Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Total revenue	$ 3,251,166	$ 3,334,444	$ 3,393,307	$ 3,383,222	$ 3,401,181	$ 3,491,559	$ 3,543,812	$ 3,570,959	$ 13,362,139	$ 14,007,511	$ 14,755,939
Operating income (loss)	466,448	542,439	549,502	508,121	376,804	424,559	219,720	588,793	2,066,510	1,609,876	2,309,121
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	$ 200,132	$ 281,272	$ 285,691	$ 204,192	$ 419,043	$ 158,424	$ (95,656)	$ 241,715	$ 971,287	$ 723,526	$ 964,614