Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] 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 Current marketable investment securities Marketable investment securities Debt security Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Trade accounts receivable - other, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $15,339 and $23,520, respectively Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts receivable - EchoStar, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero Inventory, Net Inventory Total inventory Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred tax assets Other Assets, Current Other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Noncurrent Assets: Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Restricted cash and marketable investment securities Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,702,057 and $2,628,945, respectively Indefinite-Lived License Agreements FCC authorizations Other Assets, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets, net Assets, Noncurrent Total noncurrent assets Assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity (Deficit) Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Accounts Payable, Current Trade accounts payable - other Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts payable - EchoStar Amounts payable to NagraStar Due to Affiliate, Current Advances from affiliates 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 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 Obligations 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, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term obligations, net of current portion Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8) Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Redeemable noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholder's Equity (Deficit): Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 1,015 shares issued and outstanding Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated earnings (deficit) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total DISH DBS stockholder's equity (deficit) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholder's equity (deficit) Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholder's equity (deficit) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - other Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable from related parties, current. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, from Related Parties, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - EchoStar Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment, net Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) 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 Equipment sales and other revenue. Equipment Sales and Other Revenue Equipment sales and other revenue Equipment sales, services and other revenue related party. Equipment Sales, Services and Other Revenue Related Party Equipment sales, services and other revenue - EchoStar Revenue, Net Total revenue Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and Expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below - Note 6): 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, services and other Subscriber Acquisition Costs [Abstract] Subscriber acquisition costs: Represents the amount of subscriber promotions subsidies recognized in cost of sales. Cost Of Sales Subscriber Promotions Subsidies Cost of sales - subscriber promotion subsidies Other subscriber promotion subsidies. Other Subscriber Promotions Subsidies Other subscriber acquisition costs Represents the amount of costs incurred on advertising for the period, which are expenses incurred with the objective of increasing revenue for subscriber acquisition. Subscriber Acquisition Advertising Cost Subscriber acquisition advertising Cost of Goods and Services Sold Total subscriber acquisition costs General and Administrative Expense General and administrative expenses Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation and amortization (Note 6) Depreciation and amortization Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses 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 Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income (expense) Income (loss) before income taxes. Income (Loss) before Income Tax 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 DBS Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss): Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): 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), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Deferred income tax (expense) benefit, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total 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 interest, net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term debt Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [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: 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, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from sales and purchases of marketable investment securities. Proceeds from Payments for Marketable Securities (Purchases) Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities, net Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment 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, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Payments of Dividends Dividends to DISH Orbital Corporation Dividend paid to DOC Early Repayment of Senior Debt Redemption and repurchases of long-term debt Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Advances from affiliates Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations 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 Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows 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 Property and Equipment 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 Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors Financial information for subsidiary guarantors. Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors [Text Block] Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors 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 Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of supplemental cash flow and other non-cash data Investment [Table Text Block] Schedule of marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, 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 investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of inventory Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense. Schedule of Depreciation and Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense Schedule of pay-TV satellite fleet. Schedule of Pay TV 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 Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of transactions with NagraStar Number of subscribers. Number of Subscribers Number of subscribers Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Represents details pertaining to EchoStar, a legal entity in which the director owns majority voting interests. Echo Star [Member] EchoStar Interest Paid Cash paid for interest Proceeds from Interest Received Cash received for interest Income Taxes Paid Cash paid for income taxes Cash paid for income taxes to parent. Cash Paid for Income Taxes to Parent Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network Represents the amount of unsettled trades related to repurchase of long-term debt. Unsettled Trades Related To Repurchase Of Long Term Debt Unsettled trades relating to repurchases of long-term debt Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with Related Party [Abstract] Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction with EchoStar: Property, Plant and Equipment, Transfers and Changes Transfer of property and equipment, net Cost Method Investments Other investment securities - cost method Investment in EchoStar and HSSC preferred tracking stock - cost method The fair value of liabilities transferred in noncash investing or financing activities. Liabilities Transferred Transfer of liabilities and other Represent adjustments to additional paid in capital due to distribution to related party relating to Satellite and Tracking stock transaction. Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Distribution To Related Party Relating To Satellite And Tracking Stock Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes of $31,274 Deferred taxes for capital distribution to the related party in connection with purchases of strategic investments. Deferred Taxes for Capital Distribution to Related Party in Connection Purchase of Strategic Investments Deferred taxes for capital distribution to EchoStar Schedule of Investments [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types Of Debt And Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] This category includes information about investments in debt and equity securities, which are not otherwise provided for in the existing taxonomy in the form of Domain Members or individual elements. Other Debt And Equity Securities [Member] Current marketable investment securities - other Represents information pertaining to Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation. Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation [Member] HSSC Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Other Investment Securities Other investment securities: Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Other Investment Securities: Marketable Securities, Restricted, Noncurrent Restricted marketable investment securities(1) Marketable Securities Total marketable investment securities Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1) Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalent and other investment securities. Marketable Investment Securities Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Other Investment Securities Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investment securities Maximum maturities of commercial paper. Commercial Paper Maturities Maximum Maximum maturities of commercial paper Maximum maturities of corporate securities. Corporate Securities Maturities Maximum Maximum maturities of corporate securities Represents information pertaining to EchoStar and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation. Echo Star And Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation [Member] EchoStar and HSSC Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type Of Arrangement [Domain] Type of Arrangement [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Transaction Agreement. Transaction Agreement [Member] Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction Represents the number of owned satellites transferred and leased back in connection with the transaction involving the sale of property to another party and the lease of the property back to the seller. Related Party Transactions Number of Owned Satellites Transferred and Leased Back Number of owned satellites transferred and leased back Represents the amount of cash transferred in exchange for shares of a series of preferred tracking stock issued under the agreement. Cash in Exchange of Shares Issued Cash in exchange for shares of series of preferred tracking stock issued Represents the preferred tracking stock issued during the period by the related party. Related Party Transactions Preferred Tracking Stock Issued by Related Party Preferred tracking stock issued by related party Represents the percentage of economic interest held in the Hughes Retail Group. Related Party Transactions Percentage of Economic Interest Held Percentage of economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group Represents the historical cost of tracking stock. Related Party Transactions Historical Cost of Tracking Stock Historical cost of tracking stock Represents the difference between the historical cost basis of the Tracking Stock received and the net carrying value of the satellites included in the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. Related Party Transactions Tracking Stock Capital Transaction Capital transaction Capital distribution to the related party in connection with purchases of strategic investments, net