Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network	$ 314,908	$ (158,461)	$ 519,454	$ 427,581
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock:
Basic (in shares)	457,377	451,042	455,372	449,547
Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding (in shares)	3,338		3,024	2,772
Diluted (in shares)	460,715	451,042	458,396	452,319
Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock:
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)	$ 0.69	$ (0.35)	$ 1.14	$ 0.95
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)	$ 0.68	$ (0.35)	$ 1.13	$ 0.95