Amount equal to the present value (the principal) at the beginning of the lease term of minimum lease payments during the lease term (excluding that portion of the payments representing executory costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes to be paid by the lessor, together with any profit thereon) net of payments or other amounts applied to the principal through the balance sheet date.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 16

-Article 7

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6455398&loc=d3e45280-112737

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all debt, including all short-term borrowings, long-term debt, and capital lease obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.13,16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of long-term debt before deduction of unamortized discount or premium. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, with initial maturities beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 20

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 16

-Article 9

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Fair value amount of debt instrument that was repurchased.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The fair value amount of long-term debt whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash outflow for the settlement of long-term borrowing, with the highest claim on the assets of the entity in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, as it matures.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 15

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3291-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MaturitiesOfSeniorDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the portion of long-term, uncollateralized debt obligations due within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.20)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 20

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ddbs_MortgageAndOtherNotesPayableMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ddbs_SeniorNotes4.25PercentDue2018Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ddbs_SeniorNotes4.625PercentDue2017Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ddbs_SeniorNotes5.125PercentDue2020Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ddbs_SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2022Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2023Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ddbs_SeniorNotes6.625PercentDue2014Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ddbs_SeniorNotes6.750PercentDue2021Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ddbs_SeniorNotes7.125PercentDue2016Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ddbs_SeniorNotes7.750PercentDue2015Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ddbs_SeniorNotes7.875PercentDue2019Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ddbs_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2013Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Long-Term Debt (Details 2) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Details 2) (USD $)	Oct. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 01, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	May 16, 2012	Apr. 05, 2013	May 05, 2011	Dec. 27, 2012
Long-term debt
Carrying Value		$ 13,409,313,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount		$ 13,164,893,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount	$ 11,615,427,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
Fair Value		14,025,557,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue		13,655,890,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue	12,783,027,000us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue
Capital lease obligations		219,902,000us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations		201,867,000us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations	248,304,000us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion)		13,629,215,000us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations			11,863,731,000us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
Interest rate (as a percent)		7.00%
7 % Senior Notes due 2013
Long-term debt
Carrying Value					500,000,000
Fair Value					521,875,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	7.00%	7.00%			7.00%	7.00%
Debt repurchased						49,000,000
Principal balance of debt redeemed	451,000,000	500,000,000
6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014
Long-term debt
Carrying Value		1,000,000,000		900,000,000	1,000,000,000
Fair Value		1,040,200,000		900,000,000	1,078,500,000
Interest rate (as a percent)		6.625%		6.625%	6.625%
Debt repurchased				100,000,000
Principal balance reclassified to current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations		1,000,000,000
6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014 \| Subsequent event
Long-term debt
Principal balance of debt redeemed			900,000,000
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015
Long-term debt
Carrying Value		750,000,000		650,001,000	750,000,000
Fair Value		813,750,000		673,564,000	844,725,000
Interest rate (as a percent)		7.75%		7.75%	7.75%
Debt repurchased				100,000,000
Principal balance reclassified to current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations				650,000,000
7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016
Long-term debt
Carrying Value		1,500,000,000		1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000
Fair Value		1,657,500,000		1,591,875,000	1,683,750,000
Interest rate (as a percent)		7.125%		7.125%	7.125%
4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017
Long-term debt
Carrying Value		900,000,000		900,000,000	900,000,000
Fair Value		946,962,000		918,099,000	940,500,000
Interest rate (as a percent)		4.625%		4.625%	4.625%		4.625%
4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018
Long-term debt
Carrying Value		1,200,000,000		1,200,000,000
Fair Value		1,221,792,000		1,207,200,000
Interest rate (as a percent)		4.25%		4.25%	4.25%			4.25%
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019
Long-term debt
Carrying Value		1,400,000,000		1,400,000,000	1,400,000,000
Fair Value		1,603,000,000		1,589,000,000	1,669,500,000
Interest rate (as a percent)		7.875%		7.875%	7.875%
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020
Long-term debt
Carrying Value		1,100,000,000		1,100,000,000
Fair Value		1,104,950,000		1,127,500,000
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.125%		5.125%	5.125%			5.125%
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021
Long-term debt
Carrying Value		2,000,000,000		2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000
Fair Value		2,122,500,000		2,146,260,000	2,280,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)		6.75%		6.75%	6.75%				6.75%
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022
Long-term debt
Carrying Value		2,000,000,000		2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000
Fair Value		1,997,500,000		2,040,000,000	2,150,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.875%		5.875%	5.875%		5.875%
5% Senior Notes due 2023
Long-term debt
Carrying Value		1,500,000,000		1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000
Fair Value		1,458,090,000		1,447,500,000	1,548,750,000
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.00%		5.00%	5.00%					5.00%
Mortgages and other notes payable
Long-term debt
Carrying Value		59,313,000		14,892,000	65,427,000
Fair Value		$ 59,313,000		$ 14,892,000	$ 65,427,000