Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows
Cash paid for interest	$ 229,548	$ 230,081
Cash received for interest	346	4,217
Cash paid for income taxes	4,276	577
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network	173,933	$ 140,595
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations	$ 988