, 2016
Feb. 28, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Jul. 31, 2017
Apr. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Jan. 31, 2018
Jun. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2016
Apr. 26, 2016
Jun. 12, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Principal Amount             $ 5,733,013,000   $ 4,693,675,000            
Carrying Amount             15,809,966,000   15,860,432,000 $ 17,507,325,000          
Less: Current portion             1,042,143,000   507,744,000 926,045,000          
Long-term debt             14,767,823,000   15,352,688,000 16,581,280,000          
Redemption of debt amount             1,057,019,000 $ 0 1,729,400,000 0          
10.875% Notes due October 15, 2025                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate         10.875%                    
Senior Notes                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Principal Amount             $ 16,239,245,000   $ 16,289,245,000            
Senior Notes | 7.875% Notes due February 15, 2018                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             7.875%   7.875%            
Principal Amount             $ 0   $ 300,000,000            
Carrying Amount             $ 0   $ 301,184,000 310,334,000          
Extinguishment of debt     $ 300,000,000                        
Senior Notes | 7.625% Notes due July 15, 2018                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             7.625%   7.625%            
Principal Amount             $ 500,000,000   $ 500,000,000            
Carrying Amount             $ 504,213,000   $ 507,744,000 521,654,000          
Senior Notes | 8.625% Notes due February 15, 2019                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             8.625%   8.625%            
Principal Amount             $ 526,000,000   $ 526,000,000            
Carrying Amount             $ 537,930,000   $ 541,165,000 553,804,000          
Senior Notes | 6.75% Notes due November 15, 2021                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             6.75%   6.75%            
Principal Amount             $ 1,000,000,000   $ 1,000,000,000            
Carrying Amount             $ 962,332,000   $ 960,146,000 951,702,000          
Senior Notes | 5.25% Notes due June 1, 2024                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             5.25%   5.25%            
Principal Amount             $ 750,000,000   $ 750,000,000            
Carrying Amount             $ 663,291,000   $ 660,601,000 650,193,000          
Senior Notes | 10.125% Notes due January 15, 2023                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             10.125%   10.125%            
Principal Amount             $ 1,800,000,000   $ 1,800,000,000            
Carrying Amount             $ 1,778,745,000   $ 1,777,914,000 1,774,750,000          
Senior Notes | 10.875% Notes due October 15, 2025                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             10.875%   10.875%            
Principal Amount             $ 1,684,221,000   $ 1,684,221,000     $ 2,000,000,000      
Carrying Amount         $ 315,779,000   $ 1,661,516,000   $ 1,661,135,000 1,970,379,000          
Loss on extinguishment of debt         34,341,000                    
Write-off of deferred financings costs         4,516,000                    
Senior Notes | 6.625% Notes due October 15, 2025                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             6.625%   6.625%            
Principal Amount             $ 1,000,000,000   $ 1,000,000,000            
Carrying Amount             $ 987,037,000   $ 986,717,000 985,469,000          
Senior Notes | 5.5% Notes due April 15, 2027                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             5.50%   5.50%       5.50%    
Principal Amount             $ 1,310,000,000   $ 1,310,000,000       $ 1,310,000,000    
Carrying Amount             $ 1,304,581,000   $ 1,304,468,000 1,304,025,000          
Redeemable debt, percent                 40.00%            
Redemption price, percentage             105.50%   105.50%            
Senior Notes | 8.625% Notes due September 15, 2017                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate           8.625%     8.625%            
Principal Amount                 $ 0            
Carrying Amount                 $ 0 926,045,000          
Extinguishment of debt       $ 400,000,000   $ 500,000,000                  
Senior Notes | 7.75% Notes due April 15, 2018                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             7.75%   7.75%            
Principal Amount             $ 0   $ 750,000,000            
Carrying Amount             $ 0   754,035,000 767,545,000          
Extinguishment of debt     $ 750,000,000                        
Senior Notes | Cablevision 8.0% Notes due April 15, 2020 [Member]                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             8.00%                
Principal Amount             $ 500,000,000   500,000,000            
Carrying Amount             $ 492,795,000   $ 492,009,000            
Senior Notes | 8.0% Notes due April 15, 2020                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate                 8.00%            
Principal Amount                 $ 500,000,000            
Carrying Amount                 $ 492,009,000 488,992,000          
Senior Notes | 5.875% Notes due September 15, 2022                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             5.875%   5.875%            
Principal Amount             $ 649,024,000   $ 649,024,000            
Carrying Amount             $ 575,348,000   $ 572,071,000 559,500,000          
Senior Notes | 6.375% Senior Notes due September 15, 2020                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate 6.375%           6.375%   6.375%            
Principal Amount             $ 1,050,000,000   $ 1,050,000,000            
Carrying Amount             $ 1,029,364,000   $ 1,027,493,000 1,457,439,000          
Redemption of debt amount $ 450,000,000                            
Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Notes due December 15, 2021                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             5.125%   5.125%            
Principal Amount             $ 1,250,000,000   $ 1,250,000,000            
Carrying Amount             $ 1,144,929,000   $ 1,138,870,000 1,115,767,000          
Senior Notes | 7.75% Senior Notes due July 15, 2025                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             7.75%   7.75%           7.75%
Principal Amount             $ 620,000,000   $ 620,000,000           $ 300,000,000
Carrying Amount             $ 604,755,000   $ 604,374,000 602,925,000          
Redeemable debt, percent             40.00%   40.00%            
Redemption price, percentage             107.75%   107.75%            
Senior Notes | 5.5% Senior Notes due May 15, 2026                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             5.50%             5.50%  
Principal Amount             $ 1,500,000,000   $ 1,500,000,000         $ 1,500,000,000  
Carrying Amount             $ 1,488,306,000   $ 1,488,024,000            
Redeemable debt, percent             40.00%                
Redemption price, percentage             105.50%                
Senior Notes | 5.375% Senior Notes due July 15, 2023                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             5.375%   5.375%           5.375%
Principal Amount             $ 1,100,000,000   $ 1,100,000,000           $ 1,100,000,000
Carrying Amount             $ 1,083,159,000   $ 1,082,482,000 1,079,869,000          
Redeemable debt, percent             40.00%   40.00%            
Redemption price, percentage             105.375%   105.375%            
Senior Notes | 5.5% Senior Notes due May 15, 2026                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate                 5.50%            
Principal Amount                 $ 1,500,000,000            
Carrying Amount                 $ 1,488,024,000 $ 1,486,933,000          
Redeemable debt, percent                 40.00%            
Redemption price, percentage                 105.50%            
Senior Notes | CSC Holdings 5.375% Notes Due February 1, 2028 [Member]                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Interest Rate             5.375%       5.375%        
Principal Amount             $ 1,000,000,000   $ 0   $ 1,000,000,000        
Carrying Amount             $ 991,665,000   $ 0            
Redeemable debt, percent             40.00%                
Redemption price, percentage             105.375%                
Senior Notes | Senior Notes due in 2025                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Redemption price, percentage             100.00%   100.00%            
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Senior Notes | 10.125% Notes due January 15, 2023                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Redemption price, percentage             110.125%   110.125%            
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Senior Notes | 10.875% Notes due October 15, 2025                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Redemption price, percentage             110.875%   110.875%            
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Senior Notes | 6.625% Notes due October 15, 2025                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Redemption price, percentage             106.625%   106.625%            
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Senior Notes | CSC Holdings Senior Notes                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Redeemable debt, percent             40.00%   40.00%            
Adjustment to fair value   $ 52,788,000                          
IPO                              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                              
Consideration received on transaction, used to repay long term debt         $ 350,120,000                    
v3.8.0.1
DEBT - Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jan. 08, 2018
Apr. 26, 2016
Feb. 28, 2018
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Mar. 31, 2018
Jan. 31, 2018
Jul. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2016
Jun. 21, 2016
Jun. 12, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount           $ 4,693,675,000   $ 5,733,013,000          
Repayments of lines of credit   $ 1,477,200,000                      
Cash distributions to shareholders $ 1,500,000,000     $ 839,700,000   840,035,000 $ 445,176,000            
10.875% Notes due October 15, 2025                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Stated interest rate                   10.875%      
Senior Notes                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount           16,289,245,000   16,239,245,000          
Senior Notes | 5.5% Notes due April 15, 2027                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount           $ 1,310,000,000   $ 1,310,000,000     $ 1,310,000,000    
Stated interest rate           5.50%   5.50%     5.50%    
Deferred financing costs                     $ 5,575,000    
Senior Notes | 6.625% Notes due October 15, 2025                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount           $ 1,000,000,000   $ 1,000,000,000          
Stated interest rate           6.625%   6.625%          
Issued percentage of par           100.00%              
Senior Notes | 10.875% Notes due October 15, 2025                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount       2,000,000,000   $ 1,684,221,000   $ 1,684,221,000          
Stated interest rate           10.875%   10.875%          
Issued percentage of par           100.00%              
Senior Notes | 10.125% Notes due January 15, 2023                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount           $ 1,800,000,000   $ 1,800,000,000          
Stated interest rate           10.125%   10.125%          
Issued percentage of par           100.00%              
Senior Notes | Cablevision Acquisition Notes                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Deferred financing costs           $ 76,579,000              
Senior Notes | 5.375% Senior Notes due July 15, 2023                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount           $ 1,100,000,000   $ 1,100,000,000         $ 1,100,000,000
Stated interest rate           5.375%   5.375%         5.375%
Issued percentage of par                         100.00%
Senior Notes | 5.5% Senior Notes due May 15, 2026                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount   $ 1,500,000,000       $ 1,500,000,000   $ 1,500,000,000          
Stated interest rate   5.50%           5.50%          
Senior Notes | Cequel Senior Secured Notes                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Deferred financing costs           13,773,000              
Senior Notes | 7.75% Senior Notes due July 15, 2025                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount           $ 620,000,000   $ 620,000,000         $ 300,000,000
Stated interest rate           7.75%   7.75%         7.75%
Issued percentage of par                         100.00%
Senior Notes | Holdco Senior Notes 7.75% due 2025                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount                         $ 320,000,000
Stated interest rate                         7.75%
Issued percentage of par                         98.275%
Senior Notes | CSC Holdings 5.375% Notes Due February 1, 2028 [Member]                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount           $ 0   $ 1,000,000,000 $ 1,000,000,000        
Stated interest rate               5.375% 5.375%        
Senior Notes | 7.875% Notes due February 15, 2018                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount           $ 300,000,000   $ 0          
Stated interest rate           7.875%   7.875%          
Extinguishment of debt     $ 300,000,000                    
Senior Notes | 7.75% Notes due April 15, 2018                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount           $ 750,000,000   $ 0          
Stated interest rate           7.75%   7.75%          
Extinguishment of debt     $ 750,000,000                    
Affiliates                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Interest payable             102,557,000            
Affiliates | Notes payable                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount                       $ 1,750,000,000  
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Affiliates | Notes payable                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount                       1,750,000,000  
Interest payable                       529,000  
Debt premium                       513,723,000  
Interest expense         $ 47,588,000 $ 90,405,000 $ 102,557,000            
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Affiliates | Notes payable | Notes Payable at 10.75%                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount                       $ 875,000,000  
Stated interest rate                       10.75%  
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Affiliates | Notes payable | Notes Payable at 11%                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Principal Amount                       $ 875,000,000  
Stated interest rate                       11.00%  
Organizational Transactions Prior to IPO                          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                          
Issuance of common stock pursuant to IPO       $ 2,264,252,000   $ 2,264,252,000              
v3.8.0.1
DEBT - Notes Payable to Affiliates and Related Perties (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Mar. 31, 2018
Jul. 31, 2017
Jun. 21, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]              
Principal Amount     $ 4,693,675,000   $ 5,733,013,000    
Affiliates              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]              
Interest payable       $ 102,557,000      
Affiliates | Notes payable              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]              
Principal Amount             $ 1,750,000,000
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Affiliates | Notes payable              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]              
Principal Amount             1,750,000,000
Interest payable             529,000
Debt premium             513,723,000
Interest expense   $ 47,588,000 90,405,000 $ 102,557,000      
10.875% Notes due October 15, 2025              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]              
Stated interest rate           10.875%  
Notes Payable at 10.75% | Cablevision Systems Corp. | Affiliates | Notes payable              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]              
Principal Amount             $ 875,000,000
Stated interest rate             10.75%
Notes Payable at 11% | Cablevision Systems Corp. | Affiliates | Notes payable              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]              
Principal Amount             $ 875,000,000
Stated interest rate             11.00%
Organizational Transactions Prior to IPO              
Debt Instrument [Line Items]              
Credit to APIC upon conversion of debt $ 2,264,252,000   $ 2,264,252,000        
v3.8.0.1
DEBT - Summary of Debt Maturities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Remainder of 2018 $ 595,491  
2018   $ 1,635,612
2019 612,150 583,914
2020 1,610,232 1,615,615
2021 3,769,132 4,183,992
2022 708,536 693,434
Thereafter 16,228,903 13,796,783
Cablevision Systems Corp.    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Remainder of 2018 581,298  
2018   1,619,094
2019 579,587 565,604
2020 547,517 552,902
2021 2,506,407 2,921,269
2022 695,806 680,700
Thereafter 11,812,663 9,380,513
Cequel Corp.    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Remainder of 2018 14,193  
2018   16,518
2019 32,563 18,310
2020 1,062,715 1,062,713
2021 1,262,725 1,262,723
2022 12,730 12,734
Thereafter $ 4,416,240 $ 4,416,270
v3.8.0.1
DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS - Narrative (Details)
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2017
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2016
USD ($)
instrument
Derivative [Line Items]            
Gain on investments, net   $ (252,576,000) $ 131,658,000 $ 237,354,000 $ 141,896,000  
Shares related to monetization contracts (in shares) | shares       26,815,368    
Notes payable | Notes related to derivative contracts            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Long-term debt $ 111,657,000          
Discount on notes $ 58,341,000          
Put-Call Options            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Loss on settlement of derivative       $ 97,410,000    
Interest Rate Swap            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Amount of gain (loss) recognized   (31,922,000) 2,342,000 5,482,000 (72,961,000)  
Interest Rate Swap | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Number of derivative instruments held | instrument           2
Interest Rate Swap, Conversion, Tranche One | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Derivative notional amount           $ 750,000,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate           1.6655%
Interest Rate Swap, Conversion, Tranche Two | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Derivative notional amount           $ 750,000,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate           1.68%
Prepaid forward contracts            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Amount of gain (loss) recognized   $ 168,352,000 $ (71,044,000) $ (138,920,000) $ (53,696,000)  
Monetization contract            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Shares related to monetization contracts (in shares) | shares 32,153,118          
Maximum hedge price at which downside protection is provided (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 35.47          
Maximum hedge price at which upside benefit is provided (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 44.72          
Fair value of derivative contracts, net $ 53,316,000          
v3.8.0.1
DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS - Location of Assets and Liabilities Within the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instruments - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Abstract]      
Asset Derivatives $ 72,554 $ 52,545 $ 10,956
Liability Derivatives (123,530) (239,951) (91,981)
Prepaid forward contracts | Current derivative contracts      
Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Abstract]      
Asset Derivatives 9,211 52,545 352
Liability Derivatives (9,211) (52,545) (13,158)
Prepaid forward contracts | Long-term derivative contracts      
Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Abstract]      
Asset Derivatives 63,343 0 10,604
Liability Derivatives (4,495) (109,504) 0
Interest Rate Swap | Long-term liabilities under derivative contracts      
Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Abstract]      
Asset Derivatives   0 0
Liability Derivatives $ (109,824) $ (77,902) $ (78,823)
v3.8.0.1
DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS - Settlements of Collateralized Indebtedness (Details)
$ in Thousands
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Feb. 28, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]          
Number of shares (in shares) | shares       26,815,368  
Collateralized indebtedness settled       $ (774,703)  
Derivatives contracts settled       (56,356)  
Derivatives contracts settled   $ 0 $ (150,084) (831,059) $ (143,102)
Proceeds from new monetization contracts   $ 0 $ 156,136 838,794 $ 179,388
Net cash proceeds       $ 7,735  
Comcast          
Derivative [Line Items]          
Stock spit, conversion ratio 2        
v3.8.0.1
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level III      
Liabilities:      
Contingent consideration related to 2017 acquisitions $ 3,233 $ 32,233 $ 0
Prepaid forward contracts | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level II      
Assets:      
Derivative asset 72,554 52,545 10,956
Liabilities:      
Derivative liability 13,706 162,049 13,158
Interest rate swap contracts | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level II      
Liabilities:      
Derivative liability 109,824 77,902 78,823
Investment securities pledged as collateral | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level I      
Assets:      
Investment securities 1,467,781 1,720,357 1,483,030
Money market funds (of which $14,700 is classified as restricted cash as of December 31, 2016)      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Restricted cash     14,700
Money market funds (of which $14,700 is classified as restricted cash as of December 31, 2016) | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level I      
Assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,121,432 $ 5,949 $ 100,139
v3.8.0.1
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
First Quarter Acquisitions    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Contingent consideration related to 2017 acquisitions $ 1,000 $ 30,000
Fourth Quarter Acquisition    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Contingent consideration related to 2017 acquisitions   $ 2,233
Percent of contractual amount of acquisitions recognized 51.00% 51.00%
v3.8.0.1
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Carrying Amount      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value $ 22,954,326 $ 21,919,331 $ 24,001,910
Estimated Fair Value      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 23,901,427 23,279,472 25,896,046
Altice N.V. | Notes payable to affiliates and related parties | Carrying Amount | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value   0 1,750,000
Altice N.V. | Notes payable to affiliates and related parties | Estimated Fair Value | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value   0 1,837,876
CSC Holdings | Credit facility debt | Carrying Amount | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 4,442,684 3,393,306 2,631,887
CSC Holdings | Credit facility debt | Estimated Fair Value | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 4,477,500 3,435,000 2,675,256
CSC Holdings | Collateralized indebtedness | Carrying Amount | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 1,351,271 1,349,474 1,286,069
CSC Holdings | Collateralized indebtedness | Estimated Fair Value | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 1,298,060 1,305,932 1,280,048
CSC Holdings | Senior guaranteed notes | Carrying Amount | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 3,283,283 2,291,185 2,289,494
CSC Holdings | Senior guaranteed notes | Estimated Fair Value | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 3,231,825 2,420,000 2,416,375
CSC Holdings | Senior notes and debentures | Carrying Amount | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 6,108,028 6,409,889 6,732,816
CSC Holdings | Senior notes and debentures | Estimated Fair Value | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 6,797,434 7,221,846 7,731,150
CSC Holdings | Notes payable | Carrying Amount | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 78,938 56,956 13,726
CSC Holdings | Notes payable | Estimated Fair Value | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 76,340 55,289 13,260
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Senior notes and debentures | Carrying Amount | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 1,068,142 1,818,115 2,742,082
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Senior notes and debentures | Estimated Fair Value | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 1,172,906 1,931,239 2,920,056
Cequel Corp. | Credit facility debt | Carrying Amount | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 1,247,318 1,250,217 812,903
Cequel Corp. | Credit facility debt | Estimated Fair Value | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 1,255,513 1,258,675 815,000
Cequel Corp. | Senior notes and debentures | Carrying Amount | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 2,779,048 2,770,737 3,176,131
Cequel Corp. | Senior notes and debentures | Estimated Fair Value | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 2,987,700 2,983,615 3,517,275
Cequel Corp. | Notes payable | Carrying Amount | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 24,149 8,946 0
Cequel Corp. | Notes payable | Estimated Fair Value | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 24,149 8,946 0
Cequel Corp. | Senior secured notes | Carrying Amount | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value 2,571,465 2,570,506 2,566,802
Cequel Corp. | Senior secured notes | Estimated Fair Value | Level II      
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]      
Debt, fair value $ 2,580,000 $ 2,658,930 $ 2,689,750
v3.8.0.1
INCOME TAXES - Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Current expense (benefit):        
Federal     $ 5,261 $ (981)
State     12,530 5,310
Total current expense (benefit)     17,791 4,329
Deferred benefit:        
Federal     (2,095,930) (223,159)
State     (784,224) (40,830)
Total deferred benefit $ (65,833) $ (52,184) (2,880,154) (263,989)
Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions     11 (6)
Income tax benefit $ (60,703) $ (45,908) $ (2,862,352) $ (259,666)
v3.8.0.1
INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 30, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) $ (60,703) $ (45,908)   $ (2,862,352) $ (259,666)
Effective tax rate (percent) 32.00% 38.00%      
Deferred income taxes $ (65,833) $ (52,184)   (2,880,154) (263,989)
Net operating loss carryforward       2,676,000  
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate       5,585  
Tax expense related to uncertain tax positions       659  
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Amount   $ 3,140   20,101 5,029
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Excluding Share-based Compensation Expense   40.00%      
Cablevision Systems Corp.          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Deferred income taxes     $ 153,660    
Federal Tax Reform          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Impact from changes in tax rates, benefit       2,332,677 $ 0
Net operating loss carryforward $ 2,486,000        
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit Carryforward          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Tax credit carryforward       48,995  
Research Tax Credit Carryforward          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Tax credit carryforward       17,806  
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Unrealized excess tax benefits recognized with the adoption of ASU 2016-09       $ 310,771  
v3.8.0.1
INCOME TAXES - Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]        
Federal tax benefit at statutory rate     $ (478,656) $ (381,901)
State income taxes, net of federal impact     (61,698) (39,336)
Changes in the valuation allowance     (111) 297
Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions     (253) (120)
Non-deductible share-based compensation related to the carried unit plan   $ 3,140 20,101 5,029
Non-deductible Cablevision Acquisition transaction costs     0 4,457
Other non-deductible expenses     3,405 1,551
Other, net     433 (2,882)
Income tax benefit $ (60,703) $ (45,908) (2,862,352) (259,666)
Federal Tax Reform        
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]        
Impact from changes in tax rates     (2,332,677) 0
State and Local Jurisdiction        
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]        
Impact from changes in tax rates     $ (12,896) $ 153,239
v3.8.0.1
INCOME TAXES - Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]    
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards $ 785,809 $ 971,728
Compensation and benefit plans 49,698 93,939
Partnership investments 68,054 113,473
Restructuring liability 33,247 37,393
Other liabilities 40,149 45,561
Liabilities under derivative contracts 21,034 31,529
Interest deferred for tax purposes 128,516 39,633
Other 8,849 6,615
Deferred tax asset 1,135,356 1,339,871
Valuation allowance (3,000) (3,125)
Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent 1,132,356 1,336,746
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract]    
Fixed assets and intangibles (5,729,274) (9,065,635)
Investments (113,628) (187,795)
Prepaid expenses (8,105) (10,172)
Fair value adjustments related to debt and deferred financing costs (40,215) (30,535)
Other (10,420) (14,109)
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent (5,901,642) (9,308,246)
Total net deferred tax liability $ (4,769,286) $ (7,971,500)
v3.8.0.1
INCOME TAXES - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance $ 4,025
Increases related to prior year tax positions 11
Ending balance $ 4,036
v3.8.0.1
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 30, 2017
Jun. 21, 2016
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense           $ 57,430 $ 14,368  
Employee share-based compensation expense           55,258 9,849  
Non-employee share-based compensation expense           $ 2,172 $ 4,519  
Exercise price (in dollars per share)     $ 21.22          
Carry Unit Awards                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Awards authorized (in shares)           259,442,785 259,442,785  
Repurchase period following termination     60 days     60 days    
Repurchase period following fourth anniversary     60 days     60 days    
Carry unit plan, written promissory note period     3 years     3 years    
Weighted average fair value (in dollars per unit)     $ 2.10     $ 2.50 $ 1.76  
Employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense     $ 17,501 $ 7,848        
Employee share-based compensation expense     16,872 5,786        
Non-employee share-based compensation expense     $ 629 $ 2,062        
Carry Unit Awards | Tranche One                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Award vesting percentage   50.00% 50.00%          
Carry Unit Awards | Tranche Two                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Award vesting percentage   25.00% 25.00%     25.00%    
Carry Unit Awards | Tranche Three                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Award vesting percentage   25.00% 25.00%     25.00%    
Stock Options                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Employee share-based compensation expense     $ 4,122   $ 3,848     $ 9,159
Employee | Carry Unit Awards                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Granted (in shares)           211,670,834    
Affiliates | Carry Unit Awards                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Granted (in shares)           11,300,000    
2017 LTIP                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Awards authorized (in shares)           9,879,291    
Options granted (in shares) 5,110,747              
Exercise price (in dollars per share) $ 19.48              
2017 LTIP | December 30, 2017 - Grant One                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Options nonvested (in shares)           2,730,949    
2017 LTIP | December 30, 2017 - Grant Two                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Options nonvested (in shares)           2,379,798    
2017 LTIP | Stock Options | December 30, 2017 - Grant One                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Award vesting percentage           100.00%    
2017 LTIP | Stock Options | Tranche One | December 30, 2017 - Grant Two                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Award vesting percentage           50.00%    
2017 LTIP | Stock Options | Tranche Two | December 30, 2017 - Grant Two                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Award vesting percentage           25.00%    
2017 LTIP | Stock Options | Tranche Three | December 30, 2017 - Grant Two                
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Award vesting percentage           25.00%    
v3.8.0.1
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION - Carrying Unit Award Activity (Details) - $ / shares
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Time Vesting Awards    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance (in shares) 168,550,001 192,800,000
Granted (in shares)   28,025,000
Forfeited (in shares) (3,500,001) (7,854,166)
Vested (in shares)   (44,420,833)
Ending balance (in shares) 165,050,000 168,550,001
Performance Based Vesting Awards    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance (in shares) 10,000,000 10,000,000
Granted (in shares)   0
Forfeited (in shares) 0 0
Vested (in shares)   0
Ending balance (in shares) 10,000,000 10,000,000
Carry Unit Awards    
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value    
Balance at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) $ 0.71 $ 0.37
Granted weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)   3.14
Forfeited weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) 0.86 0.37
Vested weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)   0.41
Balance at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) $ 0.71 $ 0.71
v3.8.0.1
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION - Fair Value Assumptions For Stock Options (Details) - $ / shares
3 Months Ended
Dec. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]    
Risk-free interest rate 2.30% 2.64%
Expected life (in years) 6 years 5 months 9 days 6 years 5 months 27 days
Dividend yield 0.00% 0.00%
Volatility 33.95% 33.86%
Grant date fair value $ 8.77 $ 7.49
v3.8.0.1
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION - Stock Options (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Stock Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share) $ 19.48  
Exercise price (in dollars per share) 21.22  
Forfeitures (in dollars per share) 21.81  
Options exercisable at end of period, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share) 0.00  
Balance at end of period, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share) $ 19.54 $ 19.48
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) 9 years 11 months 1 day 9 years 11 months 19 days
Aggregate intrinsic value $ (5,615) $ 8,944
Time Vesting    
Stock Options Outstanding [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) 5,110,747  
Options granted (in shares) 298,394  
Forfeited (in shares) (103,766)  
Balance at end of period (in shares) 5,305,375 5,110,747
Exercisable (in shares) 0  
Performance Based Vesting    
Stock Options Outstanding [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) 0  
Options granted (in shares) 39,050  
Forfeited (in shares) (22,314)  
Balance at end of period (in shares) 16,736 0
Exercisable (in shares) 0  
v3.8.0.1
AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jan. 08, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Jul. 06, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Investment in affiliates and related parties         $ 930 $ 5,606  
Equity in net income (loss) from investment in related party   $ (10,442)   $ (2,757) (10,040) (1,132)  
Prepayment to affiliate included in prepaid expenses and other current assets   142,366     130,425 102,219  
Transfer of goodwill         (23,101)    
Related party expense   9,023   55,480 640,344 132,427  
Capital expenditures   2,500   550      
Cash distributions to shareholders $ 1,500,000   $ 839,700   840,035 445,176  
Cash distributions       79,617 919,317 365,559  
Affiliates              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Related party note           1,750,000  
Due to related parties and affiliates           102,557  
Equipment and Software Development Costs | Affiliates              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Capital expenditures   1,626   892      
Fees for Executive Services | Affiliates              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Related party expense       7,500 30,000 20,556  
Related party transaction, annual fee   $ 30,000     30,000    
Equipment Purchase Costs | Affiliates              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Capital expenditures           1,025  
Equipment Purchase Costs | Altice Labs S.A.              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Capital expenditures         17,434    
Equipment Purchase Costs | Altice Management International              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Capital expenditures           44,121  
Software Development Service Costs | Altice Labs S.A.              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Capital expenditures           740  
Software Development Service Costs | Altice Management International              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Capital expenditures         $ 4,578    
Newsday              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest             75.00%
Ownership percentage   25.00%     25.00%    
Investment in affiliates and related parties   $ 12,891          
Equity in net income (loss) from investment in related party   $ 9,312   1,510 $ 7,219 1,132  
I24News and Altice NV 24/7              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Ownership percentage   25.00%     25.00%    
Investment in affiliates and related parties   $ 800          
Equity in net income (loss) from investment in related party   1,130   1,247 $ 2,821 0  
Newsday And i24News              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Investment in affiliates and related parties         (2,649) 5,606  
CSC Holdings Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Cash distributions to shareholders         500,000    
Proceeds from credit facility debt     $ 500,000   1,350,000    
Other Operating Expense | Transition Services | Affiliates              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Other operating expenses, charges for related party services   $ 494   (202) 4,057 887  
Transition services credit       $ 482 $ 917 $ 2,589  
Subsequent Event              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Cash distributions to shareholders $ 1,500,000            
v3.8.0.1
AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Revenue and Related Charges (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]        
Revenue $ 125 $ 141 $ 1,100 $ 1,086
Operating expenses:        
Programming and other direct costs (1,154) (735) (4,176) (1,947)
Other operating expenses, net (7,994) (7,298) (33,140) (18,854)
Operating expenses, net (9,148) (8,033) (37,316) (20,801)
Interest expense 0 (47,588) (90,405) (112,712)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs     (513,723) 0
Net charges (9,023) (55,480) (640,344) (132,427)
Capital Expenditures $ 1,626 $ 892 $ 22,012 45,886
Holdco Notes and Notes Payable to Affiliates        
Operating expenses:        
Interest expense       $ (10,155)
v3.8.0.1
AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Amounts Due From and Due to Related Parties (Details) - Affiliates - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Due from related parties and affiliates $ 21,146 $ 19,764 $ 22,182
Due to related parties and affiliates 11,078 10,998 127,363
Altice US Finance S.A.      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Due from related parties and affiliates 12,951 12,951 12,951
Newsday      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Due from related parties and affiliates 2,558 2,713 6,114
Due to related parties and affiliates 33 33 275
Altice Labs S.A.      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Due to related parties and affiliates 1,051 7,354 866
Altice Management Americas      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Due from related parties and affiliates 1,271 33 3,117
I24      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Due from related parties and affiliates 4,335 4,036 0
Other Related Party      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Due from related parties and affiliates 31 31 0
Due to related parties and affiliates 2,494 3,611 2,484
CVC 3BV      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Due to related parties and affiliates   0 71,655
Neptune Holdings US LP      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Due to related parties and affiliates   0 7,962
Altice Management International      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Due to related parties and affiliates $ 7,500 $ 0 $ 44,121
v3.8.0.1
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]    
Estimated litigation liability $ 6,000 $ 5,200
Increase in estimated litigation liability $ 800  
v3.8.0.1
SEGMENT INFORMATION - Narrative (Details) - segment
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]    
Number of reportable business segments 2 2
v3.8.0.1
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Future Cash Payments and Commitments (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Purchase obligation $ 8,427,609
Purchase obligation, due in year 1 3,072,083
Purchase obligation, due in years 2 and 3 4,181,199
Purchase obligation, due in years 4 and 5 1,094,508
Purchase obligation, due after year 5 79,819
Guarantees 36,224
Guarantees, due in year 1 34,716
Guarantees, due in years 2 and 3 1,508
Guarantees, due in years 4 and 5 0
Guarantees, due after year 5 0
Letters of credit 129,473
Letters of credit, due in year 1 200
Letters of credit, due in years 2 and 3 120
Letters of credit, due in years 4 and 5 129,153
Letters of credit, due after year 5 0
Total contractual obligation 8,593,306
Total contractual obligation, due in year 1 3,106,999
Total contractual obligation, due in years 2 and 3 4,182,827
Total contractual obligation, due in years 4 and 5 1,223,661
Total contractual obligation, due after year 5 $ 79,819
v3.8.0.1
SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Operating Income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Sep. 30, 2016
Jun. 30, 2016
Mar. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes [Abstract]                      
Operating income $ 313,038 $ 217,055 $ 120,575 $ 253,268 $ 250,110 $ 218,346 $ 144,266 $ 45,937 $ 54,260 $ 841,008 $ 462,809
Share-based compensation expense 21,623       7,848         57,430 14,368
Restructuring and other expense 3,587       76,929         152,401 240,395
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments) 642,705       608,724         2,930,571 1,700,306
Adjusted EBITDA 980,953       943,611         3,981,410 2,417,878
Cablevision Systems Corp.                      
