Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues										$ 15,212,302	$ 15,225,493
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network	$ 1,385,483	$ 297,375	$ 40,116	$ 375,715	$ 355,493	$ 318,452	$ 424,103	$ 399,891	$ 2,098,689	1,497,939	802,374
As Previously Reported
Revenues										15,094,562	15,068,901
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network										1,449,853	747,092
Transferred Businesses
Revenues										117,740	156,592
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network										$ 48,086	$ 55,282