Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Class A common stock Common Class B [Member] Class B common stock Statement [Line Items] Statement Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current Assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Marketable Securities Current Marketable investment securities Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Trade accounts receivable Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $23,121 and $16,966, respectively Inventory, Net Inventory Total inventory Other Assets, Current Other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Noncurrent Assets: Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Restricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net Indefinite-Lived License Agreements FCC authorizations Long-term Investments Other investment securities Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Operating lease assets Operating lease right-of-use assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets, net Assets, Noncurrent Total noncurrent assets Assets Total assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Accounts Payable, Current Trade accounts payable Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Deferred revenue and other Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable, pertaining to programming. Accrued Programming Current Accrued programming Interest Payable, Current Accrued interest Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other accrued expenses Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-Term Obligations, Net of Current Portion: Long Term Debt And Finance Lease Obligations Net Of Current Portion Long Term Debt And Finance Lease Obligations Net Of Current Portion Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current portion Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Operating lease liabilities Long-term portion of lease obligations Deferred Long-term Liability Charges Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term obligations, net of current portion Liabilities Total liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10) Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Fair Value Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Note 2) Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity (Deficit): Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated earnings (deficit) Total DISH Network stockholders' equity (deficit) Total DISH Network stockholders' equity (deficit) Noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balance Balance Total stockholders' equity (deficit) Total stockholders' equity (deficit) Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock par value (in dollars per share) Strike price of the warrants Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Contract Balances Revenue: Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Total revenue Revenues Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and Expenses (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below - Note 7): Represents the amount of subscriber-related expenses. Subscriber Related Expenses Subscriber-related expenses Represent satellite and transmission expenses during the period. Satellite And Transmission Expenses Satellite and transmission expenses Other Cost of Operating Revenue Cost of sales - equipment and other Subscriber Acquisition Costs [Abstract] Subscriber acquisition costs: This element represents the cost related to subscriber promotion and subsidies. Subscriber Promotions Subsidies Cost of sales - subscriber promotion subsidies This element represents the cost related to subscriber promotion and subsidies during the reporting period. Other Subscriber Promotions Subsidies Other subscriber acquisition costs Advertising Expense Subscriber acquisition advertising Cost of Goods and Services Sold Subscriber-related expenses Total subscriber acquisition costs General and Administrative Expense General and administrative expenses Litigation Settlement, Expense Litigation Expense Litigation expense (Note 14) Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization (Note 7) Depreciation and amortization expense Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Operating Income (Loss) Operating income (loss) Operating income (loss) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other Income (Expense): Investment Income, Net Interest income Interest Expense, Debt Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other, net Total Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income (expense) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax (provision) benefit, net Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network Net income (loss) attributable to DISH Network Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted (in shares) Diluted (in shares) Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock: Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to DISH Network (in dollars per share) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Deferred income tax (expense) benefit, net Deferred income tax (expense) benefit attributable to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to DISH Network CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Class A and B Common Stock Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Earnings (Deficit) [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Information relating to redeemable noncontrolling interest. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Issuance of Class Common Stock [Abstract] Issuance of Class A common stock: Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock awards Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan Employee benefits Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee Stock Purchase Plan Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Non-cash, stock-based compensation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net Represents the amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments from discontinued operations. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax ASU 2014-09 cumulative catch-up adjustment Conversion of Stock, Amount Converted Master Transaction Agreement, net of deferred tax of $166,161 Master Transaction Agreement, net of deferred tax of $166,161 Capital distribution to the related party in connection with purchases of strategic investments, net of tax. Capital Distribution to Related Party in Connection Purchase of Strategic Investments Capital distribution to EchoStar, net of deferred taxes of $31,274 Capital transaction recorded in additional paid-in capital Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Including Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Including Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity, Other Other Deferred Other Tax Expense (Benefit) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities: Gain (Loss) on Investments Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments Share-based Compensation Non-cash, stock-based compensation Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax expense (benefit) Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Purchases of marketable investment securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Capitalized Interest Related To Authorizations Capitalized Interest Related To Authorizations Capitalized interest related to FCC authorizations (Note 2) Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Maturities of Senior Debt Redemption and repurchases of senior notes Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Repayment of long-term debt and finance lease obligations 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 Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from financing activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents And Restricted cash, at Carrying Value Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period (Note 5) Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period (Note 5) Organization and Business Activities Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization and Business Activities Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities Investments in Debt and Equity Instruments, Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) [Text Block] Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Other Investment Securities Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Property and Equipment. Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment Leases Leases Lease Disclosure [Text Block] Lease Disclosure [Text Block] Leases Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations The entire disclosure for all or part of the information related to long term debt and capital lease obligation. Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligation [Text Block] Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting