In a business acquisition by a related party, represents the acquisition-date fair value of the total consideration transferred which consists of the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets transferred by the acquirer, the liabilities incurred by the acquirer to former owners of the acquiree, and the equity interests issued by the acquirer.

No definition available.

Name:	ddbs_RelatedPartyBusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred
Namespace Prefix:	ddbs_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (Dish Network, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2008	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012 TerreStar Networks, Inc. ("TerreStar")	Jun. 30, 2011 TerreStar Networks, Inc. ("TerreStar")	Mar. 31, 2012 DBSD North America	Jun. 30, 2011 DBSD North America	Jun. 30, 2012 DBSD North America	Dec. 31, 2011 Sprint Settlement Agreement
Spectrum Investments
Payment to acquire certain 700 MHz wireless licenses	$ 712
Commitment by related party to acquire equity ownership (as a percent)					100.00%	100.00%
Purchase price of assets		$ 2,860	$ 1,382	$ 1,375		$ 1,400	$ 1,364	$ 114