Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($) item	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($) item	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 160,233	$ 191,314	$ 338,752	$ 373,342
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	110,377	140,428	217,658	271,545
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	15,262	15,262	30,523	30,523
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 34,594	$ 35,624	$ 90,571	$ 71,274
Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator			11
Owned Satellites	1		1
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease			7
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