<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <Version>2.4.0.8</Version>
  <ProcessingTime />
  <ReportFormat>HtmlAndXml</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>558</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>498</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>146</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>7</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>00000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R1.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>true</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>10010 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/BalanceSheet</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R2.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>10015 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/BalanceSheetParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R3.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>10020 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R4.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>10030 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/StatementOfStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R5.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>10035 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/StatementOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R6.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>10040 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/CashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R7.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11010 - Disclosure - Organization and Business Activities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndBusinessActivities</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Business Activities</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R8.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R9.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11030 - Disclosure - Statements of Cash Flow Data</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureStatementsOfCashFlowData</Role>
      <ShortName>Statements of Cash Flow Data</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R10.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11040 - Disclosure - Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesAndRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R11.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11050 - Disclosure - Inventory</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureInventory</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R12.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11060 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipment</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R13.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11070 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R14.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11080 - Disclosure - Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesAndAccountingForUncertaintyInIncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R15.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11090 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R16.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11100 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensation</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R17.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11110 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R18.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11120 - Disclosure - Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureFinancialInformationForSubsidiaryGuarantors</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R19.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11130 - Disclosure - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureValuationAndQualifyingAccounts</Role>
      <ShortName>Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R20.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11140 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialData</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R21.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11150 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R22.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>12020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R23.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>13030 - Disclosure - Statements of Cash Flow Data (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureStatementsOfCashFlowDataTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Statements of Cash Flow Data (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R24.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>13040 - Disclosure - Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesAndRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R25.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>13050 - Disclosure - Inventory (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureInventoryTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R26.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>13060 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R27.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>13070 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R28.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>13080 - Disclosure - Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesAndAccountingForUncertaintyInIncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R29.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>13090 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R30.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>13100 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R31.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>13110 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies Tables</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies Tables</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R32.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>13130 - Disclosure - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureValuationAndQualifyingAccountsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R33.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>13140 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialDataTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R34.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>13150 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R35.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14010 - Disclosure - Organization and Business Activities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndBusinessActivitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Business Activities (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R36.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R37.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14030 - Disclosure - Statements of Cash Flow Data (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureStatementsOfCashFlowDataDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Statements of Cash Flow Data (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R38.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14040 - Disclosure - Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesAndRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R39.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14041 - Disclosure - Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesAndRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R40.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14042 - Disclosure - Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesAndRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R41.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14043 - Disclosure - Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesAndRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details 4)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R42.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14050 - Disclosure - Inventory (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureInventoryDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R43.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14060 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R44.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14061 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R45.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14062 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R46.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14070 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R47.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14071 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R48.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14072 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R49.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14073 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Details 4)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R50.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14080 - Disclosure - Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesAndAccountingForUncertaintyInIncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R51.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14090 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitPlansDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R52.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14100 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R53.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14101 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R54.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14102 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R55.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14110 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R56.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14111 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R57.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14112 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R58.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14113 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details 4)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R59.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14130 - Disclosure - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R60.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14140 - Disclosure - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R61.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>14150 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R62.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>20010 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/BalanceSheetQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R63.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>20015 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/BalanceSheetParentheticalQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R64.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>20020 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeLossQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R65.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>20030 - Statement - CONDENSED  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/CashFlowsQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R66.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>21010 - Disclosure - Organization and Business Activities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndBusinessActivitiesQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Business Activities</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R67.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>21020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R68.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>21030 - Disclosure - Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesAndRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R69.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>21040 - Disclosure - Inventory</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureInventoryQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R70.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>21050 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R71.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>21060 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R72.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>21070 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R73.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>21080 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R74.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>21090 - Disclosure - Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureFinancialInformationForSubsidiaryGuarantorsQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R75.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>21100 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R76.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>21110 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R77.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>22020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPoliciesQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R78.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>23030 - Disclosure - Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesAndRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTablesQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R79.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>23040 - Disclosure - Inventory (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureInventoryTablesQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R80.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>23050 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentTablesQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R81.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>23060 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtTablesQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R82.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>23070 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTablesQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R83.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>23100 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsTablesQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R84.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24010 - Disclosure - Organization and Business Activities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndBusinessActivitiesDetailsQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Business Activities (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R85.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetailsQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R86.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24030 - Disclosure - Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesAndRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsDetailsQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R87.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24031 - Disclosure - Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesAndRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsDetails2QuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R88.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24032 - Disclosure - Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesAndRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsDetails3QuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R89.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R90.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24033 - Disclosure - Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureMarketableInvestmentSecuritiesAndRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsDetails4QuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details 4)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R90.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R91.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24040 - Disclosure - Inventory (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureInventoryDetailsQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R91.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R92.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24050 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentDetailsQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R92.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R93.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24051 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentDetails2QuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R93.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R94.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24060 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtDetailsQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R94.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R95.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24061 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtDetails2QuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R95.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R96.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24070 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetailsQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R96.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R97.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24071 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails2QuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R97.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R98.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24080 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetailsQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R98.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R99.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24081 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails2QuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R99.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R100.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24100 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetailsQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R100.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R101.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>24110 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.dishnetworkddbs.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetailsQuarterEnd</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R101.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs>
    <Log type="Info">Element ddbs_DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl had a mix of decimals attribute values: 2 3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element ddbs_LongTermDebtRedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount had a mix of decimals attribute values: 2 3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element ddbs_NetAssetsDistributedToParent had a mix of decimals attribute values: -6 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount had a mix of decimals attribute values: -8 -6.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlement had a mix of decimals attribute values: -6 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense had a mix of decimals attribute values: -6 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtValue had a mix of decimals attribute values: -8 -6.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_OtherCostOfOperatingRevenue had a mix of decimals attribute values: -6 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends had a mix of decimals attribute values: -8 -6 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet had a mix of decimals attribute values: -6 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '14041 - Disclosure - Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details 2)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '14070 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '14071 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Details 2)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '14073 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Details 4)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '14080 - Disclosure - Income Taxes and Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Shares' elements on report '14100 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '14100 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '14102 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details 3)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '14111 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '14113 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details 4)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '14150 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '24030 - Disclosure - Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '24031 - Disclosure - Marketable Investment Securities and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details 2)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Shares' elements on report '24070 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '24071 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '24081 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '24100 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '24110 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 10010 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Mar. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Mar. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2010'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2009'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 10015 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 10020 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 10035 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 10040 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 20010 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Mar. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2010'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2009'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 20015 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 20020 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 20030 - Statement - CONDENSED  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010'</Log>
  </Logs>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>ddbs-20130719.xml</File>
    <File>ddbs-20130719.xsd</File>
    <File>ddbs-20130719_cal.xml</File>
    <File>ddbs-20130719_def.xml</File>
    <File>ddbs-20130719_lab.xml</File>
    <File>ddbs-20130719_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles />
  <BaseTaxonomies />
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
