DBSD North America Inc [Member] Represents details pertaining to DBSD North America, a legal entity. DBSD North America (ICO) Asset Purchase Agreement TerreStar [Member] Represents the asset purchase agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of TerreStar Networks, Inc. and its subsidiaries. TerreStar Networks, Inc. ("TerreStar") Schedule of marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities Investment [Table Text Block] Sprint Settlement Agreement [Member] Sprint Settlement Agreement Represents details pertaining to Sprint Settlement Agreement entered into by the entity. Long-term Performance-based Plans [Member] Represents details pertaining to 3 percent Convertible Subordinated Note due in 2011. Long-Term Performance Based Plans Strategic Marketable Investment Securities [Member] Investments in debt or equity securities of public companies that are highly speculative and have experienced and continue to experience volatility. Current marketable investment securities - strategic Auction Rate Securities and Mortgage Backed Securities Noncurrent [Member] Represents details pertaining to auction rate securities and mortgage-backed securities. ARS and MBS, noncurrent Other Debt Securities Nonrestricted and Restricted [Member] 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 (including restricted) Convertible Senior Secured Notes 7.5 Percent Due 2009 [Member] 7.5% Convertible Senior Secured Notes due 2009 Represents details pertaining to 7 .5% convertible senior secured notes, which are due in 2009. DISH Network [Member] Represents details pertaining to Dish Network, a segment of the entity. DISH Network Blockbuster [Member] Represents details pertaining to Blockbuster, a segment of entity. Blockbuster Amendment Description Wireless Spectrum [Member] Wireless Spectrum Represents details pertaining to Wireless Spectrum, a segment of entity. Amendment Flag DBS Satellites [Member] Represents details pertaining to DBS satellites assets owned by the entity. DBS Satellites Building Furniture Fixtures Other Equipment [Member] Represents buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other property plant and equipment owned by the entity. Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other Echo Star G1 [Member] EchoStar G1 Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar G1. Echo Star T1 [Member] EchoStar T1 Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar T1. Echo Star XI [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XI. EchoStar XI Echo Star XIV [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellite assets under construction, leased from EchoStar, EchoStar XVI. EchoStar XIV Echo Star I [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar I. EchoStar I Echo Star V [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar V. 148 degree orbital location Echo Star VI [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets leased from EchoStar, Echo Star VI, which are accounted for as operating leases. EchoStar VI Senior Notes 7 Percent Due 2013 [Member] Represents details pertaining to 7 % senior notes, which are due in 2013. 7 % Senior Notes due 2013 Senior Notes 6.625 Percent Due 2014 [Member] Represents details pertaining to 6 5/8% senior notes, which are due in 2014. 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014 Senior Notes 7.750 Percent Due 2015 [Member] Represents details pertaining to 7 3/4% senior notes, which are due in 2015. 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015 Senior Notes 7.125 Percent Due 2016 [Member] Represents details pertaining to 7 1/8% senior notes, which are due in 2016. 7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016 Senior Notes 7.875 Percent Due 2019 [Member] Represents details pertaining to 7 7/8% senior notes, which are due in 2019. 7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019 Senior Notes 6.750 Percent Due 2021 [Member] Represents details pertaining to 6 3/4% senior notes, which are due in 2021. 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 Mortgage and Other Notes Payable [Member] Represents details pertaining to mortgages and other notes payable. Mortgages and other notes payable Current Fiscal Year End Date Wireless Spectrum Assets Represents the details pertaining to assets of Wireless Spectrum, a segment of entity. Wireless Spectrum Assets [Member] Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Trade accounts receivable - other, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $14,633 and $12,350, respectively Document and Entity Information TerreStar Transaction (Note 8) Transaction in Process Transaction in process. Accrued Programming Accrued programming Accrued programming. Litigation Accrual Litigation accrual (Note 11) Litigation accrual. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, from Related Parties, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - EchoStar Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable from related parties, current. Equipment and Merchandise Sales Rental and Other Revenue Equipment and merchandise sales, rental and other revenue Equipment and merchandise sales, rental and other revenue Equipment sales, services and other revenue - EchoStar Equipment Sales Services and Other Revenue Related Party Equipment sales, services and other revenue related party. Transitional services and other revenue - Echostar. Transitional Services and Other Revenue Related Party Services and other revenue - EchoStar Satellite and transmission expenses, related party. Satellite and Transmission Expenses Related Party EchoStar Satellite and transmission expenses, other. Satellite and Transmission Expenses Other Other Document Period End Date Subscriber Acquisition Costs [Abstract] Subscriber acquisition costs: Subscriber promotions subsidies, related party. Subscriber Promotions Subsidies Related Party Cost of sales - subscriber promotion subsidies - EchoStar Set-top boxes and other equipment included in "Cost of sales - subscriber promotion subsidies - Echostar" Other subscriber promotion subsidies. Other Subscriber Promotions Subsidies Other subscriber promotion subsidies General and administrative expenses, related party. General and Administrative Expenses Related Party General and administrative expenses - EchoStar Litigation expense. Litigation Expense Litigation expense (Note 11) Litigation Expense Income (Loss) before Income Tax Income (loss) before income taxes Income (loss) before income taxes. Income (loss) before income taxes Change in long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities. Change in Long-Term Deferred Revenue Distribution and Carriage Payments and Other Long-Term Liabilities Change in long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue and Other Deferred revenue and other Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue and other. Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Litigation Liabilities Litigation expense accrual (Note 16) (Increase) decrease in accrued litigation liabilities. Entity [Domain] Increase (Decrease) in Litigation Settlements Litigation settlement payments (Note 16) The increase (decrease) during the period in the carrying amount of litigation settlement. Change in restricted cash and marketable investment securities. Change in Restricted Cash and Marketable Investment Securities Change in restricted cash and marketable investment securities Payment for Transaction in Process TerreStar Transaction (Note 8) The cash outflow made for transaction in process during the reporting period. Payments under Indefinite-Lived License Agreement FCC authorizations Payments to acquire non-depleting intangible assets (primarily FCC spectrum). Launch service assigned from related party. Launch Service Assigned from Related Party Launch service assigned from EchoStar (Note 20) Launch service assigned from EchoStar (Note 20) Payments for Acquisition Settlement Agreement Sprint Settlement Agreement (Note 10) Payments for acquisition settlement agreement. Net payment for agreement settlement Distribution of Cash and Cash Equivalents in Connection with Spin-off Distribution of cash and cash equivalents to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off Distribution of cash and cash equivalents in connection with the Spin off. Vendor Financing This element represents vendor financing during the reporting period. Vendor financing Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation policy. Long-term Deferred Revenue Distribution and Carriage Payments [Policy Text Block] Long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments policy. Long-Term Deferred Revenue, Distribution and Carriage Payments Sales Tax [Policy Text Block] Sales tax policy. Sales Taxes DENMARK Denmark Subscriber Related Expenses [Policy Text Block] Represents disclosure of variable subscriber expenses. Subscriber-Related Expenses Subscriber Acquisition Costs [Policy Text Block] Subscriber acquisition costs policy. Subscriber Acquisition Costs Schedule of dilutive securities not included in the diluted EPS calculation Schedule of Dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share. Schedule of Depreciation and Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense. Schedule of Construction in Progress [Table Text Block] Schedule of Construction in progress Schedule of construction in progress. Schedule of Satellites [Table Text Block] Schedule of Satellites Schedule of satellites. Schedule of Interest on Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of interest on long-term debt Schedule of interest on long-term debt. Schedule of Other Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of other long term debt and capital lease obligations Schedule of other long-term debt and capital lease obligations. Long-term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] Represents details pertaining to the long-term, performance based stock incentive plan (the "2005 LTIP"). LTIP 2005 Long-term Incentive Plan 2008 [Member] Represents details pertaining to the long-term, performance based stock incentive plan (the "2008 LTIP"). LTIP 2008 and Other Performance Awards Schedule of stock awards outstanding Stock awards outstanding by company and award. Stock Awards Outstanding by Company and Award [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Realized Tax Benefits from Stock Awards Exercised [Table Text Block] Schedule of realized tax benefits from stock awards exercised Schedule of share based compensation realized tax benefits from stock awards exercised. Schedule of Aggregate Intrinsic Value of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable [Table Text Block] Schedule of aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable. Schedule of aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable Schedule of Unrecognized Noncash Stock-based Compensation [Table Text Block] Schedule of unrecognized non-cash, stock-based compensation expense Schedule of unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation. Schedule of Noncash Stock-based Compensation Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of non-cash, stock-based compensation expense recognized Schedule of non-cash stock-based compensation expense. Schedule of nonvested performance based plans. Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Plans [Table Text Block] Schedule of awards outstanding pursuant to performance-based stock incentive plans Schedule of Unrecognized Noncash Stock-based Compensation Expense under the 2008 LTIP and Other Performance Awards [Table Text Block] Schedule of unrecognized non-cash, stock-based compensation expense under the 2008 LTIP and other performance awards Schedule of unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense under the 2008 LTIP and other performance awards. Schedule of revenue and net income (loss) by segment. Schedule of Revenue and Net Income (Loss) by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of revenue and net income (loss) Schedule of Purchases from Related Party [Table Text Block] Schedule of dollar value of set-top boxes and other equipment purchased from EchoStar and purchases included in "Cost of sales- subscriber promotion subsidies- EchoStar" Schedule of purchases from related party. UNITED KINGDOM United Kingdom Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of transactions with NagraStar Schedule of related party transactions. Gamma Acquisition LLC [Member] Represents a wholly-owned subsidiary of the entity. Gamma Acquisition L.L.C. ("Gamma") Commitment to Acquire Ownership Percentage Commitment to acquire percentage ownership interest Commitment to acquire ownership percentage. Payments to Acquire Wireless Spectrum Assets Payments to acquire wireless spectrum assets. Payments to acquire wireless spectrum assets Reporting Segments Number Number of primary operating business units Reporting segments number. Number of primary business segments Number of Subscribers Number of DISH Network subscribers Number of subscribers. Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount. Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share Dilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share, Amount Available-for-sale Securities Gross Realized Gain (Loss) before Tax Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss), before tax amount Represents the gross unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss). Available-for-sale Securities Gross Realized Gain (Loss) during Period Tax Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss), tax (expense) benefit Tax effect on unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss). 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 Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalent and other investment securities. Inventory Rental Rental library Inventory rental. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at beginning of period, net Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at end of period, net Inventory Merchandise Merchandise Inventory merchandise. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated net unrealized gains (losses) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Implementation Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to Implementation Agreement entered into by the entity. Implementation Agreement Investment Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to Investment Agreement entered into by the entity. Investment Agreement Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated depreciation Restructuring Support Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to Restructuring Support Agreement entered into by the entity. Restructuring Support Agreement Other Equity Securities [Member] Represents details pertaining to other equity securities. Other Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Settlement Period of Security Settlement period (in days) Settlement period of security. Entity Voluntary Filers Advances to Affiliate, Maximum Capacity Maximum agreed advances to affiliates Represents the maximum amount that can be advanced to affiliates. Entity Current Reporting Status Number of Embedded Credit Derivative, Qualified for Exemption Number of embedded credit derivative qualified for exemption Number of embedded credit derivatives qualified for exemption. Entity Filer Category Cumulative effect adjustment application of fair value option net of tax losses. Unrealized loss on marketable security Cumulative Effect Adjustment Application of Fair Value Option, Net of Tax Losses Entity Public Float Assets, rights and support purchased from affiliate portion creditable against payable to affiliate. Portion creditable against any amounts payable to affiliate or any successor per agreement Assets and Right Purchased from Affiliate Portion Creditable Against Payable to Affiliate Entity Registrant Name Number of Embedded Derivatives Qualifying for Exemption Number of embedded derivatives qualifying for exemption Number of embedded derivatives qualifying for exemption. Entity Central Index Key Fair Value Option Changes in Fair Value Gain (Loss) Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss recorded in AOCI, net of tax Fair value option changes in fair value gain (loss) recorded in AOCI. Credit Facility [Member] Represents details pertaining to the credit facility. Credit facility Noncurrent Marketable Securities Debt securities Noncurrent marketable securities. Marketable Debt and Equity Securities Marketable debt and equity securities. Debt and equity security Total marketable investment securities (including DBSD North America) Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Other Investment Securities Less certain other investment securities Other investment securities. Debt and equity security Marketable and other debt and equity securities. Marketable and Other Debt and Equity Securities Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Purchase of Blockbuster assets, net of cash acquired of $107,061 Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Six Months, Fair Value Less than Six Months Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position less than six months fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Six to Nine Months, Fair Value Six to Nine Months Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position six to nine months fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Nine Months or Longer Fair Value Nine Months or More Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position nine months or more fair value. Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 6 Months, Aggregate Losses Less than Six Months Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position less than six months aggregate losses. Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 6 Months to 9 Months, Aggregate Losses Six to Nine Months Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position six to nine months aggregate losses. Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 9 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses Nine Months or More Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position nine or more months aggregate losses. Fair Value Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Fair Value Election Net realized and unrealized gains losses included in earnings - fair value election This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from election of fair value measurement for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings (a separate component of shareholders' equity). Gain (Loss) on Conversion of Marketable Securities Marketable investment securities - gains (losses) on conversion of DBSD North America Represents the gains (losses) realized during the period from conversion of marketable securities. Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other Other Other nonoperating income expense other. Other Investment Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Investments and Other than Temporary Impairments Other investment securities unrealized gain loss on fair value investments and other than temporary impairments. Other investment securities - unrealized gains (losses) on fair value investments and other-than-temporary impairments Schedule of Inventory [Table] Represents detailed information about the type of inventory. Inventory Inventory [Line Items] Inventory used Work in Process Net of Reserves Work-in-process - used Inventory used, work in process, net of reserves. Inventory New Work in Process Net of Reserves Work-in-process - new Inventory new, work in process, net of reserves. Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Including Noncash and Cash, Changes The increase (decrease) in inventories, including both non-cash flow and cash flow related changes. Increase in inventory balance Document Fiscal Year Focus Depreciation and Amortization [Line Items] Depreciation and amortization expense Document Fiscal Period Focus 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. Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit Utilized by Reporting Entity Owned Owned Satellites Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity owned. 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 operating leases. Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit Utilized by Reporting Entity, under Capital Leases Number of satellites utilized under capital lease Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity under capital leases. S Band [Member] S-band satellites Represents the details of Sband satellites added as a result of DBSD transaction and Terrestar transaction. Leased Satellites [Member] Represents details pertaining to leased satellites. EchoStar VIII. Echo Star VII [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VII. EchoStar VII Echo Star X [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar X. EchoStar X Echo Star XV [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XV. EchoStar XV Echo Star VIII [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets leased from EchoStar, Echo Star VIII, which are accounted for as operating leases. EchoStar VIII Legal Entity [Axis] Echo Star IX [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets leased from EchoStar, Echo Star IX, which are accounted for as operating leases. EchoStar IX Document Type Echo Star XII [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets leased from EchoStar, Echo Star XII, which are accounted for as operating leases. EchoStar XII Nimiq 5 [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets leased from EchoStar, Echo Star XII, which are accounted for as operating leases. Nimiq 5 Ani kF 3 [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets leased from other third party, Anik F3, which are accounted for as capital leases. Anik F3 Ciel II [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets leased from other third party, Ciel II, which are accounted for as capital leases. Ciel II Assets under Construction Quetz Sat1 [Member] Represents details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 satellite under construction. Satellite Under Construction - QuetzSat-1 Assets under Construction Echo Star XVI [Member] Represents details pertaining to the EchoStar XVI satellite under construction. Satellite Under Construction - EchoStar XVI Lease by Type [Axis] Represents the type of lease entered into by the entity. Lease by Type [Domain] Represents the category of lease. Operating Lease [Member] Represents the information pertaining to operating lease. Leased from EchoStar: Capital Lease [Member] Represents the information pertaining to capital lease. Leased from Other Third Party Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years) Property, Plant and Equipment Useful Life Number of Other Satellites Relocated in Event of Failure or Loss of Any Satellite Number of other satellites to be relocated in the event of failure or loss of any satellite Number of other satellites relocated in event of failure or loss of any satellite. Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Number of Satellites Added Number of satellites added Number of satellites added to S Band utilized by reporting entity. Number of Satellites in Orbit Number of satellites in-orbit Represents the number of satellites in orbit. Number of Satellites under Construction Number of satellites under construction Represents the number of satellites under construction. Number of Amplifier Loss in Reporting Period Loss of Travelling wave tube amplifiers("TWTAs") Represents the number of satellites experienced the loss of travelling wave tube amplifiers. Total Number of Amplifier Loss Total number of TWTAs lost Represents the total number of satellites experienced the loss of travelling wave tube amplifiers. Operating Leased Assets, Term Lease Term (Years) Operating leased assets term. Transponder service agreement period (in years) Capital Leased Assets, Term Lease Term (Years) Capital leased assets term. Watts Per Channel Option One Watts per channel, option one Watts per channel option one. Number of DBS transponders, option one Number of Transponders Option One Number of transponders option one. Watts Per Channel Option Two Watts per channel option two. Watts per channel, option two Number of Transponders Available Option Two Number of transponders available option two. Number of DBS transponders available, option two Purchase of certain assets, rights and support from affiliate Assets, rights and support purchased from affiliate. Assets Rights and Support Purchased from Affiliate Portion Paid of Assets, Rights and Support Purchased from Affiliate Portion of purchased assets, rights and support from affiliate which is paid Portion paid of assets rights and support purchased from affiliate. Business acquisition purchase price allocation current assets excluding cash. Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Assets Excluding Cash Current assets Senior Notes 6.375 Percent Due 2011 [Member] Represents details pertaining to 6 3/8% senior notes, which are due in 2011. 6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2011 Stock Option Adjustment [Member] 2012 stock option adjustment Represents details pertaining to 2012 stock option adjustment. MEXICO Mexico Other Employee Performance Awards [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Employee Performance Stock Awards of the entity. Other Employee Performance Awards Share-based Compensation, Arrangement by Share-based Payment, Award Plan Modification Number of Options Affected Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award plan modification number of options affected. Number of stock options subject to an exercise price change in connection with the Stock Option Adjustment (in shares) Reduction in Exercise Price Due to Dividend Declaration Reduction in exercise price due to dividend declaration (in dollars per share) Reduction in exercise price due to dividend declaration. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Right to Receive Award Upon Holding One Unit of Award Stock option converted into new stock options (in shares) Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, right to receive award upon holding one unit of award. Multiplication Factor for Conversion of Original Stock Option to Adjusted Stock Option Multiplication factor for conversion of original stock option to adjusted stock option. Multiplication factor for conversion of original stock option to adjusted stock option A New Stock Option for a Portion of Original Stock Option Portion of the number of shares that were exercisable under the original option needed to receive a new stock option A new stock option for a portion of original stock option. Multiplication Factor for Conversion of Original Stock Option to New Stock Option Multiplication factor for conversion of original stock option to new stock option Multiplication factor for conversion of original stock option to new stock option Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments, Other than Options, Nonvested Right to Receive Award, Upon Holding One Unit of Award One Echostar restricted stock unit converted into new Dish Network restricted stock units (in shares) Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options nonvested right to receive award upon holding one unit of award. Weighted-Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Disclosures Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Remaining Portion to Meet Vesting Condition Remaining portion to meet vesting condition (as a percent) Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award remaining portion to meet vesting condition Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award portion meeting vesting condition. Portion meeting vesting condition (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Portion Meeting Vesting Condition Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award estimated future forfeiture rate. Future forfeiture rate (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Estimated Future Forfeiture Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Probability of Achieving Performance Goals Probability of achieving performance goals (as a percent) Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award probability of achieving performance goals. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Outstanding Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Award Terms [Abstract] 2005 LTIP Terms Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percentage Awards Vested Per Year During First Four Years Percentage awards vesting per annum during first four years Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award, percentage awards vested per year during first four years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percentage Awards Vested Per Year after First Four Years Percentage awards vesting per annum after first four years Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award, percentage awards vested per year after first four years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Compensation Costs [Abstract] Share-based expenses Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation Employee benefits Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion. Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion Unrecognized Noncash Stock-based Compensation Expense on Vested Portion Total unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense. Unrecognized compensation expense relating to long-term performance based incentive awards Total Unrecognized Non-cash, Stock-based Compensation Expense Unrecognized Compensation Expense on Vested Portion of LTIP Award Unrecognized compensation expense relating to vested long-term performance based incentive awards Unrecognized compensation expense on vested portion of LTIP award. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Estimated Remaining Compensation Cost [Abstract] Estimated Remaining Non-Cash, Stock-Based Compensation Expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Estimated Remaining Compensation Cost for Remainder of Fiscal Year Remaining expense estimated to be recognized during 2012 Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award estimated remaining compensation cost for remainder of fiscal year. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Estimated Remaining Compensation Cost Total estimated expense remaining over the term of plan Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award estimated remaining compensation cost. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Estimated Compensation Cost for Next Fiscal Year Expense estimated to be recognized during 2012 Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award estimated compensation cost for next of fiscal year. Estimated contingent expense subsequent to 2012 Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award estimated remaining compensation cost after current fiscal year. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Estimated Remaining Compensation Cost after Current Fiscal Year Recognized Non-cash Stock-based Compensation Expense [Abstract] Recognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense Threshold for Reduction In Exercise Price, Due to Dividend Declaration Threshold for reduction in exercise price due to dividend declaration (in dollars per share) Represents the threshold for reduction in exercise price due to dividend declaration. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Decrease in Exercise Price Due to Dividend Distribution Decrease in exercise price due to stock option adjustment (in dollars per share) Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award decrease in exercise price due to dividend distribution. Share-based Compensation Expense Stock Option Adjustment Additional non-cash stock-based compensation cost in connection with Stock Option Adjustment Share based compensation expense stock option adjustment. Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Original Award Issuer [Axis] Pertinent data describing and reflecting the required disclosures pertaining to an equity-based compensation award originally issued to employees by an entity prior to the spinoff. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Original Award Issuer [Domain] Details reflecting the required disclosures pertaining to an equity-based compensation award originally issued to employees by an entity prior to the spinoff. Entity Stock Awards [Member] Represents details pertaining to the entity's stock awards. DISH Network Awards Related Party Awards [Member] Represents details pertaining to the related party stock awards. EchoStar Awards Non Performance-based Stock Awards [Member] Represents details pertaining to the non-performance based awards of the entity. Non-Performance Based Stock Awards Pertinent data describing and reflecting the required disclosures pertaining to an equity-based compensation award originally issued to employees by an entity prior to the spinoff. Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Holder [Axis] Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Investments Other investment securities - gains (losses) on sales/exchanges Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Holder [Domain] Details pertinent to an equity-based compensation award held by employees. Held by Employees of Entity [Member] Represents the stock awards held by employees of the entity. Held by DISH Network employees Held by Employees of Related Party [Member] Represents the stock awards held by employees of the related party. Held by EchoStar employees Significant Acquisitions and Disposals Acquisition Costs or Sale Proceeds Receivable or Payable Cash purchase price payable Significant acquisitions and disposals, acquisition costs or sale proceeds, receivable or payable. Satellite Lease Guarantees [Member] Satellite lease guarantees. Satellite lease guarantees Satellite Transponder Guarantees [Member] Satellite transponder guarantees. Satellite transponder guarantees Affiliation Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to Affiliation agreements. ESPN-Affiliation agreements Technology Development Licensing [Member] Represents details pertaining to Technology Development Licensing. Technology Development Licensing Tivo Inc [Member] Represents details pertaining to Tivo Inc. Tivo Inc Voom HD Holdings [Member] Represents details pertaining to Voom HD Holdings. Voom HD Holdings Copyright Action [Member] Represents the details pertaining to copyright actions. Disney Copyright Action Patent Infringement [Member] Represents details pertaining to patent infringements. Katz Communications-Patent infringement Retailer Class [Member] Represents details pertaining to retailer class. Retailer Class Actions Loss Contingency Court Ruling Loss contingency court ruling. Court ruling Loss Contingency Terms [Abstract] Loss contingency terms 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. Number of Patents Suit Alleges Infringement of Number of patents suit alleges infringement of. Number of patents the suit alleges infringement of Number of Motions Seeking Discovery Sanctions Number of motions seeking discovery sanctions. Number of motions seeking discovery sanctions Loss Contingency, Number of Set-top Boxes Not Disabled Number of set-top boxes not required to be disabled Loss contingency, number of set-top boxes not disabled Year of Anniversary Celebration Violating Copyright Year of anniversary celebrations in which violation of Disney's copyright is alleged Year of anniversary celebration violating copyright. Loss Contingency Counter Claim Additional Claim Amount Additional claim Represents the additional counter claim by the defendant. Aggregate Maximum Value of Monthly Incentive Payments Aggregate maximum value of all monthly incentive payments Aggregate maximum value of monthly incentive payments. Loss Contingency Disablement Provision Disablement provision contempt sanction amount Loss contingency disablement provision. Litigation Settlement Initial Payment Initial settlement amount paid Litigation settlement initial payment. Litigation Settlement Total Amount to be Paid Through Six Annual Installments, Gross Litigation settlement total amount to be paid through six annual installments, gross. Aggregate of six annual installment amounts between 2012 and 2017, gross Litigation Settlement Total Amount to be Paid Through Six Annual Installments, Net of Contribution from related party Litigation settlement total amount to be paid through six annual installments, net of contribution from related party. Aggregate of six annual installment amounts between 2012 and 2017, net of contribution from related party Loss Contingency Estimated Percentage of Annual Payments Payable by Entity Estimated percentage of annual payments payable by entity Loss contingency estimated percentage of annual payments payable by entity. Loss Contingency Litigation Settlement Reversal of Litigation Accrual Reversal of litigation accrual Loss contingency litigation settlement reversal of litigation accrual. Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Claims Paid Prepayment Portion of litigation payment related to future period prepayments Liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense claims paid prepayment. Litigation Settlement Remaining Payments Dish Network's share of remaining litigation payments Litigation settlement remaining payments. Litigation settlement gross amount related to future periods. Litigation settlement gross amount related to future periods Litigation Settlement, Gross Amount Related to Future Periods Advances to Affiliate Advances to affiliates Reduction in Litigation Expense Represents the reduction in litigation expense. Reduction in litigation expense Litigation Settlement, Intellectual Property Liability Contribution from Related Party Litigation settlement intellectual property liability contribution from related party Litigation settlement intellectual property liability contribution from related party. Mexico and Denmark [Member] Mexico and Denmark Represents information pertaining to the entity's transactions with customers in Mexico and Denmark. Remanufactured Receiver Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Remanufactured Receiver Agreement. Remanufactured Receiver Agreement Professional Services Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Professional Services Agreement. Professional Services Agreement Management Services Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Management Services Agreement. Management Services Agreement Real Estate Lease Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Real Estate Lease Agreement. Real Estate Lease Agreement Broadcast Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Broadcast Agreement. Broadcast Agreement Certain Sports Related Programming Broadcast Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Broadcast Agreement for certain sports related programming. Certain Sports Related Programming Broadcast Agreement Echo Star XVI [Member] Represents details pertaining to EchoStar XVI. EchoStar XVI Nimiq 5 Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to Nimiq 5 Agreement. Nimiq 5 Agreement DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement. DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement Quetz Sat 1 Lease Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement. QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement Quetz Sat 1 Transponder Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement. QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement Telemetry Tracking and Control Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to TT and C Agreement. TT and C Agreement DBSD North America Agreement [Member] DBSD North America Agreement Represents details pertaining to DBSD North America Agreement. Rural Utilities Service Implementation Agreement [Member] Rural Utilities Service Implementation Agreement Represents details pertaining to Rural Utilities Service Implementation Agreement. Receiver Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Receiver Agreement. Receiver Agreement Product Support Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Product Support Agreement. Product Support Agreement Santa Fe Lease Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to Santa Fe Lease Agreement. Santa Fe Lease Agreement Gilbert Lease Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to Gilbert Lease Agreement. Gilbert Lease Agreement DISH on line. Com Services Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to DISHOnline.com Services Agreement. DISH Online.com Services Agreement DISH Remote Access Services Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to DISH Remote Access Services Agreement. DISH Remote Access Services Agreement Sling Service Services Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to Sling Service Services Agreement. Sling Service Services Agreement Move Networks Services Agreement [Member] Move Networks Services Agreement Represents details pertaining to Move Networks Services Agreement. Echo Star XV Launch Service [Member] Represents details pertaining to EchoStar XV Launch Service. EchoStar XV Launch Service Weather Related Programming Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the Weather Related Programming Agreement. Weather Related Programming Agreement Acquisition of South.Com LLC Purchase Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the acquisition of South.com, L.L.C. Acquisition of South.com, L.L.C International Programming Rights Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the International Programming Rights Agreement. International Programming Rights Agreement Patent Cross-License Agreements [Member] Patent Cross-License Agreements Represents details pertaining to Patent Cross-License Agreements. Tax Sharing Agreement [Member] Tax Sharing Agreement Represents details pertaining to tax sharing Agreement. Meridian Lease Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to Meridian Lease Agreement. Meridian Lease Agreement Echo Star [Member] It represents the entity in which the director owns majority voting interests. EchoStar Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - other Blockbuster Inc [Member] Represents details pertaining to Blockbuster, Inc. Blockbuster, Inc. Nagra Star LLC [Member] It represents the equity method investee of the entity. NagraStar Litigation Case [Axis] Information by type of case currently being litigated. Litigation Case Type [Domain] Type of case currently being litigated. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Allowance for doubtful accounts TiVovs Dish Network and Echostar Corporation [Member] TiVo vs Dish Network and EchoStar Corporation Represents information pertaining to legal proceedings of TiVo vs Dish Network and Echostar Corporation. Related Party Transactions Agreement Termination Required Notice Period from Related Party Minimum Related party transactions agreement termination required notice period from related party minimum. Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party (in days) Related Party Transactions Agreement Automatic Renewal Period Related party transactions agreement automatic renewal period. Automatic renewal period (in years) Related Party Transactions Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Agreement Related party transactions required minimum notice period for termination of agreement. Required minimum notice for termination of agreement Related Party Transactions Agreement Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity Related party transactions agreement termination notice required by reporting entity. Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity (in days) Agreement term (in years) Related party transactions agreement term. Related Party Transactions Agreement Term Related Party Transactions Agreement Term from Commencement of Service Date Agreement term (in years) from commencement of service date Related party transactions agreement term from commencement of service date. Related Party Transactions Number of DBS Transponders Available Related party transactions number of DBS transponders available. Number of DBS transponders available to receive services Related Party Transactions Number of DBS Transponders Expected to Receive Services Related party transactions number of DBS transponders expected to receive services. Number of DBS transponders expected to receive services Set-top Boxes and Other Equipment Purchased from Related Party Set-top boxes and other equipment purchased from related party Set-top boxes and other equipment purchased from EchoStar Term of renewal option (in years) Related party transactions agreement renewal option term. Related Party Transactions Agreement Renewal Option Term Related Party Transactions Agreement Maximum, Number of One Year Renewal Options Number of successive one year renewal options Related party transactions agreement maximum number of one year renewal options. Related Party Transaction Expenses from Transactions with Related Party, Less Than Related party transaction expenses from transactions with related party, less than. Related party transaction expenses from transactions with related party, less than Related Party Transaction Aggregate Payments to Third Party by Related Parties Under Extension Option Payments to third party by related party under extension option Related party transaction aggregate payments to third party by related parties under extension option. Related Party Transaction Expenses Capitalized from Transactions with Related Party Capitalized expenses Capitalized expenses resulting from transactions (excluding transactions that are eliminated in consolidated or combined financial statements) with related party. Contribution from Related Party for Initial Settlement Contribution from related party for initial settlement Contribution from related party Litigation Settlement Number of Annual Installments Litigation settlement number of annual installments Litigation settlement number of annual installments. Loss Contingency Settlement Agreement Consideration Percentage to be Made by Related Party Represents the percentage of litigation settlement amount to be made by related party. Percentage of litigation settlement amount to be made by related party Related Party Transactions Agreement Term, Maximum Related party transactions agreement term maximum. Agreement term, maximum (in years) Related Party Transactions Number of DBS Transponders Receiving Services Related party transactions number of DBS transponders receiving services. Number of DBS transponders currently receiving services Related Party Transactions Fair Value of Rights Fair value of rights assigned Related party transactions fair value of rights. Related Party Transactions Recorded Value of Rights Recorded value of rights assigned Related party transactions recorded value of rights. Related Party Transactions Rights Excess Amount Paid Excess of paid amount over recorded amount of rights assigned Related party transactions rights excess amount paid. Investment Securities Fair Value Election Investment securities - fair value election (Note 5) Investment securities fair value election. Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings - fair value election Issuance of Class Common Stock [Abstract] Issuance of Class A common stock: Capital Distribution to Related Party in Connection Purchase of Launch Service Capital transaction with EchoStar in connection with launch service, net of tax of $5,280 (Note 20) Capital distribution to the related party in connection with launch service, net of tax. Capital Distribution to Related Party in Connection Purchase of Strategic Investments Capital transaction with EchoStar in connection with purchases of strategic investments, net of tax of $2,895 (Note 20) Capital distribution to the related party in connection with purchases of strategic investments, net of tax. Capital Distribution to Related Party in Connection with Spin-off Capital distribution to EchoStar in connection with the Spin-off Capital distribution to the related party in connection with the Spin-off. Tax on Capital Distribution to Related Party in Connection Purchase of Launch Service Tax on capital transaction with EchoStar in connection with launch service Tax on capital distribution to the related party in connection with the purchase of launch service. Tax on Capital Distribution to Related Party in Connection Purchase of Strategic Investments Tax on capital transaction with EchoStar in connection with purchases of strategic investments Tax on capital distribution to the related party in connection with the purchases of strategic investments. Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes Furniture Fixtures Equipment and Other [Member] Represents the information pertaining to furniture, fixtures, equipment and other. Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other Construction in Progress by Type [Axis] Construction in progress by type. Construction in Progress by Type [Domain] Construction in progress by type. Satellite Construction [Member] Satellite construction costs, including certain amounts prepaid under satellite service agreements and launch costs. Progress amounts for satellite construction costs, including certain amounts prepaid under satellite service agreements and launch costs Business Acquisition Winning Bid in Bankruptcy Court Auction Value of winning bid in bankruptcy court auction Business acquisition winning bid in bankruptcy court auction. Business Acquisition Cost of Acquired Entity Purchase Price Before Refund from Escrow Purchase price before refund from escrow Business acquisition cost of acquired entity purchase price before refund from escrow. Business Acquisition Escrow for Potential Contingencies Escrow for certain potential contingencies Business acquisition escrow for potential contingencies. Business Acquisition Cost of Acquired Entity Refund from Escrow Refund from escrow Business acquisition cost of acquired entity refund from escrow. Business Acquisition, Post Acquisition Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity Revenue contributed by the acquiree entity from acquisition date Represents the revenue contributed by the acquiree entity from acquisition date. Business Acquisition, Post Acquisition, Net Income Reported by Acquired Entity Net income contributed by the acquiree entity from acquisition date Represents the net income contributed by the acquiree entity from acquisition date. Business Acquisition, Number of Stores Operated by Acquiree Entity Number of retail stores operated by the acquiree entity Represents the number of retail stores operated by the acquiree entity. Business Acquisition, Number of Stores Operated by Acquiree Entity Expected to be Closed Number of retail stores operated by the acquiree entity, expected to be closed during first quarter of 2012 Represents the number of retail stores operated by the acquiree entity, expected to be closed. Business Acquisition, Minimum Number of Retail Store Leases with Early Termination Rights Minimum retail store leases with early termination rights Represents the minimum number of retail store leases, acquired in a business combination, with early termination rights. Note Payable 8.00 Percent for Echo Star VII Satellite Vendor Financing Payable over 13 Years from Launch [Member] Represents details pertaining to 8% note payable for EchoStar VII satellite vendor financing, payable over 13 years from launch. 8% note payable for EchoStar VII satellite vendor financing, payable over 13 years from launch Note Payable 6.00 Percent for Echo Star X Satellite Vendor Financing Payable over 15 Years from Launch [Member] Represents details pertaining to 6% note payable for EchoStar X satellite vendor financing, payable over 15 years from launch. 