Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows
Cash paid for interest	$ 413,342	$ 437,969
Cash received for interest	781	4,945
Cash paid for income taxes	11,338	1,487
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network	329,230	$ 278,970
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations	$ 988