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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 13, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Entity Registrant Name	DISH Network CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0001001082
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2014
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 14,000,000,000
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Class A common stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		223,394,481
Class B common stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		238,435,208

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 7,104,496	$ 4,700,022
Marketable investment securities	2,131,745	5,039,382
Trade accounts receivable - other, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $23,603 and $15,981, respectively	920,103	902,416
Trade accounts receivable - EchoStar, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero	31,390	55,102
Inventory	493,754	512,707
Deferred tax assets	25,667	129,864
Prepaid income taxes	32,435	118,021
Current assets - discontinued operations (Note 2)		68,239
Derivative financial instruments (Note 2)	383,460	292,507
FCC auction deposits	1,320,000	328,134
Other current assets	134,684	167,052
Total current assets	12,577,734	12,313,446
Noncurrent Assets:
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities	86,984	94,861
Property and equipment, net	3,773,539	4,097,711
FCC authorizations	4,968,171	3,296,665
Marketable and other investment securities	327,250	151,273
Noncurrent assets - discontinued operations		9,965
Other noncurrent assets, net	373,784	392,509
Total noncurrent assets	9,529,728	8,042,984
Total assets	22,107,462	20,356,430
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable - other	165,324	281,932
Trade accounts payable - EchoStar	251,669	355,023
Deferred revenue and other	891,373	843,386
Accrued programming	1,376,130	1,242,129
Accrued interest	227,158	232,734
Other accrued expenses	519,404	512,081
Current liabilities - discontinued operations (Note 10)		49,471
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations (Note 11)	681,467	1,034,893
Total current liabilities	4,112,525	4,551,649
Long-Term Obligations, Net of Current Portion:
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	13,782,313	12,596,793
Deferred tax liabilities	1,882,711	1,945,690
Long-term liabilities - discontinued operations		19,804
Long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities	276,281	245,489
Total long-term obligations, net of current portion	15,941,305	14,807,776
Total liabilities	20,053,830	19,359,425
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 16)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Note 2)	41,498
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit):
Additional paid-in capital	2,678,791	2,588,224
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	174,507	173,872
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	723,992	(220,701)
Treasury stock, at cost	(1,569,459)	(1,569,459)
Total DISH Network stockholders' equity (deficit)	2,013,009	977,080
Noncontrolling interests	(875)	19,925
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)	2,012,134	997,005
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	22,107,462	20,356,430
Class A common stock
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit):
Common stock	2,794	2,760
Class B common stock
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit):
Common stock	$ 2,384	$ 2,384

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - other	$ 23,603	$ 15,981
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - EchoStar	$ 0	$ 0
Class A common stock
Current Assets:
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	1,600,000,000	1,600,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	279,406,646	275,950,537
Common stock, shares outstanding	223,288,386	219,832,277
Class B common stock
Current Assets:
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	238,435,208	238,435,208
Common stock, shares outstanding	238,435,208	238,435,208

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue:
Subscriber-related revenue	$ 14,495,091	$ 13,764,774	$ 13,064,936
Equipment sales and other revenue	85,815	94,855	98,480
Equipment sales, services and other revenue - EchoStar	62,481	45,236	17,918
Total revenue	14,643,387	13,904,865	13,181,334
Costs and Expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below - Note 8):
Subscriber-related expenses	8,313,046	7,818,061	7,254,458
Satellite and transmission expenses:
Satellite and transmission expenses	693,114	535,541	466,240
Cost of sales - equipment, services and other	107,777	91,902	97,965
Subscriber acquisition costs:
Cost of sales - subscriber promotion subsidies	255,913	281,772	267,133
Other subscriber acquisition costs	988,718	1,093,214	977,437
Subscriber acquisition advertising	566,687	467,884	442,757
Total subscriber acquisition costs	1,811,318	1,842,870	1,687,327
General and administrative expenses	815,745	776,711	722,045
Litigation expense (Note 16)			730,457
Depreciation and amortization (Note 8)	1,077,936	1,054,026	964,484
Impairment of long-lived assets (Note 8)		437,575
Total costs and expenses	12,818,936	12,556,686	11,922,976
Operating income (loss)	1,824,451	1,348,179	1,258,358
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	61,841	148,865	99,091
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(611,209)	(744,985)	(536,236)
Other, net	(69,341)	384,856	173,697
Total other income (expense)	(618,709)	(211,264)	(263,448)
Income (loss) before income taxes	1,205,742	1,136,915	994,910
Income tax (provision) benefit, net	(276,840)	(299,826)	(331,991)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	928,902	837,089	662,919
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(47,343)	(37,179)
Net income (loss)	928,902	789,746	625,740
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(15,791)	(17,746)	(10,947)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network	$ 944,693	$ 807,492	$ 636,687
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock:
Basic (in shares)	460,126	456,044	450,264
Diluted (in shares)	462,927	459,166	452,899
Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock:
Basic net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)	$ 2.05	$ 1.87	$ 1.49
Basic net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)		(0.10)	(0.08)
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)	2.05	1.77	1.41
Diluted net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)	2.04	1.86	1.49
Diluted net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)		(0.10)	(0.08)
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)	$ 2.04	$ 1.76	$ 1.41
Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Net income (loss)	$ 928,902	$ 789,746	$ 625,740
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,878	1,155	4,106
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	(11,729)	123,233	265,785
Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss)	7,050	(148,603)	(150,239)
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	1,436	9,284	(12,892)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	635	(14,931)	106,760
Comprehensive income (loss)	929,537	774,815	732,500
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(15,791)	(17,746)	(10,947)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to DISH Network	$ 945,328	$ 792,561	$ 743,447

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	EchoStar Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction Additional Paid-In Capital	EchoStar Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction	EchoStar Sling TV Exchange Transaction with EchoStar Additional Paid-In Capital	EchoStar Sling TV Exchange Transaction with EchoStar Noncontrolling Interest	EchoStar Sling TV Exchange Transaction with EchoStar	EchoStar Additional Paid-In Capital	EchoStar Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	EchoStar	Class A and B Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interest	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Northstar Spectrum And SNR Holdco	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011									$ 5,031	$ 2,274,005	$ 82,043	$ (1,211,990)	$ (1,569,459)	$ 1,367			$ (419,003)
Issuance of Class A common stock:
Exercise of stock awards									50	91,146				46			91,242
Employee benefits									8	22,272							22,280
Employee Stock Purchase Plan									1	3,609							3,610
Non-cash, stock-based compensation										40,719				251			40,970
Income tax (expense) benefit related to stock awards and other										8,875							8,875
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net											115,546						115,546
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities											(12,892)						(12,892)
Foreign currency translation											(4,106)						(4,106)
Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock ($1.00 per share)												(452,890)					(452,890)
Disposition of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary														(668)			(668)
Assets contributed by EchoStar to Sling TV Holding L.L.C.														44,712			44,712
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests														(10,947)			(10,947)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network												636,687					636,687
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012									5,090	2,440,626	188,803	(1,028,193)	(1,569,459)	34,761			71,628
Issuance of Class A common stock:
Exercise of stock awards									46	71,997							72,043
Employee benefits									7	24,223							24,230
Employee Stock Purchase Plan									1	4,468							4,469
Non-cash, stock-based compensation										30,628				27			30,655
Income tax (expense) benefit related to stock awards and other										19,430				1			19,431
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net											(25,370)						(25,370)
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities											9,284						9,284
Foreign currency translation											(1,155)						(1,155)
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes						$ 3,148		$ 3,148
Noncontrolling interest recognized with acquisition of a controlling interest in a subsidiary														(2,882)			(2,882)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests														(17,746)			(17,746)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network												807,492					807,492
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013									5,144	2,588,224	173,872	(220,701)	(1,569,459)	19,925			997,005
Issuance of Class A common stock:
Exercise of stock awards									29	44,719							44,748
Employee benefits									4	25,777							25,781
Employee Stock Purchase Plan									1	6,185							6,186
Non-cash, stock-based compensation										34,055				71		$ 27	34,126
Income tax (expense) benefit related to stock awards and other										41,707				(691)			41,016
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net											(4,679)						(4,679)
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities											1,436						1,436
Foreign currency translation											(3,878)						(3,878)
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes	$ 51,466	$ 51,466	$ 5,845	$ 6,118	$ 11,963
Deemed distribution to EchoStar-initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest, net of deferred taxes of $8,489					$ (14,011)	(14,011)	$ 22,500	(14,011)
Capital contribution from EchoStar- sale of T2 satellite, net of deferred taxes of $5,554						$ 9,446		$ 9,446
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest excluding redeemable noncontrolling nterest														(14,062)		(1,729)	(14,062)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests																	(15,791)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network												944,693					944,693
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014									$ 5,178	$ 2,678,791	$ 174,507	$ 723,992	$ (1,569,459)	$ (875)		$ 41,498	2,012,134
Issuance of Class A common stock:
Initial value of northstar Spectrum and SNR Holdco															$ 20,700		$ 41,498

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Cash dividend per share (in dollars per share)		$ 1
Deferred tax in deemed distribution of redeemable noncontrolling interest	$ 8,489
Deferred tax related to capital contribution	5,554
EchoStar \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Deferred tax on capital distribution to EchoStar	31,274
EchoStar \| Sling TV Exchange Transaction with EchoStar
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Deferred tax on capital distribution to EchoStar	$ 3,542

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended			84 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 407,921	$ 170,817	$ 283,154	$ 210,676	$ 928,902	$ 789,746	$ 625,740
Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			(7,097)	(1,558)		(47,343)	(37,179)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	407,921	170,817	290,251	212,234	928,902	837,089	662,919
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization					1,077,936	1,054,026	964,484
Impairment of long-lived assets						437,575
Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments					60,515	(387,675)	(172,314)
Non-cash, stock-based compensation					34,153	29,730	39,327
Deferred tax expense (benefit)					134,535	126,194	369,224
Other, net					137,544	65,987	8,241
Changes in current assets and current liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable - other					(17,407)	(69,086)	(64,364)
Allowance for doubtful accounts					8,649	2,147	1,919
Advances (to) from discontinued operations						48,803	(34,075)
Prepaid income taxes					85,586	26,397	(110,608)
Trade accounts receivable - EchoStar					23,712	(28,142)	(2,284)
Inventory					(5,090)	(12,654)	85,321
Other current assets					(2,583)	(71,324)	27,222
Trade accounts payable					(106,808)	35,895	90,303
Trade accounts payable - EchoStar					(103,355)	73,157	54,636
Deferred revenue and other					47,988	3,497	22,425
Accrued programming and other accrued expenses					103,854	137,581	61,342
Net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations					2,408,131	2,309,197	2,003,718
Net cash flows from operating activities from discontinued operations, net					(30,007)	(36,732)	8,157
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Purchases of marketable investment securities					(4,119,489)	(6,356,136)	(3,971,451)
Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities					7,054,104	4,999,639	2,046,648
Purchases of derivative financial instruments					(149,969)	(805,996)
Settlement of derivative financial instruments (Note 2)						718,847
Purchases of property and equipment					(1,215,861)	(1,253,499)	(945,334)
Change in restricted cash and marketable investment securities					7,886	38,782	(2,177)
DBSD North America Transaction, less cash acquired of $5,230							(40,015)
TerreStar Transaction							(36,942)
Purchase of FCC authorizations - H Block wireless spectrum licenses					(1,343,372)	(328,134)		$ (5,000,000)
AWS-3 auction deposit					(1,320,000)
Other, net					102,777	(48,360)	(54,811)
Net cash flows from investing activities from continuing operations					(983,924)	(3,034,857)	(3,004,082)
Net cash flows from investing activities from discontinued operations, net, including $0, $1,782, and $12,232 of purchases of property and equipment, respectively					20,847	13,773	(15,132)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt					2,000,000	2,300,000	4,400,000
Proceeds from issuance of restricted debt						2,600,000
Redemption of restricted debt						(2,600,000)
Funding of restricted debt escrow						(2,596,750)
Release of restricted debt escrow						2,596,771
Repurchases and redemption of long-term debt					(1,099,999)	(500,000)
Debt issuance costs					(7,677)	(11,146)	(13,246)
Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations					(31,653)	(37,869)	(36,090)
Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan					50,934	76,512	94,852
Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock							(452,890)
Other					68,662	24,422	11,307
Net cash flows from financing activities from continuing operations					980,267	1,851,940	4,003,933
Net cash flows from financing activities from discontinued operations, net						(435)	(1,449)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations						156	1,887
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations					2,404,474	1,126,280	3,003,569
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period from continuing operations		4,700,022		3,573,742	4,700,022	3,573,742	570,173
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period from continuing operations	$ 7,104,496		4,700,022		7,104,496	4,700,022	3,573,742	$ 7,104,496
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations					(9,160)	(23,238)	(6,537)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period from discontinued operations		$ 9,160		$ 32,398	$ 9,160	32,398	38,935
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period from discontinued operations			$ 9,160			$ 9,160	$ 32,398

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Purchases of property and equipment, discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 1,782	$ 12,232
DBSD North America Transaction, cash acquired			$ 5,230

Organization and Business Activities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Organization and Business Activities

Organization and Business Activities

1.Organization and Business Activities

Principal Business

DISH Network Corporation is a holding company. Its subsidiaries (which together with DISH Network Corporation are referred to as “DISH Network,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and/or “our,” unless otherwise required by the context) operate two primary business segments.

DISH. The DISH® branded pay-TV service (“DISH”) had 13.978 million subscribers in the United States as of December 31, 2014. The DISH branded pay-TV service consists of, among other things, Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licenses authorizing us to use direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) and Fixed Satellite Service (“FSS”) spectrum, our owned and leased satellites, receiver systems, third-party broadcast operations, customer service facilities, a leased fiber optic network, in-home service and call center operations, and certain other assets utilized in our operations. In addition, we market broadband services under the dishNET™ brand, which had 0.577 million subscribers in the United States as of December 31, 2014. This service utilizes advanced technology and high-powered satellites launched by Hughes Communications, Inc. (“Hughes”) and ViaSat, Inc. (“ViaSat”) to provide broadband coverage nationwide. This service primarily targets rural residents that are underserved, or unserved, by wireline broadband. In addition to the dishNET branded satellite broadband service, we also offer wireline voice and broadband services under the dishNET brand as a competitive local exchange carrier to consumers living in a 14-state region in the western United States. We primarily bundle our dishNET branded services with our DISH branded pay-TV service.

· Wireless

DISH Spectrum. We have invested over $5.0 billion since 2008 to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets. These wireless spectrum licenses are subject to certain interim and final build-out requirements. As we review our options for the commercialization of our wireless spectrum, we may incur significant additional expenses and may have to make significant investments related to, among other things, research and development, wireless testing and wireless network infrastructure, as well as the acquisition of additional wireless spectrum.

AWS-3 Auction. On February 13, 2015, Northstar Wireless, LLC (“Northstar Wireless”) and SNR Wireless LicenseCo, LLC (“SNR Wireless”) each filed applications with the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) to acquire certain AWS-3 wireless spectrum licenses (the “AWS-3 Licenses”) that were made available in the auction designated by the FCC as Auction 97 (the “AWS-3 Auction”) for which it was named as winning bidder and had made the required down payments. Issuance of any AWS-3 licenses to Northstar Wireless or SNR Wireless depends, among other things, upon the FCC’s review and approval of the applications filed by Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless. We cannot predict the timing or the outcome of the FCC’s review of those applications. We own an 85% non-controlling interest in each of Northstar Spectrum, LLC (“Northstar Spectrum”) and SNR Wireless Holdco, LLC (“SNR Holdco”), the parent companies of Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless, respectively. After Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless have made the final payments to the FCC for the AWS-3 Licenses, our total non-controlling equity and debt investments in these entities and their parent companies, respectively, will be approximately $9.778 billion. As of December 31, 2014, Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless had made aggregate refundable upfront payments to the FCC of approximately $920 million for the AWS-3 Auction, at which time our total non-controlling equity and debt investments in these entities and their parent companies, respectively, was approximately $899 million. Under the applicable accounting guidance in Accounting Standards Codification 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”), Northstar Spectrum and SNR Holdco are considered variable interest entities and, based on the characteristics of the structure of these entities and in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, we have consolidated these entities into our financial statements beginning in the fourth quarter 2014.

In the event that the FCC grants the Northstar Licenses and the SNR Licenses, we may need to make significant additional loans to the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities, or they may need to partner with others, so that the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities may commercialize, build-out and integrate the Northstar Licenses and the SNR Licenses, and comply with regulations applicable to the Northstar Licenses and the SNR Licenses. Depending upon the nature and scope of such commercialization, build-out, integration efforts, and regulatory compliance, any such loans or partnerships could vary significantly. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain a profitable return on our non-controlling investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities.

See Note 16 in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

We consolidate all majority owned subsidiaries, investments in entities in which we have controlling influence and variable interest entities where we have been determined to be the primary beneficiary. Minority interests are recorded as noncontrolling interests or redeemable noncontrolling interests. See below for further discussion. Non-majority owned investments are accounted for using the equity method when we have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the investee. When we do not have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of an investee, the cost method is used. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Sling TV. Sling TV Holding L.L.C. (“Sling TV,” formerly known as DISH Digital Holding L.L.C.) has been consolidated into our financial statements since July 1, 2012. Effective August 1, 2014, EchoStar Corporation (“EchoStar”) and Sling TV entered into an exchange agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV distributed certain assets to EchoStar and EchoStar reduced its interest in Sling TV to a ten percent non-voting interest. EchoStar’s ten percent non-voting interest is redeemable, subject to certain conditions, at fair value within sixty days following the fifth anniversary of the Exchange Agreement. This interest is considered temporary equity and is recorded as “Redeemable noncontrolling interest” in the mezzanine section of our Consolidated Balance Sheets. EchoStar’s redeemable noncontrolling interest in Sling TV was initially accounted for at fair value, which established a minimum threshold value for this interest. Redemption of the interest is contingent on a certain performance goal being achieved by Sling TV, which is not yet probable of being achieved. At such time that we determine the performance goal to be probable, the value of EchoStar’s redeemable noncontrolling interest in Sling TV will be adjusted for any change in redemption value above the minimum threshold through “Redeemable noncontrolling interest,” with the offset recorded in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, the operating results of Sling TV attributable to EchoStar are recorded as “Redeemable noncontrolling interest” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets effective August 1, 2014, with the offset recorded in “Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). See Note 20 for further discussion on Sling TV and the Exchange Agreement.

Northstar Wireless. Northstar Wireless is a wholly owned subsidiary of Northstar Spectrum, which is an entity owned by Northstar Manager, LLC (“Northstar Manager”) and us. Under the applicable accounting guidance in ASC 810, Northstar Spectrum is considered a variable interest entity and, based on the characteristics of the structure of this entity and in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, is consolidated into our financial statements beginning in the fourth quarter 2014. After the five-year anniversary of the grant of wireless licenses to Northstar Wireless, Northstar Manager has the ability, but not the obligation, to require Northstar Spectrum to purchase Northstar Manager’s ownership interests in Northstar Spectrum (the “Northstar Put Right”) for a purchase price that equals its equity contribution to Northstar Spectrum plus a fixed annual rate of return. In the event that the Northstar Put Right is exercised by Northstar Manager, the consummation of the sale will be subject to FCC approval. Northstar Spectrum does not have a call right with respect to Northstar Manager’s ownership interests in Northstar Spectrum. Although Northstar Manager is the sole manager of Northstar Spectrum, under the applicable accounting guidance, Northstar Manager’s ownership interest is considered temporary equity under the applicable accounting guidance and is thus recorded as part of “Redeemable noncontrolling interest” in the mezzanine section of our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Northstar Manager’s ownership interest in Northstar Spectrum was initially accounted for at fair value. Subsequently, Northstar Manager’s ownership interest in Northstar Spectrum is increased by the fixed annual rate of return through “Redeemable noncontrolling interest” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, with the offset recorded in “Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax” on our Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The operating results of Northstar Spectrum attributable to Northstar Manager are recorded as “Redeemable noncontrolling interest” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, with the offset recorded in “Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). See Note 16 for further discussion on Northstar Wireless and the AWS-3 Auction.

SNR Wireless. SNR Wireless is a wholly owned subsidiary of SNR Wireless Holdco, which is an entity owned by SNR Wireless Management, LLC (“SNR Management”) and us. Under the applicable accounting guidance in ASC 810, SNR Holdco is considered a variable interest entity and, based on the characteristics of the structure of this entity and in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, is consolidated into our financial statements beginning in the fourth quarter 2014. After the five-year anniversary of the grant of wireless licenses to SNR Wireless, SNR Management has the ability, but not the obligation, to require SNR Holdco to purchase SNR Management’s ownership interests in SNR Holdco (the “SNR Put Right”) for a purchase price that equals its equity contribution to SNR Holdco plus a fixed annual rate of return. In the event that the SNR Put Right is exercised by SNR Management, the consummation of the sale will be subject to FCC approval. SNR Holdco does not have a call right with respect to SNR Management’s ownership interests in SNR Holdco. Although SNR Management is the sole manager of SNR Holdco, under the applicable accounting guidance, SNR Management’s ownership interest is considered temporary equity under the applicable accounting guidance and is thus recorded as part of “Redeemable noncontrolling interest” in the mezzanine section of our Consolidated Balance Sheets. SNR Management’s ownership interest in SNR Holdco was initially accounted for at fair value. Subsequently, SNR Management’s ownership interest in SNR Holdco is increased by the fixed annual rate of return through “Redeemable noncontrolling interest” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, with the offset recorded in “Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax” on our Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The operating results of SNR Holdco attributable to SNR Management are recorded as “Redeemable noncontrolling interest” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, with the offset recorded in “Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). See Note 16 for further discussion on SNR Wireless and the AWS-3 Auction.

Discontinued Operations

On April 26, 2011, we completed the acquisition of most of the assets of Blockbuster, Inc. (the “Blockbuster Acquisitions.”) As of December 31, 2013, Blockbuster had ceased material operations. The results of Blockbuster are presented for all periods as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements. On January 14, 2014, we completed the sale of our Blockbuster operations in Mexico. See Note 10 for additional information regarding our discontinued operations.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense for each reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, allowances for doubtful accounts, self-insurance obligations, deferred taxes and related valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, loss contingencies, fair value of financial instruments, fair value of options granted under our stock-based compensation plans, fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, fair value of multi-element arrangements, capital leases, asset impairments, estimates of future cash flows used to evaluate impairments, useful lives of property, equipment and intangible assets, retailer incentives, programming expenses and subscriber lives. Economic conditions may increase the inherent uncertainty in the estimates and assumptions indicated above. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected prospectively in the period they occur.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all liquid investments purchased with a remaining maturity of 90 days or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 may consist of money market funds, government bonds, corporate notes and commercial paper. The cost of these investments approximates their fair value.

Marketable Investment Securities

We currently classify all marketable investment securities as available-for-sale, except for investments accounted for under the fair value method. We adjust the carrying value of our available-for-sale securities to fair value and report the related temporary unrealized gains and losses as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholders’ equity (deficit),” net of related deferred income tax. Declines in the fair value of a marketable investment security which are determined to be “other-than-temporary” are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), thus establishing a new cost basis for such investment. The changes in fair value of all of our marketable investment securities not classified as available for sale are reflected in “Other, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

We evaluate our marketable investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine whether declines in the fair value of these securities are other-than-temporary. This quarterly evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things:

 the fair value of our marketable investment securities compared to the carrying amount,

 the historical volatility of the price of each security, and

 any market and company specific factors related to each security.

Declines in the fair value of debt and equity investments below cost basis are generally accounted for as follows:

Length of Time Investment Has Been In a Continuous Loss Position		Treatment of the Decline in Value (absent specific factors to the contrary)
Less than six months		Generally, considered temporary.
Six to nine months		Evaluated on a case by case basis to determine whether any company or market-specific factors exist indicating that such decline is other-than-temporary.
Greater than nine months		Generally, considered other-than-temporary. The decline in value is recorded as a charge to earnings.

Additionally, in situations where the fair value of a debt security is below its carrying amount, we consider the decline to be other-than-temporary and record a charge to earnings if any of the following factors apply:

 we have the intent to sell the security,

 it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before maturity or recovery, or

 we do not expect to recover the security’s entire amortized cost basis, even if there is no intent to sell the security.

In general, we use the first in, first out method to determine the cost basis on sales of marketable investment securities.

Trade Accounts Receivable

Management estimates the amount of required allowances for the potential non-collectability of accounts receivable based upon past collection experience and consideration of other relevant factors. However, past experience may not be indicative of future collections and therefore additional charges could be incurred in the future to reflect differences between estimated and actual collections.

Inventory

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. The cost of manufactured inventory includes the cost of materials, labor, freight-in, royalties and manufacturing overhead.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at amortized cost less impairment losses, if any. The costs of satellites under construction, including interest and certain amounts prepaid under our satellite service agreements, are capitalized during the construction phase, assuming the eventual successful launch and in-orbit operation of the satellite. If a satellite were to fail during launch or while in-orbit, the resultant loss would be charged to expense in the period such loss was incurred. The amount of any such loss would be reduced to the extent of insurance proceeds estimated to be received, if any. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over useful lives ranging from one to 40 years. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense when incurred. Renewals and improvements that add value or extend the asset’s useful life are capitalized.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We review our long-lived assets and identifiable finite lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For assets which are held and used in operations, the asset would be impaired if the carrying value of the asset (or asset group) exceeded its undiscounted future net cash flows. Once an impairment is determined, the actual impairment recognized is the difference between the carrying value and the fair value as estimated using discounted cash flows. Assets which are to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. We consider relevant cash flow, estimated future operating results, trends and other available information in assessing whether the carrying value of assets are recoverable.

DBS Satellites. We currently evaluate our DBS satellite fleet for impairment as one asset group whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. We do not believe any triggering event has occurred which would indicate impairment as of December 31, 2014.

AWS-4 Satellites. We currently evaluate our AWS-4 satellite fleet for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. During the second quarter 2013, we wrote down the net book value of the T2 and D1 satellites to their fair value and recorded a $438 million impairment charge on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). We do not believe any further triggering event has occurred which would indicate impairment as of December 31, 2014. See Note 8 for further discussion.

Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets

We do not amortize indefinite lived intangible assets, but test these assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or more often if indicators of impairment arise. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and tested for impairment as described above for long-lived assets. Our intangible assets with indefinite lives primarily consist of FCC licenses. Generally, we have determined that our FCC licenses have indefinite useful lives due to the following:

 FCC licenses are a non-depleting asset;

 existing FCC licenses are integral to our business segments and will contribute to cash flows indefinitely;

 replacement DBS satellite applications are generally authorized by the FCC subject to certain conditions, without substantial cost under a stable regulatory, legislative and legal environment;

 maintenance expenditures to obtain future cash flows are not significant;

 FCC licenses are not technologically dependent; and

 we intend to use these assets indefinitely.

DBS FCC Licenses. We combine all of our indefinite lived DBS FCC licenses that we currently utilize or plan to utilize in the future into a single unit of accounting. The analysis encompasses future cash flows from satellites transmitting from such licensed orbital locations, including revenue attributable to programming offerings from such satellites, the direct operating and subscriber acquisition costs related to such programming, and future capital costs for replacement satellites. Projected revenue and cost amounts include projected subscribers. In conducting our annual impairment test in 2014, we determined that the estimated fair value of the DBS FCC licenses, calculated using a discounted cash flow analysis, exceeded their carrying amounts.

Wireless Spectrum Licenses. In conducting our annual impairment test in 2014 for our 700 MHz, AWS-4 and H Block wireless spectrum licenses, we determined that the estimated fair value of these licenses exceeded their carrying amount. The estimated fair value for the 700 MHz licenses was determined using the market approach and the estimated fair value for the AWS-4 and H Block licenses was determined using a probability weighted analysis considering estimated future cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved and the market approach. Changes in circumstances or market conditions including significant changes in our estimates of future cash flows or available market data could result in a write-down of any of these assets in the future.

Business Combinations

When we acquire a business, we allocate the purchase price to the various components of the acquisition based upon the fair value of each component using various valuation techniques, including the market approach, income approach and/or cost approach. The accounting standard for business combinations requires most identifiable assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests and goodwill acquired to be recorded at fair value. Transaction costs related to the acquisition of the business are expensed as incurred. Costs associated with the issuance of debt associated with a business combination are capitalized and included as a yield adjustment to the underlying debt’s stated rate. Acquired intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized over their estimated useful lives unless the lives are determined to be indefinite. Amortization of these intangible assets are recorded on a straight line basis over an average finite useful life primarily ranging from approximately two to ten years or in relation to the estimated discounted cash flows over the life of the intangible asset.

Other Investment Securities

Generally, we account for our unconsolidated equity investments under either the equity method or cost method of accounting. Because these equity securities are generally not publicly traded, it is not practical to regularly estimate the fair value of the investments; however, these investments are subject to an evaluation for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. This quarterly evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things, company business plans, current financial statements and key financial metrics, if available, for factors that may indicate an impairment of our investment. Such factors may include, but are not limited to, cash flow concerns, material litigation, violations of debt covenants and changes in business strategy. The fair value of these equity investments is not estimated unless there are identified changes in circumstances that may indicate an impairment exists and these changes are likely to have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment.

Long-Term Deferred Revenue, Distribution and Carriage Payments

Certain programmers provide us up-front payments. Such amounts are deferred and recognized as reductions to “Subscriber-related expenses” on a straight-line basis over the relevant remaining contract term (generally up to ten years). The current and long-term portions of these deferred credits are recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets in “Deferred revenue and other” and “Long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities,” respectively.

Sales Taxes

We account for sales taxes imposed on our goods and services on a net basis in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Since we primarily act as an agent for the governmental authorities, the amount charged to the customer is collected and remitted directly to the appropriate jurisdictional entity.

Income Taxes

We establish a provision for income taxes currently payable or receivable and for income tax amounts deferred to future periods. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the estimated future tax effects of differences that exist between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are offset by valuation allowances when we believe it is more likely than not that such net deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

From time to time, we engage in transactions where the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. We record a liability when, in management’s judgment, a tax filing position does not meet the more likely than not threshold. For tax positions that meet the more likely than not threshold, we may record a liability depending on management’s assessment of how the tax position will ultimately be settled. We adjust our estimates periodically for ongoing examinations by and settlements with various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and precedent. We classify interest and penalties, if any, associated with our uncertain tax positions as a component of “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized” and “Other, net,” respectively, on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Fair Value Measurements

We determine fair value based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Market or observable inputs are the preferred source of values, followed by unobservable inputs or assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs. We apply the following hierarchy in determining fair value:

 Level 1, defined as observable inputs being quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;

 Level 2, defined as observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and derivative financial instruments indexed to marketable investment securities; and

 Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other participants therefore requiring assumptions based on the best information available.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying value for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts) and current liabilities (excluding the “Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations”) is equal to or approximates fair value due to their short-term nature or proximity to current market rates. See Note 6 for the fair value of our marketable investment securities and derivative financial instruments.

Fair values for our publicly traded debt securities are based on quoted market prices, when available. The fair values of private debt are estimated based on an analysis in which we evaluate market conditions, related securities, various public and private offerings, and other publicly available information. In performing this analysis, we make various assumptions regarding, among other things, credit spreads, and the impact of these factors on the value of the debt securities. See Note 11 for the fair value of our long-term debt.

Deferred Debt Issuance Costs

Costs of issuing debt are generally deferred and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the terms of the respective notes. See Note 11.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when an arrangement exists, prices are determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and the goods or services have been delivered.

Revenue from our pay-TV service is recognized when programming is broadcast to subscribers. We recognize revenue from our broadband services when the service is provided. Payments received from Pay-TV and Broadband subscribers in advance of the broadcast or service period are recorded as “Deferred revenue and other” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets until earned.

For certain of our promotions, subscribers are charged an upfront fee. A portion of these fees may be deferred and recognized over the estimated subscriber life for new subscribers or the estimated remaining life for existing subscribers ranging from four to five years. Revenue from advertising sales is recognized when the related services are performed.

Subscriber fees for pay-TV equipment rental fees and other hardware related fees, including fees for DVRs, fees for broadband equipment, equipment upgrade fees and additional outlet fees from subscribers with receivers with multiple tuners, advertising services and fees earned from our in-home service operations are recognized as revenue as earned. Generally, revenue from equipment sales and equipment upgrades is recognized upon shipment to customers.

Certain of our existing and new subscriber promotions include programming discounts. Programming revenues are recorded as earned at the discounted monthly rate charged to the subscriber.

We offer our customers the opportunity to download movies for a specific viewing period or permanently purchase a movie from our web-site. We recognize revenue when the movie is successfully downloaded by the customer, which, based on our current technology, occurs at the time the customer plays the movie for the first time.

Subscriber-Related Expenses

The cost of television programming distribution rights is generally incurred on a per subscriber basis and various upfront carriage payments are recognized when the related programming is distributed to subscribers. Long-term flat rate programming contracts are charged to expense using the straight-line method over the term of the agreement. The cost of television programming rights to distribute live sporting events for a season or tournament is charged to expense using the straight-line method over the course of the season or tournament.

“Subscriber-related expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) principally include programming expenses, costs for pay-TV and broadband services incurred in connection with our in-home service and call center operations, billing costs, refurbishment and repair costs related to receiver systems, subscriber retention, other variable subscriber expenses and monthly wholesale fees paid to broadband providers. These costs are recognized as the services are performed or as incurred. The cost of broadband services is expensed monthly and generally incurred on a per subscriber basis.

Subscriber Acquisition Costs

Subscriber acquisition costs in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) consist of costs incurred to acquire new Pay-TV and Broadband subscribers through third parties and our direct sales distribution channel. Subscriber acquisition costs include the following line items from our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss):

 “Cost of sales — subscriber promotion subsidies” includes the cost of our receiver systems sold to retailers and other distributors of our equipment and receiver systems sold directly by us to subscribers.

 “Other subscriber acquisition costs” includes net costs related to promotional incentives and costs related to installation and other promotional subsidies.

 “Subscriber acquisition advertising” includes advertising and marketing expenses related to the acquisition of new Pay-TV and Broadband subscribers. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

We characterize amounts paid to our independent retailers as consideration for equipment installation services and for equipment buydowns (incentives and rebates) as a reduction of revenue. We expense payments for equipment installation services as “Other subscriber acquisition costs.” Our payments for equipment buydowns represent a partial or complete return of the retailer’s purchase price and are, therefore, netted against the proceeds received from the retailer. We report the net cost from our various sales promotions through our independent retailer network as a component of “Other subscriber acquisition costs.”

Derivative Financial Instruments

We may purchase and hold derivative financial instruments for, among other reasons, strategic or speculative purposes. We record all derivative financial instruments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value as either assets or liabilities. Changes in the fair values of derivative financial instruments are recognized in our results of operations and included in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). We currently have not designated any derivative financial instrument for hedge accounting.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we held derivative financial instruments indexed to the trading price of common equity securities with a fair value of $383 million and $293 million, respectively. The fair value of the derivative financial instruments is dependent on the trading price of the indexed common equity securities, which may be volatile and vary depending on, among other things, the issuer’s financial and operational performance and market conditions.

Equipment Lease Programs

Pay-TV subscribers have the choice of leasing or purchasing the satellite receiver and other equipment necessary to receive our pay-TV service. Most of our new Pay-TV subscribers choose to lease equipment and thus we retain title to such equipment. New Broadband subscribers lease the modem and other equipment necessary to receive broadband services. Equipment leased to new and existing Pay-TV and Broadband subscribers is capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers. On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This converged standard on revenue recognition was issued jointly with the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) to improve financial reporting by creating common revenue recognition guidance for GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). ASU 2014-09 provides a framework for revenue recognition that replaces most existing GAAP revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective. ASU 2014-09 will become effective for us on January 1, 2017, and allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected an adoption method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share

3.Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share

We present both basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS. Basic EPS excludes potential dilution and is computed by dividing “Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network” by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock awards were exercised. The potential dilution from stock awards was computed using the treasury stock method based on the average market value of our Class A common stock. The following table presents EPS amounts for all periods and the basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding used in the calculation.

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	928,902		$	837,089		$	662,919
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(15,791		)	(17,746		)	(10,947		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network	944,693			854,835			673,866

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(47,343		)	(37,179		)

Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network	$	944,693		$	807,492		$	636,687

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock:
Basic	460,126			456,044			450,264
Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding	2,801			3,122			2,635
Diluted	462,927			459,166			452,899

Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock:
Basic net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network	$	2.05		$	1.87		$	1.49
Basic net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations	—			(0.10		)	(0.08		)
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network	$	2.05		$	1.77		$	1.41

Diluted net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network	$	2.04		$	1.86		$	1.49
Diluted net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations	—			(0.10		)	(0.08		)
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network	$	2.04		$	1.76		$	1.41

As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were stock awards to acquire 0.4 million, 0.7 million and 2.5 million shares, respectively, of Class A common stock outstanding, not included in the weighted-average common shares outstanding above, as their effect is anti-dilutive.

