Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows
Cash paid for interest	$ 443,283	$ 413,342
Cash received for interest	5,696	783
Cash paid for income taxes	10,583	11,338
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network	$ 242,541	329,230
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations		$ 7,510