Statements of Cash Flow Data (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statements of Cash Flow Data
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)	$ 539,359	$ 545,406	$ 472,586
Capitalized interest	106,323	120	17,139
Cash received for interest	92,770	37,502	36,853
Cash paid for income taxes	272,266	38,761	525,028
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock	22,280	24,804	29,127
Vendor financing			40,000
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations	6,707	10,548	5,282
Assets contributed from EchoStar to DISH Digital Holding LLC	$ 44,712