Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($) item	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 155,115	$ 178,519
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	108,136	107,281
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	10,655	15,261
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 36,324	$ 55,977
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
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	7
Number of satalites leased from third parties	2
Dish Network | Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	1