Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Satellite and transmission expenses	$ 131,384	$ 152,017	$ 431,264	$ 482,009
Trade accounts receivable	565,013		565,013		$ 623,602
Trade accounts payable	273,717		273,717		217,268
Broadband, Wireless and Other Segments
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses associated with services	14,000	10,000	40,000	30,000
Office Space from DISH Network | Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses associated with services	1,000		1,000
EchoStar
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Satellite and transmission expenses	55,000	71,000	198,000	238,000
Trade accounts receivable	1,000		1,000		4,000
Trade accounts payable	8,000		8,000		$ 6,000
Equipment sales and other revenue	$ 2,000	$ 2,000	$ 5,000	$ 7,000