of tax. Capital Distribution to Related Party in Connection Purchase of Strategic Investments Capital transaction recorded in additional paid-in capital Represents the prohibited transfer period of preferred tracking stock issued during the period by the related party. Related Party Transactions Preferred Tracking Stock Prohibited Transfer Period Tracking stock prohibited transfer period Investments in debt securities other than variable rate demand obligations, auction-rate securities, or mortgage backed securities. Includes investments that are restricted and those that are not restricted. Other Debt Securities Nonrestricted And Restricted [Member] Other Equity Securities [Member] Equity Securities Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Components of available-for-sale investments Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Equity securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax Accumulated net unrealized gains, before tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Unrealized Gains Losses, Net Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Contractual maturities of restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current Debt securities with contractual maturities within one year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Debt securities with contractual maturities extending longer than one year through and including five years Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated net unrealized gains (losses) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated net unrealized gains, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Debt Securities [Member] Debt Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract] Fair value of marketable investment securities in a loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Less than 12 Months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value 12 Months or More Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract] Unrealized loss on marketable investment securities in a loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Less than 12 months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss 12 months or more Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss Total Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Fair value measurements on recurring basis Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Total Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Level 1 Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair value of marketable securities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Cash equivalents (including restricted) Available-for-sale Securities Debt security Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount Transfer of investments from Level 1 to Level 2 Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount Transfer of investments from Level 2 to Level 1 Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Raw materials Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Equipment Leased To Other Party [Member] Equipment leased to customers Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity. Satellites [Member] Satellites Represents buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other property plant and equipment owned by the entity. Building Furniture Fixtures Other Equipment [Member] Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other Represents details pertaining to Pay-TV Satellites assets owned by the entity. Pay T V Satellites [Member] Pay-TV Satellites Depreciation and Amortization [Line Items] Depreciation and amortization expense Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity. Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit Utilized by Reporting Entity Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity owned. Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity Owned Owned Satellites Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity under operating leases. Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity under Operating Leases Number of satellites utilized under operating lease Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity under capital leases. Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity under Capital Leases Number of satellites utilized under capital lease Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XV. Echo Star X V [Member] EchoStar XV Represents details pertaining to the EchoStar XVIII satellite under construction. Assets Under Construction Echo Star X V I I I [Member] EchoStar XVIII Represents information pertaining to satellites assets leased from EchoStar, Echo Star XVI, which are accounted for as operating leases. Echo Star X V I [Member] EchoStar XVI Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Estimate Useful life of assets Represents option to renew the lease for an additional term. Option To Renew For Additional Term Option to renew the lease for an additional period Represents option to renew the lease for an additional term if the company exercises its renewal option. Option To Renew The Lease For Additional Term If Exercise Renewal Option Another option to renew the lease if renewal option exercised Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Represents details pertaining to the 7 3/4 percent Senior Notes, which are due in 2015. Senior Notes7.750 Percent Due2015 [Member] 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015 Represents details pertaining to the 7 1/8 percent Senior Notes, which are due in 2016. Senior Notes7.125 Percent Due2016 [Member] 7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016 Represents details pertaining to 4 5/8 percent senior notes, which are due in 2017. Senior Notes4.625 Percent Due2017 [Member] 4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017 Represents details pertaining to the 4 1/4 percent Senior Notes, which are due in 2018. Senior Notes4.25 Percent Due2018 [Member] 4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018 Represents details pertaining to the 7 7/8 percent Senior Notes, which are due in 2019. Senior Notes7.875 Percent Due2019 [Member] 7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019 