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Deferred subscriber fees deferral period.

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Length of time investment been in continuous loss position considered temporary.

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Length of time investment been in continuous loss position evaluated on case by case basis.

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Length of time investment been in continuous loss position to be considered as other than temporary.

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Number of days following the fifth anniversary of the Exchange Agreement for which the noncontrolling owners can redeem their noncontrolling interest.

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The number of years after the grant of a wireless spectrum license until the right to put vests.

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Weighted average amortization period of finite-lived intangible assets acquired either individually or as part of a group of assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

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Amount charged to advertising expense for the period, which are expenses incurred with the objective of increasing revenue for a specified brand, product or product line.

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Amount of write-down of assets recognized in the income statement. Includes, but is not limited to, losses from tangible assets, intangible assets and goodwill.

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Fair value, after the effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial asset or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset, expected to be settled within one year or normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement and not elected to be offset.

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The amount of cash paid during the current period for interest that is capitalized.

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The equity interest of noncontrolling shareholders, partners or other equity holders in consolidated entity.

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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.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments		$ 556,828	$ 383,460
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Pre-tax impairment charges		123,352		$ 437,575
Interest Paid [Abstract]
Capitalized interest	$ 644,000	369,897	223,658	136,508
Advertising Costs
Subscriber acquisition advertising		$ 579,260	$ 566,687	$ 467,884
Minimum
Marketable Investment Securities
Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value would be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine if the decline in value is other-than-temporary			6 months
Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value is considered other-than-temporary			9 months
Property and Equipment
Estimated Useful Life			1 year
Business Combinations
Acquired intangible assets, average finite useful life			2 years
Revenue Recognition
Period of deferral for the portion of subscriber fees that are deferred			4 years
Maximum
Marketable Investment Securities
Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value is considered as temporary			6 months
Length of time an investment has been in a continuous loss position in which the decline in value would be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine if the decline in value is other-than-temporary			9 months
Property and Equipment
Estimated Useful Life			40 years
Business Combinations
Acquired intangible assets, average finite useful life			10 years
Revenue Recognition
Period of deferral for the portion of subscriber fees that are deferred			5 years
Northstar Manager LLC
Variable Interest Entity
Number of years after wireless spectrum license is granted until put right vests			5 years
SNR Wireless Management LLC
Variable Interest Entity
Number of years after wireless spectrum license is granted until put right vests			5 years
Sling TV Holding L L C \| EchoStar
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Ownership percentage owned by noncontrolling owners			10.00%
Number of days following the fifth anniversary of the Exchange Agreement to redeem			60 days