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes [Abstract]                      
Operating income 170,693       122,044         320,686 78,008
Share-based compensation expense 16,172       5,082         42,060 9,164
Restructuring and other expense 3,083       58,647         112,384 212,150
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments) 485,364       443,176         2,251,710 963,665
Adjusted EBITDA 675,312       628,949         2,726,840 1,262,987
Cequel Corp.                      
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes [Abstract]                      
Operating income 142,345       128,066         520,322 384,801
Share-based compensation expense 5,451       2,766         15,370 5,204
Restructuring and other expense 504       18,282         40,017 28,245
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments) 157,341       165,548         678,861 736,641
Adjusted EBITDA $ 305,641       $ 314,662         $ 1,254,570 $ 1,154,891
v3.8.0.1
SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconciliation of Reportable Segments to Consolidated Balances (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 15, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Sep. 30, 2016
Jun. 30, 2016
Mar. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes [Abstract]                        
Operating income for reportable segments   $ 313,038 $ 217,055 $ 120,575 $ 253,268 $ 250,110 $ 218,346 $ 144,266 $ 45,937 $ 54,260 $ 841,008 $ 462,809
Items excluded from operating income:                        
Interest expense   (377,258)       (433,294)         (1,603,132) (1,456,541)
Interest income   3,103       232         1,921 13,811
Gain on investments, net   (252,576)       131,658         237,354 141,896
Loss on derivative contracts, net   168,352       (71,044)         (236,330) (53,696)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts   (31,922)       2,342         5,482 (72,961)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs $ (18,976) (4,705)       0         (600,240) (127,649)
Other income (expense), net   (11,658)       (2,100)         (13,651) 1,186
Loss before income taxes   $ (189,652)       $ (122,096)         $ (1,367,588) $ (1,091,145)
v3.8.0.1
SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summary of Revenue by Segment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Sep. 30, 2016
Jun. 30, 2016
Mar. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues $ 2,329,714       $ 2,302,259            
Revenues, net 2,329,714 $ 2,359,808 $ 2,322,521 $ 2,322,362 2,302,259 $ 2,305,901 $ 2,260,221 $ 823,501 $ 627,589 $ 9,306,950 $ 6,017,212
Pay TV                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 1,033,708       1,083,878            
Revenues, net   1,049,135 1,069,946 1,071,163 1,083,878 1,072,996 1,066,019 370,122 279,736 4,274,122 2,788,873
Broadband                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 701,621       625,918            
Revenues, net   681,779 658,278 642,620 625,918 614,383 594,932 245,568 196,691 2,608,595 1,651,574
Telephony                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 166,038       180,961            
Revenues, net   169,064 172,479 178,261 180,961 184,347 185,834 55,855 39,735 700,765 465,771
Business services and wholesale                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 333,090       319,420            
Revenues, net   330,510 324,642 323,641 319,420 314,578 309,366 111,193 84,404 1,298,213 819,541
Advertising                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 87,582       83,361            
Revenues, net   121,712 89,292 97,501 83,361 110,764 90,555 29,843 20,887 391,866 252,049
Other                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 7,675       8,721            
Revenues, net   $ 7,608 $ 7,884 $ 9,176 8,721 $ 8,833 $ 13,515 $ 10,920 $ 6,136 33,389 39,404
Operating Segments | Cablevision Systems Corp.                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 1,651,294       1,641,987            
Revenues, net                   6,650,326 3,444,052
Operating Segments | Cablevision Systems Corp. | Pay TV                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 763,720       802,194            
Revenues, net                   3,175,097 1,668,348
Operating Segments | Cablevision Systems Corp. | Broadband                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 440,351       396,333            
Revenues, net                   1,649,771 817,160
Operating Segments | Cablevision Systems Corp. | Telephony                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 135,585       146,557            
Revenues, net                   570,871 311,832
Operating Segments | Cablevision Systems Corp. | Business services and wholesale                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 234,172       228,544            
Revenues, net                   922,691 468,632
Operating Segments | Cablevision Systems Corp. | Advertising                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 74,643       65,132            
Revenues, net                   321,149 163,678
Operating Segments | Cablevision Systems Corp. | Other                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 2,823       3,227            
Revenues, net                   10,747 14,402
Operating Segments | Cequel Corp.                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 682,549       660,272            
Revenues, net                   2,659,416 2,573,160
Operating Segments | Cequel Corp. | Pay TV                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 269,988       281,684            
Revenues, net                   1,099,025 1,120,525
Operating Segments | Cequel Corp. | Broadband                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 261,270       229,585            
Revenues, net                   958,824 834,414
Operating Segments | Cequel Corp. | Telephony                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 30,453       34,404            
Revenues, net                   129,894 153,939
Operating Segments | Cequel Corp. | Business services and wholesale                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 98,918       90,876            
Revenues, net                   375,522 350,909
Operating Segments | Cequel Corp. | Advertising                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 17,068       18,229            
Revenues, net                   73,509 88,371
Operating Segments | Cequel Corp. | Other                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 4,852       $ 5,494            
Revenues, net                   22,642 $ 25,002
Eliminations                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues (4,129)                    
Revenues, net                   (2,792)  
Eliminations | Pay TV                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 0                    
Revenues, net                   0  
Eliminations | Broadband                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 0                    
Revenues, net                   0  
Eliminations | Telephony                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 0                    
Revenues, net                   0  
Eliminations | Business services and wholesale                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues 0                    
Revenues, net                   0  
Eliminations | Advertising                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues (4,129)                    
Revenues, net                   (2,792)  
Eliminations | Other                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Revenues $ 0                    
Revenues, net                   $ 0  
v3.8.0.1
SEGMENT INFORMATION - Capital Expenditures by Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information, Capital Expenditures [Abstract]        
Capital expenditures $ 257,615 $ 257,427 $ 951,349 $ 625,541
Cablevision Systems Corp.        
Segment Reporting Information, Capital Expenditures [Abstract]        
Capital expenditures 166,801 184,399 671,417 298,357
Cequel Corp.        
Segment Reporting Information, Capital Expenditures [Abstract]        
Capital expenditures $ 90,814 $ 73,028 $ 279,932 $ 327,184
v3.8.0.1
BENEFIT PLANS - Funded Status (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Change in projected benefit obligation:      
Benefit obligation, beginning of year   $ 382,517 $ 403,963
Interest cost $ 6,946 11,786 14,077
Actuarial loss (gain)   13,171 (11,429)
Curtailments   6,332 3,968
Settlements   6,910 0
Benefits paid   (121,650) (28,062)
Benefit obligation, end of year 382,517 299,066 382,517
Change in plan assets:      
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year   284,118 297,846
Actual return on plan assets, net   6,356 5,829
Employer contributions   26,944 8,505
Benefits paid   (121,650) (28,062)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year 284,118 195,768 284,118
Unfunded status at end of year $ (98,399) $ (103,298) $ (98,399)
v3.8.0.1
BENEFIT PLANS - Net Funded Status (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]      
Defined Benefit Plans   $ (103,298) $ (98,399)
Less: Current portion related to nonqualified plans   135 14,293
Long-term defined benefit plan obligations $ (97,908) $ (103,163) $ (84,106)
v3.8.0.1
BENEFIT PLANS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]    
Accumulated benefit obligation $ 299,066 $ 382,517
Expected future employer contributions, next fiscal year 18,000  
Defined contribution plan cost $ 27,577 $ 28,501
v3.8.0.1
BENEFIT PLANS - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]      
Interest cost $ 6,946 $ 11,786 $ 14,077
Expected return on plan assets, net (3,880) (4,905)  
Curtailment loss 231 3,137  
Settlement loss (income) (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss) (154) 1,845  
Net periodic benefit cost $ 3,143 $ 11,863  
v3.8.0.1
BENEFIT PLANS - Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligation and Cost (Details)
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Net Periodic Benefit Cost    
Discount rate 3.53% 3.69%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels 0.00% 0.00%
Expected rate of return on plan assets (Pension Plan only) 3.97% 3.90%
Benefit Obligations    
Discount rate 3.81% 3.50%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels 0.00% 0.00%
v3.8.0.1
BENEFIT PLANS - Weighted Average Asset Allocations (Details)
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Asset allocation 100.00% 100.00%
Mutual funds    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Asset allocation 32.00% 43.00%
Fixed income securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Asset allocation 66.00% 55.00%
Cash equivalents and other    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Asset allocation 2.00% 2.00%
v3.8.0.1
BENEFIT PLANS - Fair Value of Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 195,768 $ 284,118 $ 297,846
Plan Assets, Excluding Cash And Net Payables [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 200,243 285,074  
Plan Assets, Excluding Cash And Net Payables [Member] | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 68,524 123,949  
Plan Assets, Excluding Cash And Net Payables [Member] | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 131,719 161,125  
Plan Assets, Excluding Cash And Net Payables [Member] | Level III      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Mutual funds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 61,833 121,356  
Mutual funds | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 61,833 121,356  
Mutual funds | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Mutual funds | Level III      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Foreign issued corporate debt      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 10,721 13,583  
Foreign issued corporate debt | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Foreign issued corporate debt | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 10,721 13,583  
Foreign issued corporate debt | Level III      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
U.S. corporate debt      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 39,992 48,046  
U.S. corporate debt | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
U.S. corporate debt | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 39,992 48,046  
U.S. corporate debt | Level III      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Government debt      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 4,645 4,810  
Government debt | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Government debt | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 4,645 4,810  
Government debt | Level III      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
U.S. Treasury securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 62,601 77,285  
U.S. Treasury securities | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
U.S. Treasury securities | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 62,601 77,285  
U.S. Treasury securities | Level III      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 10,978 14,065  
Asset-backed securities | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Asset-backed securities | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 10,978 14,065  
Asset-backed securities | Level III      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 247  
Other | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Other | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 247  
Other | Level III      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 9,473 5,682  
Cash equivalents | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 6,691 2,593  
Cash equivalents | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 2,782 3,089  
Cash equivalents | Level III      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 0 $ 0  
v3.8.0.1
BENEFIT PLANS - Expected Benefit Payments (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
2018 $ 96,482
2019 18,960
2020 14,052
2021 13,282
2022 13,792
2023-2027 $ 69,369
v3.8.0.1
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance $ 13,420 $ 11,677 $ 11,677 $ 1,051
Provision for doubtful accounts $ 13,500 $ 15,694 74,183 53,249
Deductions/ Write-Offs and Other Charges     (72,440) (42,623)
Ending balance     $ 13,420 $ 11,677
v3.8.0.1
INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Sep. 30, 2016
Jun. 30, 2016
Mar. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]                      
Revenues, net $ 2,329,714 $ 2,359,808 $ 2,322,521 $ 2,322,362 $ 2,302,259 $ 2,305,901 $ 2,260,221 $ 823,501 $ 627,589 $ 9,306,950 $ 6,017,212
Operating expenses (2,016,676) (2,142,753) (2,201,946) (2,069,094) (2,052,149) (2,087,555) (2,115,955) (777,564) (573,329) (8,465,942) (5,554,403)
Operating income 313,038 217,055 120,575 253,268 250,110 218,346 144,266 45,937 54,260 841,008 462,809
Net income (loss) (128,949) 2,243,325 (192,434) (479,939) (76,188) (236,049) (172,553) (282,129) (140,748) 1,494,764 (831,479)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (2) (850) (135) (365) (237) (659) (256) 364 0 (1,587) (551)
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders $ (128,951) $ 2,242,475 $ (192,569) $ (480,304) $ (76,425) $ (236,708) $ (172,809) $ (281,765) $ (140,748) $ 1,493,177 $ (832,030)
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders (in dollars per share) $ (0.17) $ 3.04 $ (0.26) $ (0.73) $ (0.12) $ (0.36) $ (0.27) $ (0.43) $ (0.22) $ 2.15 $ (1.28)
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]                      
Payments of dividends         $ 79,617         $ 919,317 $ 365,559
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]                      
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]                      
Impact from changes in tax rates                   $ (2,332,677) $ 0
v3.8.0.1
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ATS ACQUISITION - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended
Jan. 01, 2018
Jan. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]            
Contract with customer liability     $ 129,560,000 $ 117,679,000 $ 103,996,000  
Contract with customer asset, net     23,682,000 24,329,000 24,329,000  
Goodwill     $ 8,019,849,000 8,019,861,000 7,992,700,000 $ 2,040,402,000
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Restatement Adjustment            
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]            
Contract with customer liability       6,978,000    
Contract with customer asset, net       24,329,000    
Goodwill       0 $ 0  
Installation Services | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09            
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]            
Cumulative effect on retained earnings $ 5,093,000          
Cumulative effect on retained earnings, tax 1,885,000          
Sales Commissions | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09            
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]            
Cumulative effect on retained earnings 17,759,000          
Cumulative effect on retained earnings, tax $ 6,570,000          
Altice Technical Services            
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]            
Percentage of voting interest acquired   70.00%        
Consideration transferred   $ 1.00        
Altice Technical Services | Restatement Adjustment            
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]            
Goodwill       $ 23,101,000    
Subsequent Event | Altice Technical Services            
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]            
Percentage of voting interest acquired   70.00%        
Consideration transferred   $ 1.00        
v3.8.0.1
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ATS ACQUISITION - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,427,651 $ 329,848 $ 486,792  
Other current assets   573,751 1,232,195  
Property, plant and equipment, net 5,819,544 6,023,826 6,597,635  
Goodwill 8,019,849 8,019,861 7,992,700 $ 2,040,402
Other assets, long-term   19,864,796 20,189,256  
Total assets 35,279,409 34,812,082 36,498,578  
Current liabilities 2,760,457 2,520,362 3,711,911  
Deferred tax liability 4,729,578 4,769,286 7,971,500  
Liabilities, long-term   21,786,391 22,704,512  
Total liabilities 29,647,786 29,076,039 34,387,923  
Redeemable equity 234,637 231,290 68,147  
Paid-in capital 4,682,646 4,665,229 3,003,554  
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) 713,848 840,636 (963,312)  
Total stockholders' equity 5,396,986 5,504,753 2,042,508 $ 2,108,080
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 35,279,409 34,812,082 36,498,578  
Scenario, Previously Reported        
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]        
Cash and cash equivalents   273,329 486,792  
Other current assets   580,231 1,218,127  
Property, plant and equipment, net   6,063,829 6,597,635  
Goodwill   7,996,760 7,992,700  
Other assets, long-term   19,861,076 20,178,995  
Total assets   34,775,225 36,474,249  
Current liabilities   2,492,983 3,704,933  
Deferred tax liability   4,775,115 7,966,815  
Liabilities, long-term   21,779,997 22,704,512  
Total liabilities   29,048,095 34,376,260  
Redeemable equity   231,290 68,147  
Paid-in capital   4,642,128 3,003,554  
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)   854,824 (975,978)  
Total stockholders' equity   5,495,840 2,029,842  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   34,775,225 36,474,249  
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Restatement Adjustment        
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]        
Cash and cash equivalents   0 0  
Other current assets   14,068 14,068  
Property, plant and equipment, net   0 0  
Goodwill   0 0  
Other assets, long-term   10,261 10,261  
Total assets   24,329 24,329  
Current liabilities   6,978 6,978  
Deferred tax liability   4,685 4,685  
Liabilities, long-term   0 0  
Total liabilities   11,663 11,663  
Redeemable equity   0 0  
Paid-in capital   0 0  
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)   12,666 12,666  
Total stockholders' equity   12,666 12,666  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   24,329 $ 24,329  
Altice Technical Services | Restatement Adjustment        
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]        
Cash and cash equivalents   56,519    
Other current assets   (20,548)    
Property, plant and equipment, net   (40,003)    
Goodwill   23,101    
Other assets, long-term   (6,541)    
Total assets   12,528    
Current liabilities   20,401    
Deferred tax liability   (10,514)    
Liabilities, long-term   6,394    
Total liabilities   16,281    
Redeemable equity   0    
Paid-in capital   23,101    
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)   (26,854)    
Total stockholders' equity   (3,753)    
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 12,528    
v3.8.0.1
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ATS ACQUISITION - Income Statement (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Sep. 30, 2016
Jun. 30, 2016
Mar. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net $ 2,329,714 $ 2,359,808 $ 2,322,521 $ 2,322,362 $ 2,302,259 $ 2,305,901 $ 2,260,221 $ 823,501 $ 627,589 $ 9,306,950 $ 6,017,212