Represents details pertaining to the 5 1/8 percent Senior Notes, which are due in 2020. Senior Notes5.125 Percent Due2020 [Member] 5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020 Represents details pertaining to the 6 3/4 percent Senior Notes, which are due in 2021. Senior Notes6.750 Percent Due2021 [Member] 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 Represents details pertaining to 5 7/8 percent senior notes, which are due in 2022. Senior Notes5.875 Percent Due2022 [Member] 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022 Represents details pertaining to the 5 percent Senior Notes, which are due in 2023. Senior Notes5 Percent Due2023 [Member] 5% Senior Notes due 2023 Represents details pertaining to 5 7/8 percent senior notes, which are due in 2024. Senior Notes5.875 Percent Due2024 [Member] 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 Represents details pertaining to mortgages and other notes payable. Mortgage And Other Notes Payable [Member] Other notes payable Long-term Debt, Gross Carrying Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Fair Value Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discount, net Capital Lease Obligations Capital lease obligations (3) Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate (as a percent) Schedule of disclosures relating to commitments of the entity. Commitments [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Satellite transponder guarantees. Satellite Transponder Guarantees [Member] Satellite transponder guarantees Majority Shareholder [Member] Dish Network Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Represents details pertaining to DBSD North America and TerreStar Transactions. D B S D North America Inc And Asset Purchase Agreement Terre Star [Member] DBSD North America and TerreStar Transactions Represents details relating to 700 MHz Licenses. Mhz700 Licenses [Member] 700 MHz Licenses Represents details pertaining to DBSD North America. D B S D North America Inc [Member] DBSD North America Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Represents details pertaining to Wireless Spectrum, a segment of entity. Wireless Spectrum [Member] Wireless Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Spectrum Investments Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Payment to acquire certain wireless licenses Represents the minimum percentage of E Block population in each area covered by an individual license to which the entity must provide terrestrial signal coverage and offer terrestrial service within some specified period. Wireless Spectrum Licenses Minimum Modified Interim Build out Requirement Population Percentage Modified 700 MHz Interim Build-Out Requirement (as a percent) Represents the minimum percentage of E Block population in each area covered by an individual license to which the entity must provide terrestrial signal coverage and offer terrestrial service by the end of license term. Wireless Spectrum Licenses Minimum Modified Final Build out Requirement Population Percentage Modified 700 MHz Final Build-Out Requirement (as a percent) Wireless spectrum licenses accelerated period to meet Modified 700 MHz Interim Build-Out Requirement on failure to meet Modified 700 MHz Interim Build-Out Requirement. Wireless Spectrum Licenses Accelerated Period to Meet Modified Build Out Requirement on Failure to Meet Interim Build Out Requirement Accelerated period to meet Modified 700 MHz Build-Out Requirement on failure to meet Modified 700 MHz Interim Build-Out Requirement Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Percentage of equity acquired Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Purchase price Represents the minimum percentage of population in each area covered by an individual license to which the entity must provide terrestrial signal coverage and offer terrestrial service within some specified period. Wireless Spectrum Licenses Minimum Interim Build Out Requirement Population Percentage AWS-4 Interim Build-Out Requirement (as a percent) Represents the minimum percentage of population in each area covered by an individual license to which the entity must provide terrestrial signal coverage and offer terrestrial service by the end of license term. Wireless Spectrum Licenses Minimum Final Build Out Requirement Population Percentage AWS-4 Final Build-Out Requirement (as a percent) Wireless spectrum licenses accelerated period to meet final build-out requirement on failure to meet interim build out requirement. Wireless Spectrum Licenses Accelerated Period to Meet Final Build out Requirement on Failure to Meet Interim Build Out Requirement Accelerated period to meet Final Build-Out Requirement on failure to meet Interim Build-Out Requirement The number of wireless spectrum licenses acquired by the winning bidder. Wireless Spectrum Licenses Number of wireless spectrum licenses Represents the minimum percentage of population in each area covered by an individual H Block spectrum license to which reliable signal coverage is provided and service is offered. Wireless Spectrum Licenses Minimum Interim Build Out Requirement Population Percentage Covered by H Block Spectrum Licenses H Block Interim Build-Out Requirement (as a percent) Represents the minimum percentage of population in each area covered by an individual H Block spectrum license to which reliable signal coverage is provided and service is offered by the end of license term. Wireless Spectrum Licenses Minimum Final Build Out Requirement Population Percentage Covered by H Block Spectrum Licenses H Block Final Build-Out Requirement (as a percent) Represents the accelerated period to meet Build-Out Requirement on failure. Wireless Spectrum Licenses Accelerated Period to Meet Build Out Requirement on Failure Accelerated period to meet Build-Out Requirement on failure Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Represents the percentage of bidding credit. Percentage Of Bidding Credit Bidding credit Represents gross winning bids amount. Gross Winning Bids Gross winning bids Represents the combined net winning bids. Combined Net Winning Bids Net winning bid Represents bid withdrawal payment. Bid Withdrawal Payment Bid withdrawal payment Represents percentage of bidding credit which is not eligible to receive if the draft order got approval. Percentage Of Bidding Credit Not Eligible Percentage of bidding credit not eligible to receive if the draft order got approval Represents value of bidding credit. Bidding Credit Bidding credit value Represents commitment to make loan to other party as percentage of purchase price. Commitment To Make Loan Percentage Of Purchase Price Commitment to make loan as percentage of purchase price Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage Ownership percentage Percentage of controlling interest owned by other companies. Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage By Other Party Controlling interest owned by other companies Represent commitment to make equity contributions as percentage of purchase price. Commitment Equity Contributions Percentage Of Purchase Price Equity contributions as percentage of purchase price Represents of equity contributions. Equity Contribution Equity contribution Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties Loan receivable Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Claim amount Represents the period of injunctive relief from placing any outbound telemarketing calls to market or promote its goods or services sought by plantiff. Period of Injunctive Relief Sought from Placing any Telemarketing Calls to Market or Promote Goods and Services Period of injunctive relief sought from placing any outbound telemarketing calls to market or promote its goods or services The carrying amount of total investment into Variable Interest Entity included in the reporting entity's statement of financial position. Variable Interest Entity Investment Total Total investments Represents the number of days to store HD primetime programs recordings. Number of Days to Store HD Prime Time Programs Recordings Number of days to store HD primetime programs recordings Number of reexamination petitions pending before patent and trademark office. Number of Reexamination Petitions Pending before Patent and Trademark Office Number of reexamination petitions pending before patent and trademark office Represents the business days allowed to terminate existing agreements. Business Days Allowed to Terminate Existing Agreements Business days allowed to terminate existing agreements Loss Contingencies [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Represents information pertaining to the LightSquared transaction shareholder derivative actions. Light Squared Transaction Shareholder Derivative Actions [Member] LightSquared transaction shareholder derivative actions Represents information pertaining to Lightsquared Harbinger Capital Partners LLC. Light Squared Harbinger Capital Partners L L C [Member] Lightsquared Harbinger Capital Partners LLC Minimum [Member] Minimum Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss contingencies The value (monetary amount) of the award the federal plaintiff seeks in the legal matter. Loss Contingency Damages Sought Value From Federal Plaintiff Claim amount from federal plaintiff The value (monetary amount) of the award the state plaintiff seeks in the legal matter. Loss Contingency Damages Sought Value From State Plaintiff Claim amount from state plaintiff Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Number of shareholders who filed lawsuits Represents the number of claims asserted by Jacksonville PFPF in second amended complaint. Number of Claims Asserted Number of claims asserted by Jacksonville PFPF Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Description and amounts of significant related party transactions entered into by another related party with a direct or indirect ownership interest in the reporting entity. Related Party Transaction Primary Related Party [Axis] Related parties with a direct or indirect ownership interest in the reporting entity. Primary Related Party [Domain] Primary Related Party [Domain] Represents the details pertaining to the administrative support such as legal, information systems, marketing, human resources, accounting and finance services to DISH Network's Blockbuster, Wireless Spectrum and other business segments. Administrative Support Services Agreement [Member] Broadband, Wireless and Other Operations Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Purchases from NagraStar Expenses associated with services Represents details pertaining to the Remanufactured Receiver Agreement. Remanufactured Receiver Agreement [Member] Remanufactured Receiver Agreement Represents details pertaining to El Paso Lease Agreement. El Paso Fe Lease Agreement [Member] El Paso Lease Agreement Represents information pertaining to required notice period for termination of agreement from related party under related party transactions agreement. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Minimum Termination Notice Required from Related Party Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party Required notice period for termination of agreement Represents information pertaining to the related party transactions agreement term. Related Party Transactions, Agreement Term Agreement term Represents information pertaining to the related party transactions automatic renewal period. Related Party Transactions, Agreement Automatic Renewal Period Automatic renewal period Represents information pertaining to the minimum notice period for termination of agreement under the related party transactions. Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Agreement Minimum notice period for termination of agreement Related party transactions required notice period for termination of agreement. Related Party Transactions Required Notice Period for Termination of Agreement Notice period for termination of agreement Represents information pertaining to the maximum number of three year renewal options under related party transactions agreement. Related Party Transactions Agreement Maximum Number of Three Year Renewal Options Number of consecutive three year renewal options Represents information pertaining to the related party transactions renewal option term. Related Party Transactions, Agreement Renewal Option Term Agreement Renewal Option Term Represents information pertaining to required notice period for termination of agreement by the reporting entity under the related party transactions agreement. Related Party Transactions, Agreement Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity Represents details pertaining to the Broadcast Agreement for certain sports related programming. Certain Sports Related Programming Broadcast Agreement [Member] Certain Sports Related Programming Broadcast Agreement Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets leased from EchoStar, Echo Star VIII, which are accounted for as operating leases. Echo Star V I I I [Member] EchoStar VIII Information about Telesat Transponder Agreement with related party. Telesat Transponder Agreement [Member] Telesat Transponder Agreement Represents details pertaining to DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement. D I S H Nimiq5 Agreement [Member] DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement Represents details pertaining to QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement. Quetz Sat1 Lease Agreement [Member] QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement Represents information pertaining to the 103 orbital location agreement. One Hundred Three Degree Orbital Location [Member] 103 degree orbital location member Represents details pertaining to TT and C Agreement. Telemetry Tracking And Control Agreement [Member] TT&C Agreement Represents details pertaining to the Prior Broadcast Agreement. Prior Broadcast Agreement [Member] Prior Broadcast Agreement Represents information pertaining to the related party transactions agreement term from commencement of service date. Related Party Transactions, Agreement Term from Commencement of Service Date Agreement term from commencement of service date Represents the additional term of renewal option. Related Party Transactions, Agreement Additional Renewal Option Term Additional term of renewal option Represents information pertaining to the related party transactions agreement term with third party. Related Party Transactions, Agreement Term with Third Party Agreement term with third party Represents information pertaining to the number of DBS transponders available to receive services under the related party transactions agreement. Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Available Number of DBS transponders available to receive services Represents information pertaining to the number of DBS transponders currently used under related party transactions agreement. Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Used Number of DBS transponders currently used Represents information pertaining to the number of transponders subleased under the related party transactions agreement. Related Party Transactions Number of DBS Transponders Subleased Number of transponders subleased Represents the amount of expenses, fees and commissions paid for transactions between the related parties. Payments to Related Parties Payments to the related party Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Net book value of asset Capital distribution to related party. Capital Distribution to Related Party Capital distribution Represents details pertaining to the Product Support Agreement. Product Support Agreement [Member] Product Support Agreement Represents details pertaining to the Inverness Lease Agreement. Inverness Lease Agreement [Member] Inverness Lease Agreement Represents details pertaining to Gilbert Lease Agreement. Gilbert Lease Agreement [Member] Gilbert Lease Agreement Represents details pertaining to DISHOnline.com Services Agreement. D I S H Online. Com Services Agreement [Member] DISH Online.com Services Agreement Represents details pertaining to the Application Development Agreement. Application Development Agreement [Member] Application Development Agreement Represents details pertaining to the XiP Encryption Agreement. Xi P Encryption Agreement [Member] XiP Encryption Agreement Represents details pertaining to Santa Fe Lease Agreement. Santa Fe Lease Agreement [Member] Santa Fe Lease Agreement Represents information pertaining to minimum notice period for termination of a specific service under related party transactions. Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Specific Service Minimum notice period for termination of a specific service Represents information pertaining to the related party transactions agreement term of renewal option exercised. Related Party Transaction Agreement Renewal Option Term Exercised Term of renewal option exercised Represents the required notice period to exercise option to extend agreement under the related party transaction. Related Party Transactions, Required Notice Period to Exercise Option to Extend Agreement Notice period required to extend the agreement term Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Ownership percentage Represents the voting interest in subsidiary, expressed as a percentage. Voting Interest In Subsidiary Voting interest (as a percent) Represents the adjustment amount to additional paid in capital due to difference between the historical cost basis of the assets transferred. Additional Paid In Capital Due To Historical Cost Differences Additional paid in capital recorded due to difference between the historical cost basis of the assets transferred Represents the amount of distribution equal to initial fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest due to redeem of redeemable noncontrolling interest, net of deferred taxes. Deemed Distribution Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value Net Of Deferred Tax Represents the period within which non-voting interest is redeemable. Non-voting interest redeemable period Non-voting interest redeemable period from fifth anniversary of the exchange agreement Represents information pertaining to the maximum number of renewal options under related party transactions agreement. Related Party