6% note payable for EchoStar X satellite vendor financing, payable over 15 years from launch Note Payable 6.00 Percent for Echo Star XI Satellite Vendor Financing Payable over 15 Years from Launch [Member] Represents details pertaining to 6% note payable for EchoStar XI satellite vendor financing, payable over 15 years from launch. 6% note payable for EchoStar XI satellite vendor financing, payable over 15 years from launch Note Payable 6.00 Percent for Echo Star XIV Satellite Vendor Financing Payable over 15 Years from Launch [Member] Represents details pertaining to 6% note payable for EchoStar XIV satellite vendor financing, payable over 15 years from launch. 6% note payable for EchoStar XIV satellite vendor financing, payable over 15 years from launch Note Payable 6.00 Percent for Echo Star XV Satellite Vendor Financing Payable over 15 Years from Launch [Member] Represents details pertaining to 6% note payable for EchoStar XV satellite vendor financing, payable over 15 years from launch. 6% note payable for EchoStar XV satellite vendor financing, payable over 15 years from launch Mortgages and Other Unsecured Notes Payable [Member] Represents details pertaining to mortgages and other unsecured notes payable due in installments through 2017 with interest rates ranging from approximately 2% to 13%. Mortgages and other unsecured notes payable due in installments through 2017 with interest rates ranging from approximately 2% to 13% Other Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Total Other debt and capital lease obligations. Other Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Current Less current portion Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations current. Other Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Net of Current Portion Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations net of current portion. Debt Instrument Term Term of debt instrument (in years) Debt instrument term. Capital Leased Assets [Axis] Represents the information categorized by the capital leased assets. Capital Leased Assets [Domain] Represents the information related to the capital leased assets. Fss Satellite Ani kF 3 [Member] Represents Anki F3, an FSS satellite. FSS Satellite Anik F3 Canadi and bs Satellite Ciel II [Member] Represents Ciel II, a Canadian DBS satellite. Canadian DBS Satellite Ciel II Percentage of Ku Band Capacity Leased Ku-band capacity leased (as a percent) Percentage of Ku-band capacity leased. Term of capital lease (in years) Capital lease term. Capital Lease Term Satellite capacity leased (as a percent) Percentage of satellite capacity leased. Percentage of Satellite Capacity Leased Initial Term of capital lease (in years) Capital lease initial term. Capital Lease Initial Term 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 Capital leases future minimum payments executory costs and orbital location lease. Capital Leases Future, Minimum Payments executory Costs and Orbital Location Lease DISH DBS Corporation [Member] Represents a wholly-owned subsidiary of the entity. DISH DBS Corporation ("DDBS") Long-term Debt Redemption Price as Percentage of Principal Amount Percentage of principal amount at which the entity may redeem some or all of the notes at any time (as a percent) Long term debt redemption price as percentage of principal amount. Debt Repurchase Price Percentage in Event of Change of Control Percentage of principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in event of change of control (as a percent) Debt repurchase price percentage in event of change of control. Long term debt issue price as percentage of principal amount. Debt instrument issuance as a percentage of the face amount Long-term Debt Issue Price as Percentage of Principal Amount Long-term Debt Redemption with Net Proceeds from Equity Offerings as Percentage of Principal Amount Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes with net proceeds of certain equity offerings or capital contributions Long term debt redemption with net proceeds from equity offerings as percentage of principal amount. Long-term Debt Redemption Prior to June 15 2015 Price With Net Proceeds from Equity Offerings as Percentage of Principal Amount Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount with the net cash proceeds of equity offerings or capital contributions before June15, 2014 Long term debt redemption prior to June 15 2015 price with net proceeds from equity offerings as percentage of principal amount. Long-term Debt Redemption Prior to 31 May 2011 with Net Proceeds from Equity Offerings as Percentage of Principal Amount Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes redeemable before May 31, 2011 with net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings or capital contributions Long term debt redemption prior to May 31, 2011 with net proceeds from equity offerings as percentage of principal amount. Debt Instrument, Redemption Period [Axis] The periods over which the redemption price is in effect. Debt Instrument, Redemption Period [Domain] The period over which the redemption price is in effect. Redemption Prior to September 1, 2012 Debt Instrument, Redemption Period Prior to September 2012 [Member] The period prior to September 1, 2012. Debt Instrument, Redemption Period Prior to June 2014 [Member] The period prior to June 15, 2014. Redemption Prior to June 15, 2014 Foreign Tax Credits and Net Operating Loss Carry Forwards Tax benefits related to foreign tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards Foreign tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards. Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Tax Credit and Other Carryforwards NOL, credit and other carryforwards Deferred tax assets operating loss tax credit and other carryforwards. Deferred Tax Assets Unrealized Losses on Investments Deferred tax assets unrealized losses on investments. Unrealized losses on investments Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax asset after valuation allowance Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance. Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Long-term Liabilities The amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects arising from unrealized gain on items included in other long-term liabilities which will increase future taxable income when such gain is realized. Other long-term liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, State Taxes, Net of Federal Effect State taxes net of federal effect The amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects attributable to differences between the methods used to account for state taxes net of federal effect, for tax purposes and under generally accepted accounting principles which will increase future taxable income when such differences reverse. Common Stock Convertible into Number of Shares of Class A Common Stock Number of shares of Class A common stock into which each share of common stock is convertible Common stock convertible into number of shares of Class A common stock. Common Stock Voting Rights in Event of Change of Control Votes per share in the event of change of control Common stock voting rights in event of change of control. Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract] Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Number of Shares Authorized Employee Stock Purchase Plan number of shares authorized. Number of shares authorized to be issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Number of Shares Available for Grant Employee Stock Purchase Plan number of shares available for grant. Number of shares that remain available for issuance under ESPP Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Minimum Requisite Service Period Minimum number of calendar quarters to be employed for full-time employees to be eligible to participate in the ESPP Employee Stock Purchase Plan minimum requisite service period. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Maximum Fair Value of Common Stock, Permitted to be Purchased Per Annum Maximum fair value of capital stock permitted to be purchased by employees in any one year under ESPP Employee Stock Purchase Plan maximum fair value of common stock permitted to be purchased per annum. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Purchase Price as Percentage of Closing Market Price Purchase price as percentage of closing market price on the last business day of each calendar quarter under ESPP Employee Stock Purchase Plan purchase price as percentage of closing market price. Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution as Percentage of Employee Voluntary Contribution Employer matching contribution as a percentage of voluntary employee contributions under 401(k) plan Defined contribution plan employer matching contribution as percentage of employee voluntary contribution. Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Maximum Annual Contribution Per Employee Employer maximum annual contribution per employee under 401(k) plan Defined contribution plan employer maximum annual contribution per employee. Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized [Abstract] Expense recognized related to 401(k) plan Defined Contribution Plan, matching Contribution, Net of Forfeiture Matching contributions, net of forfeitures, under 401(k) plan Defined contribution plan matching contribution net of forfeitures. Defined Contribution Plan, Discretionary Stock Contribution Net of Forfeiture Discretionary stock contributions, net of forfeitures, under 401(k) plan Defined contribution plan discretionary stock contribution net of forfeiture. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 00.00 to 10.00 [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 0.00 dollars to10.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices $00.00 - $10.00 Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 10.01 to 15.00 [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 10.01 dollars to15.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices $10.01 - $15.00 Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 15.01 to 20.00 [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 15.01 dollars to 20.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices $15.01 - $20.00 Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 20.01 to 25.00 [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 20.01 dollars to 25.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices $20.01 - $25.00 Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 25.01 to 30.00 [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 25.01 dollars to 30.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices $25.01 - $30.00 Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 30.01 to 35.00 [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 30.01 dollars to 35.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices $30.01 - $35.00 Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 35.01 to 40.00 [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 35.01 dollars to 40.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices $35.01 - $40.00 Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 00.00 to 40.00 [Member] Represents the range of exercise prices from 00.00 dollars to 40.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices $00.00 - $40.00 Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Table Text Block] Summary of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts Schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts. Schedule of future maturities of long-term debt, capital lease and contractual obligations Schedule of future maturities of contractual obligations. Schedule of Future Maturities of Contractual Obligations [Table Text Block] Due from Related Parties Due to related parties Schedule of Commitments [Table] Represents the details of commitments of the entity as at the reporting date. Contractual Obligations, Type [Axis] Information pertaining to the future maturities of contractual obligations of the entity. Contractual Obligations, Type [Domain] Represents the type of contractual obligations, such as long-term borrowings, capital lease obligations, interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations, satellite-related obligations, operating lease obligations, purchase and other obligations. Satellite Related Obligation [Member] Represents the information relating to satellite-related obligations of the entity. Satellite-related obligations Schedule of Commitments [Line Items] Commitments Programming Contracts Term Term of programming contracts (in years) Programming contracts term. Number of Satellites Agreed to Lease under Construction Number of satellites agreed to lease under construction Number of satellites agreed to lease under construction. Expected Future Payment of Acquisition Cost Expected future payment of acquisition cost Expected future payment of acquisition cost. Contractual Obligations, Repayments [Abstract] Aggregate commitment under new leases Contractual Obligations, Repayments Remainder of Fiscal Year 2011 Contractual obligations repayments remainder of fiscal year. Contractual Obligations, Repayments after Fourth Full Fiscal Year Thereafter Contractual obligations repayments after fourth full fiscal year. Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Current Fiscal Year Aggregate commitment under new leases to be paid in 2011 Represents the contractually required rental payments on leases meeting the criteria for capitalization, due within the current fiscal year. Long-term Purchase Commitment [Member] Represents the information pertaining to purchases obligations of the entity. Purchase Obligations Schedule of Future Maturities of Contractual Obligations [Table] Tabular disclosure of the aggregate amount of maturities of long-term borrowings including capital lease obligations for each of the five years and thereafter following the date of the latest balance sheet date presented. Contractual Obligations [Line Items] Commitment and Contingencies Contractual Obligations, Repayments First Full Fiscal Year 2012 Contractual obligations repayments first full fiscal year. Contractual Obligations, Repayments Second Full Fiscal Year 2013 Contractual obligations repayments second full fiscal year. Contractual Obligations, Repayments Third Full Fiscal Year 2014 Contractual obligations repayments third full fiscal year. Contractual Obligations, Repayments Fourth Full Fiscal Year 2015 Contractual obligations repayments fourth full fiscal year. 2016 Contractual Obligations Repayments Fifth Full Fiscal Year Contractual obligations repayments fifth full fiscal year. Thereafter Contractual Obligations Repayments after Fifth Full Fiscal Year Contractual obligations repayments after fifth full fiscal year. Contractual Obligations, Repayments, Total Total Contractual obligations repayments total. North America [Member] Represents the information about the North American location of the entity. North America All Other Geographical Segment [Member] Represents the information pertaining to all geographical segments of the entity other than North America. All other. Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Stock awards Launch Service Assigned from Related Party Noncash Launch service assigned from related party, non-cash. Launch service assigned from EchoStar (Note 20) Stock Options [Member] Performance-based options Bonus Depreciation Deduction as Percentage of Qualified Capital Expenditures Bonus depreciation deduction as a percentage of qualified capital expenditures Bonus depreciation deduction as percentage of qualified capital expenditures. Decrease in Income Taxes Paid Decrease in cash paid for income taxes Represents the amount of decrease in cash outflow for income taxes paid, as compared to the previous year. Expected Bonus Deduction in Depreciation as Percentage of Qualified Capital Expenditures Expected bonus depreciation deduction as a percentage of qualified capital expenditures in 2012 Expected bonus deduction in depreciation as percentage of qualified capital expenditures. 700 MHz Wireless Licenses Seven Hundred MHz Wireless, Licenses [Text Block] The entire disclosure for all or part of the information related to intangible assets. 700 MHz Wireless Licenses Accounting Policies [Table] Summarization of the disclosures for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting policy disclosures Original Maturity Period Original maturity period. Original maturity period at the time of purchase by the entity for liquid investments classified as cash equivalents (in days) Useful Life of Rental Library Product The useful life of the rental library product. Useful life of rental library product (in months) Business Combination [Abstract] Business Combinations Long-term Deferred Revenue Distribution and Carriage Payments [Abstract] Long-Term Deferred Revenue, Distribution and Carriage Payments Deferred Upfront Payments Amortization Period Deferred upfront payments amortization period. Deferred upfront payment, amortization period (in years) Deferred subscriber fees deferral period. Period of deferral for the portion of subscriber fees that are deferred Deferred Subscriber Fees Deferral Period Deferred Subscriber Fees Amortization Period Period of amortization for the portion of subscriber fees that are deferred (in months) The amortization period for the portion of subscriber fees that are deferred. Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value is considered as temporary (in months) Length of Time Investment Been in Continuous Loss Position Considered Temporary Length of time investment been in continuous loss position considered temporary. Length of Time Investment, Been in Continuous Loss Position Evaluated on Case by Case Basis The 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 (in months) Length of time investment been in continuous loss position evaluated on case by case basis. Length of Time Investment, Been in Continuous Loss Position to be Considered as Other than Temporary Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value is considered other-than-temporary (in months) Length of time investment been in continuous loss position to be considered as other than temporary. Tabular disclosure of the accounting treatment for declines in the fair value of debt and equity investments below cost basis. Schedule of accounting for declines in fair value of debt and equity investments below cost basis Schedule of Accounting for Decline in Fair Value of Debt and Equity Investments below Cost Basis [Table Text Block] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Purchase price Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] Preliminary allocation of the DBSD North America and TerreStar assets acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Intangibles Net purchase price Total purchase price Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Capital Lease Obligation Accrual Capital lease obligations Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash DBSD North America Transaction, cash acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities Current liabilities Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount FCC authorizations Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Intangible Assets Not Amortizable Assumed liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Assets Other noncurrent assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Property and equipment Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business acquisition Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations Less: Current portion Capital Lease Obligations, Current Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Long-term portion of capital lease obligations Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation Accumulated depreciation on satellites acquired under capital leases Total minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due 2012 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current 2016 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years 2015 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2014 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2013 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Less: Amount representing interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Minimum Payments Net minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Present value of net minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense Depreciation expense - capital leases Cash Acquired from Acquisition Acquisition of Blockbuster, cash acquired Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Interest Paid Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest) Cash paid for interest Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount Decrease (increase) in valuation allowance Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Increase in inventory balance Accrued programming and other accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Allowance for doubtful accounts Increase (Decrease) in Other Receivables Trade accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in current assets and current liabilities: Trade accounts payable - EchoStar Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Related Parties Trade accounts receivable - EchoStar Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Class B common stock Common Class B [Member] Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current (provision) benefit: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Deferred (provision) benefit: Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Temporary differences, which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to DISH Network Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member] 3% Convertible Subordinated Note due 2011 Contract Revenue Cost Subscriber acquisition advertising Cost of Goods and Services Sold Total subscriber acquisition costs Other Cost of Operating Revenue Cost of sales - equipment, merchandise, services, rental and other Cost of Goods Sold, Subscription Subscriber-related expenses Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Federal Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current (provision) benefit Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations (Note 9) Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) State Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion) Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion (Note 9) Long-term Debt, Gross Carrying Value Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments Repayments of debt Debt Instrument, Face Amount Aggregate principal amount Interest rate on convertible senior secured notes Interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Repurchases and redemption of Senior Notes (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Interest Annual Debt Service Requirements Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term debt Debt Instrument Other long-term debt and capital lease obligations Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs Debt Securities [Member] Debt securities Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Federal Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax expense (benefit) Total deferred (provision) benefit Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred tax assets Current portion of net deferred tax asset Current portion of net deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Income Tax Liabilities Deferred Long-term Liability Charges Long-term deferred revenue, distribution and carriage payments and other long-term liabilities Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards Tax benefit related to capital loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income Deferred revenue Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net Net deferred tax asset (liability) Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net, Noncurrent Noncurrent portion of net deferred tax asset (liability) Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local NOL benefit for state income tax purposes Deferred Tax Assets, Other State taxes net of federal effect Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Tax benefit related to credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Stock-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Accrued expenses Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] 401(k) Employee Savings Plan Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization (Note 7) Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization expense 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Leased to Other Party [Member] Equipment leased to customers Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Ownership interest in related party (as a percent) Cost-method Investments, Aggregate Carrying Amount Other investment securities - cost method Equity Securities [Member] Equity securities Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Gain (Loss) on Investments Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments General and Administrative Expense General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense [Member] General and administrative Other Intangible Assets and DBSD North America and TerreStar Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Grants Receivable Maximum grants receivable Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Interest and penalty (benefit) expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Accrued interest and penalties Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Change in noncurrent assets Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities Dilutive impact of subordinated notes convertible into common shares Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding (in shares) Carrying amount of 700 MHz wireless licenses Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Goodwill Goodwill (Note 8) Indefinite-Lived License Agreements FCC authorizations (Note 7 and 8) FCC authorizations Interest Expense, Debt Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Proceeds