Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) item	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) item	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 189,726	$ 202,046	$ 563,068	$ 627,168
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	139,702	154,802	411,247	485,819
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	15,261	15,261	45,784	45,784
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 34,763	$ 31,983	$ 106,037	$ 95,565
Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator			12
Owned Satellites	1		1
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease			8
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease			2
Dish Networks | Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease			1