Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash paid for interest	$ 773,500	$ 852,679	$ 832,654
Cash received for interest	2,932	5,606	34,534
Cash paid for income taxes	25,839	2,632	18,186
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network	551,693	558,220	279,234
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations	1,328		3,462
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar:
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes of $31,274			51,466
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes of $3,542			11,963
Deferred tax in capital distribution to EchoStar			3,542
Deferred tax in deemed distribution of redeemable noncontrolling interest			8,489
Deemed Distribution Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value Net Of Deferred Tax			14,011
EchoStar
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar:
Cost Method Investments	$ 228,795	$ 228,795
Deferred tax in the capital distribution to EchoStar relating to satellite and tracking stock transaction			31,274
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction | EchoStar
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar:
Transfer of property and equipment, net			432,080
Cost Method Investments			316,204
Transfer of liabilities and other			44,540
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes of $31,274			51,466
Sling TV Exchange Transaction | EchoStar
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar:
Transfer of property and equipment, net			8,978
Transfer of investments and intangibles, net			25,097
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes of $3,542			5,845
Deemed Distribution Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value Net Of Deferred Tax			$ 14,011