Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 864,379	$ 907,687	$ 956,101
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	736,952	783,310	810,945
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 61,045	61,045	68,984
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator	13
Owned Satellites	1
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	9
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease	2
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 66,382	$ 63,332	$ 76,172
Dish Network | Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	1