Vesting of options and rights to acquire shares of our Class A common stock granted pursuant to our performance based stock incentive plans (“Restricted Performance Units”) is contingent upon meeting certain goals, some of which are not yet probable of being achieved. As a consequence, the following are also not included in the diluted EPS calculation.

	As of December 31,
	2014	2013	2012
	(In thousands)
Performance based options	7,247	7,791	7,929
Restricted Performance Units	1,798	1,943	1,185
Total	9,045	9,734	9,114

Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

4.Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

The following table presents our supplemental cash flow and other non-cash data.

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)	$	833,483	$	880,244	$	539,070
Cash received for interest	138,529		201,480		92,339
Cash paid for income taxes	160,732		273,597		272,167
Capitalized interest	223,658		136,508		106,323
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock	25,781		24,230		22,280
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations	3,462		1,070		5,857
Assets contributed from EchoStar to Sling TV Holding L.L.C.	—		—		44,712
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar:
Transfer of property and equipment, net	432,080		—		—
Investment in EchoStar and HSSC preferred tracking stock - cost method	316,204		—		—
Transfer of liabilities and other	44,540		—		—
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes of $31,274	51,466		—		—
Sling TV Exchange Transaction with EchoStar:
Transfer of property and equipment, net	8,978		—		—
Transfer of investments and intangibles, net	25,097		—		—
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes of $3,542	5,845		—		—
Deemed distribution to EchoStar- initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest, net of deferred taxes of $8,489	14,011		—		—

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

5.Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table presents the tax effect on each component of “Other comprehensive income (loss).” A full valuation allowance was established against any deferred tax assets that were capital in nature during 2012.

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014									2013									2012
	Before			Tax			Net			Before			Tax			Net			Before			Tax			Net
	Tax			(Expense)			of Tax			Tax			(Expense)			of Tax			Tax			(Expense)			of Tax
	Amount			Benefit			Amount			Amount			Benefit			Amount			Amount			Benefit			Amount
	(In thousands)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	3,878		$	—		$	3,878		$	1,155		$	—		$	1,155		$	4,106		—			$	4,106
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	(11,729		)	3,600			(8,129		)	123,233			(45,094		)	78,139			265,785			(96,252		)	169,533
Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss)	7,050			(2,164		)	4,886			(148,603		)	54,378			(94,225		)	(150,239		)	83,360			(66,879		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(801	)	$	1,436		$	635		$	(24,215	)	$	9,284		$	(14,931	)	$	119,652		$	(12,892	)	$	106,760

The “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” is detailed in the following table, net of tax.

	Foreign			Unrealized /
	Currency			Recognized
	Translation			Gains
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Adjustment			(Losses)			Total
	(In thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	(5,033	)	$	193,836		$	188,803
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	1,155			78,139			79,294
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			(94,225		)	(94,225		)
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(3,878	)	$	177,750		$	173,872
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	3,878			(8,129		)	(4,251		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			4,886			4,886
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	—		$	174,507		$	174,507

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income, which includes, but is not limited to, 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e689-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=SL7669619-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e640-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 17
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e716-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e709-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Reclassification Adjustments
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

+ Details

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities

6.Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities

Our marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities consisted of the following:

	As of December 31,
	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities:
Current marketable investment securities - strategic	$	711,213	$	534,449
Current marketable investment securities - other	1,420,532		4,504,933
Total current marketable investment securities	2,131,745		5,039,382
Restricted marketable investment securities (1)	76,970		81,371
Noncurrent marketable investment securities - ARS (2)	—		133,652
Total marketable investment securities	2,208,715		5,254,405

Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	10,014		13,490

Other investment securities:
Investment in EchoStar preferred tracking stock - cost method (2)	228,795		—
Investment in HSSC preferred tracking stock - cost method (2)	87,409		—
Other investment securities - cost method (2)	11,046		17,621
Total other investment securities	327,250		17,621

Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities	$	2,545,979	$	5,285,516

(1)

Restricted marketable investment securities and restricted cash and cash equivalents are included in “Restricted cash and marketable investment securities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2)

As of December 31, 2013, noncurrent marketable investment securities — auction rate securities (“ARS”) and other investment securities are included in “Marketable and other investment securities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2014, we reclassified our ARS investment securities to current marketable investment securities - strategic.

Marketable Investment Securities

Our marketable investment securities portfolio consists of various debt and equity instruments, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, except as specified below. See Note 2 for further discussion.

Current Marketable Investment Securities — Strategic

Our current strategic marketable investment securities include strategic and financial debt and equity investments in public companies that are highly speculative and have experienced and continue to experience volatility. As of December 31, 2014, our strategic investment portfolio consisted of securities of a small number of issuers, and as a result the value of that portfolio depends, among other things, on the performance of those issuers. The fair value of certain of the debt and equity securities in our investment portfolio can be adversely impacted by, among other things, the issuers’ respective performance and ability to obtain any necessary additional financing on acceptable terms, or at all.

We have investments in ARS which are classified as available-for-sale securities. We generally recognize the changes in fair value of these securities as a separate component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholders’ equity (deficit).” However, for certain of our ARS, we have elected to recognize the changes in fair value through “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (the “Fair Value Option”). Previous events in the credit markets reduced or eliminated liquidity for these securities. As a result, we historically classified these investments as noncurrent assets, as we intended to hold these investments until they recovered or matured. As of the fourth quarter 2014, we intend to sell our investments in our ARS and as a result, as of December 31, 2014, we reclassified these investments to current marketable investment securities-strategic.

The valuation of our ARS and other investment securities investments portfolio is subject to uncertainties that are difficult to estimate. Due to the lack of observable market quotes for identical assets, we utilize analyses that rely on Level 2 and/or Level 3 inputs, as defined in “Fair Value Measurements.” These inputs include, among other things, observed prices on similar assets as well as our assumptions and estimates related to the counterparty credit quality, default risk underlying the security and overall capital market liquidity. These securities were also compared, when possible, to other observable market data for financial instruments with similar characteristics.

Fair Value Option. As of December 31, 2014, our ARS and other noncurrent marketable investment securities portfolio of $135 million included $93 million of securities accounted for under the Fair Value Option.

Current Marketable Investment Securities - Other

Our current marketable investment securities portfolio includes investments in various debt instruments including, among others, commercial paper, corporate securities and U.S. treasury and agency securities.

Commercial paper consists mainly of unsecured short-term, promissory notes issued primarily by corporations with maturities ranging up to 365 days. Corporate securities consist of debt instruments issued by corporations with various maturities normally less than 18 months. U. S. Treasury and agency securities consist of debt instruments issued by the federal government and other government agencies.

Restricted Cash and Marketable Investment Securities

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our restricted marketable investment securities, together with our restricted cash, included amounts required as collateral for our letters of credit.

Other Investment Securities

We have strategic investments in certain debt and equity securities that are included in noncurrent “Marketable and other investment securities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and accounted for using the cost, equity and/or available-for-sale methods of accounting.

Our ability to realize value from our strategic investments in securities that are not publicly traded depends on the success of the issuers’ businesses and their ability to obtain sufficient capital, on acceptable terms or at all, and to execute their business plans. Because private markets are not as liquid as public markets, there is also increased risk that we will not be able to sell these investments, or that when we desire to sell them we will not be able to obtain fair value for them.

Investment in Tracking Stock

To improve our position in the growing consumer satellite broadband market, among other reasons, on February 20, 2014, we entered into agreements with EchoStar to implement a transaction pursuant to which, among other things: (i) on March 1, 2014, we transferred to EchoStar and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (“HSSC”), a subsidiary of EchoStar, five satellites (EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV (collectively the “Transferred Satellites”), including related in-orbit incentive obligations and cash interest payments of approximately $59 million), and approximately $11 million in cash in exchange for an aggregate of 6,290,499 shares of a series of preferred tracking stock issued by EchoStar and an aggregate of 81.128 shares of a series of preferred tracking stock issued by HSSC (collectively, the “Tracking Stock”); and (ii) beginning on March 1, 2014, we lease back certain satellite capacity on the Transferred Satellites (collectively, the “Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction”). The Tracking Stock generally tracks the residential retail satellite broadband business of Hughes Network Systems, LLC (“HNS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of HSSC, including without limitation the operations, assets and liabilities attributed to the Hughes residential retail satellite broadband business (collectively, the “Hughes Retail Group”). The shares of the Tracking Stock issued to us represent an aggregate 80% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group.

Since the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction is among entities under common control, we recorded the Tracking Stock at EchoStar and HSSC’s historical cost basis for these instruments of $229 million and $87 million, respectively. The difference between the historical cost basis of the Tracking Stock received and the net carrying value of the Transferred Satellites of $356 million (including debt obligations, net of deferred taxes), plus the $11 million in cash, resulted in a $51 million capital transaction recorded in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Although our investment in the Tracking Stock represents an aggregate 80% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group, we have no operational control or significant influence over the Hughes Retail Group business, and currently there is no public market for the Tracking Stock. As such, the Tracking Stock is accounted for under the cost method of accounting.

On February 20, 2014, DISH Operating L.L.C. (“DOLLC”) and DISH Network L.L.C. (“DNLLC”), each indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of us, entered into an Investor Rights Agreement with EchoStar and HSSC with respect to the Tracking Stock (the “Investor Rights Agreement”). The Investor Rights Agreement provides, among other things, certain information and consultation rights for us; certain transfer restrictions on the Tracking Stock and certain rights and obligations to offer and sell under certain circumstances (including a prohibition on transfers of the Tracking Stock for one year, with continuing transfer restrictions (including a right of first offer in favor of EchoStar) thereafter, an obligation to sell the Tracking Stock to EchoStar in connection with a change of control of us and a right to require EchoStar to repurchase the Tracking Stock in connection with a change of control of EchoStar, in each case subject to certain terms and conditions); certain registration rights; certain obligations to provide conversion and exchange rights of the Tracking Stock under certain circumstances; and certain protective covenants afforded to holders of the Tracking Stock. The Investor Rights Agreement generally will terminate with respect to our interest should we no longer hold any shares of the HSSC-issued Tracking Stock and any registrable securities under the Investor Rights Agreement.

Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had accumulated net unrealized gains of $177 million and $181 million, respectively. These amounts, net of related tax effect, were $175 million and $178 million, respectively. All of these amounts are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” within “Total stockholders’ equity (deficit).” The components of our available-for-sale investments are summarized in the table below.

	As of December 31,
	2014										2013
	Marketable										Marketable
	Investment		Unrealized								Investment		Unrealized
	Securities		Gains		Losses			Net			Securities		Gains		Losses			Net
	(In thousands)
Debt securities (including restricted):
U. S. Treasury and agency securities	$	58,254	$	7	$	(11	)	$	(4	)	$	11,015	$	—	$	—		—
Commercial paper	68,556		—		—			—			465,981		—		—			—
Corporate securities	1,496,044		72,918		(153		)	72,765			4,075,232		83,350		(4,513		)	78,837
ARS	134,642		1,293		—			1,293			133,652		1,188		(5,138		)	(3,950		)
Other	57,965		—		—			—			232,874		12		(227		)	(215		)
Equity securities	393,254		106,971		(4,346		)	102,625			335,651		106,684		—			106,684
Total	$	2,208,715	$	181,189	$	(4,510	)	$	176,679		$	5,254,405	$	191,234	$	(9,878	)	$	181,356

As of December 31, 2014, restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities included debt securities of $1.319 billion with contractual maturities within one year, $292 million with contractual maturities extending longer than one year through and including five years and $204 million with contractual maturities longer than ten years. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities as a result of our ability to sell these securities prior to maturity.

Marketable Investment Securities in a Loss Position

The following table reflects the length of time that the individual securities, accounted for as available-for-sale, have been in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by investment category. As of December 31, 2014, the unrealized losses on our investments in equity securities represented investments in broad-based indices. We are not aware of any factors that indicate the unrealized losses in these investments are due to factors other than temporary market fluctuations. As of December 31, 2014, the unrealized losses related to our investments in debt securities primarily represented investments in corporate securities. We have the ability to hold and do not intend to sell our investments in these debt securities before they recover or mature, and it is more likely than not that we will hold these investments until that time. In addition, we are not aware of any specific factors indicating that the underlying issuers of these debt securities would not be able to pay interest as it becomes due or repay the principal at maturity. Therefore, we believe that these changes in the estimated fair values of these marketable investment securities are related to temporary market fluctuations.

	As of December 31,
	2014					2013
	Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Loss			Value		Loss
	(In thousands)
Debt Securities:
Less than 12 months	$	280,738	$	(105	)	$	2,208,930	$	(3,106	)
12 months or more	135,853		(59		)	84,915		(6,773		)
Equity Securities:
Less than 12 months	15,338		(4,346		)	—		—
12 months or more	—		—			—		—
Total	$	431,929	$	(4,510	)	$	2,293,845	$	(9,879	)

Fair Value Measurements

Our investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:

	As of
	December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Cash Equivalents (including restricted)	$	7,009,897	$	274,123	$	6,735,774	$	—	$	4,387,252	$	323,638	$	4,063,614	$	—

Debt securities (including restricted):
U. S. Treasury and agency securities	$	58,254	$	42,710	$	15,544	$	—	$	11,015	11,015		—		—
Commercial paper	68,556		—		68,556		—		465,981		—		465,981		—
Corporate securities	1,496,044		—		1,488,340		7,704		4,075,232		—		4,062,186		13,046
ARS	134,642		—		206		134,436		133,652		—		678		132,974
Other	57,965		—		57,965		—		232,874		—		232,874		—

Equity securities	393,254		393,254		—		—		335,651		335,651		—		—

Subtotal	$	2,208,715	$	435,964	$	1,630,611	$	142,140	$	5,254,405	$	346,666	$	4,761,719	$	146,020

Derivative financial instruments	383,460		—		383,460		—		292,507		—		292,507		—

Total	$	2,592,175	$	435,964	$	2,014,071	$	142,140	$	5,546,912	$	346,666	$	5,054,226	$	146,020

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our Level 3 investments consisted predominately of ARS and other investment securities. On a quarterly basis we evaluate the reasonableness of significant unobservable inputs used in those measurements. The valuation models used for some of our ARS investments require an evaluation of the underlying instruments held by the trusts that issue these securities. For our other ARS and other investment securities, we evaluate, among other things, the terms of the underlying instruments, the credit ratings of the issuers, current market conditions, and other relevant factors. Based on these factors, we assess the risk of realizing expected cash flows and we apply an observable discount rate that reflects this risk. We may also reduce our valuations to reflect a liquidity discount based on the lack of an active market for these securities.

Changes in Level 3 instruments were as follows:

	Level 3 Investment Securities
	(In thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	105,217
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	26,532
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	1,926
Purchases	14,158
Settlements	(1,813		)
Issuances	—
Transfers into or out of Level 3	—
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	146,020
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	(6,522		)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	8,321
Purchases	—
Settlements	(5,679		)
Issuances	—
Transfers into or out of Level 3	—
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	142,140

During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had no transfers in or out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements.

Gains and Losses on Sales and Changes in Carrying Values of Investments

“Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” included on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) is as follows:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Other Income (Expense):	2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities - gains (losses) on sales/exchanges	$	7,649		$	157,444		$	120,558
Marketable investment securities - unrealized gains (losses) on investments accounted for using the Fair Value Option	4,727			26,371			1,331
Marketable investment securities - gains (losses) on conversion of DBSD North America Notes (1)	—			—			99,445
Derivative financial instruments - net realized and/or unrealized gains (losses)	(59,015		)	205,779			—
Marketable investment securities - other-than-temporary impairments	(13,876		)	(1,919		)	(49,020		)
Other	(8,826		)	(2,819		)	1,383
Total	$	(69,341	)	$	384,856		$	173,697

(1) During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized a $99 million non-cash gain related to the conversion of our DBSD North America 7.5% Convertible Senior Secured Notes due 2009 in connection with the completion of the DBSD Transaction.

Inventory

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Inventory

Inventory

7.Inventory

Inventory consisted of the following:

	As of December 31,
	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Finished goods	$	252,238	$	299,975
Raw materials	159,095		102,563
Work-in-process	82,421		110,169
Total	$	493,754	$	512,707

Property and Equipment and Intangible assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets

Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets

8.Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

	Depreciable
	Life	As of December 31,
	(In Years)	2014			2013
		(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers	2-5	$	3,639,607		$	3,596,310
EchoStar I (1)	12	—			201,607
EchoStar VII (1)	15	—			177,000
EchoStar X (1)	15	—			177,192
EchoStar XI (1)	15	—			200,198
EchoStar XIV (1)	15	—			316,541
EchoStar XV	15	277,658			277,658
D1	15	150,000			150,000
T1	15	401,721			401,721
Satellites acquired under capital lease agreements	10-15	499,819			499,819
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	1-10	747,139			720,570
Buildings and improvements	1-40	85,509			83,531
Land	-	5,504			5,692
Construction in progress	-	774,567			515,447
Total property and equipment		6,581,524			7,323,286
Accumulated depreciation (1)		(2,807,985		)	(3,225,575		)
Property and equipment, net		$	3,773,539		$	4,097,711

(1)

Property and equipment and accumulated depreciation decreased $1.073 billion and $633 million, respectively, as a result of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. See Note 6 and Note 20 for further discussion.

Construction in progress consisted of the following:

	As of December 31,
	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Wireless ground equipment and build-out, including capitalized interest	$	484,668	$	289,732
EchoStar XVIII, including capitalized interest	271,497		143,839
T2 satellite (1)	—		40,000
Other	18,402		41,876
Construction in progress	$	774,567	$	515,447

(1)

During the fourth quarter 2014, EchoStar purchased our rights to the T2 satellite. See Note 20 for further discussion of our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar.

As we prepare for commercialization of our AWS-4 and H Block wireless spectrum licenses, which are recorded in FCC Authorizations on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, interest expense related to their carrying value is being capitalized within “Property and equipment, net” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets based on our weighted-average borrowing rate for our debt. We began capitalizing interest on the H Block licenses in April 2014 concurrent with the FCC order granting our application to acquire these licenses. See Note 16 for further discussion.

Depreciation and amortization expense consisted of the following:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers	$	854,759	$	763,796	$	652,327
Satellites (1)	95,766		135,464		145,749
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other (2)	127,411		154,766		98,632
148 degree orbital location (3)	—		—		67,776
Total depreciation and amortization	$	1,077,936	$	1,054,026	$	964,484

(1)

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $40 million in 2014 as a result of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. See Note 6 and Note 20 for further discussion.

(2)

During 2013, we ceased operations of our TerreStar Mobile Satellite Service (“MSS”) business, which had less than 2,000 customers and had less than $1 million in revenue. As a result, we accelerated the depreciable lives of certain assets designed to support this business and the remaining net book value of $53 million was fully depreciated in 2013.

(3)

On May 31, 2012, the International Bureau of the FCC announced the termination of our license for use of the 148 degree orbital location associated with our DISH segment. We had not had a satellite positioned at the 148 degree orbital location since the retirement of EchoStar V in August 2009. Our license for use of the 148 degree orbital location had a $68 million carrying value. This amount was recorded as “Depreciation and amortization” expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in 2012 due to the termination of this license by the FCC.

Cost of sales and operating expense categories included in our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) do not include depreciation expense related to satellites or equipment leased to customers.

Satellites

DBS Satellites. As of December 31, 2014, we utilized 14 satellites in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator, one of which we own and depreciate over its useful life. As of December 31, 2014, we utilized certain capacity on 11 satellites that we lease from EchoStar, which were accounted for as operating leases. As of December 31, 2014, we also leased two satellites from third parties, which were accounted for as capital leases and were depreciated over the shorter of the economic life or the term of the satellite agreement.

			Estimated
			Useful Life
			(Years) /
		Degree	Lease
	Launch	Orbital	Termination
Satellites	Date	Location	Date
Owned:
EchoStar XV (1)	July 2010	45	15

Under Construction:
EchoStar XVIII (2)	2015	110	15

Leased from EchoStar (1):
EchoStar I (3)(4)	December 1995	77	November 2015
EchoStar VII (3)(4)	February 2002	119	June 2016
EchoStar VIII	August 2002	77	Month to month
EchoStar IX	August 2003	121	Month to month
EchoStar X (3)(4)	February 2006	110	February 2021
EchoStar XI (3)(4)	July 2008	110	September 2021
EchoStar XII (3)	July 2003	61.5	September 2017
EchoStar XIV (3)(4)	March 2010	119	February 2023
EchoStar XVI (5)	November 2012	61.5	January 2017
Nimiq 5	September 2009	72.7	September 2019
QuetzSat-1	September 2011	77	November 2021

Leased from Other Third Party:
Anik F3	April 2007	118.7	April 2022
Ciel II	December 2008	129	January 2019

(1)

See Note 20 for further discussion of our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar.

(2)

EchoStar XVIII is expected to launch during the fourth quarter 2015.

(3)

We generally have the option to renew each lease on a year-to-year basis through the end of the respective satellite’s useful life.

(4)

On February 20, 2014, we entered into the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar pursuant to which, among other things, we transferred these satellites to EchoStar and lease back all available capacity on these satellites. See Note 6 and Note 20 for further discussion.

(5)

We have the option to renew this lease for an additional six-year period. If we exercise our six-year renewal option, we have the option to renew this lease for an additional five years.

AWS-4 Satellites. As a result of the DBSD Transaction and the TerreStar Transaction, we acquired three AWS-4 satellites, including two in-orbit satellites (D1 and T1) and one satellite under construction (T2). See the table below for further information.

		Degree	Estimated
	Launch	Orbital	Useful Life
Satellites	Date	Location	(Years)
Owned:
T1	July 2009	111.1	15
D1	April 2008	92.85	15

Under Construction:
T2 (1)	NA	NA	NA

(1)

During the fourth quarter 2014, EchoStar purchased our rights to the T2 satellite. See Note 20 for further discussion of our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar.

Based on the FCC’s rules applicable to our AWS-4 authorizations no longer requiring an integrated satellite component or ground spare and on our evaluation of the satellite capacity needed for our wireless segment, among other things, during the second quarter 2013, we concluded that T2 and D1 represented excess satellite capacity for the potential commercialization of our wireless spectrum. As a result, during the second quarter 2013, we wrote down the net book value of T2 from $270 million to $40 million and the net book value of D1 from $358 million to $150 million, and recorded an impairment charge in our wireless segment of $438 million in “Impairment of long-lived assets” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2013. Our fair value estimates for these satellites were determined based upon, among other things, probability-weighted analyses utilizing the income and/or cost approaches. The estimates used in our fair value analysis are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. While we are no longer required to operate an integrated satellite component, we are currently planning on using T1 and D1 in the commercialization of our wireless spectrum or for other commercial purposes. If T1 is not used in the commercialization of our wireless spectrum or for other commercial purposes, we may need to impair it in the future. If D1 is not used in the commercialization of our wireless spectrum or for other commercial purposes, we may need to further impair it in the future. As of December 31, 2014, the net book value for T1 and D1 was $326 million and $150 million, respectively.

Satellites Under Construction

EchoStar XVIII. On September 7, 2012, we entered into a contract with Space Systems/Loral, Inc. (“SS/L”) for the construction of EchoStar XVIII, a DBS satellite with spot beam technology designed for, among other things, HD programming. During October 2013, we entered into an agreement with ArianeSpace S.A. for launch services for this satellite, which is expected to be launched during the fourth quarter 2015.

Satellite Anomalies

Operation of our DISH branded pay-TV service requires that we have adequate satellite transmission capacity for the programming we offer. Moreover, current competitive conditions require that we continue to expand our offering of new programming. While we generally have had in-orbit satellite capacity sufficient to transmit our existing channels and some backup capacity to recover the transmission of certain critical programming, our backup capacity is limited.

In the event of a failure or loss of any of our owned or leased satellites, we may need to acquire or lease additional satellite capacity or relocate one of our other owned or leased satellites and use it as a replacement for the failed or lost satellite. Such a failure could result in a prolonged loss of critical programming or a significant delay in our plans to expand programming as necessary to remain competitive and thus may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In the past, certain of our owned and leased satellites have experienced anomalies, some of which have had a significant adverse impact on their remaining useful life and/or commercial operation. There can be no assurance that future anomalies will not impact the remaining useful life and/or commercial operation of any of the owned and leased satellites in our fleet. See Note 2 “Impairment of Long-Lived Assets” for further discussion of evaluation of impairment. There can be no assurance that we can recover critical transmission capacity in the event one or more of our owned or leased in-orbit satellites were to fail. We generally do not carry commercial insurance for any of the owned or leased in-orbit satellites that we use, other than certain satellites leased from third parties, and therefore, we will bear the risk associated with any uninsured in-orbit satellite failures.

Intangible Assets

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our identifiable intangibles subject to amortization consisted of the following:

	As of
	December 31, 2014					December 31, 2013
	Intangible		Accumulated			Intangible		Accumulated
	Assets		Amortization			Assets		Amortization
	(In thousands)
Technology-based	$	7,210	$	(4,445	)	$	34,078	$	(12,222	)
Trademarks	19,704		(5,644		)	20,424		(6,432		)
Contract-based	8,650		(8,650		)	8,650		(8,650		)
Customer relationships	2,900		(2,900		)	4,294		(4,294		)
Total (1)	$	38,464	$	(21,639	)	$	67,446	$	(31,598	)

(1)

The decrease in intangible assets is due to certain assets distributed to EchoStar pursuant to the Sling TV Exchange Agreement. See Note 20 for further discussion.

These identifiable intangibles are included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization of these intangible assets is recorded on a straight line basis over an average finite useful life primarily ranging from approximately two to 20 years. Amortization was $6 million, $11 million and $13 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Estimated future amortization of our identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):

For the Years Ended December 31,
2015	$	4,423
2016	4,299
2017	2,967
2018	2,231
2019	1,825
Thereafter	1,080
Total	$	16,825

Goodwill

The excess of our investments in consolidated subsidiaries over net tangible and identifiable intangible asset value at the time of the investment is recorded as goodwill and is not subject to amortization but is subject to impairment testing annually or whenever indicators of impairment arise. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our goodwill was $120 million and $126 million, respectively, which primarily related to our wireless segment. The decrease in goodwill is due to certain assets distributed to EchoStar pursuant to the Sling TV Exchange Agreement. See Note 20 for further discussion. In conducting our annual impairment test in 2014, we determined that the fair value of our wireless segment was in excess of the carrying value.

FCC Authorizations

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our FCC Authorizations consisted of the following:

	As of December 31,
	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
DBS Licenses	$	611,794	$	611,794
700 MHz Licenses	711,871		711,871
MVDDS Licenses (1)	24,000		24,000
AWS-4 Licenses	1,949,000		1,949,000
H-Block Licenses (2)	1,671,506		—
Total	$	4,968,171	$	3,296,665

(1)

We have multichannel video distribution and data service (“MVDDS”) licenses in 82 out of 214 geographical license areas, including Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago and several other major metropolitan areas. By August 2014, we were required to meet certain FCC build-out requirements related to our MVDDS licenses, and we are subject to certain FCC service rules applicable to these licenses. In January 2015, the FCC granted our application to extend the build-out requirements related to our MVDDS licenses. We now have until 2019 to provide “substantial service” on our MVDDS licenses, and the licenses expire in 2024. Our MVDDS licenses may be terminated, however, if we do not provide substantial service in accordance with the new build-out requirements.

(2)

On April 29, 2014, the FCC issued an order granting our application to acquire all 176 wireless spectrum licenses in the H Block auction. See Note 16 for further discussion.

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions
Acquisitions	9.Acquisitions DBSD North America and TerreStar Transactions On March 2, 2012, the FCC approved the transfer of 40 MHz of wireless spectrum licenses held by DBSD North America, Inc. (“DBSD North America”) and TerreStar Networks, Inc. (“TerreStar”) to us. On March 9, 2012, we completed the acquisitions of 100% of the equity of reorganized DBSD North America and substantially all of the assets of TerreStar, pursuant to which we acquired, among other things, certain satellite assets and 40 MHz of spectrum licenses held by DBSD North America (the “DBSD Transaction”) and TerreStar (the “TerreStar Transaction”), which licenses the FCC modified in March 2013 to add AWS-4 authority (“AWS-4”). The total consideration to acquire the DBSD North America and TerreStar assets was approximately $2.860 billion. See Note 16 for further information. As a result of these acquisitions, we recognized the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on our estimates of fair value at their acquisition date, including $102 million in an uncertain tax position in “Long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Subsequently, in the third quarter 2013, this uncertain tax position was resolved and $102 million was reversed and recorded as a decrease in “Income tax (provision) benefit, net” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2013.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

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+ Details

Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations

10.Discontinued Operations

As of December 31, 2013, Blockbuster had ceased material operations. The results of Blockbuster are presented for all periods as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements.

During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the revenue from our discontinued operations was $503 million and $1.085 billion, respectively. “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes” for the same periods was a loss of $54 million and $62 million, respectively. In addition, “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax” for the same periods was a loss of $47 million and $37 million, respectively.

As of December 31, 2013, the net assets from our discontinued operations consisted of the following:

	As of
	December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
Current assets from discontinued operations	$	68,239
Noncurrent assets from discontinued operations	9,965
Current liabilities from discontinued operations	(49,471		)
Long-term liabilities from discontinued operations	(19,804		)
Net assets from discontinued operations	$	8,929

Blockbuster - Domestic

Since the Blockbuster Acquisition, we continually evaluated the impact of certain factors, including, among other things, competitive pressures, the ability of significantly fewer company-owned domestic retail stores to continue to support corporate administrative costs, and other issues impacting the store-level financial performance of our company-owned domestic retail stores. These factors, among others, previously led us to close a significant number of company-owned domestic retail stores during 2012 and 2013. On November 6, 2013, we announced that Blockbuster would close all of its remaining company-owned domestic retail stores and discontinue the Blockbuster by-mail DVD service. As of December 31, 2013, Blockbuster had ceased material operations.

Blockbuster — Mexico

During the third quarter 2013, we determined that our Blockbuster operations in Mexico (“Blockbuster Mexico”) were “held for sale.” As a result, we recorded pre-tax impairment charges of $19 million related to exiting the business, which was recorded in “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2013. On January 14, 2014, we completed the sale of Blockbuster Mexico.

Blockbuster UK Administration

On January 16, 2013, Blockbuster Entertainment Limited and Blockbuster GB Limited, our Blockbuster operating subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, entered into administration proceedings in the United Kingdom (the “Administration”). As a result of the Administration, we wrote down the assets of all our Blockbuster UK subsidiaries to their estimated net realizable value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012. In total, we recorded charges of approximately $46 million on a pre-tax basis related to the Administration, which was recorded in “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2012.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification (whether sold or classified as held for sale) and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Includes all disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations).

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+ Details

Long-Term Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt

11.Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

Fair Value of our Long-Term Debt

The following table summarizes the carrying and fair values of our debt facilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:

	As of December 31,
	2014					2013
	Carrying Value			Fair Value		Carrying Value			Fair Value
	(In thousands)
6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014 (1)	$	—		$	—	$	1,000,000		$	1,040,200
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015 (2)	650,001			664,321		750,000			813,750
7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016	1,500,000			1,580,625		1,500,000			1,657,500
4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017	900,000			933,750		900,000			946,962
4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018	1,200,000			1,245,600		1,200,000			1,221,792
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019	1,400,000			1,589,700		1,400,000			1,603,000
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020	1,100,000			1,100,000		1,100,000			1,104,950
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021	2,000,000			2,157,500		2,000,000			2,122,500
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022	2,000,000			2,055,000		2,000,000			1,997,500
5% Senior Notes due 2023	1,500,000			1,470,000		1,500,000			1,458,090
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024	2,000,000			2,019,800		—			—
Other notes payable (3)	34,084			34,084		80,769			80,769
Subtotal	14,284,085			$	14,850,380	13,430,769			$	14,047,013
Unamortized discounts, net	(15,219		)			(19,198		)
Capital lease obligations (4)	194,914			NA		220,115			NA
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion)	$	14,463,780				$	13,631,686

(1)

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we repurchased $100 million of our 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014 in open market trades. The remaining balance of $900 million was redeemed on October 1, 2014.

(2)

During 2014, we repurchased $100 million of our 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015 in open market trades. The remaining balance of $650 million matures on May 31, 2015 and is included in “Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014.

(3)

On February 20, 2014, we entered into the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, which resulted in a decrease in “Other notes payable” of $44 million related to the in-orbit incentive obligations associated with the Transferred Satellites. See Note 6 and Note 20 for further discussion.

(4)

Disclosure regarding fair value of capital leases is not required.

Our Senior Notes are:

general unsecured senior obligations of DISH DBS Corporation (“DISH DBS”);

ranked equally in right of payment with all of DISH DBS’ and the guarantors’ existing and future unsecured senior debt; and

ranked effectively junior to our and the guarantors’ current and future secured senior indebtedness up to the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness.

The indentures related to our Senior Notes contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on the ability of DISH DBS and its restricted subsidiaries to:

incur additional debt;

pay dividends or make distributions on DISH DBS’ capital stock or repurchase DISH DBS’ capital stock;

make certain investments;

create liens or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;

enter into transactions with affiliates;

merge or consolidate with another company; and

transfer or sell assets.

In the event of a change of control, as defined in the related indentures, we would be required to make an offer to repurchase all or any part of a holder’s Senior Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the date of repurchase.

7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015

On May 27, 2008, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of our seven-year 7 3/4% Senior Notes due May 31, 2015. During 2014, we repurchased $100 million of our 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015 in open market trades. The remaining balance of $650 million matures on May 31, 2015. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 7 3/4% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on May 31 and November 30 of each year.

The 7 3/4% Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.

7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016

On February 2, 2006, we issued $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of our ten-year 7 1/8% Senior Notes due February 1, 2016. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 7 1/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year.

The 7 1/8% Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.

4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017

On May 16, 2012, we issued $900 million aggregate principal amount of our five-year 4 5/8% Senior Notes due July 15, 2017. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 4 5/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year.

The 4 5/8% Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to July 15, 2015, we may also redeem up to 35.0% of the 4 5/8% Senior Notes at a specified premium with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions.

4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018

On April 5, 2013, we issued $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of our five-year 4 1/4% Senior Notes due April 1, 2018. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 4 1/4% and is payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year.

The 4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018 are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to April 1, 2016, we may also redeem up to 35.0% of the 4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018 at a specified premium with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions.

7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019

On August 17, 2009 and October 5, 2009, we issued $1.0 billion and $400 million, respectively, aggregate principal amount of our ten-year 7 7/8% Senior Notes due September 1, 2019. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 7 7/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year.

The 7 7/8% Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.

5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020

On April 5, 2013, we issued $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of our seven-year 5 1/8% Senior Notes due May 1, 2020. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 5 1/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year.

The 5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020 are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to May 1, 2016, we may also redeem up to 35.0% of the 5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020 at a specified premium with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions.

6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021

On May 5, 2011, we issued $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of our ten-year 6 3/4% Senior Notes due June 1, 2021. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 6 3/4% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year.

The 6 3/4% Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.

5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022

On May 16, 2012 and July 26, 2012, we issued $1.0 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, aggregate principal amount of our ten-year 5 7/8% Senior Notes due July 15, 2022. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 5 7/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year.

The 5 7/8% Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to July 15, 2015, we may also redeem up to 35.0% of the 5 7/8% Senior Notes at a specified premium with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions.

5% Senior Notes due 2023

On December 27, 2012, we issued $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of our 5% Senior Notes due March 15, 2023. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 5% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year.

The 5% Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to March 15, 2016, we may also redeem up to 35.0% of the 5% Senior Notes at a specified premium with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions.

5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024

On November 20, 2014, we issued $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of our ten-year 5 7/8% Senior Notes due November 15, 2024. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 5 7/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on May 15, 2015.

The 5 7/8% Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to November 15, 2017, we may also redeem up to 35.0% of the 5 7/8% Senior Notes at a specified premium with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions.

Interest on Long-Term Debt

		Annual
	Semi-Annual	Debt Service
	Payment Dates	Requirements
		(In thousands)
7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016	February 1 and August 1	$	106,875
4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017	January 15 and July 15	$	41,625
4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018	April 1 and October 1	$	51,000
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019	March 1 and September 1	$	110,250
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020	May 1 and November 1	$	56,375
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021	June 1 and December 1	$	135,000
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022	January 15 and July 15	$	117,500
5% Senior Notes due 2023	March 15 and September 15	$	75,000
5 7/8 % Senior Notes due 2024	May 15 and November 15	$	117,500

Our ability to meet our debt service requirements will depend on, among other factors, the successful execution of our business strategy, which is subject to uncertainties and contingencies beyond our control.

