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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Research and Development
Research and Development Expense		$ 8,000	$ 10,000	$ 24,000	$ 34,000
Dish DBS
Significant accounting policies
Total revenue			3,653,774		11,113,702	$ 14,755,939
Net income (loss) attributable to Dish DBS			188,141		738,008	964,614
Previously reported \| Dish DBS
Significant accounting policies
Total revenue			3,632,115		11,023,684	14,637,043
Net income (loss) attributable to Dish DBS			177,114		702,742	916,528
Adjustment \| Dish DBS
Significant accounting policies
Total revenue			21,659		90,018	118,896
Net income (loss) attributable to Dish DBS			$ 11,027		$ 35,266	$ 48,086
EchoStar \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Significant accounting policies
Preferred tracking stock issued by related party	6,290,499
HSSC \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Significant accounting policies
Preferred tracking stock issued by related party	81.128
Minimum
Property and Equipment
Useful life of property and equipment				1 year
Revenue Recognition
Period of deferral for the portion of subscriber fees that are deferred				4 years
Maximum
Property and Equipment
Useful life of property and equipment				40 years
Revenue Recognition
Period of deferral for the portion of subscriber fees that are deferred				5 years
Sling TV Holding \| EchoStar
Significant accounting policies
Ownership percentage owned by noncontrolling owners	10.00%
Nonvoting Interest Prior To Share Exchange				10.00%