from Interest Received Cash received for interest Inventory, Net Inventory Total inventory Inventory Inventory, Gross [Abstract] Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Blockbuster Rental Library Inventory and Blockbuster Merchandise Inventory Equity and Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Investment Securities Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Investment Securities Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Other Investment Securities Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities Investments [Member] Investment Securities Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Land [Member] Land Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equipment Lease Programs Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Line of credit, amount outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit [Member] Line of credit Long-term Investments Marketable and other investment securities (Note 5) Marketable and other investment securities Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss contingencies Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value Litigation accrual Aggregate of six annual installment amounts between 2012 and 2017, net of contribution from related party Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Payments Initial settlement amount paid Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Debt security Available-for-sale Securities Debt securities Available-for-sale Securities, Current Marketable investment securities (Note 5) Current marketable investment securities Debt security Debt securities Marketable Securities. Total marketable investment securities Debt and equity security Marketable Securities [Abstract] Marketable Investment Securities Marketable Securities, Noncurrent ARS and MBS investments, total carrying value Debt security Noncurrent marketable investment securities - ARS and MBS Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease) Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Axis] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network Basic net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network Nonoperating Income (Expense) 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Arising During Period, Tax Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, tax (expense) benefit Other Assets, Current Other current assets Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other Total other investment securities Other Long-term Investments Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other, net Total Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other Income (Expense) Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Prior Years Portion of litigation payment related to prior periods Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock Payments of Dividends, Common Stock Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities Depreciable Life of lives of assets (in years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Total property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net (Note 7) Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,964,479 and $2,862,626, respectively (Note 7 and 8) Property and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and Equipment Payment to acquire certain 700 MHz wireless licenses Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Payments to Acquire Investments Purchase of other strategic investments Purchase of strategic investments included in noncurrent marketable and other investment securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Purchases of marketable investment securities Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding 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Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited and cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited and cancelled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by 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Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Date Expiration term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Number of Employees Affected Number of employees affected by stock option adjustment Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Awards vesting period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights Percentage of stock awards vesting per year (as a percent) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Axis] Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable: Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Number of common stock available for future grant under stock incentive plans (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Total options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Total options outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Total options outstanding, beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Total options outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Dividend yield percentage Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based compensation Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Schedule of exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based 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Current Assets: Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Unrecognized Tax Benefits Balance as of beginning of period Balance as of end of period Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Reductions based on tax positions related to the lapse of the statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Reductions based on tax positions related to settlements with taxing authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Additions based on tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Additions based on tax positions related to prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate 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Leases [Member] Satellites acquired under capital lease agreements Construction in Progress [Member] Construction in progress Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member] Other Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum Useful life of property and equipment, high end of range (in years) Depreciable Life, high end of range (in years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum Useful life of property and equipment, low end of range (in years) Depreciable Life, low end of range (in years) Software and Software Development Costs [Member] Software related projects Building and Building Improvements [Member] Buildings and improvements Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Period Increase (Decrease) Increase in property, plant and equipment Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Auction Rate Securities [Member] Auction rate securities Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member] Current marketable investment securities - VRDNs 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 Losses [Abstract] Unrealized loss on marketable investment securities in a loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Noncurrent Debt securities with contractual maturities greater than one year Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Components of our available-for-sale investments Equity securities Equity security Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Other Debt Obligations [Member] Current marketable investment securities - other Assets Total assets Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Marketable investment securities - unrealized gains (losses) on investments accounted for at fair value Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Marketable investment securities - gains (losses) on sales/exchanges Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts receivable - EchoStar, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero Investment Income, Interest Interest income Cash dividend per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Cash dividend per share on outstanding Class A and Class B common stock (in dollars per share) Cash Dividend (in dollars per share) Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax assets Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Contractual maturities of 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Schedule of fair value measurements Schedule of changes in Level 3 instruments Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Changes in Level 3 instruments Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss) Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Level 3 Investment Securities Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Level 3 Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations Estimated fair value of satellites acquired under capital leases Capital Leased Assets, Gross Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows From Financing Activities: 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 Net cash flows from financing activities Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Axis] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term debt obligations Class of Stock [Domain] Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, at cost Statements of Cash Flow Data Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Accumulated net unrealized gains, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized / Recognized Gains (Losses), balance at beginning of period, net Unrealized / Recognized Gains (Losses), balance at end of period, net Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount Commitments to purchase from NagraStar Class A common stock Common Class A [Member] Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Deferred tax assets: Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Schedule of Treasury Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of information regarding repurchase of Class A common stock Class of Treasury Stock [Domain] Class of 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Net Income (Loss) Per Share Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Other investment securities: Class of Stock [Axis] Deferred Revenue and Credits, Current Deferred revenue and other Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Long-Term Debt Capital Lease Obligations. Capital lease obligations Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss) Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustments, Tax (expense) benefit Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to foreign currency translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities Unrealized / Recognized Gains (Losses),Tax (expense) benefit Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment Significant Acquisitions and Disposals by Transaction [Axis] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Common Stock, Voting Rights Votes per share Deferred Debt Issuance Costs Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total DISH Network stockholders' equity (deficit) Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Depreciation and amortization Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments, before-tax amount Foreign currency translation adjustments, before-tax amount, current period activity Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax (provision) benefit, net Total benefit (provision) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Dividend in cash per share Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Property Lease Guarantee [Member] Capital lease Trade accounts receivable - other Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Schedule of gains and losses on sales and changes in carrying values of investments Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised Tax benefit from stock awards exercised Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Earnings (Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Equity Component [Domain] Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock options Litigation Settlement, Gross Settlement amount Litigation Settlement, Expense Attorneys' fees Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Forfeited and cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited and cancelled (in dollars per share) Long-term Debt [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Purchases (including fees): Related party transaction expenses from transactions with related party Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Period Increase (Decrease) Increase in FCC authorizations Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Number of shares of common stock purchased under ESPP Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercised (in shares) Total number of shares repurchased Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Finished goods - DBS Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Raw materials Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other long term liabilities Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Diluted