Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network	$ 225,732	$ 334,760	$ 586,042	$ 884,154
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock:
Basic (in shares)	450,292	445,579	448,791	444,475
Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding (in shares)	2,785	1,718	2,634	1,319
Diluted (in shares)	453,077	447,297	451,425	445,794
Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock:
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)	$ 0.50	$ 0.75	$ 1.31	$ 1.99
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)	$ 0.50	$ 0.75	$ 1.30	$ 1.98