Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash paid for interest	$ 667,555	$ 652,150
Cash received for interest	5,028	26,242
Cash paid for income taxes	1,979	4,355
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network	394,145	322,632
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations		3,462
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar:
Investment in EchoStar and HSSC preferred tracking stock - cost method	327,250		$ 327,250
Deferred tax in deemed distribution of redeemable noncontrolling interest	8,489
EchoStar
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar:
Investment in EchoStar and HSSC preferred tracking stock - cost method	228,795		$ 228,795
Transaction Agreement | 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		51,466
Capital distribution to EchoStar, Deferred tax	31,274
Sling TV Exchange Transaction | EchoStar
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar:
Transfer of property and equipment, net		8,978
Transfer of investments and intangibles, net		25,097
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes		5,845
Capital distribution to EchoStar, Deferred tax	$ 3,542
Deemed Distributions To Related Party In Connection With Exchange Agreement		$ 14,011