Programming and other direct costs (including charges from affiliates of $4,176 and $1,947, respectively) (See Note 14) 787,361       758,352         3,035,655 1,911,230
Other operating expenses (including charges from affiliates of $106,084 and $18,854, respectively) (See Note 14) 583,023       608,144         2,347,315 1,702,472
Restructuring and other expense 3,587       76,929         152,401 240,395
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)                   2,930,571 1,700,306
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments) 642,705       608,724         2,930,571 1,700,306
Operating income 313,038 217,055 120,575 253,268 250,110 218,346 144,266 45,937 54,260 841,008 462,809
Nonoperating Income (Expense) (502,690)       (372,206)         (2,208,596) (1,553,954)
Loss before income taxes (189,652)       (122,096)         (1,367,588) (1,091,145)
Income tax benefit 60,703       45,908         2,862,352 259,666
Net income (loss) $ (128,949) 2,243,325 (192,434) (479,939) (76,188) (236,049) (172,553) (282,129) (140,748) 1,494,764 (831,479)
Scenario, Previously Reported                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         2,305,676         9,326,570 6,017,212
Programming and other direct costs (including charges from affiliates of $4,176 and $1,947, respectively) (See Note 14)         758,352         3,035,655 1,911,230
Other operating expenses (including charges from affiliates of $106,084 and $18,854, respectively) (See Note 14)         613,437         2,342,655 1,705,615
Restructuring and other expense         76,929         152,401 240,395
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)                   2,930,475 1,700,306
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)         608,724            
Operating income         248,234         865,384 459,666
Nonoperating Income (Expense)         (370,330)         (2,196,733) (1,550,811)
Loss before income taxes         (122,096)         (1,331,349) (1,091,145)
Income tax benefit         45,908         2,852,967 259,666
Net income (loss)         (76,188)         1,521,618 (831,479)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         (3,417)         (18,515) 0
Programming and other direct costs (including charges from affiliates of $4,176 and $1,947, respectively) (See Note 14)         0         0 0
Other operating expenses (including charges from affiliates of $106,084 and $18,854, respectively) (See Note 14)         (3,417)         (18,515) 0
Restructuring and other expense         0         0 0
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)                   0 0
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)         0            
Operating income         0         0 0
Nonoperating Income (Expense)         0         0 0
Loss before income taxes         0         0 0
Income tax benefit         0         0 0
Net income (loss)         0         0 0
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net                   0 0
Programming and other direct costs (including charges from affiliates of $4,176 and $1,947, respectively) (See Note 14)                   0 0
Other operating expenses (including charges from affiliates of $106,084 and $18,854, respectively) (See Note 14)                   (11,863) (3,143)
Restructuring and other expense                   0 0
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)                   0 0
Operating income                   11,863 3,143
Nonoperating Income (Expense)                   (11,863) (3,143)
Loss before income taxes                   0 0
Income tax benefit                   0 0
Net income (loss)                   0 0
Pay TV                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net   1,049,135 1,069,946 1,071,163 1,083,878 1,072,996 1,066,019 370,122 279,736 4,274,122 2,788,873
Pay TV | Scenario, Previously Reported                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         1,071,361         4,214,745 2,759,216
Pay TV | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         12,517         59,878 29,657
Pay TV | Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net                   0 0
Broadband                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net   681,779 658,278 642,620 625,918 614,383 594,932 245,568 196,691 2,608,595 1,651,574
Broadband | Scenario, Previously Reported                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         611,769         2,563,772 1,617,029
Broadband | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         14,149         45,192 34,545
Broadband | Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net                   0 0
Telephony                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net   169,064 172,479 178,261 180,961 184,347 185,834 55,855 39,735 700,765 465,771
Telephony | Scenario, Previously Reported                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         210,873         823,981 529,973
Telephony | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         (29,912)         (122,981) (64,202)
Telephony | Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net                   0 0
Business services and wholesale                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net   330,510 324,642 323,641 319,420 314,578 309,366 111,193 84,404 1,298,213 819,541
Business services and wholesale | Scenario, Previously Reported                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         319,591         1,298,817 819,541
Business services and wholesale | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         (171)         (604) 0
Business services and wholesale | Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net                   0 0
Advertising                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net   121,712 89,292 97,501 83,361 110,764 90,555 29,843 20,887 391,866 252,049
Advertising | Scenario, Previously Reported                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         83,361         391,866 252,049
Advertising | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         0         0 0
Advertising | Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net                   0 0
Other                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net   $ 7,608 $ 7,884 $ 9,176 8,721 $ 8,833 $ 13,515 $ 10,920 $ 6,136 33,389 39,404
Other | Scenario, Previously Reported                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         8,721         33,389 39,404
Other | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         0         0 0
Other | Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net                   0 $ 0
Altice Technical Services | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         0         (1,105)  
Programming and other direct costs (including charges from affiliates of $4,176 and $1,947, respectively) (See Note 14)         0         0  
Other operating expenses (including charges from affiliates of $106,084 and $18,854, respectively) (See Note 14)         (1,876)         35,038  
Restructuring and other expense         0         0  
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)                   96  
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)         0            
Operating income         1,876         (36,239)  
Nonoperating Income (Expense)         (1,876)         0  
Loss before income taxes         0         (36,239)  
Income tax benefit         0         9,385  
Net income (loss)         0         (26,854)  
Altice Technical Services | Pay TV | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         0         (501)  
Altice Technical Services | Broadband | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         0         (369)  
Altice Technical Services | Telephony | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         0         (235)  
Altice Technical Services | Business services and wholesale | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         0         0  
Altice Technical Services | Advertising | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         0         0  
Altice Technical Services | Other | Restatement Adjustment                      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]                      
Revenues, net         $ 0         $ 0  
v3.8.0.1
SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Oct. 12, 2012
Apr. 30, 2018
Feb. 28, 2018
Jan. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Mar. 15, 2017
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Proceeds from credit facility debt         $ 1,642,500,000 $ 225,000,000   $ 5,593,675,000 $ 5,510,256,000  
Principal Amount         5,733,013,000     4,693,675,000    
Distributions declared but not paid               0 $ 79,617,000  
Subsequent Event                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Distributions declared but not paid       $ 1,500,000,000            
Revolving Credit Facility | CSC Holdings Revolving Credit Facility                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Proceeds from credit facility debt       150,000,000            
Principal Amount         0     $ 450,000,000    
Revolving Credit Facility | CSC Holdings Revolving Credit Facility | Subsequent Event                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Proceeds from credit facility debt       150,000,000            
Term Loan | CSC Holdings Incremental Term Loan | Subsequent Event                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Principal Amount       $ 1,500,000,000            
Issued percentage of par       99.50%            
Alternate Base Rate                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Basis spread on variable rate 2.50%                  
Alternate Base Rate | Revolving Credit Facility | CSC Holdings Revolving Credit Facility                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Basis spread on variable rate               2.25%    
Alternate Base Rate | Term Loan                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Basis spread on variable rate             2.25%      
Alternate Base Rate | Term Loan | CSC Holdings Incremental Term Loan | Subsequent Event                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Basis spread on variable rate       1.50%            
Eurodollar                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Basis spread on variable rate 3.50%                  
Eurodollar | Revolving Credit Facility                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Basis spread on variable rate             3.25%      
Eurodollar | Revolving Credit Facility | CSC Holdings Revolving Credit Facility                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Basis spread on variable rate               3.25%    
Eurodollar | Term Loan | CSC Holdings Incremental Term Loan | Subsequent Event                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Basis spread on variable rate       2.50%            
Senior Guaranteed Notes | 5.375% Senior Guaranteed Notes Due February 1, 2028 | Subsequent Event                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Principal Amount       $ 1,000,000,000            
Stated interest rate       5.375%            
Senior Notes                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Principal Amount         16,239,245,000     $ 16,289,245,000    
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 7.5% Notes due April 1, 2028 [Member] | Subsequent Event                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Principal Amount   $ 1,050,000,000                
Stated interest rate   7.50%                
Senior Notes | 7.875% Notes due February 15, 2018                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Principal Amount         $ 0     $ 300,000,000    
Stated interest rate         7.875%     7.875%    
Extinguishment of debt     $ 300,000,000              
Senior Notes | 7.875% Notes due February 15, 2018 | Subsequent Event                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Extinguishment of debt     300,000,000              
Senior Notes | 7.75% Notes due April 15, 2018                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Principal Amount         $ 0     $ 750,000,000    
Stated interest rate         7.75%     7.75%    
Extinguishment of debt     750,000,000              
Senior Notes | 7.75% Notes due April 15, 2018 | Subsequent Event                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Extinguishment of debt     $ 750,000,000              
Senior Notes | 6.375% Senior Notes due September 15, 2020                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Principal Amount         $ 1,050,000,000     $ 1,050,000,000    
Stated interest rate         6.375%     6.375%   6.375%
Senior Notes | 6.375% Senior Notes due September 15, 2020 | Subsequent Event                    
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                    
Stated interest rate   6.375%                
Extinguishment of debt   $ 1,050,000,000                
v3.8.0.1
REVENUE AND CONTRACT ASSETS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]        
Franchise fees and other taxes and fees $ 63,830 $ 64,986 $ 259,075 $ 154,732
Contract with customer asset, net 23,682   24,329 24,329
Contract with customer liability $ 129,560   $ 117,679 $ 103,996
Minimum        
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]        
Contract term 3 years   3 years  
Maximum        
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]        
Contract term 5 years   5 years  
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, RELATED MATTERS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 21, 2016
USD ($)
Sep. 16, 2015
USD ($)
$ / shares
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
segment
$ / shares
Mar. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Jun. 20, 2016
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
segment
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
segment
$ / shares
Jul. 31, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 09, 2016
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2016
Jul. 21, 2016
USD ($)
Jul. 06, 2016
Oct. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Oct. 12, 2012
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                
Number of reportable business segments | segment     2     2                    
Net interest expense     $ 377,258,000 $ 433,294,000   $ 1,603,132,000 $ 1,456,541,000                  
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares           $ 0.01 $ 0.01                  
Principal Amount     5,733,013,000     $ 4,693,675,000                    
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount                               $ 480,000,000
10.875% Notes due October 15, 2025                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Stated interest rate                 10.875%              
Senior Notes                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Principal Amount     16,239,245,000     16,289,245,000                    
Senior Notes | 10.125% Notes due January 15, 2023                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Principal Amount     $ 1,800,000,000     $ 1,800,000,000                    
Stated interest rate     10.125%     10.125%                    
Senior Notes | 10.875% Notes due October 15, 2025                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Principal Amount     $ 1,684,221,000     $ 1,684,221,000       $ 2,000,000,000            
Stated interest rate     10.875%     10.875%                    
Senior Notes | 6.625% Notes due October 15, 2025                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Principal Amount     $ 1,000,000,000     $ 1,000,000,000                    
Stated interest rate     6.625%     6.625%                    
Common Class A                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares     $ 0.01     $ 0.01                    
Common Class B                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares     $ 0.01     0.01                    
Cablevision Systems Corp.                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Business acquisition, share price (dollars per share) | $ / shares   $ 34.90                            
Consideration transfered $ 9,958,323,000                              
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Common Class A                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares           0.01                    
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Common Class B                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares           $ 0.01                    
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Neptune Finco Corp. | Term Loan | Senior Secured Credit Facilities                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Principal Amount                             $ 3,800,000,000  
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Neptune Finco Corp. | Term Loan | Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facilities                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount                             2,000,000,000  
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Neptune Finco Corp. | Senior Notes | 10.125% Notes due January 15, 2023                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Principal Amount                             $ 1,800,000,000  
Stated interest rate                             10.125%  
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Neptune Finco Corp. | Senior Notes | 10.875% Notes due October 15, 2025                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Principal Amount                             $ 2,000,000,000  
Stated interest rate                             10.875%  
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Neptune Finco Corp. | Senior Notes | 6.625% Notes due October 15, 2025                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Principal Amount                             $ 1,000,000,000  
Stated interest rate                             6.625%  
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Affiliates                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Consideration transfered   $ 1,000,000,000                            
Indirect ownership interest by co-investors   30.00%                            
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries                                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                
Number of reportable business segments | segment               1                
Net interest expense         $ 287,098,000     $ 585,764,000                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Consideration transfered 9,958,323,000                              
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Revolving Credit Facility                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount                     $ 2,300,000,000   $ 2,105,000,000   $ 2,000,000,000  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Common Class A                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares               $ 0.01                
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Common Class B                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares               $ 0.01                
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Altice N.V.                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Business acquisition, share price (dollars per share) | $ / shares   $ 34.90                            
Consideration transfered $ 9,958,323,000                              
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Neptune Finco Corp. | Term Loan | Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facilities                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Principal Amount                             3,800,000,000  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Neptune Finco Corp. | Senior Notes | 10.125% Notes due January 15, 2023                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Principal Amount                             $ 1,800,000,000  
Stated interest rate                             10.125%  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Neptune Finco Corp. | Senior Notes | 10.875% Notes due October 15, 2025                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Principal Amount                             $ 2,000,000,000  
Stated interest rate                             10.875%  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Neptune Finco Corp. | Senior Notes | 6.625% Notes due October 15, 2025                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Principal Amount                             $ 1,000,000,000  
Stated interest rate                             6.625%  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Affiliates | Altice N.V.                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Consideration transfered               $ 1,000,000,000                
Indirect ownership interest by co-investors               30.00%                
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Cablevision Systems Corp.                                
Business Combination, Description [Abstract]                                
Business acquisition, share price (dollars per share) | $ / shares               $ 34.90                
Consideration transfered               $ 439,167,000                
Newsday                                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest                           75.00%    
Ownership percentage     25.00%     25.00%                    
Newsday | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries                                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest                       75.00%   75.00%    
Ownership percentage                       25.00%   25.00%    
v3.8.0.1
CVC - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Share-Based Compensation (Details)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 20, 2016
Performance Shares  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Award vesting period (years) 3 years
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage 100.00%
v3.8.0.1
CVC - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jan. 01, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Gross Versus Net Revenue Recognition [Abstract]              
Franchise fees and other taxes and fees   $ 63,830 $ 64,986   $ 259,075 $ 154,732  
Advertising Expenses [Abstract]              
Advertising expenses         $ 224,120 $ 135,513  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries              
Gross Versus Net Revenue Recognition [Abstract]              
Franchise fees and other taxes and fees       $ 95,432     $ 199,701
Advertising Expenses [Abstract]              
Advertising expenses       $ 62,760     160,671
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]              
Award vesting percentage       100.00%      
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements              
Unrealized excess tax benefits recognized with the adoption of ASU 2016-09 $ 309,000            
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization             67,119
Revolving Credit Facility | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries              
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements              
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization             $ 7,588
v3.8.0.1
CVC - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Common Stock of Cablevision (Details)
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 20, 2016
shares
Dec. 31, 2016
Vote
shares
Dec. 31, 2015
shares
Common Stock Outstanding [Roll Forward]      
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance   100  
CNYG Class A Common Stock | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries      
Common Stock of Cablevision [Abstract]      
Number of votes per share of common stock | Vote   1  
Number of shares of common stock issued upon conversion (in shares)   1  
Percentage of Board of Directors stockholders are entitled to elect (in hundredths)   25.00%  
Common Stock Outstanding [Roll Forward]      
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance 222,572,210 222,572,210 220,219,935
Employee and non-employee director stock transactions (in shares) (185,276)   2,352,275
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance 222,386,934   222,572,210
CNYG Class B Common Stock | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries      
Common Stock of Cablevision [Abstract]      
Number of votes per share of common stock | Vote   10  
Number of shares of common stock converted (in shares)   1  
Common Stock Outstanding [Roll Forward]      
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance 54,137,673 54,137,673 54,137,673
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance 54,137,673   54,137,673
v3.8.0.1
CVC - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Dividends (Details) - Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Aug. 06, 2015
May 01, 2015
Feb. 24, 2015
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Dividends [Abstract]          
Dividend per share (in dollars per share)       $ 0.00 $ 0.45
Dividends paid by Cablevision       $ 4,066 $ 125,170
Restricted Stock          
Dividends [Abstract]          
Dividends paid by Cablevision         $ 3,935
Dividend Declared 2015 Q3 | CNYG Class A Common Stock          
Dividends [Abstract]          
Dividend, declaration date Aug. 06, 2015        
Dividend per share (in dollars per share) $ 0.15        
Dividend, record date Aug. 21, 2015        
Dividend, payment date Sep. 10, 2015        
Dividend Declared 2015 Q3 | CNYG Class B Common Stock          
Dividends [Abstract]          
Dividend, declaration date Aug. 06, 2015        
Dividend per share (in dollars per share) $ 0.15        
Dividend, record date Aug. 21, 2015        
Dividend, payment date Sep. 10, 2015        
Dividend Declared 2015 Q2 | CNYG Class A Common Stock          
Dividends [Abstract]          
Dividend, declaration date   May 01, 2015      
Dividend per share (in dollars per share)   $ 0.15      
Dividend, record date   May 22, 2015      
Dividend, payment date   Jun. 12, 2015      
Dividend Declared 2015 Q2 | CNYG Class B Common Stock          
Dividends [Abstract]          
Dividend, declaration date   May 01, 2015      
Dividend per share (in dollars per share)   $ 0.15      
Dividend, record date   May 22, 2015      
Dividend, payment date   Jun. 12, 2015      
Dividend Declared 2015 Q1 | CNYG Class A Common Stock          
Dividends [Abstract]          
Dividend, declaration date     Feb. 24, 2015    
Dividend per share (in dollars per share)     $ 0.15    
Dividend, record date     Mar. 16, 2015    
Dividend, payment date     Apr. 03, 2015    
Dividend Declared 2015 Q1 | CNYG Class B Common Stock          
Dividends [Abstract]          
Dividend, declaration date     Feb. 24, 2015    
Dividend per share (in dollars per share)     $ 0.15    
Dividend, record date     Mar. 16, 2015    
Dividend, payment date     Apr. 03, 2015    
v3.8.0.1
CVC - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details) - shares
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Used in Calculations of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share [Abstract]          
Basic weighted average common shares (in thousands)     696,055,000 649,525,000  
Effect of dilution:          
Diluted weighted average common shares (in shares) 696,055,000   696,055,000 649,525,000  
Antidilutive securities excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)     14,000    
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries          
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Used in Calculations of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share [Abstract]          
Basic weighted average common shares (in thousands)   272,035,000   272,035,000 269,388,000
Effect of dilution:          
Stock options (in shares)       4,444,000 3,532,000
Restricted stock awards (in shares)       3,720,000 3,419,000
Diluted weighted average common shares (in shares)   280,199,000   280,199,000 276,339,000
Stock Options | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries          
Effect of dilution:          
Antidilutive securities excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)       0 1,160,000
Performance Shares | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries          
Effect of dilution:          
Antidilutive securities excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)         1,772,000
v3.8.0.1
CVC - ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Activity related to the allowance for doubtful accounts            
Beginning balance $ 13,420 $ 11,677 $ 1,051 $ 11,677 $ 1,051  
Provision for Bad Debt $ 13,500 $ 15,694   74,183 53,249  
Deductions/Write-Offs and Other Charges       (72,440) (42,623)  
Ending balance       $ 13,420 11,677 $ 1,051
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries            
Activity related to the allowance for doubtful accounts            
Beginning balance     6,039   $ 6,039 12,112
Provision for Bad Debt     13,240     35,802
Deductions/Write-Offs and Other Charges     (12,378)     (41,875)
Ending balance     $ 6,901     $ 6,039
v3.8.0.1
CVC - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Continuing Operations:            
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid $ 91,036 $ 61,170   $ 171,604 $ 155,653  
Notes payable to vendor 30,237 0   40,131 12,449  
Capital lease obligations 656 0   9,385 0  
Supplemental Data:            
Cash interest paid       1,765,126 1,192,370  
Income taxes paid, net $ (1,027) $ 1,553   $ 29,006 $ 1,538  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries            
Continuing Operations:            
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid     $ 68,356     $ 63,843
Notes payable to vendor           8,318
Capital lease obligations           19,987
Intangible asset obligations     290     1,121
Supplemental Data:            
Cash interest paid     258,940     560,361
Income taxes paid, net     $ 7,082     3,849
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Restricted Stock            
Continuing Operations:            
Dividends payable on unvested restricted share awards           $ 3,517
v3.8.0.1
CVC - RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER EXPENSE (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 21, 2016
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]              
Restructuring charges   $ 1,321 $ 76,751   $ 149,922 $ 226,577  
Transaction costs   2,266 $ 178   2,479 13,845  
Elimination of positions              
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]              
Restructuring charges   1,818     142,679 215,420  
Facility Realignment and Other Costs              
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]              
Restructuring charges   $ (497)     $ 7,243 $ 11,157  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries              
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]              
Restructuring charges       $ 2,299     $ (1,649)
Transaction costs $ 12,920     $ 19,924     $ 17,862
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Elimination of positions | 2016 Restructuring Plan              
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]              
Restructuring charges 188,847            
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Facility Realignment and Other Costs | 2016 Restructuring Plan              
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]              
Restructuring charges $ 10,410            
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) - Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS    
Income (loss) before income taxes   $ 21,272
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ 0 12,541
Discontinued operations, legal matter expense   21,000
Discontinued operations legal matter, aggregate expense, including statutory interest, net of taxes   $ 12,380
v3.8.0.1
CVC - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross   $ 8,623,405 $ 7,636,932    
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization   (2,599,579) (1,039,297)   $ (2,983,696)
Property, plant and equipment, net   6,023,826 6,597,635   $ 5,819,544
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment, including capital leases   1,588,764 1,046,896    
Headends and related equipment          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross   1,626,293 1,482,631    
Infrastructure          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross   4,003,845 3,740,494    
Equipment and software          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross   918,298 735,012    
Construction in progress (including materials and supplies)          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross   240,496 84,321    
Furniture and fixtures          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross   52,545 45,576    
Transportation equipment          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross   138,147 135,488    
Buildings and building improvements          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross   394,421 390,337    
Leasehold improvements          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross   108,071 104,309    
Land          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross   $ 47,563 $ 47,715    
Minimum | Headends and related equipment          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life   4 years      
Minimum | Infrastructure          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life   3 years      
Minimum | Equipment and software          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life   3 years      
Minimum | Furniture and fixtures          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life   5 years      
Minimum | Transportation equipment          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life   5 years      
Minimum | Buildings and building improvements          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life   10 years      
Maximum | Headends and related equipment          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life   25 years      
Maximum | Infrastructure          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life   25 years      
Maximum | Equipment and software          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life   10 years      
Maximum | Furniture and fixtures          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life   12 years      
Maximum | Transportation equipment          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life   10 years      
Maximum | Buildings and building improvements          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life   40 years      
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross       $ 12,642,363  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization       (9,625,348)  
Property, plant and equipment, net       3,017,015  
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment, including capital leases $ 404,234     857,440  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | New Connections for Residence Wiring          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 5 years        
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Customer equipment          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross       1,952,336  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Headends and related equipment          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross       2,388,289  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Infrastructure          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross       5,639,226  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Equipment and software          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross       1,577,616  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Construction in progress (including materials and supplies)          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross       87,412  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Furniture and fixtures          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross       96,561  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Transportation equipment          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross       210,013  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Buildings and building improvements          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross       322,267  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Leasehold improvements          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross       354,136  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Land          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, gross       14,507  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Software Development          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Aggregate capitalized costs $ 58,409     $ 144,349  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Minimum          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life     2 years    
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Minimum | Cable Television System Plant          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 10 years        
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Minimum | Headend Facilities          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 4 years        
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Minimum | Customer equipment          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life       3 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Minimum | Headends and related equipment          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life       4 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Minimum | Infrastructure          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life       3 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Minimum | Equipment and software          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life       3 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Minimum | Furniture and fixtures          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life       5 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Minimum | Transportation equipment          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life       5 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Minimum | Buildings and building improvements          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life       10 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Maximum          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life     18 years    
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Maximum | Cable Television System Plant          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 25 years        
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Maximum | Headend Facilities          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 25 years        
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Maximum | Customer equipment          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life       5 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Maximum | Headends and related equipment          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life       25 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Maximum | Infrastructure          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life       25 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Maximum | Equipment and software          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life       10 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Maximum | Furniture and fixtures          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life       12 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Maximum | Transportation equipment          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life       18 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Maximum | Buildings and building improvements          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life       40 years  
v3.8.0.1
CVC - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - Assets under Capital Lease (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Assets under capital lease      
Buildings and equipment $ 48,936 $ 53,833  
Less accumulated amortization (12,972) (6,306)  
Capital leased assets, net $ 35,964 $ 47,527  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Equipment      
Assets under capital lease      
Buildings and equipment     $ 90,099
Less accumulated amortization     (28,119)
Capital leased assets, net     $ 61,980
v3.8.0.1
CVC - OPERATING LEASES (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2017
Future minimum annual payments for all operating leases      
2017     $ 74,992
2018     72,142
2019     69,203
2020     63,735
2021     55,234
Thereafter     $ 140,406
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries      
Rent expense, including pole rentals $ 41,573 $ 82,704  
Future minimum annual payments for all operating leases      
2017 57,853    
2018 52,206    
2019 44,908    
2020 41,221    
2021 38,697    
Thereafter $ 141,063    
v3.8.0.1
CVC - INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Summary of Acquired Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]            
Gross Carrying Amount $ 7,075,027     $ 7,075,027 $ 7,019,410  
Accumulated Amortization (2,240,390)     (2,008,573) (666,766)  
Net Carrying Amount 4,834,637     5,066,454 6,352,644  
Amortization of intangible assets 231,817 $ 238,019 $ 10,316 1,341,807 653,410 $ 7,812
Customer relationships            
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]            
Gross Carrying Amount 5,970,884     5,970,884 5,925,884  
Accumulated Amortization (1,603,142)     (1,409,021) (580,276)  
Net Carrying Amount 4,367,742     4,561,863 5,345,608  
Amortizable intangible assets            
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]            
Gross Carrying Amount 37,060     37,060 26,743  
Accumulated Amortization (12,972)     (10,978) (3,093)  
Net Carrying Amount $ 24,088     $ 26,082 $ 23,650  
Minimum | Customer relationships            
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]            
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 8 years     8 years    
Minimum | Amortizable intangible assets            
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]            
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 1 year     1 year    
Maximum | Customer relationships            
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]            
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 18 years     18 years    
Maximum | Amortizable intangible assets            
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]            
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 15 years     15 years    
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries            
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]            
Gross Carrying Amount           97,261
Accumulated Amortization           (60,310)
Net Carrying Amount           36,951
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Customer relationships            
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]            
Gross Carrying Amount           39,414
