Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 1 (Details) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 23, 2010	May. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 item
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Subscriber-related expenses			$ 2,151,427	$ 2,105,096
EchoStar
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Subscriber-related expenses			$ 3,000	$ 3,000
EchoStar | Remanufactured Receiver Agreement | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party			60 days
EchoStar | El Paso Lease Agreement | Dish Network
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of consecutive three year renewal options | item					4
Agreement Renewal Option Term					3 years
EchoStar | EchoStar XV
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notice period for termination of agreement		30 days
EchoStar | DISH Remote Access Services Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term	5 years
Automatic renewal period			1 year
Additional term of renewal option			1 year
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity			120 days
EchoStar | Sling Service Services Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term	5 years
Automatic renewal period			1 year
Additional term of renewal option			1 year
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity			120 days