Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 741,772	$ 832,435	$ 870,996
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	539,434	643,114	679,543
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 61,045	61,045	61,045
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator	12
Owned Satellites	1
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	8
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease	2
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 141,293	$ 128,276	$ 130,408
Dish Network [Member] | Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	1