Accumulated Amortization           (27,778)
Net Carrying Amount           11,636
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Amortizable intangible assets            
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]            
Gross Carrying Amount           57,847
Accumulated Amortization           (32,532)
Net Carrying Amount           $ 25,315
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Minimum | Customer relationships            
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]            
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life         8 years 10 years
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Minimum | Amortizable intangible assets            
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]            
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life         1 year 3 years
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Maximum | Customer relationships            
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]            
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life         18 years 18 years
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Maximum | Amortizable intangible assets            
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]            
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life         15 years 28 years
v3.8.0.1
CVC - INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Summary of Acquired Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]          
Cable television franchises $ 13,020,081 $ 13,020,081 $ 13,020,081    
Goodwill 8,019,849 8,019,861 7,992,700   $ 2,040,402
Total $ 21,039,930 $ 21,039,942 21,012,781    
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries          
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]          
Goodwill     $ 5,838,959 $ 262,345 262,345
Total         1,001,443
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Cable television franchises          
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]          
Cable television franchises         731,848
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Trademarks and other assets          
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]          
Cable television franchises         $ 7,250
v3.8.0.1
CVC - INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Jun. 20, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Goodwill, ending balance $ 2,040,402,000  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Accumulated impairment losses   $ (334,058,000)
Goodwill, ending balance 262,345,000  
Goodwill impairments 0  
Predecessor | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Goodwill, ending balance $ 596,403,000  
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DEBT - Restricted Group Credit Facility (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
1 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Apr. 17, 2013
Oct. 12, 2012
Apr. 30, 2015
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 09, 2016
Jul. 21, 2016
Oct. 31, 2015
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount   $ 480,000            
Eurodollar                
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Basis spread on variable rate   3.50%            
Base Rate                
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Basis spread on variable rate   2.50%            
Restricted Group                
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Issue Discount         $ 11,200      
Restricted Group | Revolving Credit Facility                
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount $ 1,500,000              
Restricted Group | Term A Loan Facility                
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount $ 958,510              
Restricted Group | Term A Loan Facility | Eurodollar | Minimum                
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Basis spread on variable rate 1.50%              
Restricted Group | Term A Loan Facility | Eurodollar | Maximum                
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Basis spread on variable rate 2.25%              
Restricted Group | Term A Loan Facility | Base Rate | Minimum                
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Basis spread on variable rate 0.50%              
Restricted Group | Term A Loan Facility | Base Rate | Maximum                
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Basis spread on variable rate 1.25%              
Restricted Group | Term B Loan Facility                
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount $ 1,200,000              
Write-off of deferred financings costs         1,004      
Repayments of credit facility debt     $ 200,000          
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt         $ 731      
Restricted Group | Term B Loan Facility | Eurodollar                
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Basis spread on variable rate 2.50%              
Restricted Group | Term B Loan Facility | Base Rate                
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Basis spread on variable rate 1.50%              
Revolving Credit Facility | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries                
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount           $ 2,300,000 $ 2,105,000 $ 2,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Eurodollar                
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Basis spread on variable rate       3.25%        
Revolving Credit Facility | Restricted Group                
Restricted Group Credit Facility [Abstract]                
Commitment fee percentage (in hundredths) 0.30%              
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DEBT - Newsday LLC Credit Facility (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Oct. 12, 2012
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Credit facility debt [Abstract]      
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount $ 480,000    
Notes payable to affiliates and related parties $ 611,455 $ 0 $ 1,750,000
Base Rate      
Credit facility debt [Abstract]      
Basis spread on variable rate 2.50%    
Eurodollar      
Credit facility debt [Abstract]      
Basis spread on variable rate 3.50%    
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DEBT - Credit Facility Debt (Details) - USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Credit facility debt [Abstract]        
Principal $ 5,733,013,000 $ 4,693,675,000    
Credit facility $ 5,690,002,000 $ 4,643,523,000 $ 3,444,790,000  
Restricted Group        
Credit facility debt [Abstract]        
Debt unamortized discount       $ 11,200,000
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Restricted Group        
Credit facility debt [Abstract]        
Credit facility       $ 2,035,332,000
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Restricted Group | Term A Loan Facility        
Credit facility debt [Abstract]        
Stated interest rate       2.17%
Principal       $ 886,621,000
Credit facility       $ 885,105,000
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Restricted Group | Term B Loan Facility        
Credit facility debt [Abstract]        
Stated interest rate       2.92%
Principal       $ 1,159,031,000
Credit facility       $ 1,150,227,000
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DEBT - Senior Notes and Debentures (Details) - USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Oct. 12, 2012
Senior Notes and Debentures [Abstract]          
Principal Amount $ 5,733,013,000 $ 4,693,675,000      
Senior notes due to Newsday   0 $ 1,750,000,000   $ 611,455,000
Senior Notes          
Senior Notes and Debentures [Abstract]          
Principal Amount $ 16,239,245,000 $ 16,289,245,000      
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Debentures | 7.875% Debentures due February 2018          
Senior Notes and Debentures [Abstract]          
Stated interest rate       7.875%  
Principal Amount       $ 300,000,000  
Carrying amount       $ 299,091,000  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Debentures | 7.625% Debentures due July 2018          
Senior Notes and Debentures [Abstract]          
Stated interest rate       7.625%  
Principal Amount       $ 500,000,000  
Carrying amount       $ 498,942,000  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Senior Notes | Senior 8.625% Notes due February 2019          
Senior Notes and Debentures [Abstract]          
Stated interest rate       8.625%  
Principal Amount       $ 526,000,000  
Carrying amount       $ 511,079,000  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Senior Notes | Senior 6.75% Notes due November 2021          
Senior Notes and Debentures [Abstract]          
Stated interest rate       6.75%  
Principal Amount       $ 1,000,000,000  
Carrying amount       $ 985,640,000  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Senior Notes | Senior 5.25% Notes due June 1, 2024          
Senior Notes and Debentures [Abstract]          
Stated interest rate       5.25%  
Principal Amount       $ 750,000,000  
Carrying amount       $ 737,500,000  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Senior Notes | Senior 8.625% Notes due September 2017          
Senior Notes and Debentures [Abstract]          
Stated interest rate       8.625%  
Principal Amount       $ 900,000,000  
Carrying amount       $ 891,238,000  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Senior Notes | Senior 7.75% Notes due April 2018          
Senior Notes and Debentures [Abstract]          
Stated interest rate       7.75%  
Principal Amount       $ 750,000,000  
Carrying amount       744,402,000  
Senior notes due to Newsday       $ 345,238,000  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Senior Notes | Senior 8% Notes due April 2020          
Senior Notes and Debentures [Abstract]          
Stated interest rate       8.00%  
Principal Amount       $ 500,000,000  
Carrying amount       494,410,000  
Senior notes due to Newsday       $ 266,217,000  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Senior Notes | Senior 5.875% Notes due September 2022          
Senior Notes and Debentures [Abstract]          
Stated interest rate       5.875%  
Principal Amount       $ 649,024,000  
Carrying amount       $ 638,709,000  
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DEBT - Issuance of Debt Securities (Details) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2015
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2015
Issuance of Debt Securities [Abstract]        
Principal Amount   $ 5,733,013,000 $ 4,693,675,000  
Restricted Group | Term B Loan Facility        
Issuance of Debt Securities [Abstract]        
Repayments of credit facility debt $ 200,000,000      
Senior Notes        
Issuance of Debt Securities [Abstract]        
Principal Amount   $ 16,239,245,000 $ 16,289,245,000  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Restricted Group | Term B Loan Facility        
Issuance of Debt Securities [Abstract]        
Principal Amount       $ 1,159,031,000
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Senior Notes | Senior 5.25% Notes due June 1, 2024        
Issuance of Debt Securities [Abstract]        
Principal Amount       $ 750,000,000
Stated interest rate       5.25%
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DEBT - Repurchases of Cablevision Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Oct. 12, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Notes payable to affiliates and related parties $ 0 $ 1,750,000   $ 611,455
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Senior Notes | Due April152018 [Member]        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Notes payable to affiliates and related parties     $ 345,238  
Repurchases of Cablevision Senior Notes [Abstract]        
Stated interest rate     7.75%  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Senior Notes | Senior 5.875% Notes due September 2022        
Repurchases of Cablevision Senior Notes [Abstract]        
Stated interest rate     5.875%  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Senior Notes | Due April152020 [Member]        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Notes payable to affiliates and related parties     $ 266,217  
Repurchases of Cablevision Senior Notes [Abstract]        
Stated interest rate     8.00%  
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DEBT - Debt Transaction Subsequent to Merger (Details)
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Oct. 11, 2016
USD ($)
Apr. 26, 2016
USD ($)
Apr. 17, 2013
USD ($)
Oct. 12, 2012
USD ($)
Oct. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Jun. 20, 2016
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2016
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Dec. 09, 2016
USD ($)
Jul. 21, 2016
USD ($)
Jun. 21, 2016
USD ($)
Oct. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Principal Amount           $ 5,733,013,000     $ 4,693,675,000          
Credit facility           $ 5,690,002,000     4,643,523,000 $ 3,444,790,000        
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount       $ 480,000,000                    
Repayments of lines of credit   $ 1,477,200,000                        
Document Period End Date           Mar. 31, 2018                
Base Rate                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Basis spread on variable rate       2.50%                    
Eurodollar                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Basis spread on variable rate       3.50%                    
Senior Notes                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Principal Amount           $ 16,239,245,000     $ 16,289,245,000          
CSC Credit Facilities                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Percentage of proceeds from asset sales required to pay down term loans                 100.00%          
Percentage of excess cash flow required when minimum leverage ratio is not met                 50.00%          
Percentage of excess cash flow required to pay down term loans when minimum leverage ratio is fulfilled                 0.00%          
Minimum debt leverage ratio required for zero percent of excess cash flow obligation to prepay debt                 4.5          
Line of credit facility, covenant, leverage ratio                 5.0          
Line of credit facility, covenant, minimum undrawn letters of credit                 $ 15,000,000          
Revolving Credit Facility | Eurodollar                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Basis spread on variable rate             3.25%              
Term Loan                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Repayments of lines of credit     $ 2,030,699,000 $ 480,000,000                    
Deferred financing costs $ 7,249,000                          
Issue Discount 6,250,000                          
Term Loan | Base Rate                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Basis spread on variable rate             2.25%              
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Senior Notes Due 2023 | Senior Notes                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Principal Amount                           $ 1,800,000,000
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Senior Notes Due 2025 | Senior Notes                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Principal Amount                           2,000,000,000
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Guaranteed Senior Notes Due 2025 | Senior Notes                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Principal Amount                           1,000,000,000
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Guaranteed Senior Notes Due 2027 | Senior Notes                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Stated interest rate         5.50%                  
Proceeds from credit facility debt         $ 1,310,000,000                  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | CSC Credit Facilities                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Percentage of proceeds from asset sales required to pay down term loans             100.00%              
Percentage of excess cash flow required when minimum leverage ratio is not met             50.00%              
Percentage of excess cash flow required to pay down term loans when minimum leverage ratio is fulfilled             0.00%              
Minimum debt leverage ratio required for zero percent of excess cash flow obligation to prepay debt             4.5              
Line of credit facility, covenant, leverage ratio             5.0              
Line of credit facility, covenant, minimum undrawn letters of credit             $ 15,000,000              
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Revolving Credit Facility                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Line of credit facility, aggregate principal amount                     $ 2,300,000,000 $ 2,105,000,000   2,000,000,000
Line of credit facility, increase in borrowing capacity                       $ 35,000,000 $ 70,000,000  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility Due 2020                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Line of credit facility, increase in borrowing capacity                     20,000,000      
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility Due 2021                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Line of credit facility, increase in borrowing capacity                     $ 2,280,000,000      
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Term Loan                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Principal Amount                           $ 3,800,000,000
Line of credit facility periodic payment, percentage of principal             0.25%              
Write-off the deferred financing costs and the unamortized discount $ 102,894,000                          
Line of credit facility, periodic payment amount               $ 9,500,000            
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Term Loan | Base Rate                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Basis spread on variable rate             2.00%              
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Term Loan | Extended Term Loan                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Basis spread on variable rate             3.75%              
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Term Loan | Extended Term Loan | Eurodollar                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Basis spread on variable rate             3.00%              
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Term Loan | Extended Term Loan | LIBOR                            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]                            
Basis spread on variable rate             0.75%              
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DEBT - Summary of Debt Maturities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Summary of Debt Maturities [Abstract]      
2017   $ 1,635,612  
2018 $ 612,150 583,914  
2019 1,610,232 1,615,615  
2020 3,769,132 4,183,992  
2021 708,536 693,434  
Thereafter $ 16,228,903 $ 13,796,783  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries      
Summary of Debt Maturities [Abstract]      
2017     $ 9,884,024
2018     1,200,256
2019     526,340
2020     557,348
2021     2,103,441
Thereafter     $ 1,719,180
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS - Location of Assets and Liabilities Within the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instruments - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Abstract]        
Asset Derivatives $ 72,554 $ 52,545 $ 10,956  
Liability Derivatives 123,530 239,951 91,981  
Prepaid forward contracts | Current derivative contracts        
Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Abstract]        
Asset Derivatives 9,211 52,545 352  
Liability Derivatives 9,211 52,545 13,158  
Prepaid forward contracts | Long-term derivative contracts        
Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Abstract]        
Asset Derivatives 63,343 0 10,604  
Liability Derivatives $ 4,495 $ 109,504 $ 0  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries        
Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Abstract]        
Asset Derivatives       $ 82,408
Liability Derivatives       2,706
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Prepaid forward contracts | Current derivative contracts        
Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Abstract]        
Asset Derivatives       10,333
Liability Derivatives       2,706
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Prepaid forward contracts | Long-term derivative contracts        
Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Abstract]        
Asset Derivatives       $ 72,075
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS - Settlements of Collateralized Indebtedness (Details)
$ in Thousands
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Feb. 28, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Jun. 20, 2016
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
shares
Derivative [Line Items]              
Number of shares (in shares) | shares         26,815,368    
Collateralized indebtedness settled         $ (774,703)    
Derivative contracts settled         (56,356)    
Derivatives contracts settled   $ 0 $ (150,084)   (831,059) $ (143,102)  
Proceeds from new monetization contracts   $ 0 $ 156,136   838,794 $ 179,388  
Net cash proceeds         $ 7,735    
Comcast              
Derivative [Line Items]              
Stock spit, conversion ratio 2            
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries              
Derivative [Line Items]              
Number of shares (in shares) | shares       10,802,118     26,815,368
Collateralized indebtedness settled       $ (273,519)     $ (569,562)
Derivative contracts settled       (8,075)     (69,675)
Derivatives contracts settled       (281,594)     (639,237)
Proceeds from new monetization contracts       337,149     774,703
Net cash proceeds       $ 55,555     $ 135,466
v3.8.0.1
CVC - DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]            
Gain on investments, net $ (252,576) $ 131,658   $ 237,354 $ 141,896  
