Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($) item	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 135,085	$ 155,115
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	79,682	108,136
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	23,797	10,655
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 31,606	$ 36,324
Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator	11
Owned Satellites	2
Number of satellites leased from third parties	2
EchoStar | Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	1
Dish Network | Pay-TV Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease	6