XML 49 R47.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 0 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014
Sep. 30, 2013
Sep. 30, 2014
Sep. 30, 2013
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Oct. 02, 2013
May 16, 2012
May 28, 2013
Jun. 30, 2013
Apr. 05, 2013
May 05, 2011
Jul. 26, 2012
Dec. 27, 2012
Long-term debt                              
Interest rate (as a percent)         7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage                    
Premiums, interest expense and deferred financing costs, as applicable $ 207,149,000us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt $ 220,596,000us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt $ 631,405,000us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt $ 663,823,000us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt $ 878,550,000us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt $ 647,298,000us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt $ 552,036,000us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt                
7 % Senior Notes due 2013                              
Long-term debt                              
Interest rate (as a percent)   7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2013Member		   7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2013Member		 7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2013Member		 7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2013Member		   7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2013Member		              
Debt repurchased   49,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2013Member		   49,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2013Member		                      
Principal balance of debt redeemed         500,000,000us-gaap_MaturitiesOfSeniorDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2013Member		     451,000,000us-gaap_MaturitiesOfSeniorDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2013Member		              
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2013Member		                    
Percentage of principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in event of change of control         101.00%ddbs_DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2013Member		                    
6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014                              
Long-term debt                              
Interest rate (as a percent) 6.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.625PercentDue2014Member		   6.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.625PercentDue2014Member		   6.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.625PercentDue2014Member		 6.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.625PercentDue2014Member		                  
Debt repurchased 100,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.625PercentDue2014Member		   100,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.625PercentDue2014Member		                        
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.625PercentDue2014Member		                    
Percentage of principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in event of change of control         101.00%ddbs_DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.625PercentDue2014Member		                    
Annual Debt Service Requirements         66,250,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.625PercentDue2014Member		                    
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2015                              
Long-term debt                              
Interest rate (as a percent) 7.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.750PercentDue2015Member		   7.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.750PercentDue2015Member		   7.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.750PercentDue2015Member		 7.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.750PercentDue2015Member		                  
Debt repurchased 100,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.750PercentDue2015Member		   100,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.750PercentDue2015Member		                        
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.750PercentDue2015Member		                    
Percentage of principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in event of change of control         101.00%ddbs_DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.750PercentDue2015Member		                    
Annual Debt Service Requirements         58,125,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.750PercentDue2015Member		                    
7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2016                              
Long-term debt                              
Interest rate (as a percent) 7.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.125PercentDue2016Member		   7.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.125PercentDue2016Member		   7.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.125PercentDue2016Member		 7.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.125PercentDue2016Member		                  
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.125PercentDue2016Member		                    
Percentage of principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in event of change of control         101.00%ddbs_DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.125PercentDue2016Member		                    
Annual Debt Service Requirements         106,875,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.125PercentDue2016Member		                    
4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017                              
Long-term debt                              
Interest rate (as a percent) 4.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.625PercentDue2017Member		   4.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.625PercentDue2017Member		   4.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.625PercentDue2017Member		 4.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.625PercentDue2017Member		     4.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.625PercentDue2017Member		            
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.625PercentDue2017Member		                    
Percentage of principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in event of change of control                 101.00%ddbs_DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.625PercentDue2017Member		            
Aggregate principal amount                 900,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.625PercentDue2017Member		            
Term of debt instrument                 5 years            
Debt instrument issuance as a percentage of the face amount                 100.00%ddbs_LongTermDebtIssuePriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.625PercentDue2017Member		            
Annual Debt Service Requirements         41,625,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.625PercentDue2017Member		                    
4 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017 | Redemption Prior to July 15, 2015                              
Long-term debt                              
Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes with net proceeds of certain equity offerings or capital contributions                 35.00%ddbs_LongTermDebtRedemptionWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.625PercentDue2017Member
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
= us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember		            
5% Senior Notes due 2017                              
Long-term debt                              
Interest rate (as a percent)                   5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2017Member		          
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2017Member		                    
Aggregate principal amount                   1,250,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2017Member		          
Term of debt instrument                   4 years          
Debt instrument issuance as a percentage of the face amount                   100.00%ddbs_LongTermDebtIssuePriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2017Member		          
Premiums, interest expense and deferred financing costs, as applicable                     7,000,000us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2017Member		        
4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018                              
Long-term debt                              
Interest rate (as a percent) 4.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.25PercentDue2018Member		   4.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.25PercentDue2018Member		   4.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.25PercentDue2018Member		 4.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.25PercentDue2018Member		           4.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.25PercentDue2018Member		      
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.25PercentDue2018Member		                    
Percentage of principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in event of change of control                       101.00%ddbs_DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.25PercentDue2018Member		      
Aggregate principal amount                       1,200,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.25PercentDue2018Member		      
Term of debt instrument                       5 years      
Debt instrument issuance as a percentage of the face amount                       100.00%ddbs_LongTermDebtIssuePriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.25PercentDue2018Member		      
Annual Debt Service Requirements         51,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.25PercentDue2018Member		                    
4 1/4% Senior Notes due 2018 | Redemption Prior to April 1, 2016                              