Other Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following:

	As of December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Satellites and other capital lease obligations	$	194,914		$	220,115
Notes payable related to satellite vendor financing and other debt payable in installments through 2025 with interest rates ranging from approximately 1.9% to 12.5%	34,084			80,769
Total	228,998			300,884
Less current portion	(31,466		)	(34,893		)
Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	$	197,532		$	265,991

Capital Lease Obligations

Anik F3. Anik F3, an FSS satellite, was launched and commenced commercial operation during April 2007. This satellite is accounted for as a capital lease and depreciated over the term of the satellite service agreement. We have leased 100% of the Ku-band capacity on Anik F3 for a period of 15 years.

Ciel II. Ciel II, a Canadian DBS satellite, was launched in December 2008 and commenced commercial operation during February 2009. This satellite is accounted for as a capital lease and depreciated over the term of the satellite service agreement. We have leased 100% of the capacity on Ciel II for an initial 10 year term.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $500 million capitalized for the estimated fair value of satellites acquired under capital leases included in “Property and equipment, net,” with related accumulated depreciation of $279 million and $236 million, respectively. In our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), we recognized $43 million, $43 million and $43 million in depreciation expense on satellites acquired under capital lease agreements during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments under the capital lease obligations, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

For the Years Ended December 31,
2015	$	77,089
2016	76,809
2017	76,007
2018	75,982
2019	50,331
Thereafter	112,000
Total minimum lease payments	468,218
Less: Amount representing lease of the orbital location and estimated executory costs (primarily insurance and maintenance) including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments	(220,883		)
Net minimum lease payments	247,335
Less: Amount representing interest	(52,421		)
Present value of net minimum lease payments	194,914
Less: Current portion	(28,378		)
Long-term portion of capital lease obligations	$	166,536

The summary of future maturities of our outstanding long-term debt as of December 31, 2014 is included in the commitments table in Note 16.

Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

12.Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Our income tax policy is to record the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, as well as probable operating loss, tax credit and other carryforwards. Deferred tax assets are offset by valuation allowances when we believe it is more likely than not that net deferred tax assets will not be realized. We periodically evaluate our need for a valuation allowance. Determining necessary valuation allowances requires us to make assessments about historical financial information as well as the timing of future events, including the probability of expected future taxable income and available tax planning opportunities.

We file consolidated tax returns in the U.S. The income taxes of domestic and foreign subsidiaries not included in the U.S. tax group are presented in our consolidated financial statements based on a separate return basis for each tax paying entity.

As of December 31, 2014, we had no net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) for federal income tax purposes and $39 million of NOL benefit for state income tax purposes, which are partially offset by a valuation allowance. The state NOLs begin to expire in the year 2017. In addition, there are $38 million of tax benefits related to credit carryforwards which are partially offset by a valuation allowance. The state credit carryforwards began to expire in 2015.

The components of the (provision for) benefit from income taxes were as follows:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Current (provision) benefit:

Federal	$	(180,282	)	$	(162,737	)	$	28,503
State	44,565			2,421			8,730
Foreign	(6,588		)	(13,316		)	—
Total from continuing operations	(142,305		)	(173,632		)	37,233

Deferred (provision) benefit:
Federal	(310,977		)	(102,971		)	(355,220		)
State	(15,776		)	(23,223		)	(47,843		)
Foreign	190,253			—			—
Decrease (increase) in valuation allowance	1,965			—			33,839
Total from continuing operations	(134,535		)	(126,194		)	(369,224		)
Total benefit (provision)	$	(276,840	)	$	(299,826	)	$	(331,991	)

Our $1.206 billion of “Income (loss) before income taxes” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) included a loss of $4 million related to our foreign operations.

The following table shows the principal reasons for the difference between the effective income tax rate and the statutory federal tax rate:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	% of pre-tax (income)/loss
Statutory rate	(35.0	)	(35.0	)	(35.0	)
State income taxes, net of Federal benefit	(1.1	)	(1.3	)	(2.6	)
Reversal of uncertain tax positions	3.5		9.0		—
Foreign tax planning strategies, net of Federal benefit	9.8		—		—
Other	(0.4	)	0.9		0.8
Decrease (increase) in valuation allowance	0.2		—		3.4
Total benefit (provision) for income taxes	(23.0	)	(26.4	)	(33.4	)

Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 was favorably impacted by tax planning strategies related to the tax structure of certain foreign legal entities, net of Federal benefit, totaling $118 million. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2013 was favorably impacted by the $102 million reversal of an uncertain tax position that was resolved during the third quarter 2013.

Deferred taxes arise because of the differences in the book and tax bases of certain assets and liabilities. Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

	As of December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
NOL, credit and other carryforwards	$	55,280		$	20,947
Accrued expenses	46,456			53,700
Stock-based compensation	19,994			23,174
Deferred revenue	32,373			54,330
Total deferred tax assets	154,103			152,151
Valuation allowance	(8,652		)	(9,515		)
Deferred tax asset after valuation allowance	145,451			142,636

Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	(1,830,559		)	(1,864,691		)
Unrealized gains on investments	(139,032		)	(58,435		)
Other liabilities	(32,904		)	(35,336		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(2,002,495		)	(1,958,462		)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(1,857,044	)	$	(1,815,826	)

Current portion of net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	25,667		$	129,864
Noncurrent portion of net deferred tax asset (liability)	(1,882,711		)	(1,945,690		)
Total net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(1,857,044	)	$	(1,815,826	)

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

In addition to filing federal income tax returns, we and one or more of our subsidiaries file income tax returns in all states that impose an income tax and a small number of foreign jurisdictions where we have immaterial operations. We are subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years beginning in 2002 due to the carryover of previously incurred NOLs. We are currently under a federal income tax examination for fiscal years 2008 through 2012.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits included in “Long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Unrecognized tax benefit	2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Balance as of beginning of period	$	151,353		$	328,951		$	235,067
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	69,643			12,736			110,435
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years	55,761			66,307			—
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years	(18,646		)	(104,796		)	(5,477		)
Reductions based on tax positions related to settlements with taxing authorities	(42,023		)	(139,022		)	(1,739		)
Reductions based on tax positions related to the lapse of the statute of limitations	(8,413		)	(12,823		)	(9,335		)
Balance as of end of period	$	207,675		$	151,353		$	328,951

We have $173 million in unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, could favorably affect our effective tax rate. We do not expect any portion of this amount to be paid or settled within the next twelve months. In 2013, we reversed $102 million of an uncertain tax position that was resolved during the third quarter 2013, reflected in the table above.

Accrued interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are recorded as a component of “Other, net” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded a credit of $3 million in interest and penalty expense to earnings. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we recorded $4 million and less than $1 million in interest and penalty expense to earnings, respectively. Accrued interest and penalties were $10 million and $13 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The above table excludes these amounts.

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	13.Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) Capital Stock and Additional Paid-In Capital Our certificate of incorporation authorizes the following capital stock: (i) 1,600,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share; (ii) 800,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share; (iii) 800,000,000 shares of Class C common stock, par value $0.01 per share; and (iv) 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no outstanding shares of Class C common stock or preferred stock. The Class A, Class B and Class C common stock are equivalent except for voting rights. Holders of Class A and Class C common stock are entitled to one vote per share and holders of Class B common stock are entitled to 10 votes per share. Each share of Class B and Class C common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of Class A common stock. Our Class A common stock is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “DISH.” Upon a change in control of DISH Network, each holder of outstanding shares of Class C common stock is entitled to 10 votes for each share of Class C common stock held. Our principal stockholder owns the majority of all outstanding Class B common stock. Together with all other stockholders, he also owns outstanding Class A common stock. Common Stock Repurchase Program Our Board of Directors previously authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of our Class A common stock. On October 30, 2014, our Board of Directors extended this authorization such that we are currently authorized to repurchase up to $1.0 billion of outstanding shares of our Class A common stock through and including December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2014, we may repurchase up to $1.0 billion under this plan. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no repurchases of our Class A common stock. Cash Dividend On December 28, 2012, we paid a cash dividend of $1.00 per share, or approximately $453 million, on our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 14, 2012.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income.

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+ Details

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans

14.Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Our employees participate in the DISH Network employee stock purchase plan (the “ESPP”), in which we are authorized to issue up to 2.8 million shares of Class A common stock. At December 31, 2014, we had 1.0 million shares of Class A common stock which remain available for issuance under the ESPP. Substantially all full-time employees who have been employed by us for at least one calendar quarter are eligible to participate in the ESPP. Employee stock purchases are made through payroll deductions. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees may not deduct an amount which would permit such employee to purchase our capital stock under all of our stock purchase plans at a rate which would exceed $25,000 in fair value of capital stock in any one year. The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the closing price of the Class A common stock on the last business day of each calendar quarter in which such shares of Class A common stock are deemed sold to an employee under the ESPP. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, employee purchases of Class A common stock through the ESPP totaled approximately 0.1 million, 0.1 million and 0.1 million shares, respectively.

401(k) Employee Savings Plan

We sponsor a 401(k) Employee Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) for eligible employees. Voluntary employee contributions to the 401(k) Plan may be matched 50% by us, subject to a maximum annual contribution of $2,500 per employee. Forfeitures of unvested participant balances which are retained by the 401(k) Plan may be used to fund matching and discretionary contributions. Our Board of Directors may also authorize an annual discretionary contribution to the 401(k) plan, subject to the maximum deductible limit provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. These contributions may be made in cash or in our stock.

The following table summarizes the expense associated with our matching contributions and discretionary contributions:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Expense Recognized Related to the 401(k) Plan	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Matching contributions, net of forfeitures from continuing operations	$	6,222	$	5,994	$	2,750
Matching contributions, net of forfeitures from discontinued operations	—		176		573
Total matching contributions	$	6,222	$	6,170	$	3,323
Discretionary stock contributions, net of forfeitures	$	25,972	$	26,096	$	23,772

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

15.Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Incentive Plans

We maintain stock incentive plans to attract and retain officers, directors and key employees. Stock awards under these plans include both performance and non-performance based stock incentives. As of December 31, 2014, we had outstanding under these plans stock options to acquire 11.7 million shares of our Class A common stock and 1.8 million restricted stock units. Stock options granted on or prior to December 31, 2014 were granted with exercise prices equal to or greater than the market value of our Class A common stock at the date of grant and with a maximum term of approximately ten years. While historically we have issued stock awards subject to vesting, typically at the rate of 20% per year, some stock awards have been granted with immediate vesting and other stock awards vest only upon the achievement of certain company-specific subscriber, operational and/or financial goals. As of December 31, 2014, we had 69.1 million shares of our Class A common stock available for future grant under our stock incentive plans.

During December 2011, we paid a dividend in cash of $2.00 per share on our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock to shareholders of record on November 17, 2011. In light of such dividend, during January 2012, the exercise price of 21.2 million stock options, affecting approximately 600 employees, was reduced by $2.00 per share (the “2011 Stock Option Adjustment”). Except as noted below, all information discussed below reflects the 2011 Stock Option Adjustment.

On December 28, 2012, we paid a dividend in cash of $1.00 per share on our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock to shareholders of record on December 14, 2012. In light of such dividend, during January 2013, the exercise price of 16.3 million stock options, affecting approximately 550 employees, was reduced by $0.77 per share (the “2012 Stock Option Adjustment”). Except as noted below, all information discussed below reflects the 2012 Stock Option Adjustment.

On January 1, 2008, we completed the distribution of our technology and set-top box business and certain infrastructure assets (the “Spin-off”) into a separate publicly-traded company, EchoStar. In connection with the Spin-off, each DISH Network stock award was converted into an adjusted DISH Network stock award and a new EchoStar stock award consistent with the Spin-off exchange ratio. We are responsible for fulfilling all stock awards related to DISH Network common stock and EchoStar is responsible for fulfilling all stock awards related to EchoStar common stock, regardless of whether such stock awards are held by our or EchoStar’s employees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our stock-based compensation expense, resulting from stock awards outstanding at the Spin-off date, is based on the stock awards held by our employees regardless of whether such stock awards were issued by DISH Network or EchoStar. Accordingly, stock-based compensation that we expense with respect to EchoStar stock awards is included in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of March 31, 2013, we have recognized all of our stock-based compensation expense resulting from EchoStar stock awards outstanding at the Spin-off date held by our employees.

The following stock awards were outstanding:

	As of December 31, 2014
	DISH Network Awards		EchoStar Awards
Stock Awards Outstanding	Stock Options	Restricted Stock Units	Stock Options	Restricted Stock Units
Held by DISH Network employees	10,564,344	1,731,332	469,188	42,056
Held by EchoStar employees	1,161,479	66,999	N/A	N/A
Total	11,725,823	1,798,331	469,188	42,056

Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:

					Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
					Number Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable as of December 31, 2014	Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$	—	-	$	10.00	1,020,243	2.89	$	6.29	1,020,243	2.89	$	6.29
$	10.01	-	$	20.00	5,204,509	2.32	$	17.92	530,109	1.51	$	17.60
$	20.01	-	$	30.00	2,724,266	5.38	$	25.64	1,427,366	4.94	$	25.61
$	30.01	-	$	40.00	2,085,855	7.58	$	35.80	262,555	6.59	$	34.70
$	40.01	-	$	50.00	25,200	6.43	$	44.43	10,000	3.50	$	42.52
$	50.01	-	$	60.00	100,000	7.75	$	57.92	25,000	5.60	$	57.92
$	60.01	-	$	70.00	565,750	8.86	$	64.17	23,750	6.80	$	63.79
$	—	-	$	70.00	11,725,823	4.39	$	24.51	3,299,023	3.90	$	19.64

Stock Award Activity

Our stock option activity was as follows:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014				2013				2012
	Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Total options outstanding, beginning of period (1)	14,058,574		$	21.71	16,399,870		$	19.04	21,336,159		$	20.53
Granted	667,750		$	63.23	2,225,500		$	36.75	591,500		$	32.25
Exercised	(2,724,301	)	$	18.77	(4,419,396	)	$	16.30	(4,940,393	)	$	18.46
Forfeited and cancelled	(276,200	)	$	32.26	(147,400	)	$	29.26	(587,396	)	$	20.44
Total options outstanding, end of period	11,725,823		$	24.51	14,058,574		$	21.71	16,399,870		$	19.04
Performance based options outstanding, end of period (2)	7,246,500		$	24.14	7,790,500		$	24.02	7,929,250		$	18.85
Exercisable at end of period	3,299,023		$	19.64	4,799,173		$	17.14	6,011,719		$	18.31

(1)

The beginning of period weighted-average exercise price for the year ended December 31, 2013 of $19.04 does not reflect the 2012 Stock Option Adjustment, which occurred subsequent to December 31, 2012. The beginning of period weighted-average exercise price for the year ended December 31, 2012 of $20.53 does not reflect the 2011 Stock Option Adjustment, which occurred subsequent to December 31, 2011.

(2)

These stock options are included in the caption “Total options outstanding, end of period.” See discussion of the 2005 LTIP, 2008 LTIP, 2013 LTIP and Other Employee Performance Awards below.

We realized tax benefits from stock awards exercised as follows:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Tax benefit from stock awards exercised	$	52,366	$	38,947	$	23,378

Based on the closing market price of our Class A common stock on December 31, 2014, the aggregate intrinsic value of our stock options was as follows:

	As of December 31, 2014
	Options Outstanding		Options Exercisable
	(In thousands)
Aggregate intrinsic value	$	567,280	$	175,669

Our restricted stock unit activity was as follows:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014				2013				2012
	Restricted Stock Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Restricted Stock Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Restricted Stock Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period	1,943,497		$	29.09	1,185,080		$	22.99	1,284,708		$	23.25
Granted	316,500		$	63.57	990,000		$	36.53	—		$	—
Vested	(278,000	)	$	45.04	(135,250	)	$	29.19	(24,795	)	$	22.94
Forfeited and cancelled	(183,666	)	$	32.77	(96,333	)	$	30.46	(74,833	)	$	27.33
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period	1,798,331		$	32.31	1,943,497		$	29.09	1,185,080		$	22.99
Restricted Performance Units outstanding, end of period (1)	1,798,331		$	32.31	1,943,497		$	29.09	1,185,080		$	22.99

(1)

These Restricted Performance Units are included in the caption “Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period.” See discussion of the 2005 LTIP, 2008 LTIP, 2013 LTIP and Other Employee Performance Awards below.

Long-Term Performance-Based Plans

2005 LTIP. During 2005, we adopted a long-term, performance-based stock incentive plan (the “2005 LTIP”). The 2005 LTIP provided stock options and restricted stock units, either alone or in combination, which vested over seven years at the rate of 10% per year during the first four years, and at the rate of 20% per year thereafter. Exercise of the stock awards was subject to the foregoing vesting schedule and a performance condition that a company-specific subscriber goal be achieved by March 31, 2015. It was determined that the goal can no longer be achieved under the terms of the 2005 LTIP.

2008 LTIP. During 2008, we adopted a long-term, performance-based stock incentive plan (the “2008 LTIP”). The 2008 LTIP provided stock options and restricted stock units, either alone or in combination, which vested based on company-specific subscriber and financial goals. As of June 30, 2013, 100% of the eligible 2008 LTIP awards had vested.

2013 LTIP. During 2013, we adopted a long-term, performance-based stock incentive plan (the “2013 LTIP”). The 2013 LTIP provides stock options and restricted stock units in combination, which vest based on company-specific subscriber and financial goals. Exercise of the stock awards is contingent on achieving these goals by September 30, 2022.

Although no awards vest until the Company attains the performance goals, compensation related to the 2013 LTIP will be recorded based on management’s assessment of the probability of meeting the remaining goals. If the remaining goals are probable of being achieved, we will begin recognizing the associated non-cash, stock-based compensation expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) over the estimated period to achieve the goal.

During the third quarter 2013, we determined that 20% of the 2013 LTIP performance goals were probable of achievement. During the second quarter 2014, we determined that an additional 10% of the 2013 LTIP performance goals were probable of achievement. As a result, we recorded non cash, stock based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2014, as indicated in the table below titled “Non Cash, Stock Based Compensation Expense Recognized.” As of December 31, 2014, approximately 20% of the 2013 LTIP awards had vested.

Other Employee Performance Awards. In addition to the above long-term, performance stock incentive plans, we have other stock awards that vest based on certain other company-specific subscriber, operational and/or financial goals. Exercise of these stock awards is contingent on achieving certain performance goals.

Additional compensation related to these awards will be recorded based on management’s assessment of the probability of meeting the remaining performance goals. If the remaining goals are probable of being achieved, we will begin recognizing the associated non-cash, stock-based compensation expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) over the estimated period to achieve the goal. See the table below titled “Estimated Remaining Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense.”

Although no awards vest until the performance goals are attained, we determined that certain goals were probable of achievement and, as a result, recorded non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, as indicated in the table below titled “Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized.”

Given the competitive nature of our business, small variations in subscriber churn, gross new subscriber activation rates and certain other factors can significantly impact subscriber growth. Consequently, while it was determined that achievement of certain other company-specific subscriber, operational and/or financial goals was not probable as of December 31, 2014, that assessment could change in the future.

The non-cash, stock-based compensation expense associated with these awards was as follows:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
2008 LTIP	$	—	$	2,889	$	9,246
2013 LTIP	12,361		8,137		—
Other employee performance awards	14,095		4,045		7,471
Non-cash, stock-based compensation expense recognized for performance based awards from continuing operations	26,456		15,071		16,717
Non-cash, stock-based compensation expense recognized for performance based awards from discontinued operations	—		182		566
Total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense recognized for performance based awards	$	26,456	$	15,253	$	17,283

Estimated Remaining Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense	2013 LTIP		Other Employee Performance Awards
	(In thousands)
Expense estimated to be recognized during 2015	$	1,749	$	1,694
Estimated contingent expense subsequent to 2015	52,928		36,087
Total estimated remaining expense over the term of the plan	$	54,677	$	37,781

Of the 11.7 million stock options and 1.8 million restricted stock units outstanding under our stock incentive plans as of December 31, 2014, the following awards were outstanding pursuant to our performance-based stock incentive plans:

	As of December 31, 2014
	Number of Awards	Weighted- Average Grant Price
Performance Based Stock Options
2005 LTIP (1)	3,164,500	$	20.31
2013 LTIP	1,592,000	$	40.02
Other employee performance awards	2,490,000	$	18.85
Total	7,246,500	$	24.14

Restricted Performance Units
2005 LTIP (1)	277,331
2013 LTIP	796,000
Other employee performance awards	725,000
Total	1,798,331

(1)

It was determined that the goal can no longer be achieved under the terms of the 2005 LTIP.

Stock-Based Compensation

During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we incurred an initial charge related to vested options of $5 million and $14 million, respectively, of additional non-cash, stock-based compensation expense in connection with the 2012 Stock Option Adjustment and the 2011 Stock Option Adjustment discussed previously. These amounts are included in the table below. Total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for all of our employees is shown in the following table for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and was allocated to the same expense categories as the base compensation for such employees:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Subscriber-related	$	1,859	$	1,947	$	1,607
General and administrative	32,294		27,783		37,720
Non-cash, stock-based compensation from continuing operations	34,153		29,730		39,327
Non-cash, stock-based compensation from discontinued operations	—		925		1,643
Total non-cash, stock-based compensation	$	34,153	$	30,655	$	40,970

As of December 31, 2014, our total unrecognized compensation cost related to our non-performance based unvested stock awards was $15 million. This cost was based on an estimated future forfeiture rate of approximately 3.2% per year and will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years. Share-based compensation expense is recognized based on stock awards ultimately expected to vest and is reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Changes in the estimated forfeiture rate can have a significant effect on share-based compensation expense since the effect of adjusting the rate is recognized in the period the forfeiture estimate is changed.

Valuation

The fair value of each stock option granted for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was estimated at the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following assumptions:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Stock Options	2014	2013	2012
Risk-free interest rate	1.80% - 2.84%	0.91% - 2.66%	0.41% - 1.29%
Volatility factor	28.53% - 38.62%	32.37% - 39.87%	33.15% - 39.50%
Expected term of options in years	5.5 - 9.0	5.6 - 10.0	3.1 - 5.9
Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$19.08 - $29.20	$14.49 - $21.09	$6.72 - $13.79

On December 28, 2012, we paid a $1.00 cash dividend per share on our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock. While we currently do not intend to declare additional dividends on our common stock, we may elect to do so from time to time. Accordingly, the dividend yield percentage used in the Black-Scholes option valuation model was set at zero for all periods. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded stock options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Consequently, our estimate of fair value may differ from other valuation models. Further, the Black-Scholes option valuation model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. Changes in these subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.

We will continue to evaluate the assumptions used to derive the estimated fair value of our stock options as new events or changes in circumstances become known.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

16.Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

As of December 31, 2014, future maturities of our long-term debt, capital lease and contractual obligations are summarized as follows:

	Payments due by period
	Total		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter
	(In thousands)
Long-term debt obligations	$	14,284,085	$	653,089	$	1,503,152	$	903,169	$	1,203,235	$	1,403,305	$	8,618,135
Capital lease obligations	194,914		28,378		30,893		32,993		36,175		19,503		46,972
Interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	5,057,786		851,661		772,290		716,327		646,445		618,716		1,452,347
Satellite-related obligations	2,413,176		502,197		362,527		336,576		327,246		301,106		583,524
Operating lease obligations	164,843		44,091		38,996		20,613		11,667		6,702		42,774
Purchase obligations	2,442,056		1,700,720		323,214		158,007		126,609		111,614		21,892
Total	$	24,556,860	$	3,780,136	$	3,031,072	$	2,167,685	$	2,351,377	$	2,460,946	$	10,765,644

In certain circumstances the dates on which we are obligated to make these payments could be delayed. These amounts will increase to the extent we procure insurance for our satellites or contract for the construction, launch or lease of additional satellites.

The table above does not include $208 million of liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits that were accrued, as discussed in Note 12 and are included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014. We do not expect any portion of this amount to be paid or settled within the next twelve months.

The table above does not include our total equity and debt investments of $8.879 billion in Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities during the first quarter 2015, discussed below.

Wireless Spectrum

DISH Spectrum

We have invested over $5.0 billion since 2008 to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets.

700 MHz Licenses. In 2008, we paid $712 million to acquire certain 700 MHz wireless spectrum licenses, which were granted to us by the FCC in February 2009. At the time they were granted, these licenses were subject to certain interim and final build-out requirements. By June 2013, we were required to provide signal coverage and offer service to at least 35% of the geographic area in each area covered by each individual license (the “700 MHz Interim Build-Out Requirement”). By June 2019, we were required to provide signal coverage and offer service to at least 70% of the geographic area in each area covered by each individual license (the “700 MHz Final Build-Out Requirement”). As discussed below, these requirements have since been modified by the FCC.

On September 9, 2013, we filed a letter with the FCC in support of a voluntary industry solution to resolve certain interoperability issues affecting the lower 700 MHz spectrum band (the “Interoperability Solution”). On October 29, 2013, the FCC issued an order approving the Interoperability Solution (the “Interoperability Solution Order”), which requires us to reduce power emissions on our 700 MHz licenses. As part of the Interoperability Solution Order, the FCC, among other things, approved our request to modify the 700 MHz Interim Build-Out Requirement so that by March 2017, we must provide signal coverage and offer service to at least 40% of our total E Block population (the “Modified 700 MHz Interim Build-Out Requirement”). The FCC also approved our request to modify the 700 MHz Final Build-Out Requirement so that by March 2021, we must provide signal coverage and offer service to at least 70% of the population in each of our E Block license areas (the “Modified 700 MHz Final Build-Out Requirement”). These requirements replaced the previous build-out requirements associated with our 700 MHz licenses. While the modifications to our 700 MHz licenses provide us additional time to complete the build-out requirements, the reduction in power emissions could have an adverse impact on our ability to fully utilize our 700 MHz licenses. If we fail to meet the Modified 700 MHz Interim Build-Out Requirement, the Modified 700 MHz Final Build-Out Requirement may be accelerated by one year, from March 2021 to March 2020, and we could face the reduction of license area(s). If we fail to meet the Modified 700 MHz Final Build-Out Requirement, our authorization may terminate for the geographic portion of each license in which we are not providing service.

AWS-4 Licenses. On March 2, 2012, the FCC approved the transfer of 40 MHz of wireless spectrum licenses held by DBSD North America and TerreStar to us. On March 9, 2012, we completed the DBSD Transaction and the TerreStar Transaction, pursuant to which we acquired, among other things, certain satellite assets and wireless spectrum licenses held by DBSD North America and TerreStar. The total consideration to acquire the DBSD North America and TerreStar assets was approximately $2.860 billion.

Our consolidated FCC applications for approval of the license transfers from DBSD North America and TerreStar were accompanied by requests for waiver of the FCC’s MSS “integrated service” and spare satellite requirements and various technical provisions. On March 21, 2012, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making proposing the elimination of the integrated service, spare satellite and various technical requirements associated with these licenses. On December 11, 2012, the FCC approved rules that eliminated these requirements and gave notice of its proposed modification of our authorizations to, among other things, allow us to offer single-mode terrestrial terminals to customers who do not desire satellite functionality. On February 15, 2013, the FCC issued an order, which became effective on March 7, 2013, modifying our licenses to expand our terrestrial operating authority with AWS-4 authority. That order imposed certain limitations on the use of a portion of this spectrum, including interference protections for other spectrum users and power and emission limits that we presently believe could render 5 MHz of our uplink spectrum (2000-2005 MHz) effectively unusable for terrestrial services and limit our ability to fully utilize the remaining 15 MHz of our uplink spectrum (2005-2020 MHz) for terrestrial services. These limitations could, among other things, impact the ongoing development of technical standards associated with our wireless business, and may have a material adverse effect on our ability to commercialize our AWS-4 licenses. That order also mandated certain interim and final build-out requirements for the licenses. By March 2017, we must provide terrestrial signal coverage and offer terrestrial service to at least 40% of the aggregate population represented by all of the areas covered by the licenses (the “AWS-4 Interim Build-Out Requirement”). By March 2020, we were required to provide terrestrial signal coverage and offer terrestrial service to at least 70% of the population in each area covered by an individual license (the “AWS-4 Final Build-Out Requirement”).

On December 20, 2013, the FCC issued a further order that, among other things, extended the AWS-4 Final Build-Out Requirement by one year to March 2021 (the “Modified AWS-4 Final Build-Out Requirement”). If we fail to meet the AWS-4 Interim Build-Out Requirement, the Modified AWS-4 Final Build-Out Requirement may be accelerated by one year, from March 2021 to March 2020. If we fail to meet the Modified AWS-4 Final Build-Out Requirement, our terrestrial authorization for each license area in which we fail to meet the requirement may terminate. The FCC’s December 20, 2013 order also conditionally waived certain FCC rules for our AWS-4 licenses to allow us to repurpose all 20 MHz of our uplink spectrum (2000-2020 MHz) for downlink (the “AWS-4 Downlink Waiver”). If we fail to notify the FCC that we intend to use our uplink spectrum for downlink by June 20, 2016, the AWS-4 Downlink Waiver will terminate, and the Modified AWS-4 Final Build-Out Requirement will revert back to the AWS-4 Final Build-Out Requirement.

H Block Licenses. The auction of wireless spectrum known as the H Block commenced on January 22, 2014 and concluded on February 27, 2014. We were the winning bidder for all 176 wireless spectrum licenses in the H Block auction with an aggregate bid of $1.564 billion. On December 17, 2013, we paid approximately $328 million to the FCC as a deposit for the H Block auction. We paid the remaining balance of our winning bid of approximately $1.236 billion for the H Block licenses on March 28, 2014. On April 29, 2014, the FCC issued an order granting our application to acquire these H Block licenses. As a result, during May 2014, we also paid approximately $13 million to UTAM, Inc. for clearance costs associated with the lower H Block spectrum and approximately $95 million to Sprint for clearance costs associated with the upper H Block spectrum in connection with the issuance of the H Block licenses. The H Block licenses are subject to certain interim and final build-out requirements. By April 2018, we must provide reliable signal coverage and offer service to at least 40% of the population in each area covered by an individual H Block license (the “H Block Interim Build-Out Requirement”). By April 2024, we must provide reliable signal coverage and offer service to at least 75% of the population in each area covered by an individual H Block license (the “H Block Final Build-Out Requirement”). If we fail to meet the H Block Interim Build-Out Requirement, the H Block license term and the H Block Final Build-Out Requirement may be accelerated by two years (from April 2024 to April 2022) for each H Block license area in which we fail to meet the requirement. If we fail to meet the H Block Final Build-Out Requirement, our authorization for each H Block license area in which we fail to meet the requirement may terminate. The FCC has adopted rules for the H Block spectrum band that is adjacent to our AWS-4 licenses. Depending on the outcome of the standard-setting process for the H Block and our ultimate decision regarding the AWS-4 Downlink Waiver, the rules that the FCC adopted for the H Block could further impact 15 MHz of our AWS-4 uplink spectrum (2005-2020 MHz), which may have a material adverse effect on our ability to commercialize the AWS-4 licenses.

Commercialization of Our Wireless Spectrum Licenses and Related Assets. We have made substantial investments to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses and related assets. We may also determine that additional wireless spectrum licenses may be required to commercialize our wireless business and to compete with other wireless service providers. We will need to make significant additional investments or partner with others to, among other things, commercialize, build-out, and integrate these licenses and related assets, and any additional acquired licenses and related assets; and comply with regulations applicable to such licenses. Depending on the nature and scope of such commercialization, build-out, integration efforts, and regulatory compliance, any such investments or partnerships could vary significantly. We may need to raise significant additional capital in the future to fund these efforts, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. There can be no assurance that we will be able to develop and implement a business model that will realize a return on these wireless spectrum licenses or that we will be able to profitably deploy the assets represented by these wireless spectrum licenses, which may affect the carrying value of these assets and our future financial condition or results of operations.

AWS-3 Auction

The AWS-3 Auction commenced on November 13, 2014 and concluded on January 29, 2015. The FCC’s prohibition on certain communications related to the AWS-3 Auction expired on February 13, 2015. Also, on February 13, 2015, Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless each filed applications with the FCC to acquire certain AWS-3 Licenses for which it was named as winning bidder and had made the required down payments. Each of Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless has applied as a Designated Entity that is entitled to receive a bidding credit of 25% in the AWS-3 Auction, as defined by FCC regulations.

Northstar Wireless was the winning bidder for certain AWS-3 Licenses (the “Northstar Licenses”) with gross winning bids totaling approximately $7.845 billion, which after taking into account a 25% bidding credit, equals net winning bids totaling approximately $5.884 billion. Northstar Wireless is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northstar Spectrum. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, American AWS-3 Wireless II L.L.C. (“American II”), we own an 85% non-controlling interest in Northstar Spectrum. Northstar Manager, LLC (“Northstar Manager” and collectively with Northstar Spectrum and Northstar Wireless, the “Northstar Entities”) owns a 15% controlling interest in, and is the sole manager of, Northstar Spectrum. Northstar Spectrum is governed by a limited liability company agreement by and between American II and Northstar Manager (the “Northstar Spectrum LLC Agreement”). Pursuant to the Northstar Spectrum LLC Agreement, American II and Northstar Manager agreed to make pro-rata equity contributions in Northstar Spectrum equal to approximately 15% of the net purchase price of the Northstar Licenses. American II also entered into a Credit Agreement by and among American II, as Lender, Northstar Wireless, as Borrower, and Northstar Spectrum, as Guarantor (the “Northstar Credit Agreement”). Pursuant to the Northstar Credit Agreement, American II agreed to make loans to Northstar Wireless for approximately 85% of the net purchase price of the Northstar Licenses. American II made equity contributions to Northstar Spectrum of approximately $633 million and a loan to Northstar Wireless of approximately $432 million for Northstar Wireless to make the upfront payment for the AWS-3 Auction and the down payment required for the Northstar Licenses. American II is also required to make an equity contribution to Northstar Spectrum of approximately $117 million and a loan to Northstar Wireless of approximately $4.569 billion for Northstar Wireless to make the final payment required for the Northstar Licenses, which is due to the FCC by March 2, 2015. Consequently, as of March 2, 2015, the total equity contributions from American II to Northstar Spectrum will be approximately $750 million and the total loans from American II to Northstar Wireless will be approximately $5.001 billion.

SNR Wireless was the winning bidder for certain AWS-3 Licenses (the “SNR Licenses”) with gross winning bids totaling approximately $5.482 billion, which after taking into account a 25% bidding credit, equals net winning bids totaling approximately $4.112 billion. In addition to the net winning bids, SNR Wireless is obligated to make a bid withdrawal payment of approximately $8 million to the FCC. SNR Wireless is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNR Holdco. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, American AWS-3 Wireless III L.L.C. (“American III”), we own an 85% non-controlling interest in SNR Holdco. SNR Wireless Management, LLC (“SNR Management” and collectively with SNR Holdco and SNR Wireless, the “SNR Entities”) owns a 15% controlling interest in, and is the sole manager of, SNR Holdco. SNR Holdco is governed by a limited liability company agreement by and between American III and SNR Management (the “SNR Holdco LLC Agreement”). Pursuant to the SNR Holdco LLC Agreement, American III and SNR Management agreed to make pro-rata equity contributions in SNR Holdco equal to approximately 15% of the net purchase price of the SNR Licenses. American III also entered into a Credit Agreement by and among American III, as Lender, SNR Wireless, as Borrower, and SNR Holdco, as Guarantor (the “SNR Credit Agreement”). Pursuant to the SNR Credit Agreement, American III agreed to make loans to SNR Wireless for the amount of the bid withdrawal payment and approximately 85% of the net purchase price of the SNR Licenses. American III made equity contributions to SNR Holdco of approximately $408 million and a loan to SNR Wireless of approximately $350 million for SNR Wireless to make the upfront payment for the AWS-3 Auction and the down payment required for the SNR Licenses. American III is also required to make an equity contribution to SNR Holdco of approximately $116 million and a loan to SNR Wireless of approximately $3.153 billion for SNR Wireless to make the final payment required for the SNR Licenses, which is due to the FCC by March 2, 2015. Consequently, as of March 2, 2015, the total equity contributions from American III to SNR Holdco will be approximately $524 million and the total loans from American III to SNR Wireless will be approximately $3.503 billion.

After Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless have made the final payments to the FCC for the Northstar Licenses and the SNR Licenses, respectively, our total non-controlling equity and debt investments in the Northstar Entities and the SNR Entities will be approximately $9.778 billion. We have funded and will fund these investments from existing cash and marketable investment securities. Such funding has included and will include $899 million in total equity and debt investments in the Northstar Entities and SNR Entities during the fourth quarter 2014, cash and marketable investment securities as of December 31, 2014, cash generated from operations during 2015, and a $400 million refund from the FCC to one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries related to the AWS-3 Auction. Issuance of any AWS-3 Licenses to Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless depends, among other things, upon the FCC’s review and approval of the applications filed by Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless. Objections to the applications filed by Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless must be submitted to the FCC within ten calendar days following the release by the FCC of the public notice listing the applications acceptable for filing. We cannot predict the timing or the outcome of the FCC’s review of the applications filed by Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless.

