Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) item	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 178,519	$ 182,028
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	107,281	131,117
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	15,261	15,261
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 55,977	$ 35,650
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
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	8
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease	2
Dish Network | Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	1