Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Class A common stock Common Class B [Member] Class B common stock Statement [Line Items] Statement Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current Assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Available-for-sale Securities, Current Debt securities Marketable investment securities Current marketable investment securities Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Trade accounts receivable Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $19,748 and $18,399, respectively Inventory, Net Inventory Total inventory Deposits Assets, Current FCC auction deposit (Note 10) Other Assets, Current Other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Noncurrent Assets: Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Restricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net Indefinite-Lived License Agreements FCC authorizations Long-term Investments Other investment securities Other Assets, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets, net Assets, Noncurrent Total noncurrent assets Assets Total assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Accounts Payable, Current Trade accounts payable Deferred Revenue and Credits, Current Deferred revenue and other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued programming Interest Payable, Current Accrued interest Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other accrued expenses (Note 10) Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations. Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-Term Obligations, Net of Current Portion: Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligation Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Long-term Liability Charges Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term obligations, net of current portion Liabilities Total liabilities Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Fair Value [Abstract] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Fair Value Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Note 2) Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity (Deficit): Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at end of period, net Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at beginning of period, net Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated earnings (deficit) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total DISH Network stockholders' equity (deficit) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders' equity (deficit) Stockholders equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Strike price of the warrants Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Revenues [Abstract] Revenue: Subscription and Circulation Revenue Subscriber-related revenue Represents the income generated from equipment sales and other revenue. Equipment Sales and Other Revenue Equipment sales and other revenue Revenue, Net Total revenue Total revenue Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and Expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below - Note 8): Cost of Goods Sold, Subscription Subscriber-related expenses Represent satellite and transmission expenses during the period. Satellite And Transmission Expenses Satellite and transmission expenses Other Cost of Operating Revenue Cost of sales - equipment and other Subscriber Acquisition Costs [Abstract] Subscriber acquisition costs: This element represents the cost related to subscriber promotion and subsidies. Subscriber Promotions Subsidies Cost of sales - subscriber promotion subsidies This element represents the cost related to subscriber promotion and subsidies during the reporting period. Other Subscriber Promotions Subsidies Other subscriber acquisition costs Advertising Expense Subscriber acquisition advertising Cost of Goods and Services Sold Total subscriber acquisition costs General and Administrative Expense General and administrative expenses Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Litigation expense (Note 10) Litigation expense Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization (Note 8) Depreciation and amortization expense Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Operating Income (Loss) Operating income (loss) Operating income (loss) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other Income (Expense): Investment Income, Net Interest income Interest Expense, Debt Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other, net Total Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income (expense) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax (provision) benefit, net Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted (in shares) Diluted (in shares) Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock: Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Deferred income tax (expense) benefit, net Other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to DISH Network CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities: Gain (Loss) on Investments Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments Share-based Compensation Non-cash, stock-based compensation Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax expense (benefit) Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Purchases of marketable investment securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities Proceeds from Derivative Instrument, Investing Activities Settlement of derivative financial instruments Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Capitalized Interest Related To Authorizations Capitalized Interest Related To Authorizations Capitalized interest related to FCC authorizations (Note 2) Payments to acquire non-depleting intangible assets (primarily FCC spectrum). Payments under Indefinite Lived License Agreement Purchases of FCC authorizations (Note 10) Payments to Acquire Investments Purchase of strategic investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Proceeds from issuance of senior notes Proceeds from Issuance of Convertible Debt Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes (Note 9) Maturities of Senior Debt Redemption and repurchases of senior notes Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Payments Made To Parent Of Transferred Businesses Payments Made To Parent Of Transferred Businesses Payments made to parent of transferred businesses Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Organization and Business Activities Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization and Business Activities Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities Investments in Debt and Equity Instruments, Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) [Text Block] Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory N/A Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and Equipment Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cost of Sales – Equipment and Other Interest Capitalization, Policy [Policy Text Block] Capitalized Interest Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements Summarization of the disclosures for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting policy disclosures Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Pro Forma Information Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Table presents EPS amounts for all periods and the basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding used in the calculation Schedule of dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share. Schedule of Dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of dilutive securities not included in the diluted EPS calculation Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of supplemental cash flow and other non-cash data Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of tax effects allocated to component of other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Investment [Table Text Block] Schedule of marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of available-for-sale investments Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position by length of time and their fair value Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value measurements Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in Level 3 instruments Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of gains and losses on sales and changes in carrying values of investments Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of inventory Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of property and equipment Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense. Schedule of Depreciation and Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense Represents the information pertaining to the Schedule Of Pay T-V Satellites Table Text Block Schedule Of Pay T-V Satellites [Table Text Block] Schedule of pay-TV satellite fleet Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of carrying and fair values of the entity's debt facilities Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of assets, revenue, and operating income by segment Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of revenue by geographical region