Guarantees

During the third quarter 2009, EchoStar entered into a new satellite transponder service agreement for Nimiq 5 through 2024. We sublease this capacity from EchoStar and also guarantee a certain portion of EchoStar’s obligation under its satellite transponder service agreement through 2019. As of December 31, 2014, the remaining obligation of our guarantee was $312 million.

As of December 31, 2014, we have not recorded a liability on the balance sheet for this guarantee.

Purchase Obligations

Our 2015 purchase obligations primarily consist of binding purchase orders for receiver systems and related equipment, broadband equipment, digital broadcast operations, engineering services, and products and services related to the operation of our DISH branded pay-TV service. Our purchase obligations also include certain fixed contractual commitments to purchase programming content. Our purchase obligations can fluctuate significantly from period to period due to, among other things, management’s control of inventory levels, and can materially impact our future operating asset and liability balances, and our future working capital requirements.

Programming Contracts

In the normal course of business, we enter into contracts to purchase programming content in which our payment obligations are generally contingent on the number of Pay-TV subscribers to whom we provide the respective content. These programming commitments are not included in the “Commitments” table above. The terms of our contracts typically range from one to ten years with annual rate increases. Our programming expenses will continue to increase to the extent we are successful in growing our Pay-TV subscriber base. In addition, our margins may face further downward pressure from price increases and the renewal of long-term pay-TV programming contracts on less favorable pricing terms.

Rent Expense

Total rent expense for operating leases related to our continuing operations was $469 million, $307 million and $254 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Rent expense in 2014 increased as a result of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. See Note 6 and Note 20 for further discussion

Patents and Intellectual Property

Many entities, including some of our competitors, have or may in the future obtain patents and other intellectual property rights that cover or affect products or services that we offer or that we may offer in the future. We may not be aware of all intellectual property rights that our products or services may potentially infringe. Damages in patent infringement cases can be substantial, and in certain circumstances can be trebled. Further, we cannot estimate the extent to which we may be required in the future to obtain licenses with respect to patents held by others and the availability and cost of any such licenses. Various parties have asserted patent and other intellectual property rights with respect to components within our direct broadcast satellite system. We cannot be certain that these persons do not own the rights they claim, that our products do not infringe on these rights, and/or that these rights are not valid. Further, we cannot be certain that we would be able to obtain licenses from these persons on commercially reasonable terms or, if we were unable to obtain such licenses, that we would be able to redesign our products to avoid infringement.

Contingencies

Separation Agreement

In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a separation agreement with EchoStar that provides, among other things, for the division of certain liabilities, including liabilities resulting from litigation. Under the terms of the separation agreement, EchoStar has assumed certain liabilities that relate to its business, including certain designated liabilities for acts or omissions that occurred prior to the Spin-off. Certain specific provisions govern intellectual property related claims under which, generally, EchoStar will only be liable for its acts or omissions following the Spin-off and we will indemnify EchoStar for any liabilities or damages resulting from intellectual property claims relating to the period prior to the Spin-off, as well as our acts or omissions following the Spin-off.

Litigation

We are involved in a number of legal proceedings (including those described below) concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of our business activities. Many of these proceedings are at preliminary stages, and many of these proceedings seek an indeterminate amount of damages. We regularly evaluate the status of the legal proceedings in which we are involved to assess whether a loss is probable or there is a reasonable possibility that a loss or an additional loss may have been incurred and to determine if accruals are appropriate. If accruals are not appropriate, we further evaluate each legal proceeding to assess whether an estimate of the possible loss or range of possible loss can be made.

For certain cases described on the following pages, management is unable to provide a meaningful estimate of the possible loss or range of possible loss because, among other reasons, (i) the proceedings are in various stages; (ii) damages have not been sought; (iii) damages are unsupported and/or exaggerated; (iv) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals or motions; (v) there are significant factual issues to be resolved; and/or (vi) there are novel legal issues or unsettled legal theories to be presented or a large number of parties (as with many patent-related cases). For these cases, however, management does not believe, based on currently available information, that the outcomes of these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, though the outcomes could be material to our operating results for any particular period, depending, in part, upon the operating results for such period.

California Institute of Technology

On October 1, 2013, the California Institute of Technology (“Caltech”) filed complaints against us and our wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH Network L.L.C. and dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C., as well as Hughes Communications, Inc. and Hughes Network Systems, LLC, which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of EchoStar, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 7,116,710; 7,421,032; 7,916,781 and 8,284,833, each of which is entitled “Serial Concatenation of Interleaved Convolutional Codes forming Turbo-Like Codes.” Caltech alleges that encoding data as specified by the DVB-S2 standard infringes each of the asserted patents. In the operative Amended Complaint, served on March 6, 2014, Caltech claims that our Hopper set-top box, as well as the Hughes defendants’ satellite broadband products and services, infringe the asserted patents by implementing the DVB-S2 standard. On February 17, 2015, Caltech filed a new complaint in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, asserting the same patents against the same defendants. Caltech alleges that certain broadband equipment, including without limitation the HT1000 and HT1100 modems, gateway hardware, software and/or firmware that the Hughes defendants provide to, among others, us for our use in connection with the dishNET branded broadband service, infringes these patents. Trial is scheduled to commence on April 20, 2015.

We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

ClearPlay, Inc.

On March 13, 2014, ClearPlay, Inc. (“ClearPlay”) filed a complaint against us, our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., EchoStar, and its wholly-owned subsidiary EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,898,799, entitled “Multimedia Content Navigation and Playback”; 7,526,784, entitled “Delivery of Navigation Data for Playback of Audio and Video Content”; 7,543,318, entitled “Delivery of Navigation Data for Playback of Audio and Video Content”; 7,577,970, entitled “Multimedia Content Navigation and Playback”; and 8,117,282, entitled “Media Player Configured to Receive Playback Filters From Alternative Storage Mediums”. ClearPlay alleges that the AutoHop™ feature of our Hopper set-top box infringes the asserted patents. On February 11, 2015, the case was stayed pending various third-party challenges before the United States Patent and Trademark Office regarding the validity of certain of the patents asserted in the action.

CRFD Research, Inc. (a subsidiary of Marathon Patent Group, Inc.)

On January 17, 2014, CRFD Research, Inc. (“CRFD”) filed a complaint against us, our wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH DBS and DISH Network L.L.C., EchoStar, and its wholly-owned subsidiary EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 7,191,233 (the “233 patent”). The 233 patent is entitled “System for Automated, Mid-Session, User-Directed, Device-to-Device Session Transfer System,” and relates to transferring an ongoing software session from one device to another. CRFD alleges that our Hopper and Joey set-top boxes infringe the 233 patent. On the same day, CRFD filed similar complaints against AT&T Inc.; Comcast Corp.; DirecTV; Time Warner Cable Inc.; Cox Communications, Inc.; Akamai Technologies, Inc.; Cablevision Systems Corp. and Limelight Networks, Inc. CRFD is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. On January 26, 2015, we and EchoStar filed a petition before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the 233 patent.

We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Custom Media Technologies LLC

On August 15, 2013, Custom Media Technologies LLC (“Custom Media”) filed complaints against us; AT&T Inc.; Charter Communications, Inc.; Comcast Corp.; Cox Communications, Inc.; DirecTV; Time Warner Cable Inc. and Verizon Communications, Inc., in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 6,269,275 (the “275 patent”). The 275 patent, which is entitled “Method and System for Customizing and Distributing Presentations for User Sites,” relates to the provision of customized presentations to viewers over a network, such as “a cable television network, an Internet or other computer network, a broadcast television network, and/or a satellite system.” Custom Media alleges that our DVR devices and DVR functionality infringe the 275 patent. Custom Media is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. Pursuant to a stipulation between the parties, on November 6, 2013, the Court entered an order substituting DISH Network L.L.C., our wholly-owned subsidiary, as the defendant in our place. Trial is scheduled to commence on September 19, 2016.

Do Not Call Litigation

On March 25, 2009, our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. was sued in a civil action by the United States Attorney General and several states in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and Telephone Sales Rules, as well as analogous state statutes and state consumer protection laws. The plaintiffs allege that we, directly and through certain independent third-party retailers and their affiliates, committed certain telemarketing violations. On December 23, 2013, the plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment, which indicated for the first time that the state plaintiffs are seeking civil penalties and damages of approximately $270 million and that the federal plaintiff is seeking an unspecified amount of civil penalties (which could substantially exceed the civil penalties and damages being sought by the state plaintiffs). The plaintiffs are also seeking injunctive relief that if granted would, among other things, enjoin DISH Network L.L.C., whether acting directly or indirectly through authorized telemarketers or independent third-party retailers, from placing any outbound telemarketing calls to market or promote its goods or services for five years, and enjoin DISH Network L.L.C. from accepting activations or sales from certain existing independent third-party retailers and from certain new independent third-party retailers, except under certain circumstances. We also filed a motion for summary judgment, seeking dismissal of all claims, and the Court heard oral arguments on the parties’ summary judgment motions on October 17, 2014. On December 12, 2014, the Court issued its opinion with respect to the parties’ summary judgment motions. The Court found that DISH Network L.L.C. is entitled to partial summary judgment with respect to one claim in the action. In addition, the Court found that the plaintiffs are entitled to partial summary judgment with respect to ten claims in the action, which includes, among other things, findings by the Court establishing DISH Network L.L.C.’s liability for a substantial amount of the alleged outbound telemarketing calls by DISH Network L.L.C. and certain of its independent third-party retailers that were the subject of the plaintiffs’ motion. The Court did not issue any injunctive relief and did not make any determination on civil penalties or damages, ruling instead that the scope of any injunctive relief and the amount of any civil penalties or damages are questions for trial. Trial is scheduled to commence on July 21, 2015.

We intend to vigorously defend this case. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Dragon Intellectual Property, LLC

On December 20, 2013, Dragon Intellectual Property, LLC (“Dragon IP”) filed complaints against our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., as well as Apple Inc.; AT&T, Inc.; Charter Communications, Inc.; Comcast Corp.; Cox Communications, Inc.; DirecTV; Sirius XM Radio Inc.; Time Warner Cable Inc. and Verizon Communications, Inc., in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 5,930,444 (the “444 patent”), which is entitled “Simultaneous Recording and Playback Apparatus.” Dragon IP alleges that various of our DVR receivers infringe the 444 patent. Dragon IP is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. On December 23, 2014, DISH Network L.L.C. filed a petition before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the 444 patent.

ESPN

During 2008, our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. filed a lawsuit against ESPN, Inc.; ESPN Classic, Inc.; ABC Cable Networks Group; Soapnet L.L.C. and International Family Entertainment (collectively, “ESPN”) for breach of contract in New York State Supreme Court. Our complaint alleged that ESPN failed to provide us with certain HD feeds of the Disney Channel, ESPN News, Toon and ABC Family. In October 2011, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendants, which the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department (the “First Department”) affirmed on April 2, 2013. We sought leave to further appeal, which the New York Court of Appeals denied on August 27, 2013 on jurisdictional grounds. On September 19, 2013, we appealed the trial court’s final judgment to the First Department. On March 6, 2014, pursuant to a settlement and release agreement between the parties, we dismissed our appeal.

ESPN had asserted a counterclaim alleging that we owed approximately $35 million under the applicable affiliation agreements. On April 15, 2009, the New York State Supreme Court granted, in part, ESPN’s motion for summary judgment on the counterclaim, finding that we were liable for some of the amount alleged to be owing but that the actual amount owing was disputed. On December 29, 2010, the First Department affirmed the partial grant of ESPN’s motion for summary judgment on the counterclaim. After the partial grant of ESPN’s motion for summary judgment, ESPN sought an additional $30 million under the applicable affiliation agreements. On March 15, 2010, the New York State Supreme Court ruled that we owed the full amount of approximately $66 million under the applicable affiliation agreements. As of December 31, 2010, we had $42 million recorded as a “Litigation accrual” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

On June 21, 2011, the First Department affirmed the New York State Supreme Court’s ruling that we owed approximately $66 million under the applicable affiliation agreements and, on October 18, 2011, denied our motion for leave to appeal that decision to New York’s highest court, the New York Court of Appeals. We sought leave to appeal directly to the New York Court of Appeals and, on January 10, 2012, the New York Court of Appeals dismissed our motion for leave on the ground that the ruling upon which we appealed did not fully resolve all claims in the action. As a result of the First Department’s June 2011 ruling, we recorded $24 million of “Litigation Expense” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) during 2011. On October 11, 2012, the New York State Supreme Court awarded ESPN $5 million in attorneys’ fees as the prevailing party on both our claim and ESPN’s counterclaim. As a result, we recorded $5 million of “General and administrative expenses” and increased our “Litigation accrual” to a total of $71 million related to this case as of December 31, 2012. During the first quarter 2013, we paid $71 million to ESPN related to the counterclaim and attorneys’ fees and $12 million for accrued interest. As a result of the parties’ settlement and release, no further appeals are possible, and this matter is now concluded.

Garnet Digital, LLC

On September 9, 2013, Garnet Digital, LLC (“Garnet Digital”) filed a complaint against us and our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 5,379,421 (the “421 patent”), which is entitled “Interactive Terminal for the Access of Remote Database Information.” The 421 patent relates to methods for accessing information from a remote computerized database and related devices. On the same day, Garnet Digital filed similar complaints in the same court against 15 other defendants, including AT&T Inc.; Comcast Corp.; DirecTV; TiVo, Inc. and Verizon Communications, Inc. Garnet Digital is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. On July 30, 2014, the Court dismissed the claims against us with prejudice.

The Hopper Litigation

On May 24, 2012, our wholly-owned subsidiary, DISH Network L.L.C., filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.; CBS Corporation; Fox Entertainment Group, Inc.; Fox Television Holdings, Inc.; Fox Cable Network Services, L.L.C. and NBCUniversal, LLC. In the lawsuit, we sought a declaratory judgment that we are not infringing any defendant’s copyright, or breaching any defendant’s retransmission consent agreement, by virtue of the PrimeTime Anytime™ and AutoHop features of our Hopper set-top box. A consumer can use the PrimeTime Anytime feature, at his or her option, to record certain primetime programs airing on ABC, CBS, Fox, and/or NBC up to every night, and to store those recordings for up to eight days. A consumer can use the AutoHop feature, at his or her option, to watch certain recordings that the subscriber made with our PrimeTime Anytime feature, commercial-free, if played back at a certain point after the show’s original airing.

Later on May 24, 2012, (i) Fox Broadcasting Company; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. and Fox Television Holdings, Inc. filed a lawsuit against us and DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature, the AutoHop feature, as well as Slingbox placeshifting functionality infringe their copyrights and breach their retransmission consent agreements, (ii) NBC Studios LLC; Universal Network Television, LLC; Open 4 Business Productions LLC and NBCUniversal, LLC filed a lawsuit against us and DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature and the AutoHop feature infringe their copyrights, and (iii) CBS Broadcasting Inc.; CBS Studios Inc. and Survivor Productions LLC filed a lawsuit against us and DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature and the AutoHop feature infringe their copyrights.

As a result of certain parties’ competing venue-related motions brought in both the New York and California actions, and certain networks’ filing various counterclaims and amended complaints, the claims have proceeded in the following venues: (1) the copyright and contract claims regarding the ABC and CBS parties in New York; and (2) the copyright and contract claims regarding the Fox and NBC parties in California.

California Actions. The NBC plaintiffs and Fox plaintiffs filed amended complaints in their respective California actions adding copyright claims against EchoStar and EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar. In addition, the Fox plaintiffs’ amended complaint added claims challenging the Hopper Transfers™ feature of our second-generation Hopper set-top box.

On November 7, 2012, the California court denied the Fox plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the Hopper set-top box’s PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features, and the Fox plaintiffs appealed. On March 27, 2013, at the request of the parties, the Central District of California granted a stay of all proceedings in the action brought by the NBC plaintiffs, pending resolution of the appeal by the Fox plaintiffs. On July 24, 2013, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of the Fox plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction as to the PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features. On August 7, 2013, the Fox plaintiffs filed a petition for rehearing and rehearing en banc, which was denied on January 24, 2014. The United States Supreme Court granted the Fox plaintiffs an extension until May 23, 2014 to file a petition for writ of certiorari, but they did not file one. As a result, the stay of the NBC plaintiffs’ action expired. On August 6, 2014, at the request of the parties, the Central District of California granted a further stay of all proceedings in the action brought by the NBC plaintiffs, pending a final judgment on all claims in the Fox plaintiffs’ action. No trial date is currently set on the NBC claims.

In addition, on February 21, 2013, the Fox plaintiffs filed a second motion for preliminary injunction against: (i) us seeking to enjoin the Hopper Transfers feature in our second-generation Hopper set-top box, alleging breach of their retransmission consent agreement; and (ii) us and EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. seeking to enjoin the Slingbox placeshifting functionality in our second-generation Hopper set-top box, alleging copyright infringement and breach of their retransmission consent agreement. On September 23, 2013, the California court denied the Fox plaintiffs’ motion. The Fox plaintiffs appealed, and on July 14, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of the Fox plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction as to the Hopper Transfers feature and the Slingbox placeshifting functionality in our second-generation Hopper set-top box.

On January 12, 2015, the Court ruled on the Fox plaintiffs’ and our respective motions for summary judgment, holding that: (a) the Slingbox placeshifting functionality and the PrimeTime Anytime, AutoHop and Hopper Transfers features do not violate the copyright laws; (b) certain quality assurance copies (which were discontinued in November 2012) do violate the copyright laws; and (c) the Slingbox placeshifting functionality, the Hopper Transfers feature and such quality assurance copies breach our Fox retransmission consent agreement. The only issue remaining for trial is the amount of damages (if any) on the claims upon which the Fox plaintiffs prevailed on summary judgment, but the Court ruled that the Fox plaintiffs could not pursue disgorgement as a remedy. At the parties’ joint request, the Court has stayed the case until October 1, 2015, and no trial date has been set.

New York Actions. Both the ABC and CBS parties filed counterclaims in the New York action adding copyright claims against EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., and the CBS parties filed a counterclaim alleging that we fraudulently concealed the AutoHop feature when negotiating the renewal of our CBS retransmission consent agreement. On November 23, 2012, the ABC plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the Hopper set-top box’s PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features. On September 18, 2013, the New York court denied that motion. The ABC plaintiffs appealed, and oral argument on the appeal was heard on February 20, 2014 before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Pursuant to a settlement between us and the ABC parties, during March 2014, the ABC parties withdrew their appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit; we and the ABC parties dismissed without prejudice all of our respective claims pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York; and the ABC parties granted a covenant not to sue. Pursuant to a settlement between us and the CBS parties, on December 10, 2014, we and the CBS parties dismissed with prejudice all of our respective claims pending in the New York Court.

We intend to vigorously prosecute and defend our position in these cases. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted copyrights, or are in breach of any of the retransmission consent agreements, we may be subject to substantial damages, and/or an injunction that could require us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. In addition, as a result of this litigation, we may not be able to renew certain of our retransmission consent agreements and other programming agreements on favorable terms or at all. If we are unable to renew these agreements, there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain substitute programming, or that such substitute programming would be comparable in quality or cost to our existing programming. Loss of access to existing programming could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including, among other things, our gross new subscriber activations and subscriber churn rate. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of these suits or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Joao Control & Monitoring Systems LLC

On April 23, 2014, Joao Control & Monitoring Systems, LLC (“Joao Control”) filed a complaint against us in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 6,549,130 (the “130 patent”), which is entitled “Control Apparatus and Method for Vehicles and/or for Premises.” Joao alleges that we infringe the 130 patent by making, using, providing and/or importing remotely-accessed DVRs. On the same day, Joao Control also filed similar actions against DirecTV; Verizon Communications, Inc.; Time Warner Cable Inc.; Cox Communications, Inc.; and Cablevision Systems Corporation, among others. Joao Control is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. Joao Control never served us with its complaint and on June 23, 2014, Joao Control dismissed its complaint against us without prejudice.

LightSquared/Harbinger Capital Partners LLC (LightSquared Bankruptcy)

As previously disclosed in our public filings, L-Band Acquisition, LLC (“LBAC”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a Plan Support Agreement (the “PSA”) with certain senior secured lenders to LightSquared LP (the “LightSquared LP Lenders”) on July 23, 2013, which contemplated the purchase by LBAC of substantially all of the assets of LightSquared LP and certain of its subsidiaries (the “LBAC Bid”) that are debtors and debtors in possession in the LightSquared bankruptcy cases pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”), which cases are jointly administered under the caption In re LightSquared Inc., et. al., Case No. 12 12080 (SCC).

Pursuant to the PSA, LBAC was entitled to terminate the PSA in certain circumstances, certain of which required three business days’ written notice, including, without limitation, in the event that certain milestones specified in the PSA were not met. On January 7, 2014, LBAC delivered written notice of termination of the PSA to the LightSquared LP Lenders. As a result, the PSA terminated effective on January 10, 2014, and the LBAC Bid was withdrawn.

On August 6, 2013, Harbinger Capital Partners LLC and other affiliates of Harbinger (collectively, “Harbinger”), a shareholder of LightSquared Inc., filed an adversary proceeding against us, LBAC, EchoStar, Charles W. Ergen (our Chairman), SP Special Opportunities, LLC (“SPSO”) (an entity controlled by Mr. Ergen), and certain other parties, in the Bankruptcy Court. Harbinger alleged, among other things, claims based on fraud, unfair competition, civil conspiracy and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage related to certain purchases of LightSquared secured debt by SPSO. Subsequently, LightSquared intervened to join in certain claims alleged against certain defendants other than us, LBAC and EchoStar.

On October 29, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court dismissed all of the claims in Harbinger’s complaint in their entirety, but granted leave for LightSquared to file its own complaint in intervention. On November 15, 2013, LightSquared filed its complaint, which included various claims against us, EchoStar, Mr. Ergen and SPSO. On December 2, 2013, Harbinger filed an amended complaint, asserting various claims against SPSO. On December 12, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court dismissed several of the claims asserted by LightSquared and Harbinger. The surviving claims include, among others, LightSquared’s claims against SPSO for declaratory relief, breach of contract and statutory disallowance; LightSquared’s tortious interference claim against us, EchoStar and Mr. Ergen; and Harbinger’s claim against SPSO for statutory disallowance. These claims proceeded to a non-jury trial on January 9, 2014. In its Post-Trial Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law entered on June 10, 2014, the Bankruptcy Court rejected all claims against us and EchoStar, and it rejected some but not all claims against the other defendants.

We intend to vigorously defend any claims against us in this proceeding and cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of this proceeding or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

LightSquared/Harbinger Capital Partners LLC (LightSquared Colorado Action)

On July 8, 2014, Harbinger filed suit against us, LBAC, Mr. Ergen, SPSO, and certain other parties, in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. The complaint asserts claims for tortious interference with contract and abuse of process, as well as claims alleging violations of the federal Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act and the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act. Harbinger seeks to rely on many of the same facts and circumstances that were at issue in the LightSquared adversary proceeding pending in the Bankruptcy Court. Harbinger argues that the defendants’ alleged conduct, among other things, is responsible for Harbinger’s losing control of LightSquared and causing breaches of Harbinger’s stockholder agreement. The complaint seeks damages in excess of $500 million, which under federal and state law may be trebled.

We intend to vigorously defend any claims against us in this case and cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of this proceeding or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

LightSquared Transaction Shareholder Derivative Actions

On August 9, 2013, a purported shareholder of the Company, Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund (“Jacksonville PFPF”), filed a putative shareholder derivative action in the District Court for Clark County, Nevada alleging, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty claims against the members of the Company’s Board of Directors as of that date: Charles W. Ergen; Joseph P. Clayton; James DeFranco; Cantey M. Ergen; Steven R. Goodbarn; David K. Moskowitz; Tom A. Ortolf; and Carl E. Vogel (collectively, the “Director Defendants”). In its first amended complaint, Jacksonville PFPF asserted claims that Mr. Ergen breached his fiduciary duty to the Company in connection with certain purchases of LightSquared debt by SPSO, an entity controlled by Mr. Ergen, and that the other Director Defendants aided and abetted that alleged breach of duty. The Jacksonville PFPF claims alleged that (1) the debt purchases created an impermissible conflict of interest and (2) put at risk the LBAC Bid, which as noted above has been withdrawn. Jacksonville PFPF further claimed that most members of the Company’s Board of Directors are beholden to Mr. Ergen to an extent that prevents them from discharging their duties in connection with the Company’s participation in the LightSquared bankruptcy auction process. Jacksonville PFPF is seeking an unspecified amount of damages. Jacksonville PFPF dismissed its claims against Mr. Goodbarn on October 8, 2013.

Jacksonville PFPF sought a preliminary injunction that would enjoin Mr. Ergen and all of the Director Defendants other than Mr. Goodbarn from influencing the Company’s efforts to acquire certain assets of LightSquared in the bankruptcy proceeding. On November 27, 2013, the Court denied that request but granted narrower relief enjoining Mr. Ergen and anyone acting on his behalf from participating in negotiations related to one aspect of the LBAC Bid, which, as noted above, has been withdrawn.

Five alleged shareholders have filed substantially similar putative derivative complaints in state and federal courts alleging the same or substantially similar claims. On September 18, 2013, DCM Multi-Manager Fund, LLC filed a duplicative putative derivative complaint in the District Court for Clark County, Nevada, which was consolidated with the Jacksonville PFPF action on October 9, 2013. Between September 25, 2013 and October 2, 2013, City of Daytona Beach Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System, Louisiana Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System and Iron Worker Mid-South Pension Fund filed duplicative putative derivative complaints in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. Also on October 2, 2013, Iron Workers District Council (Philadelphia and Vicinity) Retirement and Pension Plan filed its complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada.

On October 11, 2013, Iron Worker Mid-South Pension Fund dismissed its claims without prejudice. On October 30, 2013, Louisiana Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System dismissed its claims without prejudice and, on January 2, 2014, filed a new complaint in the District Court for Clark County, Nevada, which, on May 2, 2014, was consolidated with the Jacksonville PFPF action. On December 13, 2013, City of Daytona Beach Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System voluntarily dismissed its claims without prejudice. On March 28, 2014, Iron Workers District Council (Philadelphia and Vicinity) Retirement and Pension Plan voluntarily dismissed its claims without prejudice.

On July 25, 2014, Jacksonville PFPF filed a second amended complaint, which added claims against George R. Brokaw and Charles M. Lillis, as Director Defendants, and Thomas A. Cullen, R. Stanton Dodge and K. Jason Kiser, as officers of the Company. Jacksonville PFPF asserted five claims in its second amended complaint, each of which alleged breaches of the duty of loyalty. Three of the claims were asserted solely against Mr. Ergen; one claim was made against all of the remaining Director Defendants, other than Mr. Ergen and Mr. Clayton; and the final claim was made against Messrs. Cullen, Dodge and Kiser.

Our Board of Directors has established a Special Litigation Committee to review the factual allegations and legal claims in these actions. On October 24, 2014, the Special Litigation Committee filed a report in the District Court for Clark County, Nevada regarding its investigation of the claims and allegations asserted in Jacksonville PFPF’s second amended complaint. The Special Litigation Committee filed a motion to dismiss the action based, among other things, on its determination that it is in the best interests of the Company not to pursue the claims asserted by Jacksonville PFPF. The Director Defendants and Messrs. Cullen, Dodge and Kiser have also filed various motions to dismiss the action. The Court will hold a hearing on the Special Litigation Committee’s and the defendants’ motions on May 14, 2015. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of these suits or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Norman IP Holdings, LLC

On September 15, 2011, Norman IP Holdings, LLC (“Norman”) filed a patent infringement complaint (the “2011 Action”) against Lexmark International Corporation (“Lexmark”) and Brother International Corporation (“Brother”), in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,592,555 (the “555 patent”); 5,530,597 (the “597 patent”) and 5,502,689 (the “689 patent”) by Lexmark, and infringement of the 555 patent and the 689 patent by Brother. On January 27, 2012, Norman filed a second amended complaint in the 2011 Action that added us as a defendant, among others, in which it asserted the 555 patent and the 689 patent against us. On September 21, 2012, Norman served us with preliminary infringement contentions related to the 555 patent and the 689 patent, as well as the 597 patent, which outlined Norman’s claims with respect to certain DISH products. On February 8, 2013, Norman filed a third amended complaint in the 2011 Action, in which it added claims against us alleging infringement of the 597 patent. On April 8, 2013, Norman filed a fourth amended complaint in the 2011 Action, in which it added new claims against us alleging infringement of additional DISH products. On May 1, 2013, Norman filed a fifth amended complaint in the 2011 Action, in which it named Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC; Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.; Xerox Corporation; ZTE (USA) Inc. and ZTE Solutions, Inc. as defendants, in addition to us. On July 9, 2013, the Court ordered Norman to file a new sixth amended complaint limiting Norman’s claims against us to those specifically referenced in its September 21, 2012 preliminary infringement contentions. As a result, on July 10, 2013, Norman filed a sixth amended complaint in the 2011 Action, in which it asserted claims against our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. replacing us as defendant, alleging that the use of certain Broadcom chipsets in DISH DVR systems infringes the 689 patent. In addition, Norman withdrew all infringement claims against us regarding the 555 patent and the 597 patent. On July 12, 2013, we filed a motion to dismiss the 2011 Action, because Norman failed to comply with the Court’s July 9, 2013 order.

In addition, on May 10, 2013, Norman filed a separate patent infringement complaint (the “2013 Action”) against us in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, asserting infringement of the 555, 597 and 689 patents, as well as United States Patent Nos. 5,608,873 (the “873 patent”) and 5,771,394 (the “394 patent”). The infringement claims asserted in the 2013 Action relate to different DISH products than Norman identified in the 2011 Action.

On October 18, 2013, the parties stipulated that Norman will dismiss all of its claims against DISH Network L.L.C. in the 2011 Action, and re-assert them in the 2013 Action.

The 689 patent relates to a clock generator capable of shut-down mode and clock generation method, the 555 patent relates to a wireless communications privacy method and system, the 597 patent relates to an interrupt enable circuit that allows devices to exit processes without using a hardware reset, the 873 patent relates to a device and method for providing inter-processor communication in a multi-processor architecture, and the 394 patent relates to a servo loop control apparatus having a master microprocessor and at least one autonomous streamlined signal processor. Norman is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

On May 30, 2014, Norman dismissed the 2013 Action against us with prejudice, pursuant to a settlement agreement.

Personalized Media Communications, Inc.

During 2008, Personalized Media Communications, Inc. (“PMC”) filed suit against us; EchoStar and Motorola Inc., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,109,414; 4,965,825; 5,233,654; 5,335,277 and 5,887,243, which relate to satellite signal processing. PMC is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. Subsequently, Motorola Inc. settled with PMC, leaving us and EchoStar as defendants. On July 18, 2012, pursuant to a Court order, PMC filed a Second Amended Complaint that added Rovi Guides, Inc. (f/k/a/ Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.) and TVG-PMC, Inc. (collectively, “Gemstar”) as a party, and added a new claim against all defendants seeking a declaratory judgment as to the scope of Gemstar’s license to the patents in suit, under which we and EchoStar are sublicensees. On August 12, 2014, in response to the parties’ respective summary judgment motions related to the Gemstar license issues, the Court ruled in favor of PMC and dismissed all claims by or against Gemstar and entered partial final judgment in PMC’s favor as to those claims. On September 16, 2014, we and EchoStar filed a notice of appeal of that partial final judgment, which is pending. Trial is scheduled to commence on May 18, 2015. PMC has informed us that it will not pursue at trial its claim for infringement of United States Patent No. 5,109,414. PMC’s damages expert had contended that we and EchoStar are liable for damages ranging from approximately $500 million to $650 million as of March 31, 2012, and has subsequently modified such damages as ranging from approximately $150 million to $450 million, as of September 30, 2014, which does not include pre-judgment interest and may be trebled under Federal law.

We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe any of the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could cause us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Phoenix Licensing, L.L.C./LPL Licensing, L.L.C.

On October 17, 2014, Phoenix Licensing, L.L.C. and LPL Licensing, L.L.C. (together referred to as “Phoenix”) filed a complaint against us and our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,987,434 entitled “Apparatus and Method for Transacting Marketing and Sales of Financial Products”; 7,890,366 entitled “Personalized Communication Documents, System and Method for Preparing Same”; 8,352,317 entitled “System for Facilitating Production of Variable Offer Communications”; 8,234,184 entitled “Automated Reply Generation Direct Marketing System”; and 6,999,938 entitled “Automated Reply Generation Direct Marketing System”. Phoenix alleges that we infringe the asserted patents by making and using products and services that generate customized marketing materials. Phoenix is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. Trial is set scheduled to commence on March 14, 2016.

Preservation Technologies, LLC

In December 2011, Preservation Technologies, LLC (“Preservation Technologies”) filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. In the Operative Seventh Amended Complaint, filed on March 22, 2013, Preservation Technologies also names Netflix, Inc.; Hulu, LLC; AT&T Services, Inc.; Cox Communications, Inc.; Disney Online; American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.; Yahoo! Inc.; Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.; Vudu, Inc. and ESPN Internet Ventures as defendants. Preservation Technologies alleges that our BLOCKBUSTER On Demand, DISH branded pay-TV and DISH Online services and our Hopper and Joey® set-top boxes infringe United States Patent Nos. 5,813,014; 5,832,499; 6,092,080; 6,353,831; 6,574,638; 6,199,060; 5,832,495; 6,549,911; 6,212,527 and 6,477,537. The patents relate to digital libraries, the management of multimedia assets and the cataloging of multimedia data. Preservation Technologies is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

Effective June 18, 2014, Preservation Technologies dismissed all of its claims against us with prejudice, pursuant to a settlement agreement.

Qurio Holdings, Inc.

On September 26, 2014, Qurio Holdings, Inc. (“Qurio”) filed a complaint against us and our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 8,102,863 entitled “Highspeed WAN To Wireless LAN Gateway” and United States Patent No. 7,787,904 entitled “Personal Area Network Having Media Player And Mobile Device Controlling The Same”. On the same day, Qurio filed similar complaints against Comcast and DirecTV. On November 13, 2014, Qurio filed a first amended complaint, which added a claim alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 8,879,567 entitled “High-Speed WAN To Wireless LAN Gateway”. Qurio is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. On February 9, 2015, the Court granted DISH Network L.L.C.’s motion to transfer the case to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patents, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could cause us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P.

During 2007, Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. (“Katz”) filed a patent infringement action against our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit originally alleged infringement of 19 patents owned by Katz. The patents relate to interactive voice response, or IVR, technology. The case was transferred and consolidated for pretrial purposes in the United States District Court for the Central District of California by order of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. Ultimately, only four patents remained in the case against us, of which all were expired and two were subject to granted reexamination proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. On November 19, 2014, the action was dismissed with prejudice, pursuant to a settlement agreement between the parties.

Technology Development and Licensing L.L.C.

On January 22, 2009, Technology Development and Licensing L.L.C. (“TDL”) filed suit against us and EchoStar, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. Re. 35,952, which relates to certain favorite channel features. TDL is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. The case has been stayed since July 2009 pending two reexamination petitions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

We intend to vigorously defend this case. In the event that a court ultimately determines that we infringe the asserted patent, we may be subject to substantial damages, which may include treble damages, and/or an injunction that could cause us to materially modify certain features that we currently offer to consumers. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages.

TQ Beta LLC

On June 30, 2014, TQ Beta LLC (“TQ Beta”) filed a complaint against us; our wholly-owned subsidiaries DISH DBS Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C; EchoStar; and EchoStar’s subsidiaries EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation, and Sling Media Inc., in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. The Complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent No. 7,203,456 (the “456 patent”), which is entitled “Method and Apparatus for Time and Space Domain Shifting of Broadcast Signals.” TQ Beta alleges that our Hopper set-top boxes, ViP 722 and ViP 722k DVR devices, as well as our DISH Anywhere service and DISH Anywhere mobile application, infringe the 456 patent. TQ Beta is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. Trial is scheduled to commence on January 12, 2016.

Tse

On May 30, 2012, Ho Keung Tse filed a complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiary Blockbuster L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 6,665,797 (the “797 patent”), which is entitled “Protection of Software Again [sic] Against Unauthorized Use.” Mr. Tse is the named inventor on the 797 patent. On the same day that he sued Blockbuster, Mr. Tse filed a separate action in the same court alleging infringement of the same patent against Google Inc.; Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC and HTC America Inc. He also has earlier-filed litigation on the same patent pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against Sony Connect, Inc.; Napster, Inc.; Apple Computer, Inc.; Realnetworks, Inc. and MusicMatch, Inc. On March 8, 2013, the Court granted Blockbuster’s motion to transfer the matter to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, the same venue where the matter against Google Inc.; Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC and HTC America Inc. also was transferred. On December 11, 2013, the Court granted our motion for summary judgment based on invalidity of the 797 patent. Mr. Tse filed a notice of appeal on January 8, 2014, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ordered that the appeal be submitted to a three judge panel of the Federal Circuit on July 10, 2014 without oral argument. On July 16, 2014, the Federal Circuit affirmed the District Court’s entry of summary judgment in our favor. On August 11, 2014, Mr. Tse filed a petition for rehearing or rehearing en banc, which the Federal Circuit denied on September 15, 2014. On December 11, 2014, Mr. Tse filed a petition for a writ of certiorari before the United States Supreme Court.

