Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) item	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) item	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 125,016	$ 145,081	$ 382,970	$ 435,796
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	71,551	92,193	220,722	286,782
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	23,796	18,070	71,389	41,645
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense | $	$ 29,669	$ 34,818	$ 90,859	$ 107,369
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		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