net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax Interest on dilutive subordinated convertible notes, net of related tax effect Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and Expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below - Note 7): Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Total costs and expenses Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Class A common stock repurchases, at cost Dollar value of shares repurchased Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Stock option activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward] Restricted stock unit activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted - Average Grant Date Fair Value Marketable Securities, Realized Loss, Other than Temporary Impairments, Amount Marketable investment securities other-than-temporary impairments Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Black-Scholes option valuation model, assumptions Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional General Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based compensation additional disclosures Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Income tax (expense) benefit related to stock awards and other Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Acquisition related transaction costs 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 income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Cash purchase price payable Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Liabilities Incurred Certain liabilities assumed Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss): 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 Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity (Deficit): Common stock Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders' equity (deficit) Balance Balance Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions Cost of Transmission [Abstract] Satellite and transmission expenses: Class of Stock [Line Items] Stockholders Equity (Deficit) Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11) Marketable Securities, Restricted, Noncurrent Restricted marketable investment securities Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Restricted cash and marketable investment securities (Note 5) Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted cash and cash equivalents Investment in DBSD North America Total marketable investment securities Other Investments Investment in DBSD North America (Note 8) Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock ($2.00 per share) Cash dividend on Class A and Class B common stock Cash dividend paid Dividends, Cash [Abstract] Cash Dividend Acquired intangible assets, average finite useful life (in years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life 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: Accounts Payable, Current Trade accounts payable - other Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts payable - EchoStar Amounts payable to NagraStar Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other accrued expenses Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss), before-tax amount Other comprehensive income (loss), current period activity Other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) or benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) benefit Other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) benefit Related Party Transactions Other Stockholders' Equity, Other 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 All Other Segments [Member] All other Segment [Domain] Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, including FCC authorizations Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Geographic Information Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair value measurements on recurring basis Type of Arrangement [Domain] Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Claim amount Treasury Stock Transactions, Excluding Value of Shares Reissued [Abstract] Information regarding repurchase of Class A common stock Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Unrealized Gains Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis,Asset, Issues Issuance Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Settlements Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Transfer from level 2 to level 3 Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, by Asset Class [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2010-11 [Member] ASU 2010-11 Class C common stock Common Class C [Member] 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] Organization and Business Activities Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities Acquisitions Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of revenue attributed to the United States and other foreign locations Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Fair Value by Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of the (provision for) benefit from income taxes Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of amounts computed by applying the statutory Federal tax rate to income before taxes 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 Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Schedule of preliminary allocation of the DBSD and TerreStar assets acquired Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of inventory Commitments and Contingencies Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of supplemental cash flow statement disclosure. Total rent expense for operating leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of tax effect allocated to component of other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of quarterly results of operations Schedule of expense recognized related to the 401(k) Plan Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of restricted stock unit activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock option activity Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of assumptions of Black-Scholes option valuation model Long-term Debt, Fair Value Fair Value Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Amount authorized for common stock repurchase under common stock repurchase program Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Maximum amount authorized for common stock repurchase under common stock repurchase program Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of unrealized gain (loss) on marketable investment securities Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted stock units Restricted Performance Units Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Schedule of Capital Leased Asssets [Table] Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] Capital leased assets disclosures Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair value of marketable securities Prepaid income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Taxes Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Segment Reporting Subsequent Events Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Type of Adoption [Domain] Gain on conversion of senior secured notes Gain (Loss) on Non-Recourse Debt Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Unrealized Losses Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued Shares of common stock issuable upon conversion Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum Minimum [Member] Minimum Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Interest rate, high end of range (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Interest rate, low end of range (as a percent) Capitalized interest Interest Paid, Capitalized Amount of interest capitalized Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term, Maximum Expected term of options, high end of range (in years) Expected term of options, low end of range (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term, Minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum Volatility factor, low end of range (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum Volatility factor, high end of range (as a percent) Risk free interest rate, low end of range (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum Risk free interest rate, high end of range (as a percent) Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the effect of income (loss) on the entity's basic and diluted earnings per share Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) Unrealized Gains Losses, Net Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses Less than 12 Months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses 12 Months or More Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Spectrum Investments Interest Expense [Member] Interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations Subscriber-related Cost of Sales [Member] Senior Notes 4.625 Percent Due 2017 [Member] Represents details pertaining to 4 5/8% senior notes, which are due in 2017. 4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017 Senior Notes 5.875 Percent Due 2022 [Member] Represents details pertaining to 5 7/8% senior notes, which are due in 2022. 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022 Debt Instrument, Redemption Period Prior to July 2015 [Member] The period prior to July 15, 2015. Redemption Prior to July 15, 2015 Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Instrument All Other Geographic Segments [Member] Other Represents the information pertaining to all other geographical segments of the entity. United States UNITED STATES Face amount of debt securities acquired Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Debt Securities, Outstanding Balance Carrying value of debt securities acquired Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Debt Securities Total Discount Total discount on debt securities acquired Represents the amount of discount related to the loans accounted for as debt securities with evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination that were acquired by completion of a transfer for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the investor will be unable to collect all contractually required payments receivable. Total discount on debt securities acquired classified as accretable yield Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Accretion Total discount on debt securities acquired classified as non-accretable yield Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer, Nonaccretable Difference Auction Rate Securities Fair Value Election [Member] ARS fair value election Represents details pertaining to auction rate securities accounted for under the fair value method. Number of Days to Store HD Prime Time Programs Recordings Number of days to store HD primetime programs recordings Represents the number of days to store HD primetime programs recordings. Number of Judges Central District of California Matters Assigned to Number of judges Central District of California matters assigned to Represents the number of judges whom Central District of California matters are assigned. Patent Infringement and Brach of Agreement [Member] Patent infringement or breach of agreement Represents details pertaining to patent infringements or breach of agreement. Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current and Noncurrent Assets Current and non current assets The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to current and non current assets. Foreign currency translation adjustments, balance at beginning of period, net Foreign currency translation adjustments, balance at end of period, net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Additional borrowings Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings Noncurrent liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Liabilities Carrying Value of Debt Securities Carrying value of debt securities of a single issuer Carrying value of debt securities. Fair value of debt securities of a single issuer Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Wireless Spectrum Property, Plant and Equipment Capitalized in terest Balance [Member] Wireless spectrum capitalized interest balance Represents details pertaining to wireless spectrum capitalized interest. Inverness Lease Agreement [Member] Inverness Lease Agreement Represents details pertaining to Inverness Lease Agreement. Related Party Transactions Required Notice Period for Termination of Agreement Required notice period for termination of agreement Represents the required notice period for termination of an agreement. Related Party Transactions Number of DBS Transponders Used Number of DBS transponders currently used Related party transactions number of DBS transponders used. DBSD North America Transaction, less cash acquired of $5,230 (Note 8) Payments to Acquire Business Two, Net of Cash Acquired Schedule Of Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Text Block] Schedule of allocated non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for all employees