Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Total revenue	$ 3,401,181	$ 3,491,559	$ 3,543,812	$ 3,570,959	$ 3,642,237	$ 3,653,774	$ 3,747,296	$ 3,712,632	$ 14,007,511	$ 14,755,939	$ 14,796,028
Operating income (loss)	376,804	424,559	219,720	588,793	557,582	517,454	639,143	594,942	1,609,876	2,309,121	2,148,654
Net income (loss) attributable to DISH DBS	$ 419,043	$ 158,424	$ (95,656)	$ 241,715	$ 226,606	$ 188,141	$ 277,032	$ 272,835	$ 723,526	$ 964,614	$ 835,417