Property and Equipment (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 249,220	$ 230,170
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	195,214	167,212
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	29,896	33,866
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 24,110	$ 29,092
Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator	14
Owned Satellites	1
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	11
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease	2
EchoStar XV
Depreciation and amortization expense
Estimated Useful Life	15 years
EchoStar XVIII
Depreciation and amortization expense
Estimated Useful Life	15 years