Stock-Based Compensation - Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Details) - DISH Network Awards - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock unit activity
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	1,336,000	1,382,250	1,731,332
Granted (in shares)	1,871,375	67,060	62,530
Vested (in shares)	(14,845)	(60)	(125,280)
Forfeited and cancelled (in shares)	(707,810)	(113,250)	(286,332)
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares)	2,484,720	1,336,000	1,382,250
Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 32.11	$ 32.01	$ 32.60
Granted (in dollars per share)	63.87	56.35	68.79
Vested (in dollars per share)	62.58	49.15	63.92
Forfeited and cancelled (in dollars per share)	48.59	45.12	29.67
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 51.16	$ 32.11	$ 32.01
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Restricted stock unit activity
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	1,336,000	1,382,250
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares)	2,435,500	1,336,000	1,382,250
Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 32.11	$ 32.01
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 50.91	$ 32.11	$ 32.01