Voom HD Holdings

In January 2008, Voom HD Holdings LLC (“Voom”) filed a lawsuit against our wholly-owned subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., in New York Supreme Court, alleging breach of contract and other claims arising from our termination of the affiliation agreement governing carriage of certain Voom HD channels on the DISH branded pay-TV service and seeking over $2.5 billion in damages.

On October 21, 2012, we entered into a confidential settlement agreement and release (the “Voom Settlement Agreement”) with Voom and CSC Holdings, LLC (“Cablevision”), and for certain limited purposes, MSG Holdings, L.P., The Madison Square Garden Company and EchoStar. The Voom Settlement Agreement resolved the litigation between the parties relating to the Voom programming services. Pursuant to the terms of the Voom Settlement Agreement, among other things: (i) the litigation between the parties relating to the Voom programming services was dismissed with prejudice and the parties released each other for all claims against each other related thereto; (ii) we agreed to pay $700 million in cash to Voom; (iii) DISH Media Holdings Corporation, our wholly-owned subsidiary, agreed to enter into an agreement to transfer its ownership interest in Voom to Rainbow Programming Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Voom; and (iv) an affiliate of Cablevision agreed to enter into an agreement to transfer certain of its wireless multichannel video distribution and data service licenses (the “MVDDS Licenses”) to us. On October 23, 2012, we paid Voom $700 million.

Separately, we entered into a multi-year affiliation agreement with AMC Network Entertainment LLC, WE: Women’s Entertainment LLC, The Independent Film Channel, The Sundance Channel L.L.C, each of which are subsidiaries of AMC Networks Inc., and Fuse Channel LLC, a subsidiary of The Madison Square Garden Company, for the carriage of AMC, WE, IFC, Sundance Channel and the Fuse channel.

Since the Voom Settlement Agreement and the multi-year affiliation agreement were entered into contemporaneously, we accounted for all components of both agreements at fair value in the context of the Voom Settlement Agreement. We determined the fair value of the multi-year affiliation agreement and the MVDDS Licenses using a market-based approach and a probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis, respectively. Based on market data and similar agreements we have with other content providers, we allocated $54 million of the payments under the multi-year affiliation agreement to the fair value of the Voom Settlement Agreement. The resulting liability was recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Accrued Programming” and is being amortized as contra “Subscriber-related expenses” on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Evaluating all potential uses for the MVDDS Licenses, we assessed their fair value at $24 million and recorded these on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as “FCC Authorizations.” The fair value of the Voom Settlement Agreement was assessed at $730 million and was recorded as “Litigation expense” on our Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Waste Disposal Inquiry

The California Attorney General and the Alameda County (California) District Attorney are investigating whether certain of our waste disposal policies, procedures and practices are in violation of the California Business and Professions Code and the California Health and Safety Code. We expect that these entities will seek injunctive and monetary relief. The investigation appears to be part of a broader effort to investigate waste handling and disposal processes of a number of industries. While we are unable to predict the outcome of this investigation, we do not believe that the outcome will have a material effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Other

In addition to the above actions, we are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business, including, among other things, disputes with programmers regarding fees. In our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to any of these actions is unlikely to materially affect our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, though the outcomes could be material to our operating results for any particular period, depending, in part, upon the operating results for such period.

Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting

17.Segment Reporting

Operating segments are components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker(s) of an enterprise. Operating income is the primary measure used by our chief operating decision maker to evaluate segment operating performance. We currently operate two primary business segments, DISH and Wireless. See Note 1 for further discussion.

All other and eliminations primarily includes intersegment eliminations recorded in consolidation.


	As of December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Total assets:
DISH	$	21,424,385		$	19,694,655
Wireless (1)	7,577,894			4,625,505
Eliminations	(6,894,817		)	(4,041,934		)
Total assets from continuing operations	22,107,462			20,278,226
Assets from discontinued operations	—			78,204
Total assets	$	22,107,462		$	20,356,430

							All
							Other &			Consolidated
	DISH			Wireless (2)			Eliminations			Total
	(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Total revenue	$	14,643,049		$	410		$	(72	)	$	14,643,387
Depreciation and amortization	1,006,082			71,854			—			1,077,936
Operating income (loss)	1,922,363			(97,912		)	—			1,824,451
Interest income	376,422			15,384			(329,965		)	61,841
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(821,766		)	(119,408		)	329,965			(611,209		)
Other, net	(9,414		)	(59,927		)	—			(69,341		)
Income tax (provision) benefit, net	(436,753		)	159,913			—			(276,840		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	1,030,851			(101,949		)	—			928,902

Year Ended December 31, 2013
Total revenue	$	13,903,091		$	1,774		$	—		$	13,904,865
Depreciation and amortization	952,793			101,233			—			1,054,026
Operating income (loss)	1,938,998			(590,819		)	—			1,348,179
Interest income	197,095			99,953			(148,183		)	148,865
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(742,207		)	(150,961		)	148,183			(744,985		)
Other, net	42,719			342,137			—			384,856
Income tax (provision) benefit, net	(511,491		)	211,665			—			(299,826		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	925,114			(88,026		)	—			837,089

Year Ended December 31, 2012
Total revenue	$	13,179,907		$	1,427		$	—		$	13,181,334
Depreciation and amortization	922,534			41,950			—			964,484
Operating income (loss)	1,322,474			(64,116		)	—			1,258,358
Interest income	148,526			64,576			(114,011		)	99,091
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(534,585		)	(115,662		)	114,011			(536,236		)
Other, net	172,874			823			—			173,697
Income tax (provision) benefit, net	(380,758		)	48,767			—			(331,991		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	728,531			(65,612		)	—			662,919

(1)

This increase in assets is primarily related to the acquisition of our H Block wireless spectrum licenses and the FCC auction deposits. See Note 16 for further discussion.

(2)

The year ended December 31, 2012 reflects Wireless results from the acquisitions of DBSD North America and TerreStar on March 9, 2012 through December 31, 2012.

Geographic Information. Revenues are attributed to geographic regions based upon the location where the products are delivered and services are provided. All revenue from continuing operations was derived from the United States.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

18.Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Our valuation and qualifying accounts as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

Allowance for doubtful accounts	Balance at Beginning of Year		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions			Balance at End of Year
	(In thousands)
For the years ended:
December 31, 2014	$	15,981	$	156,318	$	(148,696	)	$	23,603
December 31, 2013	$	13,834	$	129,372	$	(127,225	)	$	15,981
December 31, 2012	$	11,916	$	117,117	$	(115,199	)	$	13,834

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

19.Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Our quarterly results of operations are summarized as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Year ended December 31, 2014:
Total revenue	$	3,594,198		$	3,688,119		$	3,679,351		$	3,681,719
Operating income (loss)	446,298			454,744			388,509			534,900
Income (loss) from continuing operations	170,817			207,129			143,035			407,921
Net income (loss)	170,817			207,129			143,035			407,921
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network	175,931			213,313			145,519			409,930

Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network	$	0.38		$	0.46		$	0.32		$	0.89

Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network	$	0.38		$	0.46		$	0.31		$	0.88

Year ended December 31, 2013:
Total revenue	$	3,375,530		$	3,485,774		$	3,505,021		$	3,538,540
Operating income (loss)	451,617			25,211			420,394			450,957
Income (loss) from continuing operations	212,234			(8,720		)	343,324			290,251
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(1,558		)	(6,354		)	(32,334		)	(7,097		)
Net income (loss)	210,676			(15,074		)	310,990			283,154
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network	215,598			(11,052		)	314,908			288,038

Basic net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network	$	0.48		$	(0.01	)	$	0.76		$	0.64
Basic net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations	—			(0.01		)	(0.07		)	(0.01		)
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network	$	0.48		$	(0.02	)	$	0.69		$	0.63

Diluted net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network	$	0.48		$	(0.01	)	$	0.75		$	0.64
Diluted net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations	(0.01		)	(0.01		)	(0.07		)	(0.01		)
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network	$	0.47		$	(0.02	)	$	0.68		$	0.63

Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions

20.Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions with EchoStar

Following the Spin-off, we and EchoStar have operated as separate publicly-traded companies, and, except for the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction described in Note 6 and below and Sling TV described below, neither entity has any ownership interest in the other. However, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of both companies is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.

EchoStar is our primary supplier of set-top boxes and digital broadcast operations and a supplier of the vast majority of our transponder capacity. Generally, the amounts we pay EchoStar for products and services are based on pricing equal to EchoStar’s cost plus a fixed margin (unless noted differently below), which will vary depending on the nature of the products and services provided.

In connection with and following the Spin-off, we and EchoStar have entered into certain agreements pursuant to which we obtain certain products, services and rights from EchoStar, EchoStar obtains certain products, services and rights from us, and we and EchoStar have indemnified each other against certain liabilities arising from our respective businesses. We also may enter into additional agreements with EchoStar in the future. The following is a summary of the terms of our principal agreements with EchoStar that may have an impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

“Equipment sales, services and other revenue - EchoStar”

Remanufactured Receiver Agreement. We entered into a remanufactured receiver agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which EchoStar has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase remanufactured receivers and accessories from us at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the equipment purchased. In November 2014, we and EchoStar extended this agreement until December 31, 2015. EchoStar may terminate the remanufactured receiver agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice to us. We may also terminate this agreement if certain entities acquire us.

Professional Services Agreement. Prior to 2010, in connection with the Spin-off, we entered into various agreements with EchoStar including the Transition Services Agreement, Satellite Procurement Agreement and Services Agreement, which all expired on January 1, 2010 and were replaced by a Professional Services Agreement. During 2009, we and EchoStar agreed that EchoStar shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to receive the following services from us, among others, certain of which were previously provided under the Transition Services Agreement: information technology, travel and event coordination, internal audit, legal, accounting and tax, benefits administration, program acquisition services and other support services. Additionally, we and EchoStar agreed that we shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to engage EchoStar to manage the process of procuring new satellite capacity for us (previously provided under the Satellite Procurement Agreement) and receive logistics, procurement and quality assurance services from EchoStar (previously provided under the Services Agreement) and other support services. The Professional Services Agreement automatically renewed on January 1, 2015 for an additional one-year period until January 1, 2016 and renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by either party upon at least 60 days notice. However, either party may terminate the Professional Services Agreement in part with respect to any particular service it receives for any reason upon at least 30 days notice.

Management Services Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a Management Services Agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which we have made certain of our officers available to provide services (which were primarily legal and accounting services) to EchoStar. Effective June 15, 2013, the Management Services Agreement was terminated by EchoStar. EchoStar made payments to us based upon an allocable portion of the personnel costs and expenses incurred by us with respect to any such officers (taking into account wages and fringe benefits). These allocations were based upon the estimated percentages of time spent by our executive officers performing services for EchoStar under the Management Services Agreement. EchoStar also reimbursed us for direct out-of-pocket costs incurred by us for management services provided to EchoStar. We and EchoStar evaluated all charges for reasonableness at least annually and made any adjustments to these charges as we and EchoStar mutually agreed upon.

Satellite Capacity Leased to EchoStar. Since the Spin-off, we have entered into certain satellite capacity agreements pursuant to which EchoStar leases certain satellite capacity on certain satellites owned by us. The fees for the services provided under these satellite capacity agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite, the number of transponders that are leased on the applicable satellite and the length of the lease. The term of each lease is set forth below:

D1. Effective November 1, 2012, we entered into a satellite capacity agreement pursuant to which HNS leased certain satellite capacity from us on D1 for research and development. This lease terminated on June 30, 2014.

EchoStar XV. During May 2013, we began leasing satellite capacity to EchoStar on EchoStar XV and relocated the satellite for testing at EchoStar’s Brazilian authorization at the 45 degree orbital location. Effective March 1, 2014, this lease converted to a month-to-month lease. Both parties have the right to terminate this lease with 30 days notice. Upon termination, EchoStar is responsible, among other things, for relocating this satellite from the 45 degree orbital location back to the 61.5 degree orbital location.

Real Estate Lease Agreements. Since the Spin-off, we have entered into lease agreements pursuant to which we lease certain real estate to EchoStar. The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic areas, and EchoStar is responsible for its portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. The term of each lease is set forth below:

El Paso Lease Agreement. During 2012, we leased certain space at 1285 Joe Battle Blvd., El Paso, Texas to EchoStar for a period ending on August 1, 2015, which also provides EchoStar with renewal options for four consecutive three-year terms.

American Fork Occupancy License Agreement. During 2013, we subleased certain space at 796 East Utah Valley Drive, American Fork, Utah to EchoStar for a period ending on July 31, 2017. In connection with the Exchange Agreement, this sublease terminated during the fourth quarter 2014.

“Satellite and transmission expenses”

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we incurred $653 million, $494 million and $425 million, respectively, for satellite and transmission expenses from EchoStar. These amounts are recorded in “Satellite and transmission expenses” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below.

Broadcast Agreement. Effective January 1, 2012, we and EchoStar entered into a broadcast agreement (the “2012 Broadcast Agreement”) pursuant to which EchoStar provides broadcast services to us, including teleport services such as transmission and downlinking, channel origination services, and channel management services, for the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016. The fees for services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement are calculated at either: (a) EchoStar’s cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed dollar fee, which is subject to certain adjustments; or (b) EchoStar’s cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the services provided. We have the ability to terminate channel origination services and channel management services for any reason and without any liability upon at least 60 days notice to EchoStar. If we terminate the teleport services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement for a reason other than EchoStar’s breach, we are generally obligated to reimburse EchoStar for any direct costs EchoStar incurs related to any such termination that it cannot reasonably mitigate.

Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming. During May 2010, we and EchoStar entered into a broadcast agreement pursuant to which EchoStar provides certain broadcast services to us in connection with our carriage of certain sports related programming. The term of this agreement is for ten years. If we terminate this agreement for a reason other than EchoStar’s breach, we are generally obligated to reimburse EchoStar for any direct costs EchoStar incurs related to any such termination that it cannot reasonably mitigate. The fees for the broadcast services provided under this agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and provide such services.

Satellite Capacity Leased from EchoStar. Since the Spin-off, we have entered into certain satellite capacity agreements pursuant to which we lease certain capacity on certain satellites owned or leased by EchoStar. The fees for the services provided under these satellite capacity agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite, the number of transponders that are leased on the applicable satellite and the length of the lease. See “DBS Satellites” in Note 8 for further information. The term of each lease is set forth below:

EchoStar I, VII, X, XI and XIV. On March 1, 2014, we began leasing all available capacity from EchoStar on the EchoStar I, VII, X, XI and XIV satellites. The term of each satellite capacity agreement generally terminates upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; or (iii) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite. We generally have the option to renew each satellite capacity agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end of the respective satellite’s life. There can be no assurance that any options to renew such agreements will be exercised.

EchoStar VIII. During May 2013, we began leasing capacity from EchoStar on EchoStar VIII as an in-orbit spare. Effective March 1, 2014, this lease converted to a month-to-month lease. Both parties have the right to terminate this lease with 30 days notice.

EchoStar IX. We lease certain satellite capacity from EchoStar on EchoStar IX. Subject to availability, we generally have the right to continue to lease satellite capacity from EchoStar on EchoStar IX on a month-to-month basis.

EchoStar XII. The lease for EchoStar XII generally terminates upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite (unless we determine to renew on a year-to-year basis); (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponders on which service is being provided fails; or (iv) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite, whether the replacement satellite fails at launch or in orbit prior to being placed into service and the exercise of certain renewal options. We generally have the option to renew the lease on a year-to-year basis through the end of the satellite’s life. There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised.

EchoStar XVI. During December 2009, we entered into a transponder service agreement with EchoStar to lease all of the capacity on EchoStar XVI, a DBS satellite, after its service commencement date. EchoStar XVI was launched during November 2012 to replace EchoStar XV at the 61.5 degree orbital location and is currently in service. Under the original transponder service agreement, the initial term generally expired upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite failed; (iii) the date the transponder(s) on which service was being provided under the agreement failed; or (iv) ten years following the actual service commencement date. Prior to expiration of the initial term, we also had the option to renew on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the satellite. Effective December 21, 2012, we and EchoStar amended the transponder service agreement to, among other things, change the initial term to generally expire upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponder(s) on which service is being provided under the agreement fails; or (iv) four years following the actual service commencement date. Prior to expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew for an additional six-year period. Prior to expiration of the initial term, EchoStar also has the right, upon certain conditions, to renew for an additional six-year period. If either we or EchoStar exercise our respective six-year renewal options, then we have the option to renew for an additional five-year period prior to expiration of the then-current term. There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised.

Nimiq 5 Agreement. During 2009, EchoStar entered into a fifteen-year satellite service agreement with Telesat Canada (“Telesat”) to receive service on all 32 DBS transponders on the Nimiq 5 satellite at the 72.7 degree orbital location (the “Telesat Transponder Agreement”). During 2009, EchoStar also entered into a satellite service agreement (the “DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement”) with us, pursuant to which we currently receive service from EchoStar on all 32 of the DBS transponders covered by the Telesat Transponder Agreement. We have also guaranteed certain obligations of EchoStar under the Telesat Transponder Agreement. See discussion under “Guarantees” in Note 16.

Under the terms of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, we make certain monthly payments to EchoStar that commenced in September 2009 when the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service and continue through the service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, the service term will expire ten years following the date the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service. Upon expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite. Upon in-orbit failure or end-of-life of the Nimiq 5 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement will be exercised or that we will exercise our option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement. During 2008, EchoStar entered into a ten-year satellite service agreement with SES Latin America S.A. (“SES”), which provides, among other things, for the provision by SES to EchoStar of service on 32 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite. During 2008, EchoStar also entered into a transponder service agreement (“QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement”) with us pursuant to which we receive service from EchoStar on 24 DBS transponders. QuetzSat-1 was launched on September 29, 2011 and was placed into service during the fourth quarter 2011 at the 67.1 degree orbital location while we and EchoStar explored alternative uses for the QuetzSat-1 satellite. In the interim, EchoStar provided us with alternate capacity at the 77 degree orbital location. During the third quarter 2012, we and EchoStar entered into an agreement pursuant to which we sublease five DBS transponders back to EchoStar. During January 2013, QuetzSat-1 was moved to the 77 degree orbital location and we commenced commercial operations at that location in February 2013.

Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement, the initial service term will expire in November 2021. Upon expiration of the initial term, we have the option to renew the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end-of-life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite. Upon an in-orbit failure or end-of-life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement will be exercised or that we will exercise our option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

103 Degree Orbital Location/SES-3. During May 2012, EchoStar entered into a spectrum development agreement (the “103 Spectrum Development Agreement”) with Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc. (“Ciel”) to develop certain spectrum rights at the 103 degree orbital location (the “103 Spectrum Rights”). During June 2013, we and EchoStar entered into a spectrum development agreement (the “DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement”) pursuant to which we may use and develop the 103 Spectrum Rights. During the third quarter 2013, we made a $23 million payment to EchoStar in exchange for its rights under the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement. In accordance with accounting principles that apply to transfers of assets between companies under common control, we recorded EchoStar’s net book value of this asset of $20 million in “Other noncurrent assets, net” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and recorded the amount in excess of EchoStar’s net book value of $3 million as a capital distribution. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, the term generally will continue for the duration of the 103 Spectrum Rights.

In connection with the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, during May 2012, EchoStar also entered into a ten-year service agreement with Ciel pursuant to which EchoStar leases certain satellite capacity from Ciel on the SES-3 satellite at the 103 degree orbital location (the “103 Service Agreement”). During June 2013, we and EchoStar entered into an agreement pursuant to which we lease certain satellite capacity from EchoStar on the SES-3 satellite (the “DISH 103 Service Agreement”). Under the terms of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, we make certain monthly payments to EchoStar through the service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, the initial service term will expire on the earlier of: (i) the date the SES-3 satellite fails; (ii) the date the transponder(s) on which service was being provided under the agreement fails; or (iii) ten years following the actual service commencement date. Upon in-orbit failure or end of life of the SES-3 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, we have certain rights to receive service from EchoStar on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that we will exercise our option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

TT&C Agreement. Effective January 1, 2012, we entered into a telemetry, tracking and control (“TT&C”) agreement pursuant to which we receive TT&C services from EchoStar for a period ending on December 31, 2016 (the “2012 TT&C Agreement”). The fees for services provided under the 2012 TT&C Agreement are calculated at either: (i) a fixed fee; or (ii) cost plus a fixed margin, which will vary depending on the nature of the services provided. We are able to terminate the 2012 TT&C Agreement for any reason upon 60 days notice.

As part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, on February 20, 2014, we amended the 2012 TT&C Agreement to cease the provision of TT&C services from EchoStar for the EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV satellites. As of March 1, 2014, EchoStar is providing us TT&C services for the EchoStar XV, D1 and T1 satellites.

DBSD North America Agreement. On March 9, 2012, we completed the DBSD Transaction. During the second quarter 2011, EchoStar acquired Hughes. Prior to our acquisition of DBSD North America and EchoStar’s acquisition of Hughes, DBSD North America and HNS entered into an agreement pursuant to which HNS provides, among other things, hosting, operations and maintenance services for DBSD North America’s satellite gateway and associated ground infrastructure. This agreement renewed for a one-year period ending on February 15, 2016, and renews for one additional one-year period unless terminated by DBSD North America upon at least 30 days notice prior to the expiration of any renewal term.

TerreStar Agreement. On March 9, 2012, we completed the TerreStar Transaction. Prior to our acquisition of substantially all the assets of TerreStar and EchoStar’s acquisition of Hughes, TerreStar and HNS entered into various agreements pursuant to which HNS provides, among other things, hosting, operations and maintenance services for TerreStar’s satellite gateway and associated ground infrastructure. These agreements generally may be terminated by us at any time for convenience.

“General and administrative expenses”

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we incurred $108 million, $90 million and $67 million, respectively, for general and administrative expenses from EchoStar. These amounts are recorded in “General and administrative expenses” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The agreements pertaining to these expenses are discussed below. In addition, the expenses incurred pursuant to the Commercial Agreement discussed in “Sling TV,” under “Other Agreements — EchoStar” below, are also included in these amounts.

Product Support Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a product support agreement pursuant to which we have the right, but not the obligation, to receive product support from EchoStar (including certain engineering and technical support services) for all set-top boxes and related accessories that EchoStar has previously sold and in the future may sell to us. The fees for the services provided under the product support agreement are calculated at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the services provided. The term of the product support agreement is the economic life of such receivers and related accessories, unless terminated earlier. We may terminate the product support agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice. In the event of an early termination of this agreement, we are entitled to a refund of any unearned fees paid to EchoStar for the services.

Real Estate Lease Agreements. We have entered into lease agreements pursuant to which we lease certain real estate from EchoStar. The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic area, and EchoStar is responsible for its portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. The term of each lease is set forth below:

Inverness Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 90 Inverness Circle East in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016. This agreement can be terminated by either party upon six months prior notice.

Meridian Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016.

Santa Fe Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado is for a period ending on December 31, 2016, with a renewal option for one additional year.

EchoStar Data Networks Sublease Agreement. The sublease for certain space at 211 Perimeter Center in Atlanta, Georgia is for a period ending on October 31, 2016.

Gilbert Lease Agreement. Effective August 1, 2014, we began leasing certain space from EchoStar at 801 N. DISH Dr. in Gilbert, Arizona for a period ending on July 31, 2016. We also have renewal options for three additional one-year terms.

Cheyenne Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 530 EchoStar Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming is for a period ending on December 31, 2031.

DISHOnline.com Services Agreement. Effective January 1, 2010, we entered into a two-year agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which we receive certain services associated with an online video portal. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. We have the option to renew this agreement for successive one year terms and the agreement may be terminated for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to EchoStar. In October 2014, we exercised our right to renew this agreement for a one-year period ending on December 31, 2015.

Application Development Agreement. During the fourth quarter 2012, we and EchoStar entered into a set-top box application development agreement (the “Application Development Agreement”) pursuant to which EchoStar provides us with certain services relating to the development of web-based applications for set-top boxes for a period ending on February 1, 2016. The Application Development Agreement renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by us or EchoStar at any time upon at least 90 days notice. The fees for services provided under the Application Development Agreement are calculated at EchoStar’s cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the services provided.

XiP Encryption Agreement. During the third quarter 2012, we entered into an encryption agreement with EchoStar for our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes (the “XiP Encryption Agreement”) pursuant to which EchoStar provides certain security measures on our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes to encrypt the content delivered to the set-top box via a smart card and secure the content between set-top boxes. The term of the XiP Encryption Agreement is for a period until December 31, 2014. Under the XiP Encryption Agreement, we have the option, but not the obligation, to extend the XiP Encryption Agreement for one additional year upon 180 days notice prior to the end of the term. On May 5, 2014, we provided EchoStar notice to extend the XiP Encryption Agreement for one additional year until December 31, 2015. We and EchoStar each have the right to terminate the XiP Encryption Agreement for any reason upon at least 30 days notice and 180 days notice, respectively. The fees for the services provided under the XiP Encryption Agreement are calculated on a monthly basis based on the number of receivers utilizing such security measures each month.

Sling Trademark License Agreement. On December 31, 2014, Sling TV L.L.C. entered into an agreement with Sling Media, Inc., a subsidiary of EchoStar, pursuant to which we have the right for a fixed fee to use certain trademarks, domain names and other intellectual property related to the “Sling” trademark for a period ending on December 31, 2016.

Other Agreements — EchoStar

Receiver Agreement. EchoStar is currently our primary supplier of set-top box receivers. Effective January 1, 2012, we and EchoStar entered into a receiver agreement (the “2012 Receiver Agreement”) pursuant to which we have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories, and other equipment from EchoStar for the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014. We have an option, but not the obligation, to extend the 2012 Receiver Agreement for one additional year upon 180 days notice prior to the end of the term. On May 5, 2014, we provided EchoStar notice to extend the 2012 Receiver Agreement for one additional year until December 31, 2015. The 2012 Receiver Agreement allows us to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories and other equipment from EchoStar either: (i) at a cost (decreasing as EchoStar reduces costs and increasing as costs increase) plus a dollar mark-up which will depend upon the cost of the product subject to a collar on EchoStar’s mark-up; or (ii) at cost plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the equipment purchased. Under the 2012 Receiver Agreement, EchoStar’s margins will be increased if they are able to reduce the costs of their digital set-top boxes and their margins will be reduced if these costs increase. EchoStar provides us with standard manufacturer warranties for the goods sold under the 2012 Receiver Agreement. Additionally, the 2012 Receiver Agreement includes an indemnification provision, whereby the parties indemnify each other for certain intellectual property matters. We are able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days notice to EchoStar. EchoStar is able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement if certain entities acquire us.

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we purchased set-top boxes and other equipment from EchoStar of $1.114 billion, $1.242 billion and $1.005 billion, respectively. Included in these amounts are purchases of certain broadband equipment from EchoStar under the 2012 Receiver Agreement. These amounts are initially included in “Inventory” and are subsequently capitalized as “Property and equipment, net” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets or expensed as “Subscriber acquisition costs” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) when the equipment is deployed.

Tax Sharing Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a tax sharing agreement with EchoStar which governs our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations after the Spin-off with respect to taxes for the periods ending on or before the Spin-off. Generally, all pre-Spin-off taxes, including any taxes that are incurred as a result of restructuring activities undertaken to implement the Spin-off, are borne by us, and we will indemnify EchoStar for such taxes. However, we are not liable for and will not indemnify EchoStar for any taxes that are incurred as a result of the Spin-off or certain related transactions failing to qualify as tax-free distributions pursuant to any provision of Section 355 or Section 361 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) because of: (i) a direct or indirect acquisition of any of EchoStar’s stock, stock options or assets; (ii) any action that EchoStar takes or fails to take; or (iii) any action that EchoStar takes that is inconsistent with the information and representations furnished to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in connection with the request for the private letter ruling, or to counsel in connection with any opinion being delivered by counsel with respect to the Spin-off or certain related transactions. In such case, EchoStar is solely liable for, and will indemnify us for, any resulting taxes, as well as any losses, claims and expenses. The tax sharing agreement will only terminate after the later of the full period of all applicable statutes of limitations, including extensions, or once all rights and obligations are fully effectuated or performed.

In light of the tax sharing agreement, among other things, and in connection with our consolidated federal income tax returns for certain tax years prior to and for the year of the Spin-off, during the third quarter 2013, we and EchoStar agreed upon a supplemental allocation of the tax benefits arising from certain tax items resolved in the course of the IRS’ examination of these consolidated tax returns. As a result, we agreed to pay EchoStar $83 million of the tax benefit we received or will receive. This resulted in a reduction of our recorded unrecognized tax benefits and this amount was reclassified to a long-term payable to EchoStar within “Long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets during the third quarter 2013. Any payment to EchoStar, including accrued interest, will be made at such time as EchoStar would have otherwise been able to realize such tax benefit. In addition, during the third quarter 2013, we and EchoStar agreed upon a tax sharing arrangement for filing certain combined state income tax returns and a method of allocating the respective tax liabilities between us and EchoStar for such combined returns, through the taxable period ending on December 31, 2017.

We and EchoStar file combined income tax returns in certain states. In 2014, EchoStar earned and recognized a tax benefit for certain state income tax credits that EchoStar estimates it would be unable to utilize in the future if it had filed separately from us. We expect to utilize these tax credits to reduce our state income tax payable in the future. In accordance with accounting rules that apply to transfers of assets between entities under common control, we recorded a capital contribution of $5 million in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, representing the amount that we estimate is more likely than not to be realized by us as a result of our utilization of these tax credits earned . Any payments made to EchoStar related to the utilization of these credits will be recorded as a reduction to “Additional paid-in capital” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

RUS Implementation Agreement. In September 2010, DISH Broadband L.L.C. (“DISH Broadband”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, was selected by the Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) of the United States Department of Agriculture to receive up to approximately $14 million in broadband stimulus grant funds (the “Grant Funds”). Effective November 2011, DISH Broadband and HNS entered into a RUS Implementation Agreement (the “RUS Agreement”) pursuant to which HNS provided certain portions of the equipment and broadband service used to implement our RUS program. The RUS Agreement expired during June 2013, when the Grant Funds were exhausted. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we expensed $3 million and $7 million, respectively, under the RUS Agreement, which is included in “Cost of sales — equipment, services and other” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

TiVo. On April 29, 2011, we and EchoStar entered into a settlement agreement with TiVo Inc. (“TiVo”). The settlement resolved all pending litigation between us and EchoStar, on the one hand, and TiVo, on the other hand, including litigation relating to alleged patent infringement involving certain DISH digital video recorders, or DVRs.

Under the settlement agreement, all pending litigation was dismissed with prejudice and all injunctions that permanently restrain, enjoin or compel any action by us or EchoStar were dissolved. We and EchoStar are jointly responsible for making payments to TiVo in the aggregate amount of $500 million, including an initial payment of $300 million and the remaining $200 million in six equal annual installments between 2012 and 2017. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off of EchoStar from us, we made the initial payment to TiVo in May 2011, except for the contribution from EchoStar totaling approximately $10 million, representing an allocation of liability relating to EchoStar’s sales of DVR-enabled receivers to an international customer. Future payments will be allocated between us and EchoStar based on historical sales of certain licensed products, with us being responsible for 95% of each annual payment.

Patent Cross-License Agreements. During December 2011, we and EchoStar entered into separate patent cross-license agreements with the same third party whereby: (i) EchoStar and such third-party licensed their respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions; and (ii) we and such third-party licensed our respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions (each, a “Cross-License Agreement”). Each Cross License Agreement covers patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 1, 2017 and aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements total less than $10 million. Each Cross License Agreement also contains an option to extend each Cross-License Agreement to include patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 1, 2022. If both options are exercised, the aggregate additional payments to such third-party would total less than $3 million. However, we and EchoStar may elect to extend our respective Cross-License Agreement independently of each other. Since the aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements were based on the combined annual revenues of us and EchoStar, we and EchoStar agreed to allocate our respective payments to such third party based on our respective percentage of combined total revenue.

Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement. Effective October 1, 2012, dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C. (“dishNET Satellite Broadband”), our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, and HNS entered into a Distribution Agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) pursuant to which dishNET Satellite Broadband has the right, but not the obligation, to market, sell and distribute the HNS satellite Internet service (the “Service”). dishNET Satellite Broadband pays HNS a monthly per subscriber wholesale service fee for the Service based upon the subscriber’s service level, and, beginning January 1, 2014, certain volume subscription thresholds. The Distribution Agreement also provides that dishNET Satellite Broadband has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase certain broadband equipment from HNS to support the sale of the Service. The Distribution Agreement initially had a term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms unless either party gives written notice of its intent not to renew to the other party at least 180 days before the expiration of the then-current term. As part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, on February 20, 2014, dishNET Satellite Broadband and HNS amended the Distribution Agreement which, among other things, extended the initial term of the Distribution Agreement through March 1, 2024. Upon expiration or termination of the Distribution Agreement, the parties will continue to provide the Service to the then-current dishNET subscribers pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Distribution Agreement. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we paid $70 million, $32 million and $1 million, respectively, for these services from HNS, included in “Subscriber-related expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we purchased broadband equipment from HNS of $24 million, $59 million and $24 million, respectively. These amounts are initially included in “Inventory” and are subsequently capitalized as “Property and equipment, net” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets or expensed as “Subscriber acquisition costs” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) when the equipment is deployed. In addition, we purchase certain broadband equipment from EchoStar under the 2012 Receiver Agreement, as previously discussed. In addition, see above for further information regarding the Distribution Agreement.

Voom Settlement Agreement. On October 21, 2012, we entered into the Voom Settlement Agreement with Voom and Cablevision, and for certain limited purposes, MSG Holdings, L.P., The Madison Square Garden Company and EchoStar. The Voom Settlement Agreement resolved the litigation between the parties relating to the Voom programming services. EchoStar was a party to the Voom Settlement Agreement solely for the purposes of executing a mutual release of claims with Voom, Cablevision, MSG Holdings, L.P. and The Madison Square Garden Company relating to the Voom programming services.

Radio Access Network Agreement. On November 29, 2012, we entered into an agreement with HNS pursuant to which HNS will construct for us a ground-based satellite radio access network (“RAN”) for a fixed fee. The completion of the RAN under this agreement was expected to occur on or before November 29, 2014. This agreement was terminated during the fourth quarter 2014. At that time, we had incurred $18 million for these services.

Amended and Restated T2 Development Agreement. On August 29, 2013, we and EchoStar entered into a development agreement (the “T2 Development Agreement”) with respect to the T2 satellite, by which EchoStar reimburses us for amounts we pay pursuant to an authorization to proceed (the “T2 ATP”) with SS/L related to the T2 satellite construction contract. In exchange, we granted EchoStar a right of first refusal and right of first offer to purchase our rights in T2 during the term of the T2 Development Agreement. In addition, under certain circumstances EchoStar had a right to receive a portion of the sale proceeds in the event T2 is sold to a third-party during or following the term of the T2 Development Agreement. Unless sooner terminated in accordance with its terms, the term of the T2 Development Agreement expired on the later of: (i) December 31, 2013, or (ii) the date on which the T2 ATP expires.

During the fourth quarter 2013, we and EchoStar amended and restated the T2 Development Agreement (the “Amended and Restated T2 Development Agreement”), which superseded and replaced the T2 Development Agreement. Under the Amended and Restated T2 Development Agreement, EchoStar reimbursed us for amounts we paid pursuant to the T2 ATP with SS/L. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we received payments from EchoStar of approximately $13 million and $35 million, respectively, under the Amended and Restated T2 Development Agreement to reimburse us for amounts paid to SS/L. In exchange, we granted EchoStar the right and option to purchase our rights in the T2 satellite for the sum of $55 million, exercisable at any time between January 1, 2014 and (i) the expiration or earlier termination of the Amended and Restated T2 Development Agreement or (ii) December 19, 2014, whichever occurs sooner. Unless sooner terminated in accordance with its terms, the term of the Amended and Restated T2 Development Agreement expires on the later of: (a) December 19, 2014; or (b) the date on which the T2 ATP expires. During the fourth quarter 2014, EchoStar purchased our rights to the T2 satellite for $55 million. In accordance with accounting principles that apply to transfers of assets between companies under common control, we recorded the difference between our historical cost basis of the satellite and the fair value of the satellite transferred to EchoStar as a $9 million, net of deferred taxes, capital contribution in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Sling TV. Effective July 1, 2012, we and EchoStar formed Sling TV, which was owned two-thirds by us and one-third by EchoStar and was consolidated into our financial statements beginning July 1, 2012. Sling TV was formed to develop and commercialize certain advanced technologies. At that time, we, EchoStar and Sling TV entered into the following agreements with respect to Sling TV: (i) a contribution agreement pursuant to which we and EchoStar contributed certain assets in exchange for our respective ownership interests in Sling TV; (ii) a limited liability company operating agreement (the “Operating Agreement”), which provides for the governance of Sling TV; and (iii) a commercial agreement (the “Commercial Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV has: (a) certain rights and corresponding obligations with respect to its business; and (b) the right, but not the obligation, to receive certain services from us and EchoStar, respectively. Since this was a formation of an entity under common control and a step-up in basis was not allowed, each party’s contributions were recorded at historical book value for accounting purposes.

