Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Data - Statements of Cash Flows
Cash paid for interest	$ 878,772	$ 773,500	$ 852,679
Cash received for interest	9,855	2,936	5,609
Cash paid for income taxes	29,961	25,839	2,632
Cash paid for income taxes to DISH Network	408,265	551,693	558,220
Capitalized interest	481
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations	$ 1,573	$ 7,850	$ 7,931