Investment securities pledged as collateral       0 741,515  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2018          
Prepaid forward contracts            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) of derivative contracts $ 168,352 (71,044)   (138,920) (53,696)  
Amount of gain (loss) recognized $ 168,352 $ (71,044)   $ (138,920) $ (53,696)  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Gain on investments, net     $ 129,990     $ (30,208)
Investment securities pledged as collateral           455,386
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Investment securities pledged as collateral            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Gain on investments, net     129,510     (33,935)
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Prepaid forward contracts            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) of derivative contracts     (36,283)     104,927
Amount of gain (loss) recognized     $ (36,283)     $ 104,927
v3.8.0.1
CVC - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Prepaid forward contracts | Level II        
Assets:        
Derivative asset $ 72,554 $ 52,545 $ 10,956  
Liabilities:        
Derivative liability 13,706 162,049 13,158  
Investment securities pledged as collateral | Level I        
Assets:        
Investment securities 1,467,781 1,720,357 1,483,030  
Money market funds (of which $14,700 is classified as restricted cash as of December 31, 2016) | Level I        
Assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,121,432 $ 5,949 $ 100,139  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries        
Assets:        
Investment securities       $ 130
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Level I        
Assets:        
Investment securities       130
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Prepaid forward contracts        
Assets:        
Derivative asset       82,408
Liabilities:        
Derivative liability       2,706
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Prepaid forward contracts | Level II        
Assets:        
Derivative asset       82,408
Liabilities:        
Derivative liability       2,706
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Investment securities pledged as collateral        
Assets:        
Investment securities       1,211,982
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Investment securities pledged as collateral | Level I        
Assets:        
Investment securities       1,211,982
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Money market funds (of which $14,700 is classified as restricted cash as of December 31, 2016)        
Assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents       922,765
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Money market funds (of which $14,700 is classified as restricted cash as of December 31, 2016) | Level I        
Assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents       $ 922,765
v3.8.0.1
CVC - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2018      
Carrying Amount        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Debt, fair value $ 22,954,326 $ 21,919,331 $ 24,001,910  
Estimated Fair Value        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Debt, fair value $ 23,901,427 $ 23,279,472 $ 25,896,046  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Carrying Amount        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Debt, fair value       $ 9,521,333
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Estimated Fair Value        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Debt, fair value       9,473,141
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Credit facility debt | Carrying Amount | Level II        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Debt, fair value       2,514,454
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Credit facility debt | Estimated Fair Value | Level II        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Debt, fair value       2,525,654
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Term Loan | Carrying Amount | Level II        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Debt, fair value       1,191,324
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Term Loan | Estimated Fair Value | Level II        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Debt, fair value       1,176,396
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Senior notes and debentures | Carrying Amount | Level II        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Debt, fair value       5,801,011
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Senior notes and debentures | Estimated Fair Value | Level II        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Debt, fair value       5,756,608
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Notes payable | Carrying Amount | Level II        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Debt, fair value       14,544
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Notes payable | Estimated Fair Value | Level II        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Debt, fair value       $ 14,483
v3.8.0.1
CVC - INCOME TAXES - Income tax benefit (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Current expense (benefit):            
Federal       $ 5,261 $ (981)  
State       12,530 5,310  
Total current expense (benefit)       17,791 4,329  
Deferred benefit:            
Federal       (2,095,930) (223,159)  
State       (784,224) (40,830)  
Total deferred benefit $ (65,833) $ (52,184)   (2,880,154) (263,989)  
Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions       11 (6)  
Income tax benefit $ (60,703) $ (45,908)   $ (2,862,352) $ (259,666)  
Income tax benefit attributable to discontinued operations           $ 8,731
Current income tax benefit, discontinued operations           111
Deferred income tax benefit, noncurrent           8,620
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries            
Current expense (benefit):            
Federal     $ 6,473     4,844
State     1,917     15,869
Total current expense (benefit)     8,390     20,713
Deferred benefit:            
Federal     93,253     97,927
State     22,897     35,469
Total deferred benefit     116,150     133,396
Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions     308     763
Income tax benefit     $ 124,848     $ 154,872
v3.8.0.1
CVC - INCOME TAXES - Rate reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Line Items]            
Federal tax benefit at statutory rate       $ (478,656) $ (381,901)  
State income taxes, net of federal impact       (61,698) (39,336)  
Changes in the valuation allowance       (111) 297  
Other non-deductible expenses       3,405 1,551  
Other, net       433 (2,882)  
Income tax benefit $ (60,703) $ (45,908)   $ (2,862,352) $ (259,666)  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries            
Income Taxes [Line Items]            
Federal tax benefit at statutory rate     $ 100,926     $ 119,931
State income taxes, net of federal impact     14,825     18,874
Changes in the valuation allowance     86     (902)
Changes in the state rates used to measure deferred taxes, net of federal benefit           (1,006)
Tax expense (benefit) relating to uncertain tax positions     178     574
New York tax reform           16,334
Non-deductible officers' compensation     462     846
Non-deductible merger transaction costs     9,392      
Other non-deductible expenses     1,337     3,099
Research credit     (850)     (2,630)
Adjustment to prior year tax expense           (515)
Other, net     (1,508)     267
Income tax benefit     $ 124,848     $ 154,872
v3.8.0.1
CVC - INCOME TAXES - Deferred taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Income tax            
Deferred income tax charge $ (65,833) $ (52,184)   $ (2,880,154) $ (263,989)  
Deferred Tax Asset (Liability), Current [Abstract]            
Compensation and benefit plans       49,698 93,939  
Other liabilities       40,149 45,561  
Prepaid expenses       (8,105) (10,172)  
Deferred Tax Asset (Liability), Noncurrent [Abstract]            
Other       8,849 6,615  
Fixed assets and intangibles       (5,729,274) (9,065,635)  
Total net deferred tax liability       (4,769,286) (7,971,500)  
Excess tax benefit on share-based awards       $ 0 $ 31  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries            
Income tax            
Deferred income tax charge     $ 116,150     $ 133,396
Deferred Tax Asset (Liability), Current [Abstract]            
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards           76,007
Compensation and benefit plans           80,831
Allowance for doubtful accounts           2,196
Merger-related costs           7,332
Inventory valuation adjustment           7,135
Other liabilities           26,216
Deferred tax asset           199,717
Valuation allowance           (2,098)
Net deferred tax asset, current           197,619
Investments           (163,396)
Prepaid expenses           (19,627)
Deferred tax liability, current           (183,023)
Net deferred tax asset, current           14,596
Deferred Tax Asset (Liability), Noncurrent [Abstract]            
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards           36,866
Compensation and benefit plans           97,005
Partnership investments           123,529
Investments           9,798
Other           9,201
Deferred tax asset           276,399
Valuation allowance           (2,816)
Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent           273,583
Fixed assets and intangibles           (978,418)
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent           (978,418)
Net deferred tax liability, noncurrent           (704,835)
Total net deferred tax liability           (690,239)
Excess tax benefit on share-based awards     $ 82     $ 5,694
v3.8.0.1
CVC - INCOME TAXES - Uncertain tax positions (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2015
reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions      
Beginning balance   $ 4,025  
Increases related to prior year tax positions   11  
Ending balance   4,036  
Uncertain tax positions      
Interest expense relating to uncertain tax position   $ 659  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries      
reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions      
Beginning balance $ 4,022    
Increases related to prior year tax positions 3    
Increases related to current year tax positions 6    
Ending balance 4,031   $ 4,022
Uncertain tax positions      
Interest expense relating to uncertain tax position $ 209   $ 314
v3.8.0.1
CVC - BENEFIT PLANS - Defined Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2018
Change in projected benefit obligation:            
Benefit obligation, beginning of year   $ 403,963 $ 382,517 $ 403,963    
Interest cost $ 6,946   11,786 14,077    
Actuarial (gain) loss     13,171 (11,429)    
Benefits paid     (121,650) (28,062)    
Benefit obligation, end of year 382,517   299,066 382,517 $ 403,963  
Change in plan assets:            
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year   297,846 284,118 297,846    
Actual return on plan assets, net     6,356 5,829    
Employer contributions     26,944 8,505    
Benefits paid     (121,650) (28,062)    
Fair value of plan assets, end of year 284,118   195,768 284,118 297,846  
Unfunded status at end of year (98,399)   (103,298) (98,399)    
Accumulated benefit obligation 382,517   299,066 382,517    
Net funded status relating to defined benefit plans [Abstract]            
Defined Benefit Plans (98,399)   (103,298) (98,399)    
Less: Current portion related to nonqualified plans 14,293   135 14,293    
Long-term defined benefit plan obligations (84,106)   (103,163) (84,106)   $ (97,908)
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]            
Interest cost 6,946   11,786 14,077    
Expected return on plan assets, net (3,880)   (4,905)      
Curtailment loss 231   3,137      
Settlement loss (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss) $ (154)   $ 1,845      
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries            
Net funded status relating to defined benefit plans [Abstract]            
Long-term defined benefit plan obligations         (99,228)  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Cablevision Defined Benefit Plans            
Change in projected benefit obligation:            
Benefit obligation, beginning of year   403,963   403,963 430,846  
Service cost         344  
Interest cost   7,130     15,523  
Actuarial (gain) loss         (14,912)  
Benefits paid         (27,838)  
Benefit obligation, end of year         403,963  
Change in plan assets:            
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year   297,846   $ 297,846 303,676  
Actual return on plan assets, net         (3,921)  
Employer contributions         25,929  
Benefits paid         (27,838)  
Fair value of plan assets, end of year         297,846  
Unfunded status at end of year         (106,117)  
Accumulated benefit obligation         403,963  
Net funded status relating to defined benefit plans [Abstract]            
Defined Benefit Plans         (106,117)  
Long-term defined benefit plan obligations         (99,228)  
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]            
Service cost         344  
Interest cost   7,130     15,523  
Expected return on plan assets, net   (3,565)     (8,297)  
Curtailment loss   (1,446)     1,294  
Settlement loss (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss)   1,655     3,822  
Net periodic benefit cost   $ 3,774     12,686  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Excess Cash Balance Plan and CSC Supplemental Benefit Plan [Member]            
Net funded status relating to defined benefit plans [Abstract]            
Less: Current portion related to nonqualified plans         $ 6,889  
v3.8.0.1
CVC - BENEFIT PLANS - Plan Assumptions for Defined Benefit Plans (Details)
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2015
Net Periodic Benefit Cost        
Discount rate (in hundredths) 3.53%   3.69%  
Rate of increase in future compensation levels 0.00%   0.00%  
Expected rate of return on plan assets (Pension Plan only) 3.97%   3.90%  
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations [Abstract]        
Discount rate (in hundredths) 3.81%   3.50%  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Cablevision Defined Benefit Plans        
Net Periodic Benefit Cost        
Discount rate (in hundredths)   3.76%   3.83%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations [Abstract]        
Discount rate (in hundredths)       3.94%
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan        
Net Periodic Benefit Cost        
Expected rate of return on plan assets (Pension Plan only)   3.97%   4.03%
v3.8.0.1
CVC - BENEFIT PLANS - Asset Allocation and Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Weighted average asset allocation (in hundredths) 100.00% 100.00%  
Fair value of plan assets $ 195,768 $ 284,118 $ 297,846
Fixed income securities      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Weighted average asset allocation (in hundredths) 66.00% 55.00%  
Foreign issued corporate debt      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 10,721 $ 13,583  
Foreign issued corporate debt | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Foreign issued corporate debt | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets 10,721 13,583  
U.S. corporate debt      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets 39,992 48,046  
U.S. corporate debt | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
U.S. corporate debt | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets 39,992 48,046  
Government debt      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets 4,645 4,810  
Government debt | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Government debt | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets 4,645 4,810  
U.S. Treasury securities      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets 62,601 77,285  
U.S. Treasury securities | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
U.S. Treasury securities | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets 62,601 77,285  
Asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets 10,978 14,065  
Asset-backed securities | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Asset-backed securities | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 10,978 $ 14,065  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Weighted average asset allocation (in hundredths)     100.00%
Fair value of plan assets     $ 302,147
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets     118,067
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets     $ 184,080
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | Mutual funds      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Weighted average asset allocation (in hundredths)     39.00%
Fair value of plan assets     $ 117,174
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | Mutual funds | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets     $ 117,174
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | Fixed income securities      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Weighted average asset allocation (in hundredths)     61.00%
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | Foreign issued corporate debt      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets     $ 12,825
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | Foreign issued corporate debt | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets     12,825
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | U.S. corporate debt      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets     54,005
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | U.S. corporate debt | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets     54,005
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | Government debt      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets     8,273
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | Government debt | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets     8,273
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | U.S. Treasury securities      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets     90,414
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | U.S. Treasury securities | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets     90,414
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | Asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets     18,563
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | Asset-backed securities | Level II      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets     18,563
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | Cash Equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets     893
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Pension Plan | Cash Equivalents | Level I      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Fair value of plan assets     $ 893
v3.8.0.1
CVC - BENEFIT PLANS - Benefit Payments and Defined Contribution Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]        
Cost associated with defined contribution benefit plans   $ 27,577 $ 28,501  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries        
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]        
Cost associated with defined contribution benefit plans $ 26,964     $ 61,343
v3.8.0.1
CVC - EQUITY AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS, Cablevision's Equity Plans (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 21, 2016
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Sep. 16, 2015
Cablevision's Equity Plans [Abstract]                
Share-based compensation         $ 55,258 $ 9,849    
Share-based compensation related to equity classified awards   $ 21,623 $ 7,848   $ 57,430 $ 14,368    
Stock Options                
Cablevision's Equity Plans [Abstract]                
Share-based compensation   $ 4,122   $ 3,848     $ 9,159  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries                
Cablevision's Equity Plans [Abstract]                
Consideration transfered $ 9,958,323              
Share-based compensation       25,231     65,286  
Share-based compensation related to equity classified awards       24,778     60,321  
Income tax benefit recognized in continuing operations resulting from share-based compensation expense       10,357     26,718  
Proceeds from stock option exercises       14,411     $ 18,727  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Stock Options                
Cablevision's Equity Plans [Abstract]                
Awards authorized (in shares)             11,880,700  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Restricted Stock                
Cablevision's Equity Plans [Abstract]                
Awards authorized (in shares)             3,769,485  
Granted (in shares)             1,747,870  
Number of restricted stock units granted to non-employee directors (in shares)             466,283  
Share-based compensation       20,930     $ 51,162  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Stock Appreciation Rights                
Cablevision's Equity Plans [Abstract]                
Share-based compensation       $ 453     $ 4,965  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Performance Based Restricted Stock                
Cablevision's Equity Plans [Abstract]                
Granted (in shares)             584,400  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Cablevision Systems Corporation 2015 Employee Stock Plan | CNYG Class A Common Stock                
Cablevision's Equity Plans [Abstract]                
Granted (in shares)             79,780  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Cablevision Systems Corporation Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors | Restricted Stock                
Cablevision's Equity Plans [Abstract]                
Number of restricted stock units granted to non-employee directors (in shares)             73,056  
Non-option equity instruments, outstanding (shares)             466,283  
Employee | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Restricted Stock                
Cablevision's Equity Plans [Abstract]                
Granted (in shares)             1,724,940  
Cablevision Systems Corp.                