Transactions Agreement Maximum Number of Renewal Options Number of consecutive renewal options Represents details pertaining to the Receiver Agreement. Receiver Agreement [Member] Receiver Agreement Represents details pertaining to Patent Cross-License Agreements. Patent Cross License Agreements [Member] Patent Cross-License Agreements Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case Type [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Represents information pertaining to legal proceedings of TiVo vs Dish Network and Echostar Corporation. Ti Vovs Dish Network And Echo Star Corporation [Member] TiVo v. Dish Network and EchoStar Corporation Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Purchased set-top boxes and other equipment from EchoStar Litigation Settlement, Amount Settlement amount Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments Initial settlement amount paid Litigation settlement total amount to be paid through six annual installments. Litigation Settlement Total Amount To Be Paid Through Six Annual Installments Aggregate of six annual installment amounts between 2012 and 2017 Loss contingency estimated percentage of annual payments payable by entity. Loss Contingency Estimated Percentage Of Annual Payments Payable By Entity Estimated percentage of annual future payments payable by the company Represents the number of annual installments in the litigation settlement. Litigation Settlement, Number of Annual Installments Litigation settlement number of annual installments Represents information pertaining to the contribution from related party for initial settlement under the related party transactions agreement. Contribution from Related Party for Initial Settlement Contribution from related party Related party transaction expenses from transactions with related party, less than. Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Less than Payments to third party by related party Related party transaction aggregate payments to third party by related parties under extension option, less than. Related Party Transaction, Aggregate Payments to Third Party by Related Parties under Extension Option Less than Payments to third party by related party under extension option Represents details pertaining to NagraStar, an equity method investee of the entity. Nagra Star L L C [Member] NagraStar Represents the amount for commitments to related parties. Commitments To Related Parties Commitments to NagraStar U S Treasury And Government [Member] U.S. Treasury and agency securities Commercial Paper Not Included With Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] Commercial paper Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate securities Represents information pertaining to The Hopper litigation. Hopper Litigation [Member] Hopper litigation Represents details pertaining to patent infringements alleged by Technology Development and Licensing L.L.C. Technology Development Licensing [Member] Technology Development Licensing Represents information pertaining to the Do Not Call litigation which relates to violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and Telephone Sales Rules, and analogous state statutes and state consumer protection laws. Do Not Call Litigation [Member] Do Not Call Litigation Information relating to American AWS-3 Wireless II L.L.C. ("American II"), an wholly-owned subsidiary of Dish Network. American I I [Member] American II Information relating to American AWS-3 Wireless III L.L.C. ("American III"), an wholly-owned subsidiary of Dish Network. American I I I [Member] American III Information about AWS 3 auction. Aws3 Auction [Member] AWS 3 Auction Subsidiaries [Member] DISH Network L.L.C. Information relating to SNR Wireless Management, LLC ("SNR Managers"), a controlling owners of SNR Wireless or SNR Holdco. Snr Wireless Management L L C [Member] SNR Wireless Management LLC Information relating to Northstar Manager, LLC ("Northstar Manager"), controlling owners of Northstar Spectrum and Northstar Wireless. Northstar Manager L L C [Member] Northstar Manager LLC Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Classification Of Variable Interest Entity [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity Primary Beneficiary [Member] Northstar Spectrum And SNR Holdco Northstar Wireless is a wholly owned subsidiary of Northstar Spectrum, LLC ("Northstar Spectrum"), which is an entity owned by Dish Network and Northstar Manager, LLC ("Northstar Manager"). Northstar Wireless Or Northstar Spectrum [Member] Northstar Wireless or Northstar Spectrum SNR Wireless is a wholly owned subsidiary of SNR Wireless Holdco, LLC ("SNR Holdco"), which is an entity owned by Dish Network and SNR Wireless Management, LLC ("SNR Manager"). S N R Wireless Or S N R Wireless Holdco [Member] SNR Wireless or SNR Wireless Holdco Title of Individual [Axis] Title Of Individual With Relationship To Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Board Of Directors Chairman [Member] Mr. Ergen Represents information related to Director Defendants, other than board of directors. Director Defendants Other Than Board Of Directors Chairman [Member] Director Defendants Represents information pertaining to Personalized Media Communications, Inc. Personalized Media Communications Inc [Member] Personalized Media Communications Inc Represents details pertaining to DISH Remote Access Services Agreement. D I S H Remote Access Services Agreement [Member] DISH Remote Access Services Agreement Represents details pertaining to Sling Service Services Agreement. Sling Service Services Agreement [Member] Sling Service Services Agreement Information relating to Sling TV Holding L.L.C. ("Sling TV", formerly known as DISH Digital Holding L.L.C.). Sling Tv Holding L L C [Member] Sling TV Holding LLC Represents details pertaining to the Professional Services Agreement. Professional Services Agreement [Member] Professional Services Agreement Represents information pertaining to EchoStar and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation. Dish Investors [Member] DISH Investors Represents information relating to PMC. P M C [Member] PMC