Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 14, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments				$ 556,828
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Pre-tax impairment charges				$ 123,352
Discontinued Operations
Net cash flows from operating activities from discontinued operations, net	$ 30,000
Net cash flows from investing activities from discontinued operations, net, including $0 and $0 of purchases of property and equipment, respectively	$ 21,000
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount			$ (1,569,459)
Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount			$ 1,568,897
Class A common stock
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired		56,118,260
Minimum
Marketable Investment Securities
Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value would be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine if the decline in value is other-than-temporary				6 months
Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value is considered other-than-temporary				9 months
Property and Equipment
Estimated Useful Life				1 year
Business Combinations
Acquired intangible assets, average finite useful life				2 years
Revenue Recognition
Period of deferral for the portion of subscriber fees that are deferred				4 years
Maximum
Marketable Investment Securities
Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value is considered as temporary				6 months
Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value would be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine if the decline in value is other-than-temporary				9 months
Property and Equipment
Estimated Useful Life				40 years
Business Combinations
Acquired intangible assets, average finite useful life				10 years
Revenue Recognition
Period of deferral for the portion of subscriber fees that are deferred				5 years
Northstar Manager LLC
Variable Interest Entity
Number of years after wireless spectrum license is granted until put right vests			5 years
SNR Wireless Management LLC
Variable Interest Entity
Number of years after wireless spectrum license is granted until put right vests			5 years
Sling TV Holding L L C | EchoStar
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Ownership percentage owned by noncontrolling owners			10.00%
Number of days following the fifth anniversary of the Exchange Agreement to redeem			60 days