Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows
Cash paid for interest	$ 696,379	$ 590,238
Cash received for interest	7,889	1,705
Cash paid for income taxes	23,289	22,658
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network	323,588	484,217
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations	$ 889	$ 7,850