Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash paid for interest	$ 437,969	$ 422,338
Cash received for interest	4,945	17,588
Cash paid for income taxes	1,487	4,321
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network	278,970	252,913
Unsettled trades relating to repurchases of long-term debt		12,673
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar:
Investment in EchoStar and HSSC preferred tracking stock - cost method	327,250		$ 327,250
EchoStar
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar:
Investment in EchoStar and HSSC preferred tracking stock - cost method	$ 228,795		$ 228,795
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction | EchoStar
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar:
Transfer of property and equipment, net		432,080
Investment in EchoStar and HSSC preferred tracking stock - cost method		316,204
Transfer of liabilities and other		44,540
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes of $31,274		51,466
Deferred taxes for capital distribution to EchoStar		$ 31,274