Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)	$ 422,744	$ 405,887
Cash received for interest	78,691	90,427
Cash paid for income taxes	156,337	115,126
Capitalized interest	94,414	69,153
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock	25,775	24,229
Transfer of regulatory authorization from EchoStar		23,148
Unsettled trades related to repurchase of long-term debt	12,673
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar:
Transfer of property and equipment, net	432,080
Investment in EchoStar and HSSC preferred tracking stock - cost method	316,204
Transfer of liabilities and other	44,540
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes of $31,274	51,466
Deferred tax on capital distribution to EchoStar	$ 31,274