Effective August 1, 2014, EchoStar and Sling TV entered into the Exchange Agreement pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV distributed certain assets to EchoStar and EchoStar reduced its interest in Sling TV to a ten percent non-voting interest. We now have a ninety percent equity interest and a 100% voting interest in Sling TV. In addition, we, EchoStar and Sling TV amended and restated the Operating Agreement, primarily to reflect the changes implemented by the Exchange Agreement. Finally, we, EchoStar and Sling TV amended and restated the Commercial Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV: (1) continues to have certain rights and corresponding obligations with respect to its business; (2) continues to have the right, but not the obligation, to receive certain services from us and EchoStar; and (3) has a license from EchoStar to use certain of the assets distributed to EchoStar as part of the Exchange Agreement. On February 9, 2015, we launched a live, OTT service under the Sling TV brand.

Since the Exchange Agreement is among entities under common control, we recorded the difference between the historical cost basis of the assets transferred to EchoStar and our historical cost basis in EchoStar’s one-third noncontrolling interest in Sling TV as a $6 million, net of deferred taxes, capital distribution in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. In addition, we recorded the initial fair value of EchoStar’s ten percent non-voting interest as a $14 million, net of deferred taxes, deemed distribution in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. All services provided to Sling TV by EchoStar under the Commercial Agreement are recorded in “General and administrative expenses” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). See “General and administrative expenses” within the related party section previously discussed.

DISH Remote Access Services Agreement. Effective February 23, 2010, we entered into an agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which we receive, among other things, certain remote DVR management services. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. This agreement has a term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms. This agreement may be terminated for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to EchoStar. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we paid $3 million, $2 million and $2 million, respectively, for these services from EchoStar, included in “Subscriber-related expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

SlingService Services Agreement. Effective February 23, 2010, we entered into an agreement with EchoStar pursuant to which we receive certain services related to placeshifting. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. This agreement has a term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms. This agreement may be terminated for any reason upon at least 120 days notice to EchoStar. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we paid $4 million, $3 million and $2 million, respectively, for these services from EchoStar, included in “Subscriber-related expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar. To improve our position in the growing consumer satellite broadband market, among other reasons, on February 20, 2014, we entered into the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar pursuant to which, among other things: (i) on March 1, 2014, we transferred to EchoStar and HSSC the Transferred Satellites, including related in-orbit incentive obligations and cash interest payments of approximately $59 million and approximately $11 million in cash in exchange for the Tracking Stock; and (ii) beginning on March 1, 2014, we lease back all available satellite capacity on the Transferred Satellites. The Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction is further described below:

Transaction Agreement. On February 20, 2014, DOLLC, DNLLC and EchoStar XI Holding L.L.C., all indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of us, entered into the Transaction Agreement with EchoStar, HSSC and Alpha Company LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar, pursuant to which, on March 1, 2014, we, among other things, transferred to EchoStar and HSSC the Transferred Satellites in exchange for the Tracking Stock. The Tracking Stock generally tracks the Hughes Retail Group. The shares of the Tracking Stock issued to us represent an aggregate 80% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group. Since the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction is among entities under common control, we recorded the Tracking Stock at EchoStar and HSSC’s historical cost basis for these instruments of $229 million and $87 million, respectively. The difference between the historical cost basis of the Tracking Stock received and the net carrying value of the Transferred Satellites of $356 million (including debt obligations, net of deferred taxes), plus the $11 million in cash, resulted in a $51 million capital transaction recorded in “Additional paid-in capital” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Although our investment in the Tracking Stock represents an aggregate 80% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group, we have no operational control or significant influence over the Hughes Retail Group business, and currently there is no public market for the Tracking Stock. As such, the Tracking Stock is accounted for under the cost method of accounting. The Transaction Agreement includes, among other things, customary mutual provisions for representations, warranties and indemnification.

Satellite Capacity Leased from EchoStar. On February 20, 2014, we entered into satellite capacity agreements with certain subsidiaries of EchoStar pursuant to which, beginning March 1, 2014, we, among other things, lease all available satellite capacity on the Transferred Satellites. See further discussion under “Satellite and transmission expenses — Satellite Capacity Leased from EchoStar.”

Investor Rights Agreement. On February 20, 2014, EchoStar, HSSC, DOLLC and DNLLC (DOLLC and DNLLC, collectively referred to as the “DISH Investors”) also entered into the Investor Rights Agreement with respect to the Tracking Stock. The Investor Rights Agreement provides, among other things, certain information and consultation rights for the DISH Investors; certain transfer restrictions on the Tracking Stock and certain rights and obligations to offer and sell under certain circumstances (including a prohibition on transfers of the Tracking Stock for one year, with continuing transfer restrictions (including a right of first offer in favor of EchoStar) thereafter, an obligation to sell the Tracking Stock to EchoStar in connection with a change of control of us and a right to require EchoStar to repurchase the Tracking Stock in connection with a change of control of EchoStar, in each case subject to certain terms and conditions); certain registration rights; certain obligations to provide conversion and exchange rights of the Tracking Stock under certain circumstances; and certain protective covenants afforded to holders of the Tracking Stock. The Investor Rights Agreement generally will terminate as to the DISH Investors at such time as the DISH Investors no longer hold any shares of the HSSC-issued Tracking Stock and any registrable securities under the Investor Rights Agreement.

Other Agreements

In November 2009, Mr. Roger Lynch became employed by both us and EchoStar as an Executive Vice President. Mr. Lynch is responsible for the development and implementation of advanced technologies that are of potential utility and importance to both DISH Network and EchoStar. Mr. Lynch’s compensation consisted of cash and equity compensation and was borne by both EchoStar and DISH Network. As of January 1, 2015, Mr. Lynch is solely a DISH Network employee.

Related Party Transactions with NagraStar L.L.C.

NagraStar is a joint venture between EchoStar and Nagra USA, Inc. that is our provider of encryption and related security systems intended to assure that only authorized customers have access to our programming. These expenses are recorded in “Subscriber-related expenses” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). We record all payables in “Trade accounts payable — other” or “Other accrued expenses” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The table below summarizes our transactions with NagraStar.

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Purchases (including fees):
Purchases from NagraStar	$	84,636	$	91,712	$	72,549

	As of December 31,
	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Amounts Payable and Commitments:
Amounts payable to NagraStar	$	14,819	$	20,954
Commitments to NagraStar	$	12,368	$	2,463

- Definition

The entire disclosure for related party transactions. Examples of related party transactions include transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiary; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) and entity and its principal owners; and (d) affiliates.

+ References + Details

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Discontinued Operations

Use of Estimates

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Marketable Investment Securities

the fair value of our marketable investment securities compared to the carrying amount,

the historical volatility of the price of each security, and

any market and company specific factors related to each security.

Declines in the fair value of debt and equity investments below cost basis are generally accounted for as follows:

Length of Time Investment Has Been In a Continuous Loss Position		Treatment of the Decline in Value (absent specific factors to the contrary)
Less than six months		Generally, considered temporary.
Six to nine months		Evaluated on a case by case basis to determine whether any company or market-specific factors exist indicating that such decline is other-than-temporary.
Greater than nine months		Generally, considered other-than-temporary. The decline in value is recorded as a charge to earnings.

we have the intent to sell the security,

it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before maturity or recovery, or

we do not expect to recover the security’s entire amortized cost basis, even if there is no intent to sell the security.

In general, we use the first in, first out method to determine the cost basis on sales of marketable investment securities.

Trade Accounts Receivable

Inventory

Property and Equipment

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets

FCC licenses are a non-depleting asset;

existing FCC licenses are integral to our business segments and will contribute to cash flows indefinitely;

replacement DBS satellite applications are generally authorized by the FCC subject to certain conditions, without substantial cost under a stable regulatory, legislative and legal environment;

maintenance expenditures to obtain future cash flows are not significant;

FCC licenses are not technologically dependent; and

we intend to use these assets indefinitely.

Business Combinations

Other Investment Securities

Long-Term Deferred Revenue, Distribution and Carriage Payments

Sales Taxes

Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

Fair Value Measurements

Level 1, defined as observable inputs being quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;

Level 2, defined as observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and derivative financial instruments indexed to marketable investment securities; and

Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other participants therefore requiring assumptions based on the best information available.

Deferred Debt Issuance Costs

Costs of issuing debt are generally deferred and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the terms of the respective notes. See Note 11.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when an arrangement exists, prices are determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and the goods or services have been delivered.

Certain of our existing and new subscriber promotions include programming discounts. Programming revenues are recorded as earned at the discounted monthly rate charged to the subscriber.

Subscriber-Related Expenses

Subscriber Acquisition Costs

“Cost of sales — subscriber promotion subsidies” includes the cost of our receiver systems sold to retailers and other distributors of our equipment and receiver systems sold directly by us to subscribers.

“Other subscriber acquisition costs” includes net costs related to promotional incentives and costs related to installation and other promotional subsidies.

“Subscriber acquisition advertising” includes advertising and marketing expenses related to the acquisition of new Pay-TV and Broadband subscribers. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Equipment Lease Programs

New Accounting Pronouncements

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Tabular disclosure of the effect of income (loss) on the entity's basic and diluted earnings per share

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	928,902		$	837,089		$	662,919
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(15,791		)	(17,746		)	(10,947		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network	944,693			854,835			673,866

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(47,343		)	(37,179		)

Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network	$	944,693		$	807,492		$	636,687

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock:
Basic	460,126			456,044			450,264
Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding	2,801			3,122			2,635
Diluted	462,927			459,166			452,899

Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock:
Basic net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network	$	2.05		$	1.87		$	1.49
Basic net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations	—			(0.10		)	(0.08		)
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network	$	2.05		$	1.77		$	1.41

Diluted net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network	$	2.04		$	1.86		$	1.49
Diluted net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations	—			(0.10		)	(0.08		)
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network	$	2.04		$	1.76		$	1.41

Schedule of dilutive securities not included in the diluted EPS calculation

	As of December 31,
	2014	2013	2012
	(In thousands)
Performance based options	7,247	7,791	7,929
Restricted Performance Units	1,798	1,943	1,185
Total	9,045	9,734	9,114

Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows

Schedule of supplemental cash flow and other non-cash data

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)	$	833,483	$	880,244	$	539,070
Cash received for interest	138,529		201,480		92,339
Cash paid for income taxes	160,732		273,597		272,167
Capitalized interest	223,658		136,508		106,323
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock	25,781		24,230		22,280
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations	3,462		1,070		5,857
Assets contributed from EchoStar to Sling TV Holding L.L.C.	—		—		44,712
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar:
Transfer of property and equipment, net	432,080		—		—
Investment in EchoStar and HSSC preferred tracking stock - cost method	316,204		—		—
Transfer of liabilities and other	44,540		—		—
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes of $31,274	51,466		—		—
Sling TV Exchange Transaction with EchoStar:
Transfer of property and equipment, net	8,978		—		—
Transfer of investments and intangibles, net	25,097		—		—
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes of $3,542	5,845		—		—
Deemed distribution to EchoStar- initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest, net of deferred taxes of $8,489	14,011		—		—

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Schedule of tax effects allocated to component of other comprehensive income (loss)

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014									2013									2012
	Before			Tax			Net			Before			Tax			Net			Before			Tax			Net
	Tax			(Expense)			of Tax			Tax			(Expense)			of Tax			Tax			(Expense)			of Tax
	Amount			Benefit			Amount			Amount			Benefit			Amount			Amount			Benefit			Amount
	(In thousands)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	3,878		$	—		$	3,878		$	1,155		$	—		$	1,155		$	4,106		—			$	4,106
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	(11,729		)	3,600			(8,129		)	123,233			(45,094		)	78,139			265,785			(96,252		)	169,533
Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss)	7,050			(2,164		)	4,886			(148,603		)	54,378			(94,225		)	(150,239		)	83,360			(66,879		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(801	)	$	1,436		$	635		$	(24,215	)	$	9,284		$	(14,931	)	$	119,652		$	(12,892	)	$	106,760

Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

	Foreign			Unrealized /
	Currency			Recognized
	Translation			Gains
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Adjustment			(Losses)			Total
	(In thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	(5,033	)	$	193,836		$	188,803
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	1,155			78,139			79,294
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			(94,225		)	(94,225		)
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(3,878	)	$	177,750		$	173,872
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	3,878			(8,129		)	(4,251		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			4,886			4,886
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	—		$	174,507		$	174,507

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities

Schedule of marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities

	As of December 31,
	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities:
Current marketable investment securities - strategic	$	711,213	$	534,449
Current marketable investment securities - other	1,420,532		4,504,933
Total current marketable investment securities	2,131,745		5,039,382
Restricted marketable investment securities (1)	76,970		81,371
Noncurrent marketable investment securities - ARS (2)	—		133,652
Total marketable investment securities	2,208,715		5,254,405

Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	10,014		13,490

Other investment securities:
Investment in EchoStar preferred tracking stock - cost method (2)	228,795		—
Investment in HSSC preferred tracking stock - cost method (2)	87,409		—
Other investment securities - cost method (2)	11,046		17,621
Total other investment securities	327,250		17,621

Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities	$	2,545,979	$	5,285,516

(1)

Restricted marketable investment securities and restricted cash and cash equivalents are included in “Restricted cash and marketable investment securities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2)

Schedule of components of available-for-sale investments

	As of December 31,
	2014										2013
	Marketable										Marketable
	Investment		Unrealized								Investment		Unrealized
	Securities		Gains		Losses			Net			Securities		Gains		Losses			Net
	(In thousands)
Debt securities (including restricted):
U. S. Treasury and agency securities	$	58,254	$	7	$	(11	)	$	(4	)	$	11,015	$	—	$	—		—
Commercial paper	68,556		—		—			—			465,981		—		—			—
Corporate securities	1,496,044		72,918		(153		)	72,765			4,075,232		83,350		(4,513		)	78,837
ARS	134,642		1,293		—			1,293			133,652		1,188		(5,138		)	(3,950		)
Other	57,965		—		—			—			232,874		12		(227		)	(215		)
Equity securities	393,254		106,971		(4,346		)	102,625			335,651		106,684		—			106,684
Total	$	2,208,715	$	181,189	$	(4,510	)	$	176,679		$	5,254,405	$	191,234	$	(9,878	)	$	181,356

Schedule of available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position by length of time and their fair value

	As of December 31,
	2014					2013
	Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Loss			Value		Loss
	(In thousands)
Debt Securities:
Less than 12 months	$	280,738	$	(105	)	$	2,208,930	$	(3,106	)
12 months or more	135,853		(59		)	84,915		(6,773		)
Equity Securities:
Less than 12 months	15,338		(4,346		)	—		—
12 months or more	—		—			—		—
Total	$	431,929	$	(4,510	)	$	2,293,845	$	(9,879	)

Schedule of fair value measurements

	As of
	December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Cash Equivalents (including restricted)	$	7,009,897	$	274,123	$	6,735,774	$	—	$	4,387,252	$	323,638	$	4,063,614	$	—

Debt securities (including restricted):
U. S. Treasury and agency securities	$	58,254	$	42,710	$	15,544	$	—	$	11,015	11,015		—		—
Commercial paper	68,556		—		68,556		—		465,981		—		465,981		—
Corporate securities	1,496,044		—		1,488,340		7,704		4,075,232		—		4,062,186		13,046
ARS	134,642		—		206		134,436		133,652		—		678		132,974
Other	57,965		—		57,965		—		232,874		—		232,874		—

Equity securities	393,254		393,254		—		—		335,651		335,651		—		—

Subtotal	$	2,208,715	$	435,964	$	1,630,611	$	142,140	$	5,254,405	$	346,666	$	4,761,719	$	146,020

Derivative financial instruments	383,460		—		383,460		—		292,507		—		292,507		—

Total	$	2,592,175	$	435,964	$	2,014,071	$	142,140	$	5,546,912	$	346,666	$	5,054,226	$	146,020

Schedule of changes in Level 3 instruments

	Level 3 Investment Securities
	(In thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	105,217
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	26,532
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	1,926
Purchases	14,158
Settlements	(1,813		)
Issuances	—
Transfers into or out of Level 3	—
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	146,020
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	(6,522		)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	8,321
Purchases	—
Settlements	(5,679		)
Issuances	—
Transfers into or out of Level 3	—
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	142,140

Schedule of gains and losses on sales and changes in carrying values of investments

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Other Income (Expense):	2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities - gains (losses) on sales/exchanges	$	7,649		$	157,444		$	120,558
Marketable investment securities - unrealized gains (losses) on investments accounted for using the Fair Value Option	4,727			26,371			1,331
Marketable investment securities - gains (losses) on conversion of DBSD North America Notes (1)	—			—			99,445
Derivative financial instruments - net realized and/or unrealized gains (losses)	(59,015		)	205,779			—
Marketable investment securities - other-than-temporary impairments	(13,876		)	(1,919		)	(49,020		)
Other	(8,826		)	(2,819		)	1,383
Total	$	(69,341	)	$	384,856		$	173,697

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of available-for-sale securities which includes, but is not limited to, changes in the cost basis and fair value, fair value and gross unrealized gain (loss), fair values by type of security, contractual maturity and classification, amortized cost basis, contracts to acquire securities to be accounted for as available-for-sale, debt maturities, transfers to trading, change in net unrealized holding gain (loss) net of tax, continuous unrealized loss position fair value, aggregate losses qualitative disclosures, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses or other disclosures related to available for sale securities.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the realized and unrealized gains and losses reported in the statement of income which have resulted from the sale and holding of marketable securities, respectively, as well as the sale or disposal of cost method investments. Such amounts would include realized gains and losses on the sale or disposal of trading, available-for-sale, and held-to-maturity securities, unrealized gains and losses on trading securities, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities transferred to the trading securities category, realized gains and losses on the sale or disposal of cost method investments, and losses recognized for other than temporary impairments (OTTI) of such investments.

+ References + Details

Inventory (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Inventory

Schedule of inventory

	As of December 31,
	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Finished goods	$	252,238	$	299,975
Raw materials	159,095		102,563
Work-in-process	82,421		110,169
Total	$	493,754	$	512,707

Property and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets

Schedule of property and equipment

	Depreciable
	Life	As of December 31,
	(In Years)	2014			2013
		(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers	2-5	$	3,639,607		$	3,596,310
EchoStar I (1)	12	—			201,607
EchoStar VII (1)	15	—			177,000
EchoStar X (1)	15	—			177,192
EchoStar XI (1)	15	—			200,198
EchoStar XIV (1)	15	—			316,541
EchoStar XV	15	277,658			277,658
D1	15	150,000			150,000
T1	15	401,721			401,721
Satellites acquired under capital lease agreements	10-15	499,819			499,819
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	1-10	747,139			720,570
Buildings and improvements	1-40	85,509			83,531
Land	-	5,504			5,692
Construction in progress	-	774,567			515,447
Total property and equipment		6,581,524			7,323,286
Accumulated depreciation (1)		(2,807,985		)	(3,225,575		)
Property and equipment, net		$	3,773,539		$	4,097,711

(1)

Schedule of Construction in progress

	As of December 31,
	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Wireless ground equipment and build-out, including capitalized interest	$	484,668	$	289,732
EchoStar XVIII, including capitalized interest	271,497		143,839
T2 satellite (1)	—		40,000
Other	18,402		41,876
Construction in progress	$	774,567	$	515,447

(1)

During the fourth quarter 2014, EchoStar purchased our rights to the T2 satellite. See Note 20 for further discussion of our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar.

Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Equipment leased to customers	$	854,759	$	763,796	$	652,327
Satellites (1)	95,766		135,464		145,749
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other (2)	127,411		154,766		98,632
148 degree orbital location (3)	—		—		67,776
Total depreciation and amortization	$	1,077,936	$	1,054,026	$	964,484

(1)

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $40 million in 2014 as a result of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. See Note 6 and Note 20 for further discussion.

(2)

(3)

Schedule of DBS Satellites

			Estimated
			Useful Life
			(Years) /
		Degree	Lease
	Launch	Orbital	Termination
Satellites	Date	Location	Date
Owned:
EchoStar XV (1)	July 2010	45	15

Under Construction:
EchoStar XVIII (2)	2015	110	15

Leased from EchoStar (1):
EchoStar I (3)(4)	December 1995	77	November 2015
EchoStar VII (3)(4)	February 2002	119	June 2016
EchoStar VIII	August 2002	77	Month to month
EchoStar IX	August 2003	121	Month to month
EchoStar X (3)(4)	February 2006	110	February 2021
EchoStar XI (3)(4)	July 2008	110	September 2021
EchoStar XII (3)	July 2003	61.5	September 2017
EchoStar XIV (3)(4)	March 2010	119	February 2023
EchoStar XVI (5)	November 2012	61.5	January 2017
Nimiq 5	September 2009	72.7	September 2019
QuetzSat-1	September 2011	77	November 2021

Leased from Other Third Party:
Anik F3	April 2007	118.7	April 2022
Ciel II	December 2008	129	January 2019

(1)

See Note 20 for further discussion of our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar.

(2)

EchoStar XVIII is expected to launch during the fourth quarter 2015.

(3)

We generally have the option to renew each lease on a year-to-year basis through the end of the respective satellite’s useful life.

(4)

(5)

We have the option to renew this lease for an additional six-year period. If we exercise our six-year renewal option, we have the option to renew this lease for an additional five years.

Schedule of AWS-4 Satellites

		Degree	Estimated
	Launch	Orbital	Useful Life
Satellites	Date	Location	(Years)
Owned:
T1	July 2009	111.1	15
D1	April 2008	92.85	15

Under Construction:
T2 (1)	NA	NA	NA

(1)

During the fourth quarter 2014, EchoStar purchased our rights to the T2 satellite. See Note 20 for further discussion of our Related Party Transactions with EchoStar.

Schedule of identifiable intangibles subject to amortization

	As of
	December 31, 2014					December 31, 2013
	Intangible		Accumulated			Intangible		Accumulated
	Assets		Amortization			Assets		Amortization
	(In thousands)
Technology-based	$	7,210	$	(4,445	)	$	34,078	$	(12,222	)
Trademarks	19,704		(5,644		)	20,424		(6,432		)
Contract-based	8,650		(8,650		)	8,650		(8,650		)
Customer relationships	2,900		(2,900		)	4,294		(4,294		)
Total (1)	$	38,464	$	(21,639	)	$	67,446	$	(31,598	)

(1)

The decrease in intangible assets is due to certain assets distributed to EchoStar pursuant to the Sling TV Exchange Agreement. See Note 20 for further discussion.

Schedule of estimated future amortization of identifiable intangible assets

Estimated future amortization of our identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):

For the Years Ended December 31,
2015	$	4,423
2016	4,299
2017	2,967
2018	2,231
2019	1,825
Thereafter	1,080
Total	$	16,825

Schedule of FCC authorizations

	As of December 31,
	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
DBS Licenses	$	611,794	$	611,794
700 MHz Licenses	711,871		711,871
MVDDS Licenses (1)	24,000		24,000
AWS-4 Licenses	1,949,000		1,949,000
H-Block Licenses (2)	1,671,506		—
Total	$	4,968,171	$	3,296,665

(1)

(2)

On April 29, 2014, the FCC issued an order granting our application to acquire all 176 wireless spectrum licenses in the H Block auction. See Note 16 for further discussion.

Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Discontinued Operations

Schedule of net assets from discontinued operations

	As of
	December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
Current assets from discontinued operations	$	68,239
Noncurrent assets from discontinued operations	9,965
Current liabilities from discontinued operations	(49,471		)
Long-term liabilities from discontinued operations	(19,804		)
Net assets from discontinued operations	$	8,929

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of disposal groups, which may include the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the classification and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group, and the segment in which the disposal group was reported. Also may include the amount of adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations such as resolution of contingencies arising from the disposal transaction or the operations of the component prior to disposal.

+ References + Details

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Long-Term Debt

Schedule of carrying and fair values of the entity's debt facilities

	As of December 31,
	2014					2013
	Carrying Value			Fair Value		Carrying Value			Fair Value
	(In thousands)
6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014 (1)	$	—		$	—	$	1,000,000		$	1,040,200
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015 (2)	650,001			664,321		750,000			813,750
7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016	1,500,000			1,580,625		1,500,000			1,657,500
4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017	900,000			933,750		900,000			946,962
4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018	1,200,000			1,245,600		1,200,000			1,221,792
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019	1,400,000			1,589,700		1,400,000			1,603,000
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020	1,100,000			1,100,000		1,100,000			1,104,950
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021	2,000,000			2,157,500		2,000,000			2,122,500
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022	2,000,000			2,055,000		2,000,000			1,997,500
5% Senior Notes due 2023	1,500,000			1,470,000		1,500,000			1,458,090
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024	2,000,000			2,019,800		—			—
Other notes payable (3)	34,084			34,084		80,769			80,769
Subtotal	14,284,085			$	14,850,380	13,430,769			$	14,047,013
Unamortized discounts, net	(15,219		)			(19,198		)
Capital lease obligations (4)	194,914			NA		220,115			NA
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion)	$	14,463,780				$	13,631,686

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Disclosure regarding fair value of capital leases is not required.

Schedule of interest on long-term debt

		Annual
	Semi-Annual	Debt Service
	Payment Dates	Requirements
		(In thousands)
7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016	February 1 and August 1	$	106,875
4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017	January 15 and July 15	$	41,625
4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018	April 1 and October 1	$	51,000
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019	March 1 and September 1	$	110,250
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020	May 1 and November 1	$	56,375
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021	June 1 and December 1	$	135,000
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022	January 15 and July 15	$	117,500
5% Senior Notes due 2023	March 15 and September 15	$	75,000
5 7/8 % Senior Notes due 2024	May 15 and November 15	$	117,500

Schedule of other long term debt and capital lease obligations

	As of December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Satellites and other capital lease obligations	$	194,914		$	220,115
Notes payable related to satellite vendor financing and other debt payable in installments through 2025 with interest rates ranging from approximately 1.9% to 12.5%	34,084			80,769
Total	228,998			300,884
Less current portion	(31,466		)	(34,893		)
Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	$	197,532		$	265,991

Future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations

Future minimum lease payments under the capital lease obligations, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

For the Years Ended December 31,
2015	$	77,089
2016	76,809
2017	76,007
2018	75,982
2019	50,331
Thereafter	112,000
Total minimum lease payments	468,218
Less: Amount representing lease of the orbital location and estimated executory costs (primarily insurance and maintenance) including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments	(220,883		)
Net minimum lease payments	247,335
Less: Amount representing interest	(52,421		)
Present value of net minimum lease payments	194,914
Less: Current portion	(28,378		)
Long-term portion of capital lease obligations	$	166,536

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

+ Details

Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

Schedule of components of the (provision for) benefit from income taxes

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Current (provision) benefit:

Federal	$	(180,282	)	$	(162,737	)	$	28,503
State	44,565			2,421			8,730
Foreign	(6,588		)	(13,316		)	—
Total from continuing operations	(142,305		)	(173,632		)	37,233

Deferred (provision) benefit:
Federal	(310,977		)	(102,971		)	(355,220		)
State	(15,776		)	(23,223		)	(47,843		)
Foreign	190,253			—			—
Decrease (increase) in valuation allowance	1,965			—			33,839
Total from continuing operations	(134,535		)	(126,194		)	(369,224		)
Total benefit (provision)	$	(276,840	)	$	(299,826	)	$	(331,991	)

Schedule of reconciliation of amounts computed by applying the statutory Federal tax rate to income before taxes

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	% of pre-tax (income)/loss
Statutory rate	(35.0	)	(35.0	)	(35.0	)
State income taxes, net of Federal benefit	(1.1	)	(1.3	)	(2.6	)
Reversal of uncertain tax positions	3.5		9.0		—
Foreign tax planning strategies, net of Federal benefit	9.8		—		—
Other	(0.4	)	0.9		0.8
Decrease (increase) in valuation allowance	0.2		—		3.4
Total benefit (provision) for income taxes	(23.0	)	(26.4	)	(33.4	)

Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities

	As of December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
NOL, credit and other carryforwards	$	55,280		$	20,947
Accrued expenses	46,456			53,700
Stock-based compensation	19,994			23,174
Deferred revenue	32,373			54,330
Total deferred tax assets	154,103			152,151
Valuation allowance	(8,652		)	(9,515		)
Deferred tax asset after valuation allowance	145,451			142,636

Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	(1,830,559		)	(1,864,691		)
Unrealized gains on investments	(139,032		)	(58,435		)
Other liabilities	(32,904		)	(35,336		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(2,002,495		)	(1,958,462		)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(1,857,044	)	$	(1,815,826	)

Current portion of net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	25,667		$	129,864
Noncurrent portion of net deferred tax asset (liability)	(1,882,711		)	(1,945,690		)
Total net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(1,857,044	)	$	(1,815,826	)

Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Unrecognized tax benefit	2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Balance as of beginning of period	$	151,353		$	328,951		$	235,067
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	69,643			12,736			110,435
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years	55,761			66,307			—
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years	(18,646		)	(104,796		)	(5,477		)
Reductions based on tax positions related to settlements with taxing authorities	(42,023		)	(139,022		)	(1,739		)
Reductions based on tax positions related to the lapse of the statute of limitations	(8,413		)	(12,823		)	(9,335		)
Balance as of end of period	$	207,675		$	151,353		$	328,951

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Employee Benefit Plans

Schedule of expense recognized related to the 401(k) Plan

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Expense Recognized Related to the 401(k) Plan	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Matching contributions, net of forfeitures from continuing operations	$	6,222	$	5,994	$	2,750
Matching contributions, net of forfeitures from discontinued operations	—		176		573
Total matching contributions	$	6,222	$	6,170	$	3,323
Discretionary stock contributions, net of forfeitures	$	25,972	$	26,096	$	23,772

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Share-based compensation

Schedule of stock awards outstanding

	As of December 31, 2014
	DISH Network Awards		EchoStar Awards
Stock Awards Outstanding	Stock Options	Restricted Stock Units	Stock Options	Restricted Stock Units
Held by DISH Network employees	10,564,344	1,731,332	469,188	42,056
Held by EchoStar employees	1,161,479	66,999	N/A	N/A
Total	11,725,823	1,798,331	469,188	42,056

Schedule of exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable

					Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
					Number Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable as of December 31, 2014	Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$	—	-	$	10.00	1,020,243	2.89	$	6.29	1,020,243	2.89	$	6.29
$	10.01	-	$	20.00	5,204,509	2.32	$	17.92	530,109	1.51	$	17.60
$	20.01	-	$	30.00	2,724,266	5.38	$	25.64	1,427,366	4.94	$	25.61
$	30.01	-	$	40.00	2,085,855	7.58	$	35.80	262,555	6.59	$	34.70
$	40.01	-	$	50.00	25,200	6.43	$	44.43	10,000	3.50	$	42.52
$	50.01	-	$	60.00	100,000	7.75	$	57.92	25,000	5.60	$	57.92
$	60.01	-	$	70.00	565,750	8.86	$	64.17	23,750	6.80	$	63.79
$	—	-	$	70.00	11,725,823	4.39	$	24.51	3,299,023	3.90	$	19.64

Schedule of stock option activity

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014				2013				2012
	Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Total options outstanding, beginning of period (1)	14,058,574		$	21.71	16,399,870		$	19.04	21,336,159		$	20.53
Granted	667,750		$	63.23	2,225,500		$	36.75	591,500		$	32.25
Exercised	(2,724,301	)	$	18.77	(4,419,396	)	$	16.30	(4,940,393	)	$	18.46
Forfeited and cancelled	(276,200	)	$	32.26	(147,400	)	$	29.26	(587,396	)	$	20.44
Total options outstanding, end of period	11,725,823		$	24.51	14,058,574		$	21.71	16,399,870		$	19.04
Performance based options outstanding, end of period (2)	7,246,500		$	24.14	7,790,500		$	24.02	7,929,250		$	18.85
Exercisable at end of period	3,299,023		$	19.64	4,799,173		$	17.14	6,011,719		$	18.31

(1)

(2)

These stock options are included in the caption “Total options outstanding, end of period.” See discussion of the 2005 LTIP, 2008 LTIP, 2013 LTIP and Other Employee Performance Awards below.

Schedule of realized tax benefits from stock awards exercised

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Tax benefit from stock awards exercised	$	52,366	$	38,947	$	23,378

Schedule of aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable

	As of December 31, 2014
	Options Outstanding		Options Exercisable
	(In thousands)
Aggregate intrinsic value	$	567,280	$	175,669

Schedule of restricted stock unit activity

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014				2013				2012
	Restricted Stock Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Restricted Stock Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Restricted Stock Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period	1,943,497		$	29.09	1,185,080		$	22.99	1,284,708		$	23.25
Granted	316,500		$	63.57	990,000		$	36.53	—		$	—
Vested	(278,000	)	$	45.04	(135,250	)	$	29.19	(24,795	)	$	22.94
Forfeited and cancelled	(183,666	)	$	32.77	(96,333	)	$	30.46	(74,833	)	$	27.33
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period	1,798,331		$	32.31	1,943,497		$	29.09	1,185,080		$	22.99
Restricted Performance Units outstanding, end of period (1)	1,798,331		$	32.31	1,943,497		$	29.09	1,185,080		$	22.99

(1)

Schedule of non-cash, stock-based compensation expense recognized

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
2008 LTIP	$	—	$	2,889	$	9,246
2013 LTIP	12,361		8,137		—
Other employee performance awards	14,095		4,045		7,471
Non-cash, stock-based compensation expense recognized for performance based awards from continuing operations	26,456		15,071		16,717
Non-cash, stock-based compensation expense recognized for performance based awards from discontinued operations	—		182		566
Total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense recognized for performance based awards	$	26,456	$	15,253	$	17,283

Schedule of awards outstanding pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans

	As of December 31, 2014
	Number of Awards	Weighted- Average Grant Price
Performance Based Stock Options
2005 LTIP (1)	3,164,500	$	20.31
2013 LTIP	1,592,000	$	40.02
Other employee performance awards	2,490,000	$	18.85
Total	7,246,500	$	24.14

Restricted Performance Units
2005 LTIP (1)	277,331
2013 LTIP	796,000
Other employee performance awards	725,000
Total	1,798,331

(1)

It was determined that the goal can no longer be achieved under the terms of the 2005 LTIP.

