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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Feb. 20, 2014
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Financial Instruments        
Derivative financial instruments       $ 557,000
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets        
Impairment of long-lived assets   $ 145,918   125,752
Research and Development        
Research and development cost   $ 33,000 $ 41,000 46,000
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     1 year  
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     20 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.        
Accounting policy disclosures        
Nonvoting Interest Prior To Share Exchange   10.00%    
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction | DISH Investors | EchoStar        
Accounting policy disclosures        
Preferred tracking stock issued by related party 6,290,499      
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction | DISH Investors | HSSC        
Accounting policy disclosures        
Preferred tracking stock issued by related party 81.128      
D1        
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets        
Impairment of long-lived assets       $ 123,000