Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative part 2 (Details) $ in Millions					3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 21, 2015 USD ($)	Jul. 25, 2014 item	Jul. 08, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 23, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) item
Lightsquared Harbinger Capital Partners LLC | Minimum
Loss contingencies
Claim amount	$ 1,500		$ 500
Personalized Media Communications Inc | Minimum
Loss contingencies
Claim amount					$ 150	$ 500
Personalized Media Communications Inc | Maximum
Loss contingencies
Claim amount					$ 450	$ 650
DISH Network L.L.C. | Do Not Call Litigation
Loss contingencies
Claim amount				$ 270
Claim amount from state plaintiff							$ 23,500
DISH Network L.L.C. | Do Not Call Litigation | Maximum
Loss contingencies
Claim amount from federal plaintiff							$ 900
LightSquared transaction shareholder derivative actions
Loss contingencies
Number of shareholders who filed lawsuits | item							5
Number of claims asserted by Jacksonville PFPF | item		5
LightSquared transaction shareholder derivative actions | Mr. Ergen
Loss contingencies
Number of claims asserted by Jacksonville PFPF | item		3
LightSquared transaction shareholder derivative actions | Director Defendants
Loss contingencies
Number of claims asserted by Jacksonville PFPF | item		1