Schedule of allocated non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for all employees

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Subscriber-related	$	1,859	$	1,947	$	1,607
General and administrative	32,294		27,783		37,720
Non-cash, stock-based compensation from continuing operations	34,153		29,730		39,327
Non-cash, stock-based compensation from discontinued operations	—		925		1,643
Total non-cash, stock-based compensation	$	34,153	$	30,655	$	40,970

Schedule of assumptions of Black-Scholes option valuation model

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Stock Options	2014	2013	2012
Risk-free interest rate	1.80% - 2.84%	0.91% - 2.66%	0.41% - 1.29%
Volatility factor	28.53% - 38.62%	32.37% - 39.87%	33.15% - 39.50%
Expected term of options in years	5.5 - 9.0	5.6 - 10.0	3.1 - 5.9
Weighted-average fair value of options granted	$19.08 - $29.20	$14.49 - $21.09	$6.72 - $13.79

LTIP 2008, LTIP 2013 and Other

Share-based compensation

Schedule of unrecognized non-cash, stock-based compensation expense

Estimated Remaining Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense	2013 LTIP		Other Employee Performance Awards
	(In thousands)
Expense estimated to be recognized during 2015	$	1,749	$	1,694
Estimated contingent expense subsequent to 2015	52,928		36,087
Total estimated remaining expense over the term of the plan	$	54,677	$	37,781

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies

Schedule of future maturities of long-term debt, capital lease and contractual obligations

	Payments due by period
	Total		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter
	(In thousands)
Long-term debt obligations	$	14,284,085	$	653,089	$	1,503,152	$	903,169	$	1,203,235	$	1,403,305	$	8,618,135
Capital lease obligations	194,914		28,378		30,893		32,993		36,175		19,503		46,972
Interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	5,057,786		851,661		772,290		716,327		646,445		618,716		1,452,347
Satellite-related obligations	2,413,176		502,197		362,527		336,576		327,246		301,106		583,524
Operating lease obligations	164,843		44,091		38,996		20,613		11,667		6,702		42,774
Purchase obligations	2,442,056		1,700,720		323,214		158,007		126,609		111,614		21,892
Total	$	24,556,860	$	3,780,136	$	3,031,072	$	2,167,685	$	2,351,377	$	2,460,946	$	10,765,644

Segment Reporting (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting

Schedule of assets, revenue, and operating income (loss)


	As of December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Total assets:
DISH	$	21,424,385		$	19,694,655
Wireless (1)	7,577,894			4,625,505
Eliminations	(6,894,817		)	(4,041,934		)
Total assets from continuing operations	22,107,462			20,278,226
Assets from discontinued operations	—			78,204
Total assets	$	22,107,462		$	20,356,430

							All
							Other &			Consolidated
	DISH			Wireless (2)			Eliminations			Total
	(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Total revenue	$	14,643,049		$	410		$	(72	)	$	14,643,387
Depreciation and amortization	1,006,082			71,854			—			1,077,936
Operating income (loss)	1,922,363			(97,912		)	—			1,824,451
Interest income	376,422			15,384			(329,965		)	61,841
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(821,766		)	(119,408		)	329,965			(611,209		)
Other, net	(9,414		)	(59,927		)	—			(69,341		)
Income tax (provision) benefit, net	(436,753		)	159,913			—			(276,840		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	1,030,851			(101,949		)	—			928,902

Year Ended December 31, 2013
Total revenue	$	13,903,091		$	1,774		$	—		$	13,904,865
Depreciation and amortization	952,793			101,233			—			1,054,026
Operating income (loss)	1,938,998			(590,819		)	—			1,348,179
Interest income	197,095			99,953			(148,183		)	148,865
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(742,207		)	(150,961		)	148,183			(744,985		)
Other, net	42,719			342,137			—			384,856
Income tax (provision) benefit, net	(511,491		)	211,665			—			(299,826		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	925,114			(88,026		)	—			837,089

Year Ended December 31, 2012
Total revenue	$	13,179,907		$	1,427		$	—		$	13,181,334
Depreciation and amortization	922,534			41,950			—			964,484
Operating income (loss)	1,322,474			(64,116		)	—			1,258,358
Interest income	148,526			64,576			(114,011		)	99,091
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(534,585		)	(115,662		)	114,011			(536,236		)
Other, net	172,874			823			—			173,697
Income tax (provision) benefit, net	(380,758		)	48,767			—			(331,991		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	728,531			(65,612		)	—			662,919

(1)

This increase in assets is primarily related to the acquisition of our H Block wireless spectrum licenses and the FCC auction deposits. See Note 16 for further discussion.

(2)

The year ended December 31, 2012 reflects Wireless results from the acquisitions of DBSD North America and TerreStar on March 9, 2012 through December 31, 2012.

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Summary of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts

Allowance for doubtful accounts	Balance at Beginning of Year		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions			Balance at End of Year
	(In thousands)
For the years ended:
December 31, 2014	$	15,981	$	156,318	$	(148,696	)	$	23,603
December 31, 2013	$	13,834	$	129,372	$	(127,225	)	$	15,981
December 31, 2012	$	11,916	$	117,117	$	(115,199	)	$	13,834

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Schedule of quarterly results of operations

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Year ended December 31, 2014:
Total revenue	$	3,594,198		$	3,688,119		$	3,679,351		$	3,681,719
Operating income (loss)	446,298			454,744			388,509			534,900
Income (loss) from continuing operations	170,817			207,129			143,035			407,921
Net income (loss)	170,817			207,129			143,035			407,921
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network	175,931			213,313			145,519			409,930

Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network	$	0.38		$	0.46		$	0.32		$	0.89

Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network	$	0.38		$	0.46		$	0.31		$	0.88

Year ended December 31, 2013:
Total revenue	$	3,375,530		$	3,485,774		$	3,505,021		$	3,538,540
Operating income (loss)	451,617			25,211			420,394			450,957
Income (loss) from continuing operations	212,234			(8,720		)	343,324			290,251
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(1,558		)	(6,354		)	(32,334		)	(7,097		)
Net income (loss)	210,676			(15,074		)	310,990			283,154
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network	215,598			(11,052		)	314,908			288,038

Basic net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network	$	0.48		$	(0.01	)	$	0.76		$	0.64
Basic net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations	—			(0.01		)	(0.07		)	(0.01		)
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network	$	0.48		$	(0.02	)	$	0.69		$	0.63

Diluted net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network	$	0.48		$	(0.01	)	$	0.75		$	0.64
Diluted net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations	(0.01		)	(0.01		)	(0.07		)	(0.01		)
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network	$	0.47		$	(0.02	)	$	0.68		$	0.63

Related Party Transactions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Related Party Transactions

Schedule of transactions with NagraStar

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Purchases (including fees):
Purchases from NagraStar	$	84,636	$	91,712	$	72,549

	As of December 31,
	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Amounts Payable and Commitments:
Amounts payable to NagraStar	$	14,819	$	20,954
Commitments to NagraStar	$	12,368	$	2,463

Organization and Business Activities (Details) $ in Thousands			12 Months Ended			84 Months Ended
	Feb. 20, 2014 USD ($) item shares	Mar. 09, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) segment state item	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) segment item	Feb. 13, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 item
Organization and Business Activities
Number of primary business segments \| segment			2
Number of DISH branded pay TV services subscribers \| item			13,978,000			13,978,000
Number of subscribers for broadband services under the dishNET brand \| item								577,000
Number of state region in which wireline voice and broadband services are offered \| state			14
Spectrum Investments
Payment to acquire certain wireless licenses and related assets			$ 1,343,372	$ 328,134		$ 5,000,000
Variable Interest Entity
Refundable upfront payments to FCC by equity and debt investments			$ 899,000
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| DISH Investors
Spectrum Investments
Percentage of economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group	80.00%		80.00%
EchoStar and HSSC \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Spectrum Investments
Number of owned satellites transferred and leased back \| item	5
Transfer of liabilities and other	$ 59,000
Cash in exchange for shares of series of preferred tracking stock issued	$ 11,000
EchoStar \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Spectrum Investments
Transfer of liabilities and other			$ 44,540
EchoStar \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| DISH Investors
Spectrum Investments
Preferred tracking stock issued by related party \| shares	6,290,499
HSSC \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| DISH Investors
Spectrum Investments
Preferred tracking stock issued by related party \| shares	81.128
Wireless
Spectrum Investments
Payment to acquire certain wireless licenses and related assets					$ 712,000
Number of wireless spectrum licenses \| segment			176			176
Wireless \| DBSD North America and TerreStar Transactions
Spectrum Investments
Purchase price		$ 2,860,000
Northstar Spectrum And SNR Holdco
Variable Interest Entity
Total investments			$ 8,879,000			$ 8,879,000	$ 9,778,000
Refundable upfront payments to FCC			920,000			920,000
Refundable upfront payments to FCC by equity and debt investments			$ 899,000
Northstar Spectrum And SNR Holdco \| AWS 3 Auction Member
Variable Interest Entity
Percentage Of Bidding Credit			25.00%
Total investments			$ 9,778,000			$ 9,778,000
Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum
Variable Interest Entity
Percentage Of Bidding Credit			25.00%
Ownership percentage			85.00%

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments	$ 383,460	$ 292,507
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Pre-tax impairment charges		$ 437,575
Minimum
Marketable Investment Securities
Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value would be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine if the decline in value is other-than-temporary	6 months
Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value is considered other-than-temporary	9 months
Property and Equipment
Useful life of property and equipment	1 year
Business Combinations
Acquired intangible assets, average finite useful life	2 years
Revenue Recognition
Period of deferral for the portion of subscriber fees that are deferred	4 months
Maximum
Marketable Investment Securities
Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value is considered as temporary	6 months
Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value would be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine if the decline in value is other-than-temporary	9 months
Property and Equipment
Useful life of property and equipment	40 years
Business Combinations
Acquired intangible assets, average finite useful life	10 years
Revenue Recognition
Period of deferral for the portion of subscriber fees that are deferred	5 years
Northstar Manager LLC
Variable Interest Entity
Number of years after wireless spectrum license is granted until put right vests	5 years
SNR Wireless Management LLC
Variable Interest Entity
Number of years after wireless spectrum license is granted until put right vests	5 years
Sling TV Holding L L C \| EchoStar
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Ownership percentage owned by noncontrolling owners	10.00%
Number of days following the fifth anniversary of the Exchange Agreement to redeem	60 days

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 407,921	$ 143,035	$ 207,129	$ 170,817	$ 290,251	$ 343,324	$ (8,720)	$ 212,234	$ 928,902	$ 837,089	$ 662,919
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									(15,791)	(17,746)	(10,947)
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network									944,693	854,835	673,866
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax					(7,097)	(32,334)	(6,354)	(1,558)		(47,343)	(37,179)
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network	$ 409,930	$ 145,519	$ 213,313	$ 175,931	$ 288,038	$ 314,908	$ (11,052)	$ 215,598	$ 944,693	$ 807,492	$ 636,687
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock:
Basic (in shares)									460,126	456,044	450,264
Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding (in shares)									2,801	3,122	2,635
Diluted (in shares)									462,927	459,166	452,899
Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock:
Basic net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)	$ 0.89	$ 0.32	$ 0.46	$ 0.38	$ 0.64	$ 0.76	$ (0.01)	$ 0.48	$ 2.05	$ 1.87	$ 1.49
Basic net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)					(0.01)	(0.07)	(0.01)			(0.10)	(0.08)
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)					0.63	0.69	(0.02)	0.48	2.05	1.77	1.41
Diluted net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)	$ 0.88	$ 0.31	$ 0.46	$ 0.38	0.64	0.75	(0.01)	0.48	2.04	1.86	1.49
Diluted net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)					(0.01)	(0.07)	(0.01)	(0.01)		(0.10)	(0.08)
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)					$ 0.63	$ 0.68	$ (0.02)	$ 0.47	$ 2.04	$ 1.76	$ 1.41

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details 2) - Class A common stock - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock awards
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	400	700	2,500
Performance based options
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share
Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	7,247	7,791	7,929
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share
Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	1,798	1,943	1,185
Long-Term Performance Based Plans
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share
Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	9,045	9,734	9,114

Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)	$ 833,483	$ 880,244	$ 539,070
Cash received for interest	138,529	201,480	92,339
Cash paid for income taxes	160,732	273,597	272,167
Capitalized interest	223,658	136,508	106,323
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock	25,781	24,230	22,280
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations	3,462	1,070	5,857
Assets contributed from EchoStar to Sling TV Holding L.L.C			$ 44,712
Deferred tax in deemed distribution of redeemable noncontrolling interest	8,489
EchoStar
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes		3,148
Deemed distribution to EchoStar-initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest, net of deferred taxes of $8,489	14,011
EchoStar \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Transfer of property and equipment, net	432,080
Investment in EchoStar and HSSC preferred tracking stock - cost method	316,204
Transfer of liabilities and other	44,540
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes	51,466
Deferred tax on capital distribution to EchoStar	31,274
EchoStar \| Sling TV Exchange Transaction with EchoStar
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Transfer of property and equipment, net	8,978
Transfer of investments and intangibles, net	25,097
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes	11,963
Deferred tax on capital distribution to EchoStar	3,542
Deemed distribution to EchoStar-initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest, net of deferred taxes of $8,489	14,011
Additional Paid-In Capital \| EchoStar
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes		$ 3,148
Deemed distribution to EchoStar-initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest, net of deferred taxes of $8,489	14,011
Additional Paid-In Capital \| EchoStar \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes	51,466
Additional Paid-In Capital \| EchoStar \| Sling TV Exchange Transaction with EchoStar
Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes	$ 5,845

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax amount
Foreign currency translation, before tax amount	$ 3,878	$ 1,155	$ 4,106
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, before tax amount	(11,729)	123,233	265,785
Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss)	7,050	(148,603)	(150,239)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax amount	(801)	(24,215)	119,652
Other comprehensive income loss tax (expense) benefit
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, tax (expense) benefit	3,600	(45,094)	(96,252)
Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss), tax (expense) benefit	(2,164)	54,378	83,360
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) benefit	1,436	9,284	(12,892)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax amount	3,878	1,155	4,106
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax amount	(8,129)	78,139	169,533
Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss), net of tax amount	4,886	(94,225)	(66,879)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	635	(14,931)	106,760
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (801)	$ (24,215)	$ 119,652

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at beginning of period, net	$ 173,872	$ 188,803
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(4,251)	79,294
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	4,886	(94,225)
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	1,436	9,284	$ (12,892)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at end of period, net	174,507	173,872	188,803
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at beginning of period, net	(3,878)	(5,033)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	3,878	1,155
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at end of period, net		(3,878)	(5,033)
Unrealized/Recognized Gains (Losses)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at beginning of period, net	177,750	193,836
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(8,129)	78,139
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	4,886	(94,225)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at end of period, net	$ 174,507	$ 177,750	$ 193,836

- Definition

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

+ References + Details

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities
Current marketable investment securities	$ 2,131,745	$ 5,039,382
Restricted marketable investment securities	76,970	81,371
Noncurrent marketable investment securities - ARS		133,652
Total marketable investment securities	2,208,715	5,254,405
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	10,014	13,490
Total other investment securities	327,250	17,621
Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents and other investment securities	2,545,979	5,285,516
ARS fair value election	93,000
EchoStar
Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities
Cost method investments	228,795
HSSC
Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities
Cost method investments	87,409
Current marketable investment securities - strategic
Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities
Current marketable investment securities	711,213	534,449
Current marketable investment securities - other
Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities
Current marketable investment securities	1,420,532	4,504,933
Cost method investments	$ 11,046	$ 17,621

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other investment securities:
ARS and other investments, total carrying value		$ 133,652
ARS and other investments, portion for which the fair value election was made	$ 93,000

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities (Details 3) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 20, 2014 USD ($) item shares	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| DISH Investors
Other investment securities:
Percentage of economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group	80.00%	80.00%
EchoStar and HSSC \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Other investment securities:
Number of owned satellites transferred and leased back \| item	5
Transfer of liabilities and other	$ 59,000
Capital transaction	356,000
Cash in exchange for shares of series of preferred tracking stock issued	11,000
Capital transaction recorded in additional paid-in capital	$ 51,000
EchoStar and HSSC \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| DISH Investors
Other investment securities:
Tracking stock prohibited transfer period	1 year
EchoStar
Other investment securities:
Capital transaction recorded in additional paid-in capital			$ 3,148
EchoStar \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Other investment securities:
Transfer of liabilities and other		$ 44,540
Historical cost of tracking stock		316,204
Capital transaction recorded in additional paid-in capital		$ 51,466
EchoStar \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| DISH Investors
Other investment securities:
Preferred tracking stock issued by related party \| shares	6,290,499
Historical cost of tracking stock	$ 229,000
HSSC \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| DISH Investors
Other investment securities:
Preferred tracking stock issued by related party \| shares	81.128
Historical cost of tracking stock	$ 87,000

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of our available-for-sale investments
Debt securities	$ 2,131,745	$ 5,039,382
ARS fair value election	93,000
Total marketable investment securities	2,208,715	5,254,405
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Unrealized Gains	181,189	191,234
Unrealized Losses	(4,510)	(9,878)
Unrealized Gains Losses, Net	176,679	181,356
Contractual maturities of restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities
Debt securities with contractual maturities within one year	1,319,000
Debt securities with contractual maturities extending longer than one year through and including five years	292,000
Debt securities with contractual maturities longer than ten years	204,000
Accumulated net unrealized gains (losses)
Accumulated net unrealized gains, before tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	177,000	181,000
Accumulated net unrealized gains, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	175,000	178,000
US Treasury and agency securities
Components of our available-for-sale investments
Debt securities	58,254	11,015
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Unrealized Gains	7
Unrealized Losses	(11)
Unrealized Gains Losses, Net	(4)
Commercial paper
Components of our available-for-sale investments
Debt securities	68,556	465,981
Corporate securities
Components of our available-for-sale investments
Debt securities	1,496,044	4,075,232
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Unrealized Gains	72,918	83,350
Unrealized Losses	(153)	(4,513)
Unrealized Gains Losses, Net	72,765	78,837
ARS
Components of our available-for-sale investments
Debt securities	134,642	133,652
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Unrealized Gains	1,293	1,188
Unrealized Losses		(5,138)
Unrealized Gains Losses, Net	1,293	(3,950)
Other (including restricted)
Components of our available-for-sale investments
Debt securities	57,965	232,874
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Unrealized Gains		12
Unrealized Losses		(227)
Unrealized Gains Losses, Net		(215)
Equity securities
Components of our available-for-sale investments
Equity securities	393,254	335,651
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Unrealized Gains	106,971	106,684
Unrealized Losses	(4,346)
Unrealized Gains Losses, Net	$ 102,625	$ 106,684

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair value of marketable investment securities in a loss position
Total	$ 431,929	$ 2,293,845
Unrealized loss on marketable investment securities in a loss position
Total	(4,510)	(9,879)
Debt securities
Fair value of marketable investment securities in a loss position
Less than 12 Months	280,738	2,208,930
12 Months or More	135,853	84,915
Unrealized loss on marketable investment securities in a loss position
Less than 12 Months	(105)	(3,106)
12 Months or More	(59)	$ (6,773)
Equity securities
Fair value of marketable investment securities in a loss position
Less than 12 Months	15,338
Unrealized loss on marketable investment securities in a loss position
Less than 12 Months	$ (4,346)

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	$ 2,131,745	$ 5,039,382
Debt securities		133,652
US Treasury and agency securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	58,254	11,015
Other (including restricted)
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	57,965	232,874
Equity securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Equity securities	393,254	335,651
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Total
Fair value of marketable securities
Cash Equivalents (including restricted)	7,009,897	4,387,252
Subtotal	2,208,715	5,254,405
Derivative financial instruments	383,460	292,507
Total	2,592,175	5,546,912
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Total \| US Treasury and agency securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	58,254	11,015
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Total \| Commercial paper
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	68,556	465,981
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Total \| Corporate securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	1,496,044	4,075,232
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Total \| ARS
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	134,642	133,652
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Total \| Other (including restricted)
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	57,965	232,874
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Total \| Equity securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Equity securities	393,254	335,651
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 1
Fair value of marketable securities
Cash Equivalents (including restricted)	274,123	323,638
Subtotal	435,964	346,666
Total	435,964	346,666
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 1 \| US Treasury and agency securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	42,710	11,015
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 1 \| Equity securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Equity securities	393,254	335,651
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 2
Fair value of marketable securities
Cash Equivalents (including restricted)	6,735,774	4,063,614
Subtotal	1,630,611	4,761,719
Derivative financial instruments	383,460	292,507
Total	2,014,071	5,054,226
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 2 \| US Treasury and agency securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	15,544
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 2 \| Commercial paper
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	68,556	465,981
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 2 \| Corporate securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	1,488,340	4,062,186
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 2 \| ARS
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	206	678
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 2 \| Other (including restricted)
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	57,965	232,874
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 3
Fair value of marketable securities
Subtotal	142,140	146,020
Total	142,140	146,020
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 3 \| Corporate securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	7,704	13,046
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 3 \| ARS
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt securities	$ 134,436	$ 132,974

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair values transfers between Level 1 and Level 2
Fair value assets transfer from level 1 to level 2	$ 0
Fair value liabilities transfer from level 1 to level 2	0
Fair value assets transfer from level 2 to level 1	0
Fair value liabilities transfer from level 2 to level 1	0
Investment Securities
Level 3 Investment Securities
Balance at the beginning of the year	146,020	$ 105,217
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings	(6,522)	26,532
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	8,321	1,926
Purchases		14,158
Settlements	(5,679)	(1,813)
Balance at the end of the year	$ 142,140	$ 146,020

Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities (Details 8) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Income (Expense)
Marketable investment securities - gains (losses) on sales/exchanges	$ 7,649	$ 157,444	$ 120,558
Marketable investment securities - unrealized gains (losses) on investments accounted for using the Fair Value Option	4,727	26,371	1,331
Marketable investment securities - gains (losses) on conversion of DBSD North America			99,445
Derivative financial instruments - net realized and/or unrealized gains (losses)	(59,015)	205,779
Marketable investment securities - other-than-temporary impairments	(13,876)	(1,919)	(49,020)
Other	(8,826)	(2,819)	1,383
Total	$ (69,341)	$ 384,856	$ 173,697
DBSD North America (ICO)
Other investment securities:
Interest rate (as a percent)			7.50%

Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory
Finished goods	$ 252,238	$ 299,975
Raw materials	159,095	102,563
Work-in-process	82,421	110,169
Total inventory	$ 493,754	$ 512,707

Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property and equipment
Amount of interest capitalized	$ 223,658	$ 136,508	$ 106,323
Total property and equipment	6,581,524	7,323,286
Accumulated depreciation	(2,807,985)	(3,225,575)
Property and equipment, net	$ 3,773,539	4,097,711
Minimum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	1 year
Maximum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	40 years
Equipment leased to customers
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 3,639,607	3,596,310
Equipment leased to customers \| Minimum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	2 years
Equipment leased to customers \| Maximum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	5 years
EchoStar I
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment		201,607
Depreciable Life	12 years
EchoStar VII
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment		177,000
Depreciable Life	15 years
EchoStar X
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment		177,192
Depreciable Life	15 years
EchoStar XI
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment		200,198
Depreciable Life	15 years
EchoStar XIV
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment		316,541
Depreciable Life	15 years
EchoStar XV
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 277,658	277,658
Depreciable Life	15 years
D1
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 150,000	150,000
Depreciable Life	15 years
T1
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 401,721	401,721
Depreciable Life	15 years
Satellites acquired under capital lease agreements
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 499,819	499,819
Satellites acquired under capital lease agreements \| Minimum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	10 years
Satellites acquired under capital lease agreements \| Maximum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	15 years
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 747,139	720,570
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other \| Minimum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	1 year
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other \| Maximum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	10 years
Buildings and improvements
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 85,509	83,531
Buildings and improvements \| Minimum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	1 year
Buildings and improvements \| Maximum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	40 years
Land
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 5,504	5,692
Construction in progress
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	774,567	515,447
Construction in progress \| Wireless ground equipment, including capitalized interest
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	484,668	289,732
Construction in progress \| EchoStar XVIII, including capitalized interest
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	271,497	143,839
Construction in progress \| T2 satellite
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment		40,000
Construction in progress \| Other
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	18,402	$ 41,876
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Property and equipment
Value of property and equipment decrease	1,073,000
Property and equipment accumulated depreciation decrease	$ 633,000

Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets (Details 2) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) item	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) item	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) customer item	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense									$ 1,077,936	$ 1,054,026	$ 964,484
Revenue	$ 3,681,719	$ 3,679,351	$ 3,688,119	$ 3,594,198	$ 3,538,540	$ 3,505,021	$ 3,485,774	$ 3,375,530	$ 14,643,387	13,904,865	13,181,334
Maximum
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciable Life									40 years
MSS business
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense										$ 53,000
MSS business \| Maximum
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of customers \| customer										2,000
Revenue										$ 1,000
Equipment leased to customers
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense									$ 854,759	763,796	652,327
Equipment leased to customers \| Maximum
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciable Life									5 years
Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense									$ 95,766	$ 135,464	145,749
DBS Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator \| item									14
Owned Satellites \| item	1				1				1	1
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease \| item									11
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease \| item									2
Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense									$ 127,411	$ 154,766	98,632
148 degree orbital location
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense											$ 67,776
EchoStar XV
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciable Life									15 years
EchoStar XVIII
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciable Life									15 years
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| Satellites
Depreciation and amortization expense
Decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses									$ 40,000

Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets (Details 3) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) segment item	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Property and equipment
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 1,077,936	$ 1,054,026	$ 964,484
Number of other satellites to be relocated in the event of failure or loss of any satellite \| item	1
Impairment of long-lived assets		437,575
FCC authorizations	$ 4,968,171	3,296,665
DBS Licenses
Property and equipment
FCC authorizations	611,794	611,794
700 MHz Licenses
Property and equipment
FCC authorizations	711,871	711,871
MVDDS
Property and equipment
FCC authorizations	24	24
AWS Licenses
Property and equipment
FCC authorizations	1,949,000	1,949,000
H Block Licenses Member
Property and equipment
FCC authorizations	$ 1,671,506
Wireless
Property and equipment
Impairment of long-lived assets		$ 438,000
Number of wireless spectrum licenses \| segment	176
AWS-4 Satellites
Property and equipment
Number of satellites added \| item	3
Number of satellites in-orbit \| item	2
Number of satellites under construction \| item	1
148 degree orbital location
Property and equipment
Depreciation and amortization expense			$ 67,776
EchoStar I
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	12 years
EchoStar VII
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	15 years
EchoStar X
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	15 years
EchoStar XI
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	15 years
EchoStar XIV
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	15 years
EchoStar XV
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	15 years
T1
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	15 years
Net book value of long-lived assets	$ 326,000
D1
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	15 years
Net book value of long-lived assets before impairment				$ 358,000
Net book value of long-lived assets	$ 150,000			150,000
T2 satellite
Property and equipment
Net book value of long-lived assets before impairment				270,000
Net book value of long-lived assets				$ 40,000
EchoStar XVIII
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	15 years

Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets	$ 38,464	$ 67,446
Accumulated Amortization	(21,639)	(31,598)
Amortization expense	6,000	11,000	$ 13,000
Estimated future amortization of identifiable intangible assets
2015	4,423
2016	4,299
2017	2,967
2018	2,231
2019	1,825
Thereafter	1,080
Total	16,825
Wireless
Goodwill
Goodwill	$ 120,000	126,000
Minimum
Intangible Assets
Useful life	2 years
Maximum
Intangible Assets
Useful life	20 years
Technology-based
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets	$ 7,210	34,078
Accumulated Amortization	(4,445)	(12,222)
Trademarks
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets	19,704	20,424
Accumulated Amortization	(5,644)	(6,432)
Contract-based
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets	8,650	8,650
Accumulated Amortization	(8,650)	(8,650)
Customer relationships
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets	2,900	4,294
Accumulated Amortization	$ (2,900)	$ (4,294)

Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 09, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Spectrum Investments
Decrease in income tax (provision) benefit, net		$ 42,023	$ 139,022	$ 1,739
DBSD North America and TerreStar Transactions
Spectrum Investments
Uncertain tax position	$ 102,000,000
DBSD North America and TerreStar Transactions \| Wireless
Spectrum Investments
Total consideration	$ 2,860,000

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Discontinued Operations
Revenue from discontinued operations					$ 503,000	$ 1,085,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes					(54,000)	(62,000)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (7,097)	$ (32,334)	$ (6,354)	$ (1,558)	(47,343)	(37,179)
Current assets from discontinued operations	68,239				68,239
Noncurrent assets from discontinued operations	9,965				9,965
Current liabilities from discontinued operations	(49,471)				(49,471)
Long-term liabilities from discontinued operations	(19,804)				(19,804)
Net assets from discontinued operations	$ 8,929				8,929
Pre-tax impairment charges					437,575
Blockbuster - Mexico
Discontinued Operations
Pre-tax impairment charges					$ 19,000
Blockbuster UK
Discontinued Operations
Cumulative amount of charges recorded on a pre-tax basis in net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax						$ 46,000

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2014	Feb. 20, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument
Carrying Value			$ 14,284,085		$ 13,430,769
Fair Value			14,850,380		14,047,013
Unamortized discount, net			(15,219)		(19,198)
Capital lease obligations			194,914		220,115
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion)			$ 14,463,780		13,631,686
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)			7.75%
7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)			7.125%
4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)			4.625%
4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)			4.25%
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)			7.875%
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.125%
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)			6.75%
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.875%
5% Senior Notes due 2023
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.00%
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.875%
Other notes payable
Debt Instrument
Carrying Value			$ 34,084		80,769
Fair Value			34,084		80,769
Other notes payable \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Debt Instrument
Mortgages and other obligations transferred		$ 44,000
DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014
Debt Instrument
Carrying Value					1,000,000
Fair Value					1,040,200
Interest rate (as a percent)				6.625%
Debt repurchased				$ 100,000
Principal balance of debt redeemed	$ 900,000
DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015
Debt Instrument
Carrying Value			650,001		750,000
Fair Value			$ 664,321		813,750
Interest rate (as a percent)			7.75%
Debt repurchased			$ 100,000
DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| 7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016
Debt Instrument
Carrying Value			1,500,000		1,500,000
Fair Value			$ 1,580,625		1,657,500
Interest rate (as a percent)			7.125%
DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| 4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017
Debt Instrument
Carrying Value			$ 900,000		900,000
Fair Value			$ 933,750		946,962
Interest rate (as a percent)			4.625%
DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| 4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018
Debt Instrument
Carrying Value			$ 1,200,000		1,200,000
Fair Value			$ 1,245,600		1,221,792
Interest rate (as a percent)			4.25%
DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| 7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019
Debt Instrument
Carrying Value			$ 1,400,000		1,400,000
Fair Value			$ 1,589,700		1,603,000
Interest rate (as a percent)			7.875%
DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| 5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020
Debt Instrument
Carrying Value			$ 1,100,000		1,100,000
Fair Value			$ 1,100,000		1,104,950
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.125%
DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021
Debt Instrument
Carrying Value			$ 2,000,000		2,000,000
Fair Value			$ 2,157,500		2,122,500
Interest rate (as a percent)			6.75%
DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument
Carrying Value			$ 2,000,000		2,000,000
Fair Value			2,055,000		1,997,500
DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| 5% Senior Notes due 2023
Debt Instrument
Carrying Value			1,500,000		1,500,000
Fair Value			$ 1,470,000		$ 1,458,090
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.00%
DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument
Carrying Value			$ 2,000,000
Fair Value			$ 2,019,800
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.875%

Long-Term Debt (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands												2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 20, 2014	Oct. 01, 2014	Feb. 20, 2014	May 04, 2013	Apr. 05, 2013	May 16, 2012	May 05, 2011	Oct. 05, 2009	Aug. 17, 2009	May 27, 2008	Feb. 02, 2006	Jul. 26, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 27, 2012
Debt Instrument
Term of debt instrument										7 years
Premiums, interest expense and deferred financing costs, as applicable													$ 611,209	$ 744,985	$ 536,236
DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS")
Debt Instrument
Percentage of principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in event of change of control													101.00%
6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS")
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)																6.625%
Debt repurchased																$ 100,000
Principal balance of debt redeemed		$ 900,000
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													7.75%
Aggregate principal amount										$ 750,000
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS")
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													7.75%
Debt repurchased													$ 100,000
Current portion of long term balance													$ 650,000
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount													100.00%
Annual Debt Service Requirements													$ 25,000
7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													7.125%
Aggregate principal amount											$ 1,500,000
Term of debt instrument											10 years
7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS")
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													7.125%
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount													100.00%
Annual Debt Service Requirements													$ 106,875
4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													4.625%
Aggregate principal amount						$ 900,000
Term of debt instrument						5 years
4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS")
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													4.625%
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount													100.00%
Annual Debt Service Requirements													$ 41,625
4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| Redemption Prior to July 15, 2015
Debt Instrument
Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes with net proceeds of certain equity offerings or capital contributions													35.00%
4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													4.25%
Aggregate principal amount					$ 1,200,000
Term of debt instrument					5 years
4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS")
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													4.25%
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount													100.00%
Annual Debt Service Requirements													$ 51,000
4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| Redemption Prior to April 1, 2016
Debt Instrument
Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes with net proceeds of certain equity offerings or capital contributions													35.00%
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													7.875%
Aggregate principal amount								$ 400,000	$ 1,000,000
Term of debt instrument								10 years	10 years
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS")
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													7.875%
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount													100.00%
Annual Debt Service Requirements													$ 110,250
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													5.125%
Aggregate principal amount					$ 1,100,000
Term of debt instrument					7 years
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS")
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													5.125%
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount													100.00%
Term of debt instrument				5 years
Annual Debt Service Requirements													$ 56,375
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| Redemption Prior to May 1, 2016
Debt Instrument
Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes with net proceeds of certain equity offerings or capital contributions													35.00%
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													6.75%
Aggregate principal amount							$ 2,000,000
Term of debt instrument							10 years
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS")
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													6.75%
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount													100.00%
Annual Debt Service Requirements													$ 135,000
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													5.875%
Aggregate principal amount						$ 1,000,000						$ 1,000,000
Term of debt instrument												10 years
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS")
Debt Instrument
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount													100.00%
Annual Debt Service Requirements													$ 117,500
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| Redemption Prior to July 15, 2015
Debt Instrument
Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes with net proceeds of certain equity offerings or capital contributions													35.00%
6 1/4% Senior Notes due 2023 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS")
Debt Instrument
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount													100.00%
5% Senior Notes due 2023
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													5.00%
Aggregate principal amount																	$ 1,500,000
5% Senior Notes due 2023 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS")
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													5.00%
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount													100.00%
Annual Debt Service Requirements													$ 75,000
5% Senior Notes due 2023 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| Redemption Prior to March 15, 2016
Debt Instrument
Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes with net proceeds of certain equity offerings or capital contributions													35.00%
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													5.875%
Aggregate principal amount	$ 2,000,000
Term of debt instrument	10 years
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS")
Debt Instrument
Interest rate (as a percent)													5.875%
Annual Debt Service Requirements													$ 117,500
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 \| DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") \| Redemption Prior to November 15, 2017
Debt Instrument
Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes with net proceeds of certain equity offerings or capital contributions													35.00%
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| Other notes payable
Debt Instrument
Liabilities Transferred			$ 44,000

Long-Term Debt (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Total	$ 228,998	$ 300,884
Less current portion	(31,466)	(34,893)
Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	197,532	265,991
Capital lease obligations
Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Total	194,914	220,115
Notes payable related to satellite vendor financing and other debt payable in installments through 2025 with interest rates ranging from approximately 1.9% to 12.5%
Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Total	$ 34,084	$ 80,769
Interest rate, low end of range (as a percent)	1.90%
Interest rate, high end of range (as a percent)	12.50%

Long-Term Debt (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Capital leased assets disclosures
Estimated fair value of satellites acquired under capital leases	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Accumulated depreciation on satellites acquired under capital leases	279,000	236,000
Depreciation expense - capital leases	43,000	$ 43,000	$ 43,000
Future minimum lease payments under the capital lease obligations, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments
2015	77,089
2016	76,809
2017	76,007
2018	75,982
2019	50,331
Thereafter	112,000
Total minimum lease payments	468,218
Less: Amount representing lease of the orbital location and estimated executory costs (primarily insurance and maintenance) including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments	(220,883)
Net minimum lease payments	247,335
Less: Amount representing interest	(52,421)
Present value of net minimum lease payments	194,914
Less: Current portion	(28,378)
Long-term portion of capital lease obligations	$ 166,536
FSS Satellite Anik F3
Capital leased assets disclosures
Ku-band capacity leased (as a percent)	100.00%
Term of capital lease	15 years
Canadian DBS Satellite Ciel II
Capital leased assets disclosures
Satellite capacity leased (as a percent)	100.00%
Initial Term of capital lease	10 years

Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
NOL for federal income tax purposes		$ 0
NOL benefit for state income tax purposes		39,000
Tax benefit related to credit carryforwards		38,000
Current (provision) benefit:
Federal		(180,282)	$ (162,737)	$ 28,503
State		44,565	2,421	8,730
Foreign		(6,588)	(13,316)
Total from continuing operations		(142,305)	(173,632)	37,233
Deferred (provision) benefit:
Federal		(310,977)	(102,971)	(355,220)
State		(15,776)	(23,223)	(47,843)
Foreign		190,253
Decrease (increase) in valuation allowance		1,965		33,839
Total from continuing operations		(134,535)	(126,194)	(369,224)
Total benefit (provision)		(276,840)	(299,826)	(331,991)
Income (loss) before income taxes		1,205,742	$ 1,136,915	$ 994,910
Portion of Income (loss) before income taxes related to foreign operations		$ 4,000
Reconciliation of amounts computed by applying the statutory Federal tax rate to income before taxes
Statutory rate (as a percent)		(35.00%)	(35.00%)	(35.00%)
State income taxes, net of Federal benefits (as a percent)		(1.10%)	(1.30%)	(2.60%)
Foreign tax planning strategies, net of Federal benefit (as a percent)		9.80%
Reversal of uncertain tax positions (as a percent)		3.50%	9.00%
Other (as a percent)		(0.40%)	0.90%	0.80%
Decrease (increase) in valuation allowance (as a percent)		0.20%		3.40%
Total benefit (provision) for income taxes (as a percent)		(23.00%)	(26.40%)	(33.40%)
Tax planning strategies impact on effective tax rate		$ (118,000)
Reversal of an uncertain tax position that was resolved			$ 102,000
Deferred tax assets:
NOL, credit and other carryforwards		55,280	20,947
Accrued expenses		46,456	53,700
Stock-based compensation		19,994	23,174
Deferred revenue		32,373	54,330
Total deferred tax assets		154,103	152,151
Valuation allowance		(8,652)	(9,515)
Deferred tax asset after valuation allowance		145,451	142,636
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization		(1,830,559)	(1,864,691)
Unrealized gains on investments		(139,032)	(58,435)
Other liabilities		(32,904)	(35,336)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(2,002,495)	(1,958,462)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)		(1,857,044)	(1,815,826)
Current portion of net deferred tax asset		25,667	129,864
Noncurrent portion of net deferred tax asset (liability)		(1,882,711)	(1,945,690)
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits
Balance as of beginning of period		151,353	328,951	$ 235,067
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		69,643	12,736	110,435
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years		55,761	66,307
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years	$ (102,000)	(18,646)	(104,796)	(5,477)
Reductions based on tax positions related to settlements with taxing authorities		(42,023)	(139,022)	(1,739)
Reductions based on tax positions related to the lapse of the statute of limitations		(8,413)	(12,823)	(9,335)
Balance as of end of period		$ 207,675	$ 151,353	$ 328,951

Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, could favorably affect our effective tax rate		$ 173,000
Reversed uncertain tax position solved	$ 102,000	18,646	$ 104,796	$ 5,477
Interest and penalty (credit) expense		3,000	4,000
Accrued interest and penalties		$ 10,000	$ 13,000
Maximum
Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes
Interest and penalty (credit) expense				$ 1,000

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 01, 2011 $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2014 item $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2013 $ / shares shares
Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
Preferred Stock, shares authorized			20,000,000			20,000,000
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares			$ 0.01			$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding			0			0
Cash Dividend
Cash dividend paid per share (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 1.00
Cash dividend paid \| $	$ 453,000			$ 452,890
Class A common stock
Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
Common stock, shares authorized			1,600,000,000			1,600,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares			$ 0.01			$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding			223,288,386			219,832,277
Votes per share			Class A
Cash Dividend
Cash dividend paid per share (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 1.00				$ 2.00
Class B common stock
Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
Common stock, shares authorized			800,000,000			800,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares			$ 0.01			$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding			238,435,208			238,435,208
Votes per share			10
Number of shares of Class A common stock into which each share of common stock is convertible			1
Cash Dividend
Cash dividend paid per share (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 1.00	$ 2.00			$ 2.00
Class C common stock
Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
Common stock, shares authorized			800,000,000			800,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares			$ 0.01			$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding			0			0
Votes per share			one
Number of shares of Class A common stock into which each share of common stock is convertible			1
Votes per share in the event of change of control \| item			10

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Details 2) - Class A common stock - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
Maximum amount authorized for common stock repurchase under common stock repurchase program	$ 1.0
Amount authorized for common stock repurchase under common stock repurchase program	$ 1.0
Information regarding repurchase of Class A common stock
Total number of shares repurchased	0	0	0

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
401(k) Employee Savings Plan
Employer matching contribution as a percentage of voluntary employee contributions under 401(k) plan	50.00%
Employer maximum annual contribution per employee under 401(k) plan	$ 2,500
Expense recognized related to 401(k) plan
Matching contributions, net of forfeitures from continuing operations	6,222,000	$ 5,994,000	$ 2,750,000
Matching contributions, net of forfeitures from discontinued operations		176,000	573,000
Total matching contributions	6,222,000	6,170,000	3,323,000
Discretionary stock contributions, net of forfeitures	$ 25,972,000	$ 26,096,000	$ 23,772,000
Class A common stock
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Shares of common stock available for future grant under stock incentive plans	69.1
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Minimum number of calendar quarters to be employed for full-time employees to be eligible to participate in the ESPP	3 months
Maximum fair value of capital stock permitted to be purchased by employees in any one year under ESPP	$ 25,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan \| Class A common stock
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Number of shares authorized to be issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)	2.8
Shares of common stock available for future grant under stock incentive plans	1.0
Purchase price as percentage of closing market price on the last business day of each calendar quarter under ESPP	85.00%
Number of shares of common stock purchased under ESPP	0.1	0.1	0.1

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) shares in Millions			1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) shares in Millions	Dec. 28, 2012 $ / shares	Dec. 01, 2011 $ / shares	Jan. 31, 2013 employee $ / shares shares	Jan. 31, 2012 employee $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2014 shares	Dec. 31, 2011 $ / shares
Share-based compensation
Percentage of stock awards vesting per year					20.00%
Dividend in cash per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.00
Class A common stock
Share-based compensation
Shares of common stock available for future grant under stock incentive plans \| shares					69.1
Dividend in cash per share (in dollars per share)	1.00					$ 2.00
Class B common stock
Share-based compensation
Dividend in cash per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.00	$ 2.00				$ 2.00
Stock options
Share-based compensation
Maximum Expiration term					10 years
Stock option adjustment 2012
Share-based compensation
Number of stock options subject to an exercise price change in connection with the Stock Option Adjustment (in shares) \| shares			16.3
Number of employees affected by stock option adjustment \| employee			550
Reduction in exercise price due to dividend declaration (in dollars per share)			$ 0.77
Stock Option Adjustment 2011
Share-based compensation
Number of stock options subject to an exercise price change in connection with the Stock Option Adjustment (in shares) \| shares				21.2
Number of employees affected by stock option adjustment \| employee				600
Reduction in exercise price due to dividend declaration (in dollars per share)				$ 2.00

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2) - shares	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock options
Share-based compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	11,725,823	14,058,574	16,399,870	21,336,159
Stock options \| DISH Network Awards
Share-based compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	11,725,823
Stock options \| DISH Network Awards \| Held by DISH Network employees
Share-based compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	10,564,344
Stock options \| DISH Network Awards \| Held by EchoStar employees
Share-based compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	1,161,479
Stock options \| EchoStar Awards
Share-based compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	469,188
Stock options \| EchoStar Awards \| Held by DISH Network employees
Share-based compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	469,188
Restricted stock units \| DISH Network Awards
Share-based compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	1,798,331
Restricted stock units \| DISH Network Awards \| Held by DISH Network employees
Share-based compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	1,731,332
Restricted stock units \| DISH Network Awards \| Held by EchoStar employees
Share-based compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	66,999
Restricted stock units \| EchoStar Awards
Share-based compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	42,056
Restricted stock units \| EchoStar Awards \| Held by DISH Network employees
Share-based compensation
Stock Awards Outstanding (in shares)	42,056

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 3) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Details 3) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Range of Exercise Prices $50.01 - $60.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 50.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 60.00
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	100,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years 9 months
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 57.92
Number of stock options exercisable	25,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 7 months 6 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 57.92
Range of Exercise Prices $60.01 - $70.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	60.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 70.00
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	565,750
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	8 years 10 months 10 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 64.17
Number of stock options exercisable	23,750
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 9 months 18 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 63.79
Stock options
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 70.00
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	11,725,823	14,058,574	16,399,870	21,336,159
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 4 months 21 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 24.51	$ 21.71	$ 19.04	$ 20.53
Number of stock options exercisable	3,299,023	4,799,173	6,011,719
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 10 months 24 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 19.64	$ 17.14	$ 18.31
Stock options \| Range of Exercise Prices $00.00 - $10.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 10.00
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	1,020,243
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 10 months 21 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.29
Number of stock options exercisable	1,020,243
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 10 months 21 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.29
Stock options \| Range Of Exercise Prices $10.01 - $20.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	10.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 20.00
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	5,204,509
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 3 months 26 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 17.92
Number of stock options exercisable	530,109
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	1 year 6 months 4 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 17.60
Stock options \| Range of Exercise Prices $20.01 - $30.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	20.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 30.00
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	2,724,266
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 4 months 17 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 25.64
Number of stock options exercisable	1,427,366
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 11 months 9 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 25.61
Stock options \| Range of Exercise Prices $30.01 - $40.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	30.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 40.00
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	2,085,855
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years 6 months 29 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 35.80
Number of stock options exercisable	262,555
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 7 months 2 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 34.70
Stock options \| Range of Exercise Prices $40.01 - $50.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	40.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 50.00
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	25,200
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 5 months 5 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 44.43
Number of stock options exercisable	10,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 6 months
Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 42.52

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 4) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Long-Term Performance Based Plans
Stock option activity
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	7,246,500
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Total options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 24.14
Stock options
Stock option activity
Total options outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	14,058,574	16,399,870	21,336,159
Granted (in shares)	667,750	2,225,500	591,500
Exercised (in shares)	(2,724,301)	(4,419,396)	(4,940,393)
Forfeited and cancelled (in shares)	(276,200)	(147,400)	(587,396)
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	11,725,823	14,058,574	16,399,870
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	3,299,023	4,799,173	6,011,719
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Total options outstanding, beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 21.71	$ 19.04	$ 20.53
Granted (in dollars per share)	63.23	36.75	32.25
Exercised (in dollars per share)	18.77	16.30	18.46
Forfeited and cancelled (in dollars per share)	32.26	29.26	20.44
Total options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	24.51	21.71	19.04
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 19.64	$ 17.14	$ 18.31
Share-based compensation additional disclosures
Tax benefit from stock awards exercised	$ 52,366	$ 38,947	$ 23,378
Additional disclosures
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	567,280
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable	$ 175,669
Stock options \| Long-Term Performance Based Plans
Stock option activity
Total options outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	7,790,500	7,929,250
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	7,246,500	7,790,500	7,929,250
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Total options outstanding, beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 24.02	$ 18.85
Total options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 24.14	$ 24.02	$ 18.85

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 5) - Long-Term Performance Based Plans - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted stock unit activity
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares)	1,798,331
Restricted stock units
Restricted stock unit activity
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	1,943,497	1,185,080	1,284,708
Granted (in shares)	316,500	990,000
Vested (in shares)	(278,000)	(135,250)	(24,795)
Forfeited and cancelled (in shares)	(183,666)	(96,333)	(74,833)
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares)	1,798,331	1,943,497	1,185,080
Weighted - Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 29.09	$ 22.99	$ 23.25
Granted (in dollars per share)	63.57	36.53
Vested (in dollars per share)	45.04	29.19	22.94
Forfeited and cancelled (in dollars per share)	32.77	30.46	27.33
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 32.31	$ 29.09	$ 22.99

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 6)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Details 6)	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
LTIP 2005
2005 LTIP Terms
Awards vesting period			7 years
Percentage awards vesting per annum during first four years			10.00%
Percentage awards vesting per annum after first four years			20.00%
LTIP 2008
Share-based compensation additional disclosures
Portion meeting vesting condition (as a percent)				100.00%
LTIP 2013
Share-based compensation additional disclosures
Portion meeting vesting condition (as a percent)			20.00%
Percentage of performance goals probable of achievement	10.00%	20.00%

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 7) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 34,153	$ 30,655	$ 40,970
Continuing operations
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized	34,153	29,730	39,327
Discontinued operations
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized		925	1,643
Long-Term Performance Based Plans
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 26,456	15,253	17,283
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Performance Based Stock Options (in shares)	7,246,500
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 24.14
Restricted Performance Units (in shares)	1,798,331
LTIP 2005
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Performance Based Stock Options (in shares)	3,164,500
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 20.31
Restricted Performance Units (in shares)	277,331
LTIP 2008
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized		2,889	9,246
LTIP 2013
Estimated Remaining Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Remaining expense estimated to be recognized during 2014	$ 1,749
Estimated contingent expense subsequent to 2014	52,928
Total estimated remaining expense over the term of plan	54,677
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 12,361	8,137
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Performance Based Stock Options (in shares)	1,592,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 40.02
Restricted Performance Units (in shares)	796,000
Other Employee Performance Awards
Estimated Remaining Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Remaining expense estimated to be recognized during 2014	$ 1,694
Estimated contingent expense subsequent to 2014	36,087
Total estimated remaining expense over the term of plan	37,781
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 14,095	4,045	7,471
Outstanding awards pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans
Performance Based Stock Options (in shares)	2,490,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 18.85
Restricted Performance Units (in shares)	725,000
Other Employee Performance Awards \| Continuing operations
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized	$ 26,456	15,071	16,717
Other Employee Performance Awards \| Discontinued operations
Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized		$ 182	$ 566

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 8) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock-Based Compensation
Non-cash, stock-based compensation	$ 34,153	$ 30,655	$ 40,970
Continuing operations
Stock-Based Compensation
Non-cash, stock-based compensation	34,153	29,730	39,327
Discontinued operations
Stock-Based Compensation
Non-cash, stock-based compensation		925	1,643
Subscriber-related
Stock-Based Compensation
Non-cash, stock-based compensation	1,859	1,947	1,607
General and administrative
Stock-Based Compensation
Non-cash, stock-based compensation	32,294	$ 27,783	$ 37,720
Non-Performance Based Stock Awards
Share-based expenses
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 15,000
Share-based compensation additional disclosures
Future forfeiture rate (as a percent)	3.20%
Weighted average period for recognition of compensation cost	2 years

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 9) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2012	Dec. 01, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock-Based Compensation
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized			$ 34,153	$ 30,655	$ 40,970
Black-Scholes option valuation model, assumptions
Dividend in cash per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.00
Class A common stock
Black-Scholes option valuation model, assumptions
Dividend in cash per share (in dollars per share)	1.00					$ 2.00
Class B common stock
Black-Scholes option valuation model, assumptions
Dividend in cash per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.00	$ 2.00				$ 2.00
Stock options
Black-Scholes option valuation model, assumptions
Risk free interest rate, low end of range (as a percent)			1.80%	0.91%	0.41%
Risk free interest rate, high end of range (as a percent)			2.84%	2.66%	1.29%
Volatility factor, low end of range (as a percent)			28.53%	32.37%	33.15%
Volatility factor, high end of range (as a percent)			38.62%	39.87%	39.50%
Stock options \| Minimum
Black-Scholes option valuation model, assumptions
Expected term of options			5 years 6 months	5 years 7 months 6 days	3 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)			$ 19.08	$ 14.49	$ 6.72
Stock options \| Maximum
Black-Scholes option valuation model, assumptions
Expected term of options			9 years	10 years	5 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)			$ 29.20	$ 21.09	$ 13.79
Stock option adjustment 2012
Stock-Based Compensation
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized				$ 5,000
Stock Option Adjustment 2011
Stock-Based Compensation
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense recognized					$ 14,000

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended		84 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 13, 2015
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	$ 24,556,860		$ 24,556,860
2015	3,780,136		3,780,136
2016	3,031,072		3,031,072
2017	2,167,685		2,167,685
2018	2,351,377		2,351,377
2019	2,460,946		2,460,946
Thereafter	10,765,644		10,765,644
Payment to acquire certain wireless licenses and related assets	1,343,372	$ 328,134	5,000,000
Long-term debt obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	14,284,085		14,284,085
2015	653,089		653,089
2016	1,503,152		1,503,152
2017	903,169		903,169
2018	1,203,235		1,203,235
2019	1,403,305		1,403,305
Thereafter	8,618,135		8,618,135
Capital lease obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	194,914		194,914
2015	28,378		28,378
2016	30,893		30,893
2017	32,993		32,993
2018	36,175		36,175
2019	19,503		19,503
Thereafter	46,972		46,972
Interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	5,057,786		5,057,786
2015	851,661		851,661
2016	772,290		772,290
2017	716,327		716,327
2018	646,445		646,445
2019	618,716		618,716
Thereafter	1,452,347		1,452,347
Satellite-related obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	2,413,176		2,413,176
2015	502,197		502,197
2016	362,527		362,527
2017	336,576		336,576
2018	327,246		327,246
2019	301,106		301,106
Thereafter	583,524		583,524
Operating lease obligations - continuing operations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	164,843		164,843
2015	44,091		44,091
2016	38,996		38,996
2017	20,613		20,613
2018	11,667		11,667
2019	6,702		6,702
Thereafter	42,774		42,774
Purchase obligations
Commitment and Contingencies
Total	2,442,056		2,442,056
2015	1,700,720		1,700,720
2016	323,214		323,214
2017	158,007		158,007
2018	126,609		126,609
2019	111,614		111,614
Thereafter	21,892		21,892
Northstar Spectrum And SNR Holdco
Commitment and Contingencies
Total investments	$ 8,879,000		$ 8,879,000	$ 9,778,000

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) $ in Thousands					1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			84 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) $ in Thousands	Mar. 28, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 20, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 17, 2013 USD ($)	Mar. 09, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2015 USD ($)	May 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) segment	Feb. 13, 2015 USD ($)	Feb. 27, 2014 item	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Spectrum Investments
Payment to acquire certain 700 MHz wireless licenses							$ 1,343,372	$ 328,134		$ 5,000,000
Accelerated period to meet Final Build-Out Requirement on failure to meet Interim Build-Out Requirement							1 year
Unrecognized tax benefits							$ 207,675	$ 151,353		$ 207,675			$ 328,951	$ 235,067
Refundable upfront payments to FCC by equity and debt investments							899,000
Refund from FCC							$ 400,000
Wireless
Spectrum Investments
Payment to acquire certain 700 MHz wireless licenses									$ 712,000
700 MHz Interim Build-out Requirement (as a percent)									35.00%
700 MHz Final Build-out Requirement (as a percent)									70.00%
Number of wireless spectrum licenses \| segment							176			176
H Block Licenses Member
Spectrum Investments
Accelerated period to meet Final Build-Out Requirement on failure to meet Interim Build-Out Requirement							2 years
Aggregate reserve price of H Block wireless spectrum		$ 1,564,000
Number of wireless spectrum licenses \| item												176
H Block FCC license depsoit			$ 328,000
Payment of remaining balance of winning bid	$ 1,236,000
H Block Interim Build-out Requirement (as a percent)							40.00%
H Block Final Build-out Requirement (as a percent)							75.00%
H Block Licenses Member \| UTAM Inc.
Spectrum Investments
Clearance costs associated with H Block spectrum						$ 13,000
H Block Licenses Member \| Sprint
Spectrum Investments
Clearance costs associated with H Block spectrum							$ 95,000
AWS-4 Satellites
Spectrum Investments
AWS-4 Interim Build-out Requirement (as a percent)							40.00%
AWS-4 Final Build-out Requirement (as a percent)							70.00%
Accelerated period to meet Final Build-Out Requirement on failure to meet Interim Build-Out Requirement							1 year
DBSD North America and TerreStar Transactions \| Wireless
Spectrum Investments
Purchase price				$ 2,860,000
AWS-4 Interim Build-out Requirement (as a percent)							40.00%
AWS-4 Final Build-out Requirement (as a percent)							70.00%
Northstar Spectrum And SNR Holdco
Spectrum Investments
Total investments							$ 8,879,000			$ 8,879,000	$ 9,778,000
Refundable upfront payments to FCC by equity and debt investments							$ 899,000
Northstar Spectrum And SNR Holdco \| AWS 3 Auction Member
Spectrum Investments
Bidding credit							25.00%
Total investments							$ 9,778,000			$ 9,778,000
Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum
Spectrum Investments
Bidding credit							25.00%
Ownership percentage							85.00%
Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum \| Northstar Manager LLC
Spectrum Investments
Controlling interest owned by other companies							15.00%
Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum \| DISH Network L.L.C.
Spectrum Investments
Ownership percentage							85.00%
Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum \| Northstar Licenses Member
Spectrum Investments
Gross winning bids							$ 7,845,000
Net winning bid							$ 5,884,000
Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum \| Northstar Licenses Member \| Northstar Manager LLC
Spectrum Investments
Equity contributions as percentage of purchase price							2.25%
Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum \| Northstar Licenses Member \| American II Member
Spectrum Investments
Equity contributions as percentage of purchase price							15.00%
Commitment to make loan as percentage of purchase price							85.00%
Total funded as percentage of purchase price							97.75%
Equity contribution					$ 750,000		$ 633,000
Loan made							432,000
Equity contribution commitment							117,000
Commitment to make loan							$ 4,569,000
Loan receivable					5,001,000
SNR Wireless or SNR Wireless Holdco \| SNR Licenses Member
Spectrum Investments
Bidding credit							25.00%
Gross winning bids							$ 5,482,000
Net winning bid							4,112,000
Bid withdrawal payment							$ 8,000
SNR Wireless or SNR Wireless Holdco \| SNR Licenses Member \| SNR Wireless Management LLC
Spectrum Investments
Controlling interest owned by other companies							15.00%
SNR Wireless or SNR Wireless Holdco \| SNR Licenses Member \| American III Member
Spectrum Investments
Ownership percentage							85.00%
Equity contributions as percentage of purchase price							15.00%
Commitment to make loan as percentage of purchase price							85.00%
Equity contribution					524,000		$ 408,000
Loan made							350,000
Equity contribution commitment							116,000
Commitment to make loan							$ 3,153,000
Loan receivable					$ 3,503,000

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies
Total rent expense for operating leases	$ 469	$ 307	$ 254
Minimum
Commitments
Term of programming contracts	1 year
Maximum
Commitments
Term of programming contracts	10 years

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 4) $ in Thousands								1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details 4) $ in Thousands	Jul. 08, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 23, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 09, 2013 item	Oct. 23, 2012 USD ($)	Oct. 11, 2012 USD ($)	May 24, 2012	Dec. 29, 2010 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2009 item	Jan. 31, 2008 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) patent item	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2007 patent	Jun. 21, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Mar. 15, 2010 USD ($)
Loss contingencies
General and administrative expenses													$ 815,745	$ 776,711	$ 722,045
Litigation Expense															(730,457)
Garnet Digital
Loss contingency terms
Number of companies against whom similar complaints brought \| item			15
Satellite transponder guarantees
Loss contingencies
Guarantees for payments													312,000
ESPN-Affiliation agreements
Loss contingencies
Claim amount							$ 30,000										$ 35,000
Court ruling																			$ 66,000		$ 66,000
Attorneys' fees					$ 5,000						$ 71,000					$ 24,000
Litigation accrual															71,000					$ 42,000
Payment of accrued interest											$ 12,000
General and administrative expenses															5,000
Technology Development Licensing
Loss contingency terms
Number of reexamination petitions pending before patent and trademark office \| item								2
Voom HD Holdings
Loss contingencies
Claim amount									$ 2,500,000
Litigation Expense															$ (730,000)
Loss contingency terms
Payments under the multi-year affiliation agreement to the fair value of the Settlement Agreement													54,000
Fair value of MVDDS Licenses													$ 24,000
Voom HD Holdings \| DISH Network L.L.C.
Loss contingencies
Settlement amount				$ 700,000
Katz Communications-Patent infringement
Loss contingency terms
Number of patents the suit alleges infringement of \| patent																		19
Number of patents remain in the lawsuit \| patent													4
Number of reexamination petitions pending before patent and trademark office \| item													2
Norman IP Holdings
Loss contingency terms
Minimum number of autonomous streamlined signal processors \| item													1
The Hopper Litigation \| Maximum
Loss contingencies
Number of days to store HD primetime programs recordings						8 days
Lightsquared Harbinger Capital Partners LLC
Loss contingency terms
Business days allowed to terminate existing agreements													3 days
Lightsquared Harbinger Capital Partners LLC \| Minimum
Loss contingencies
Claim amount	$ 500,000
LightSquared transaction shareholder derivative actions
Loss contingencies
Number of shareholders who filed lawsuits \| item													5
Do Not Call Litigation
Loss contingencies
Period of injunctive relief sought from placing any outbound telemarketing calls to market or promote its goods or services													5 years
Do Not Call Litigation \| DISH Network L.L.C.
Loss contingencies
Claim amount		$ 270,000
Personalized Media Communications Inc Member \| Maximum
Loss contingencies
Claim amount										$ 450,000		$ 650,000
Personalized Media Communications Inc Member \| Minimum
Loss contingencies
Claim amount										$ 150,000		$ 500,000

Segment Reporting (Details) item in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended				84 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) segment item	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) segment state item	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) segment item
Segment Reporting
Number of primary operating business units \| segment									2
Number of DISH branded pay TV services subscribers \| item	13,978								13,978				13,978
Number of state region in which wireline voice and broadband services are offered \| state									14
Segment information
Payment to acquire certain 700 MHz wireless licenses									$ 1,343,372	$ 328,134			$ 5,000,000
Total assets	$ 22,107,462				$ 20,356,430				22,107,462	20,356,430			22,107,462
Assets of discontinued operations					78,204					78,204
Total revenue	3,681,719	$ 3,679,351	$ 3,688,119	$ 3,594,198	3,538,540	$ 3,505,021	$ 3,485,774	$ 3,375,530	14,643,387	13,904,865	$ 13,181,334
Depreciation and amortization expense									1,077,936	1,054,026	964,484
Operating income (loss)	534,900	388,509	454,744	446,298	450,957	420,394	25,211	451,617	1,824,451	1,348,179	1,258,358
Interest income									61,841	148,865	99,091
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized									(611,209)	(744,985)	(536,236)
Other, net									(69,341)	384,856	173,697
Income tax (provision) benefit, net									(276,840)	(299,826)	(331,991)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	407,921	$ 143,035	$ 207,129	$ 170,817	290,251	$ 343,324	$ (8,720)	$ 212,234	928,902	837,089	662,919
MSS business
Segment information
Depreciation and amortization expense										53,000
Continuing operations
Segment information
Total assets	22,107,462				20,278,226				22,107,462	20,278,226			22,107,462
Eliminations \| Continuing operations
Segment information
Total assets	(6,894,817)				(4,041,934)				(6,894,817)	(4,041,934)			(6,894,817)
All Other & Eliminations
Segment information
Total revenue									(72)
Interest income									(329,965)	(148,183)	(114,011)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized									329,965	148,183	114,011
DISH \| Continuing operations
Segment information
Total assets	$ 21,424,385				19,694,655				21,424,385	19,694,655			$ 21,424,385
DISH \| Operating segment
Segment information
Total revenue									14,643,049	13,903,091	13,179,907
Depreciation and amortization expense									1,006,082	952,793	922,534
Operating income (loss)									1,922,363	1,938,998	1,322,474
Interest income									376,159	197,095	148,526
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized									(821,766)	(742,207)	(534,585)
Other, net									(9,414)	42,719	172,874
Income tax (provision) benefit, net									(436,753)	(511,491)	(380,758)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations									$ 1,030,851	925,114	728,531
Wireless
Segment information
Payment to acquire certain 700 MHz wireless licenses												$ 712,000
Number of wireless spectrum licenses \| segment	176								176				176
Wireless \| Continuing operations
Segment information
Total assets	$ 7,577,894				$ 4,625,505				$ 7,577,894	4,625,505			$ 7,577,894
Wireless \| Operating segment
Segment information
Total revenue									410	1,774	1,427
Depreciation and amortization expense									71,854	101,233	41,950
Operating income (loss)									(97,912)	(590,819)	(64,116)
Interest income									15,384	99,953	64,576
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized									(119,408)	(150,961)	(115,662)
Other, net									(59,927)	342,137	823
Income tax (provision) benefit, net									159,913	211,665	48,767
Net income (loss) from continuing operations									$ (101,949)	$ (88,026)	$ (65,612)

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Allowance for doubtful accounts - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Activity in Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 15,981	$ 13,834	$ 11,916
Charged to Cost and Expenses	156,318	129,372	117,117
Deductions	(148,696)	(127,225)	(115,199)
Balance at End of Year	$ 23,603	$ 15,981	$ 13,834

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Total revenue	$ 3,681,719	$ 3,679,351	$ 3,688,119	$ 3,594,198	$ 3,538,540	$ 3,505,021	$ 3,485,774	$ 3,375,530	$ 14,643,387	$ 13,904,865	$ 13,181,334
Operating income (loss)	534,900	388,509	454,744	446,298	450,957	420,394	25,211	451,617	1,824,451	1,348,179	1,258,358
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	407,921	143,035	207,129	170,817	290,251	343,324	(8,720)	212,234	928,902	837,089	662,919
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax					(7,097)	(32,334)	(6,354)	(1,558)		(47,343)	(37,179)
Net income (loss)	407,921	143,035	207,129	170,817	283,154	310,990	(15,074)	210,676	928,902	789,746	625,740
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network	$ 409,930	$ 145,519	$ 213,313	$ 175,931	$ 288,038	$ 314,908	$ (11,052)	$ 215,598	$ 944,693	$ 807,492	$ 636,687
Basic net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)	$ 0.89	$ 0.32	$ 0.46	$ 0.38	$ 0.64	$ 0.76	$ (0.01)	$ 0.48	$ 2.05	$ 1.87	$ 1.49
Basic net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)					(0.01)	(0.07)	(0.01)			(0.10)	(0.08)
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)					0.63	0.69	(0.02)	0.48	2.05	1.77	1.41
Diluted net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)	$ 0.88	$ 0.31	$ 0.46	$ 0.38	0.64	0.75	(0.01)	0.48	2.04	1.86	1.49
Diluted net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)					(0.01)	(0.07)	(0.01)	(0.01)		(0.10)	(0.08)
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share)					$ 0.63	$ 0.68	$ (0.02)	$ 0.47	$ 2.04	$ 1.76	$ 1.41

Related Party Transactions (Details) $ in Thousands						1 Months Ended						3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 20, 2014 USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2012	Jul. 02, 2012	Apr. 29, 2011 USD ($) item	Feb. 23, 2010	May 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012 item	May 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	May 31, 2010	Jan. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 item	Dec. 31, 2008 item	Sep. 30, 2010 USD ($)
Related Party Transactions
Capital contribution recorded in additional paid-in-capital for tax credits related to tax-sharing agreement														$ 5,000
Cost of sales - equipment, services and other														107,777	$ 91,902	$ 97,965
Subscriber-related expenses														8,313,046	7,818,061	7,254,458
Amounts payable to NagraStar												$ 251,669		251,669	355,023
Net book value of asset												16,825		$ 16,825
Sling TV Holding L L C
Related Party Transactions
Ownership percentage			67.00%											90.00%
Voting interest (as a percent)														100.00%
Additional paid in capital recorded due to difference between the historical cost basis of the assets transferred														$ 6,000
Deemed distribution to EchoStar-initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest, net of deferred taxes														14,000
DISH Remote Access Services Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Subscriber-related expenses														3,000	2,000	2,000
Sling Service Services Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Subscriber-related expenses														$ 4,000	3,000	2,000
Santa Fe Lease Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Term of renewal option														1 year
Inverness Lease Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Notice period for termination of agreement														6 months
Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Agreement term		5 years
Term of renewal option														1 year
Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement \| Minimum
Related Party Transactions
Notice period for termination of agreement														180 days
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| DISH Investors
Related Party Transactions
Percentage of economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group	80.00%													80.00%
Percentage of economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group	80.00%													80.00%
EchoStar
Related Party Transactions
Satellite and transmission expenses - EchoStar														$ 653,000	494,000	425,000
General and administrative expenses - EchoStar														108,000	90,000	67,000
Capital contribution from EchoStar- sale of T2 satellite, net of deferred taxes of $5,554														9,446
Deemed distribution to EchoStar-initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest, net of deferred taxes														$ 14,011
Capital transaction recorded in additional paid-in capital															3,148
EchoStar \| Sling TV Holding L L C
Related Party Transactions
Non voting interest														10.00%
Related party ownership interest in subsidiary (as a percentage)			33.00%
EchoStar \| TiVo vs Dish Network and EchoStar Corporation
Related Party Transactions
Settlement amount				$ 500,000
Initial settlement amount paid				300,000
Aggregate of six annual installment amounts between 2012 and 2017, net of contribution from related party				$ 200,000
Litigation settlement number of annual installments \| item				6
Contribution from related party				$ 10,000
Percentage of litigation settlement amount to be made by related party				95.00%
EchoStar \| Remanufactured Receiver Agreement \| Minimum
Related Party Transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party														60 days
EchoStar \| Professional Services Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Automatic renewal period														1 year
Minimum notice period for termination of a specific service														30 days
Notice period for termination of agreement														60 days
EchoStar \| EchoStar VIII
Related Party Transactions
Notice period for termination of agreement						30 days
EchoStar \| 2012 Broadcast Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party									60 days
EchoStar \| Certain Sports Related Programming Broadcast Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Agreement term										10 years
EchoStar \| EchoStar XVI
Related Party Transactions
Agreement term														4 years
Term of renewal option														6 years
Additional term of renewal option														5 years
EchoStar \| Nimiq 5 Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Agreement term																		15 years
Number of DBS transponders available to receive services \| item																		32
EchoStar \| DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Agreement term																		10 years
Number of DBS transponders currently used \| item																		32
EchoStar \| QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Agreement term from commencement of service date																			10 years
Number of DBS transponders available to receive services \| item																			32
EchoStar \| QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Number of transponders subleased \| item							5
EchoStar \| 103 degree orbital location member
Related Party Transactions
Agreement term								10 years
Agreement term from commencement of service date														10 years
Payments to the related party													$ 23,000
Net book value of asset													20,000
Capital distribution													3,000
EchoStar \| Tax Sharing Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Net amount of the allocated tax attributes payable													$ 83,000
EchoStar \| 2012 TT&C Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination by the reporting entity														60 days
EchoStar \| DBSD North America Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Term of renewal option														1 year
Number of successive one year renewal options \| item														2
EchoStar \| DBSD North America Agreement \| Minimum
Related Party Transactions
Notice period for termination of agreement														30 days
EchoStar \| Application Development Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Automatic renewal period														1 year
EchoStar \| Application Development Agreement \| Minimum
Related Party Transactions
Notice period for termination of agreement														90 days
EchoStar \| XIP Encryption Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Term of renewal option														1 year
Notice period to exercise option to extend agreement														180 days
EchoStar \| XIP Encryption Agreement \| Minimum
Related Party Transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party														180 days
Minimum required notice period for termination by the reporting entity														30 days
EchoStar \| RUS Implementation Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Maximum grants receivable																				$ 14,000
Cost of sales - equipment, services and other															3,000	7,000
EchoStar \| 2012 Receiver Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Purchased set-top boxes and other equipment from EchoStar														$ 1,114,000	1,242,000	1,005,000
Term of renewal option														1 year
Notice period to exercise option to extend agreement														180 days
EchoStar \| Product Support Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Notice period for termination of agreement														60 days
EchoStar \| DISH Online.com Services Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Automatic renewal period														1 year
Agreement term											2 years
Term of renewal option exercised														1 year
Number of successive one year renewal options \| item														3
EchoStar \| DISH Online.com Services Agreement \| Minimum
Related Party Transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination by the reporting entity														120 days
EchoStar \| DISH Remote Access Services Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Automatic renewal period														1 year
Agreement term					5 years
EchoStar \| DISH Remote Access Services Agreement \| Minimum
Related Party Transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination by the reporting entity														120 days
EchoStar \| Sling Service Services Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Automatic renewal period														1 year
EchoStar \| Sling Service Services Agreement \| Minimum
Related Party Transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination by the reporting entity														120 days
EchoStar \| Patent Cross-License Agreements
Related Party Transactions
Payments to third party by related party under extension option																	$ 3,000
Payments to third party																	$ 10,000
EchoStar \| Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Subscriber-related expenses														$ 70,000	32,000	1,000
EchoStar \| El Paso Lease Agreement (Member)
Related Party Transactions
Term of renewal option														3 years
Number of consecutive three year renewal options \| item														4
EchoStar \| EchoStar XV
Related Party Transactions
Notice period for termination of agreement						30 days
EchoStar \| T2 Development Agreement \| T2 satellite
Related Party Transactions
Option given to the related party for acquisition of property, plant and equipment															55,000
Selling rights to use equipments to related party												55,000
Capital contribution from EchoStar- sale of T2 satellite, net of deferred taxes of $5,554												9,000
Reimbursements received under agreement														$ 13,000	35,000
EchoStar \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Related Party Transactions
Transfer of liabilities and other														44,540
Historical cost of tracking stock														316,204
Capital transaction recorded in additional paid-in capital														51,466
EchoStar \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| DISH Investors
Related Party Transactions
Historical cost of tracking stock	$ 229,000
EchoStar \| Prior Receiver Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination by the reporting entity									60 days
NagraStar
Related Party Transactions
Purchases from related party														84,636	91,712	72,549
Amounts payable to NagraStar												14,819		14,819	20,954
Commitments to NagraStar												$ 12,368		12,368	2,463
HNS \| Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Broadband equipment purchased from related parties														24,000	$ 59,000	$ 24,000
HNS \| Radio Access Network Agreement
Related Party Transactions
Payments to third party														$ 18,000
EchoStar and HSSC \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Related Party Transactions
Transfer of liabilities and other	59,000
Capital transaction	356,000
Cash in exchange for shares of series of preferred tracking stock issued	11,000
Capital transaction recorded in additional paid-in capital	$ 51,000
EchoStar and HSSC \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| DISH Investors
Related Party Transactions
Tracking stock prohibited transfer period	1 year
HSSC \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| DISH Investors
Related Party Transactions
Historical cost of tracking stock	$ 87,000