Long-term debt                              
Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes with net proceeds of certain equity offerings or capital contributions                       35.00%ddbs_LongTermDebtRedemptionWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes4.25PercentDue2018Member
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
= us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember		      
7 7/8% Senior Notes due 2019                              
Long-term debt                              
Interest rate (as a percent) 7.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.875PercentDue2019Member		   7.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.875PercentDue2019Member		   7.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.875PercentDue2019Member		 7.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.875PercentDue2019Member		                  
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.875PercentDue2019Member		                    
Percentage of principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in event of change of control         101.00%ddbs_DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.875PercentDue2019Member		                    
Annual Debt Service Requirements         110,250,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes7.875PercentDue2019Member		                    
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020                              
Long-term debt                              
Interest rate (as a percent) 5.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.125PercentDue2020Member		   5.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.125PercentDue2020Member		   5.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.125PercentDue2020Member		 5.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.125PercentDue2020Member		           5.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.125PercentDue2020Member		      
Percentage of principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in event of change of control                       101.00%ddbs_DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.125PercentDue2020Member		      
Aggregate principal amount                       1,100,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.125PercentDue2020Member		      
Term of debt instrument                       7 years      
Debt instrument issuance as a percentage of the face amount                       100.00%ddbs_LongTermDebtIssuePriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.125PercentDue2020Member		      
Annual Debt Service Requirements         56,375,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.125PercentDue2020Member		                    
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2020 | Redemption Prior to May 1, 2016                              
Long-term debt                              
Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes with net proceeds of certain equity offerings or capital contributions                       35.00%ddbs_LongTermDebtRedemptionWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.125PercentDue2020Member
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
= us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember		      
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021                              
Long-term debt                              
Interest rate (as a percent) 6.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.750PercentDue2021Member		   6.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.750PercentDue2021Member		   6.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.750PercentDue2021Member		 6.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.750PercentDue2021Member		             6.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.750PercentDue2021Member		    
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.750PercentDue2021Member		                    
Percentage of principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in event of change of control                         101.00%ddbs_DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.750PercentDue2021Member		    
Aggregate principal amount                         2,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.750PercentDue2021Member		    
Term of debt instrument                         10 years    
Debt instrument issuance as a percentage of the face amount                         99.093%ddbs_LongTermDebtIssuePriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.750PercentDue2021Member		    
Annual Debt Service Requirements         135,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.750PercentDue2021Member		                    
6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 | Redemption Prior to June 1, 2014                              
Long-term debt                              
Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes with net proceeds of certain equity offerings or capital contributions                         35.00%ddbs_LongTermDebtRedemptionWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.750PercentDue2021Member
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
= us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodFourMember		    
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022                              
Long-term debt                              
Interest rate (as a percent) 5.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2022Member		   5.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2022Member		   5.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2022Member		 5.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2022Member		     5.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2022Member		            
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2022Member		                    
Percentage of principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in event of change of control                 101.00%ddbs_DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2022Member		            
Aggregate principal amount                 1,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2022Member		         1,000,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2022Member		  
Term of debt instrument                 10 years         10 years  
Debt instrument issuance as a percentage of the face amount                 100.00%ddbs_LongTermDebtIssuePriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2022Member		         100.75%ddbs_LongTermDebtIssuePriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2022Member		  
Annual Debt Service Requirements         117,500,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2022Member		                    
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022 | Redemption Prior to July 15, 2015                              
Long-term debt                              
Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes with net proceeds of certain equity offerings or capital contributions                 35.00%ddbs_LongTermDebtRedemptionWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2022Member
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
= us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember		            
5% Senior Notes due 2023                              
Long-term debt                              
Interest rate (as a percent) 5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2023Member		   5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2023Member		   5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2023Member		 5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2023Member		                 5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2023Member
Redemption price as a percentage of principal amount         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2023Member		                    
Percentage of principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in event of change of control                             101.00%ddbs_DebtRepurchasePricePercentageInEventOfChangeOfControl
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2023Member
Aggregate principal amount                             1,500,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2023Member
Debt instrument issuance as a percentage of the face amount                             100.00%ddbs_LongTermDebtIssuePriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2023Member
Annual Debt Service Requirements         75,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2023Member		                    
5% Senior Notes due 2023 | Redemption Prior to March 15, 2016                              
Long-term debt                              
Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes with net proceeds of certain equity offerings or capital contributions                             35.00%ddbs_LongTermDebtRedemptionWithNetProceedsFromEquityOfferingsAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes5PercentDue2023Member
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
= us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodFiveMember
6 1/4% Senior Notes due 2023                              
Long-term debt                              
Interest rate (as a percent)                   6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.25PercentDue2023Member		          
Aggregate principal amount                   1,350,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.25PercentDue2023Member		          
Term of debt instrument                   10 years          
Debt instrument issuance as a percentage of the face amount                   100.00%ddbs_LongTermDebtIssuePriceAsPercentageOfPrincipalAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.25PercentDue2023Member		          
Premiums, interest expense and deferred financing costs, as applicable                     $ 23,000,000us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= ddbs_SeniorNotes6.25PercentDue2023Member