Number of geographical license areas.

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	ddbs_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of licenses in geographical license areas.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	ddbs_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of other satellites relocated in event of failure or loss of any satellite.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ddbs_NumberOfOtherSatellitesRelocatedInEventOfFailureOrLossOfAnySatellite
Namespace Prefix:	ddbs_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents option to renew the lease for an additional term.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	ddbs_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents option to renew the lease for an additional term if the company exercises its renewal option.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	ddbs_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
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- Definition

The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying amount (original costs adjusted for previously recognized amortization and impairment) as of the balance sheet date for the capitalized costs to acquire rights under a license arrangement (for example, to sell specified products in a specified territory) having an indefinite period of benefit.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16323-109275

+ Details

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

- Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

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Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
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- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=ddbs_MultichannelVideoDistributionAndDataServiceLicensesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
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- Details

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- Details

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- Details

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- Details

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- Details

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Property and Equipment (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 item	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property and Equipment
Number of other satellites to be relocated in the event of failure or loss of any satellite	1
Depreciation and amortization	$ 956,101	$ 905,987	$ 898,682
FCC authorizations	635,794	635,794
DBS Licenses
Property and Equipment
FCC authorizations	611,794	611,794
MVDDS Licenses
Property and Equipment
FCC authorizations	24,000	24,000
Number of licenses in geographical license areas	82
Number of geographical license areas	214
Minimum
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	1 year
Maximum
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	40 years
EchoStar I
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	12 years
EchoStar VII
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	15 years
EchoStar X
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	15 years
EchoStar XI
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	15 years
EchoStar XIV
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	15 years
EchoStar XV
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	15 years
EchoStar XVIII
Property and Equipment
Depreciable life of assets	15 years
148 degree orbital location
Property and Equipment
Depreciation and amortization			$ 67,776
EchoStar XVI
Property and Equipment
Option to renew the lease for an additional period	6 years
Another option to renew the lease if renewal option exercised	5 years