Statements of Cash Flow Data (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statements of Cash Flow Data
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)	$ 880,244	$ 539,070	$ 545,461
Capitalized interest	136,508	106,323
Cash received for interest	201,480	92,339	37,030
Cash paid for income taxes	273,597	272,167	38,761
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock	24,230	22,280	24,804
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations	1,070	5,857	10,548
Assets contributed from EchoStar to DISH Digital Holding LLC		$ 44,712