Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 1 (Details) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 23, 2010	May 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 item
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Subscriber-related expenses			$ 2,171,678	$ 2,167,880	$ 4,323,105	$ 4,272,976
EchoStar
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Subscriber-related expenses			$ 2,000	$ 3,000	$ 5,000	$ 6,000
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