Cablevision's Equity Plans [Abstract]                
Business acquisition, share price (dollars per share)               $ 34.90
Consideration transfered $ 9,958,323              
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries                
Cablevision's Equity Plans [Abstract]                
Business acquisition, share price (dollars per share)             $ 34.90  
Consideration transfered             $ 439,167  
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Cablevision Systems Corporation Employee Stock Plan                
Cablevision's Equity Plans [Abstract]                
Share-based compensation related to equity classified awards             63,484  
Cablevision Systems Corp. | Employee | Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries                
Cablevision's Equity Plans [Abstract]                
Employers payroll taxes             $ 7,929  
v3.8.0.1
CVC - EQUITY AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS, Valuation Assumptions (Details) - $ / shares
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2015
Assumptions Used to Calculate the Fair Value of Stock Option Awards Granted [Abstract]      
Risk-free rate (in percentage) 2.30% 2.64%  
Expected life (in years) 6 years 5 months 9 days 6 years 5 months 27 days  
Dividend yield (in hundredths) 0.00% 0.00%  
Grant date fair value $ 8.77 $ 7.49  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Stock Options      
Assumptions Used to Calculate the Fair Value of Stock Option Awards Granted [Abstract]      
Risk-free rate (in percentage)     1.82%
Expected life (in years)     8 years
Dividend yield (in hundredths)     3.63%
Volatility (in hundredths)     39.98%
Grant date fair value     $ 5.45
v3.8.0.1
CVC - EQUITY AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS, Stock Option Award Activity (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]          
Balance at beginning of period, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share) $ 19.48        
Granted, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share) 21.22        
Balance at end of period, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share) 19.54   $ 19.48    
Options exercisable at end of period, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share) $ 0.00        
Stock Options Outstanding, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]          
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) 9 years 11 months 1 day   9 years 11 months 19 days    
Balance at beginning of period, aggregate intrinsic value $ 8,944,000        
Balance at end of period, aggregate intrinsic value $ (5,615,000)   $ 8,944,000    
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries          
Stock Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]          
Balance at beginning of period, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)   $ 15.28   $ 14.41  
Granted, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)       19.17  
Exercised, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)       12.84  
Balance at end of period, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)       $ 15.28 $ 14.41
Options exercisable at end of period, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)   13.97      
Options expected to vest in the future, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)   $ 15.45      
Stock Options Outstanding, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]          
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)       6 years 9 months 18 days 7 years 2 months 1 day
Balance at beginning of period, aggregate intrinsic value   $ 221,900   $ 79,347  
Balance at end of period, aggregate intrinsic value       $ 221,900 $ 79,347
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Time Vesting Options          
Stock Options Outstanding [Roll Forward]          
Balance at beginning of period (in shares)   6,744,000   5,097,666  
Granted (in shares)       2,000,000  
Exercised (in shares)   (744,000)   (353,666)  
Balance at end of period (in shares)   6,000,000   6,744,000 5,097,666
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Performance Based Vesting Options          
Stock Options Outstanding [Roll Forward]          
Balance at beginning of period (in shares)   6,609,217   7,633,500  
Exercised (in shares)   (728,517)   (1,024,283)  
Balance at end of period (in shares)   5,880,700   6,609,217 7,633,500
v3.8.0.1
CVC - EQUITY AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS, Restricted Stock Award Activity (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Performance Shares      
Restricted Shares, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]      
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, purchase price of common stock (percent)     150.00%
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]      
Balance at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) $ 17.53 $ 17.53 $ 15.46
Granted weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)     19.43
Vested weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)   15.35 14.48
Awards forfeited, weighted average fair value per share at date of grant (in dollars per share)   $ 18.38 17.28
Balance at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)     $ 17.53
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Restricted Stock      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (in shares) 4,967,748 4,967,748 5,314,870
Granted (in shares)     1,747,870
Vested (in shares)   (2,239,167) (1,598,363)
Forfeited (in shares)   (85,900) (496,629)
Ending balance (in shares)   2,642,681 4,967,748
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Performance Based Restricted Stock      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (in shares) 1,880,100 1,880,100 2,035,300
Granted (in shares)     584,400
Vested (in shares)   (753,296) (739,600)
Ending balance (in shares)   1,126,804 1,880,100
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Performance Shares      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (in shares) 1,772,430 1,772,430  
Granted (in shares)     1,851,700
Forfeited (in shares)   (47,490) (79,270)
Ending balance (in shares)   1,724,940 1,772,430
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Cablevision Systems Corporation Employee Stock Plan      
Restricted Shares, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]      
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, purchase price of common stock (percent)     2337963.00%
Number of restricted shares surrendered by employees (in shares) 1,248,875   1,004,950
Aggregate value of restricted shares surrendered by employees $ 41,469   $ 19,141
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Cablevision Systems Corporation Employee Stock Plan | Restricted Stock      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]      
Vested (in shares) (2,992,463)   (2,337,963)
v3.8.0.1
CVC - EQUITY AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS, Long-term Incentive Plans (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 21, 2016
Mar. 31, 2018
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2016
Carry Unit Awards            
Long-Term Incentive Plans [Abstract]            
Awards authorized (in shares)       259,442,785   259,442,785
Carry Unit Awards | Affiliates            
Long-Term Incentive Plans [Abstract]            
Granted (in shares)       11,300,000    
Carry Unit Awards | Tranche One            
Long-Term Incentive Plans [Abstract]            
Award vesting percentage 50.00% 50.00%        
Carry Unit Awards | Tranche Two            
Long-Term Incentive Plans [Abstract]            
Award vesting percentage 25.00% 25.00%   25.00%    
Carry Unit Awards | Tranche Three            
Long-Term Incentive Plans [Abstract]            
Award vesting percentage 25.00% 25.00%   25.00%    
Employee | Carry Unit Awards            
Long-Term Incentive Plans [Abstract]            
Granted (in shares)       211,670,834    
Cablevision Systems Corporation Cash Incentive Plan | Employee | Carry Unit Awards            
Long-Term Incentive Plans [Abstract]            
Granted (in shares) 102,500,000          
Cablevision Systems Corporation Cash Incentive Plan | Employee | Carry Unit Awards | Affiliates            
Long-Term Incentive Plans [Abstract]            
Granted (in shares) 100,300,000          
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries            
Long-Term Incentive Plans [Abstract]            
Award vesting percentage     100.00%      
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Cablevision Systems Corporation Cash Incentive Plan            
Long-Term Incentive Plans [Abstract]            
Long-term incentive awards compensation expense     $ 9,169   $ 27,170  
v3.8.0.1
CVC - AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Jul. 31, 2016
Jul. 06, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Sep. 30, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2018            
Investment in affiliates and related parties   $ 930 $ 5,606        
I24News and Altice NV 24/7              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Ownership percentage 25.00% 25.00%          
Investment in affiliates and related parties $ 800            
Newsday              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest         75.00%    
Ownership percentage 25.00% 25.00%          
Investment in affiliates and related parties $ 12,891            
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Investment in affiliates and related parties           $ 0  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | I24News and Altice NV 24/7              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Ownership percentage     25.00%        
Investment in affiliates and related parties     $ 1,966        
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Newsday              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest       75.00% 75.00%    
Ownership percentage       25.00% 25.00%    
Investment in affiliates and related parties             $ 8,300
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Other Related Party              
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]              
Ownership percentage     75.00%        
v3.8.0.1
CVC - AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Revenue and Related Charges (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Revenue $ 125 $ 141   $ 1,100 $ 1,086  
Operating expenses:            
Programming and other direct costs, net of credits 1,154 735   4,176 1,947  
Other operating expenses from affiliates 7,994 7,298   33,140 18,854  
Operating expenses, net 9,148 8,033   37,316 20,801  
Net charges $ 9,023 $ 55,480   $ 640,344 $ 132,427  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Revenue     $ 2,088     $ 5,343
Operating expenses:            
Programming and other direct costs, net of credits     84,636     176,909
Other operating expenses from affiliates     2,182     5,372
Operating expenses, net     86,818     182,281
Net charges     $ 84,730     $ 176,938
v3.8.0.1
CVC - AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Amounts Due From and Due to Related Parties (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]        
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2018      
Affiliates        
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]        
Amounts due from affiliates $ 21,146 $ 19,764 $ 22,182  
Amounts due to affiliates $ 11,078 $ 10,998 $ 127,363  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Affiliates        
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]        
Amounts due from affiliates       $ 767
Amounts due to affiliates       $ 29,729
v3.8.0.1
CVC - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Legal Matters (Details) - Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries
$ in Thousands
6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 12, 2016
USD ($)
Feb. 08, 2016
USD ($)
Jun. 20, 2016
item
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Marchese, et al. v. Cablevision Systems Corporation and CSC Holdings, LLC        
Legal Matters        
Number of versions of complaint dismissed without prejudice by the District Court | item     3  
Litigation settlement amount $ 15,600      
Compensation Related Claims | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale        
Legal Matters        
Litigation settlement amount   $ 21,000    
Legal expenses       $ 21,000
v3.8.0.1
CVC - INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Sep. 30, 2016
Jun. 30, 2016
Jun. 20, 2016
Mar. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Sep. 30, 2015
Jun. 30, 2015
Mar. 31, 2015
Jun. 20, 2016
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Selected Quarterly Financial Information                                    
Revenues, net $ 2,329,714 $ 2,359,808 $ 2,322,521 $ 2,322,362 $ 2,302,259 $ 2,305,901 $ 2,260,221 $ 823,501   $ 627,589           $ 9,306,950 $ 6,017,212  
Operating income 313,038 217,055 120,575 253,268 250,110 218,346 144,266 45,937   54,260           841,008 462,809  
Net income (loss) (128,949) 2,243,325 (192,434) (479,939) (76,188) (236,049) (172,553) (282,129)   (140,748)           1,494,764 (831,479)  
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests (2) (850) (135) (365) (237) (659) (256) 364   0           (1,587) (551)  
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders $ (128,951) $ 2,242,475 $ (192,569) $ (480,304) $ (76,425) $ (236,708) $ (172,809) $ (281,765)   (140,748)           $ 1,493,177 $ (832,030)  
Basic income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:                                    
Net income (in dollars per share)                               $ 2.15 $ (1.28)  
Diluted income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:                                    
Net income (in dollars per share)                               $ 2.15 $ (1.28)  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries                                    
Selected Quarterly Financial Information                                    
Revenues, net                 $ 1,491,714 1,645,890         $ 3,137,604     $ 6,545,545
Operating expenses                 (1,267,663) (1,394,635)                
Operating income                 224,051 251,255         475,306     848,471
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes                             163,512     187,789
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes                             0     (12,541)
Net income (loss)                 69,201 94,311         163,512     175,248
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests                 170 66         236     201
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders                 $ 69,371 $ 94,377         $ 163,748     $ 175,449
Basic income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:                                    
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes                 $ 0.25 $ 0.35         $ 0.60     $ 0.70
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes                             0.00     (0.05)
Net income (in dollars per share)                 0.25 0.35         0.60     0.65
Diluted income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:                                    
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes                 0.25 0.34         0.58     0.68
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes                             0.00     (0.05)
Net income (in dollars per share)                 $ 0.25 $ 0.34         $ 0.58     $ 0.63
Amounts attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholder(s):                                    
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes                 $ 69,371 $ 94,377                
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes                             $ 0     $ (12,541)
Net income                 $ 69,371 $ 94,377                
Predecessor                                    
Selected Quarterly Financial Information                                    
Revenues, net                     $ 1,636,425 $ 1,624,828 $ 1,661,940 $ 1,622,352       6,545,545
Operating expenses                     (1,439,285) (1,441,712) (1,417,476) (1,398,601)       (5,697,074)
Operating income                     197,140 183,116 244,464 223,751       848,471
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes                     33,781 23,431 75,676 54,901       187,789
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes                     (1,633) (406)   (10,502)       (12,541)
Net income (loss)                     32,148 23,025 75,676 44,399       175,248
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests                     (30) 78 (81) 234       201
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders                     $ 32,118 $ 23,103 $ 75,595 $ 44,633       $ 175,449
Basic income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:                                    
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes                     $ 0.12 $ 0.09 $ 0.28 $ 0.21       $ 0.70
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes                     (0.01)     (0.04)       (0.05)
Net income (in dollars per share)                     0.12 0.09 0.28 0.17       0.65
Diluted income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:                                    
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes                     0.12 0.08 0.27 0.20       0.68
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes                     (0.01)     (0.04)       (0.05)
Net income (in dollars per share)                     $ 0.12 $ 0.08 $ 0.27 $ 0.16       $ 0.63
Amounts attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholder(s):                                    
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes                     $ 33,751 $ 23,509 $ 75,595 $ 55,135       $ 187,990
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes                     (1,633) (406)   (10,502)       (12,541)
Net income                     $ 32,118 $ 23,103 $ 75,595 $ 44,633       $ 175,449
v3.8.0.1
CVC - BUSINESS COMBINATION - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Jun. 21, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Cablevision Systems Corp.    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Consideration transfered $ 9,958,323  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Consideration transfered $ 9,958,323  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Cablevision Systems Corp.    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Consideration transfered   $ 439,167
v3.8.0.1
CVC - BUSINESS COMBINATION - Assets and Liabilities Acquired (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Jun. 20, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Goodwill $ 8,019,849 $ 8,019,861 $ 7,992,700 $ 2,040,402  
Estimated amortization expense          
Year Ending December 31, 2017   873,133      
Amortization expense, 2018   777,846      
Amortization expense, 2019   696,240      
Amortization expense, 2020   616,718      
Year Ending December 31, 2021   $ 537,100      
Minimum | Customer relationships          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 8 years 8 years      
Minimum | Trade names          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 2 years 2 years      
Minimum | Amortizable intangible assets          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 1 year 1 year      
Maximum | Customer relationships          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 18 years 18 years      
Maximum | Trade names          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 5 years 5 years      
Maximum | Amortizable intangible assets          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life 15 years 15 years      
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Current assets     1,923,071    
Accounts receivable     271,305    
Property, plant and equipment     4,864,621    
Goodwill     5,838,959 262,345 $ 262,345
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises     8,113,575    
Other non-current assets     748,998    
Current liabilities     (2,305,954)    
Long-term debt     (8,355,386)    
Deferred income taxes.     (6,834,807)    
Other non-current liabilities     (189,355)    
Total     9,958,323    
Estimated amortization expense          
Year Ending December 31, 2017       701,908  
Amortization expense, 2018       655,409  
Amortization expense, 2019       609,245  
Amortization expense, 2020       562,613  
Year Ending December 31, 2021       $ 515,430  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Customer relationships          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible assets     4,850,000    
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Trade names          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible assets     $ 1,010,000    
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life     12 years    
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Amortizable intangible assets          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible assets     $ 23,296    
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Minimum          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life     2 years    
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Minimum | Customer relationships          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life     8 years 10 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Minimum | Amortizable intangible assets          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life     1 year 3 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Maximum          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment, useful life     18 years    
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Maximum | Customer relationships          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life     18 years 18 years  
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries | Maximum | Amortizable intangible assets          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life     15 years 28 years  
v3.8.0.1
CVC - BUSINESS COMBINATION - Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Revenue   $ 9,154,816
Net loss   $ (721,257)
Cablevision Systems Corporation And Subsidiaries    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Revenue $ 6,545,545  
Loss from continuing operations (740,115)  
Net loss $ (752,656)