CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 824,722us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 484,266us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 1,525,683us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	905,987	898,682	904,955
Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments		(1,751)us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments	(10,758)us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments
Non-cash, stock-based compensation	29,647us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation	38,573us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation	31,163us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Deferred tax expense (benefit) (Note 8)	71,405us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	169,308us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	582,519us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Other, net	(82,032)	(20,897)	17,342
Changes in current assets and current liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable - other	(36,867)	(55,048)	18,173
Allowance for doubtful accounts	2,147	1,918	(17,735)
Trade accounts receivable - EchoStar	(32,678)	(3,628)	(2,141)
Inventory	(18,437)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories	84,151us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories	(56,063)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
Other current assets	(26,407)	635	(5,723)
Trade accounts payable - other	32,620	93,392	(31,614)
Trade accounts payable - EchoStar	75,945	39,926	(15,712)
Deferred revenue and other	(8,040)	23,239	5,822
Litigation expense accrual (Note 11 and Note 15)		5,419	(316,949)
Litigation settlement payments (Note 11 and Note 15)	(70,999)		(350,000)
Accrued programming and other accrued expenses	163,308	196,219	(10,600)
Net cash flows from operating activities	1,830,321	1,954,404	2,268,362
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
(Purchases) Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities, net	(1,838,875)	(1,580,123)	919,433
Purchases of property and equipment	(925,203)	(778,742)	(765,490)
Change in restricted cash and marketable investment securities	38,881	(2,017)	12,751
Other, net	(12,235)	(23,895)	9,954
Net cash flows from investing activities	(2,737,432)	(2,384,777)	176,648
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	2,300,000	4,400,000	2,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of restricted debt	2,600,000
Redemption of restricted debt	(2,600,000)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSeniorDebt
Funding of restricted debt escrow	(2,596,750)ddbs_FundingOfRestrictedDebtEscrow
Release of restricted debt escrow	2,596,771ddbs_ReleaseOfRestrictedDebtEscrow
Debt issuance costs	(11,146)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts	(13,246)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts	(27,261)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts
Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	(35,586)	(34,890)	(32,716)
Dividend to DISH Orbital Corporation		(907,230)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends	(3,500,000)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends
Other, net	23,910	11,054	6,773
Net cash flows from financing activities	1,777,199	3,455,688	(2,553,204)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	870,088	3,025,315	(108,194)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	3,424,387	399,072	507,266
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	4,294,475	3,424,387	399,072
7 % Senior Notes due 2013
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Repurchases and redemption of Senior Notes	(500,000)
6 3/8% Senior Notes Due 2011
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Repurchases and redemption of Senior Notes			$ (1,000,000)

Funding of restricted debt escrow.

No definition available.

Name:	ddbs_FundingOfRestrictedDebtEscrow
Namespace Prefix:	ddbs_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Increase (decrease) in accrued litigation liabilities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ddbs_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLitigationLiabilities
Namespace Prefix:	ddbs_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) in deferred revenues and other.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ddbs_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenueAndOther
Namespace Prefix:	ddbs_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the period in the carrying amount of litigation settlement.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ddbs_IncreaseDecreaseInLitigationSettlements
Namespace Prefix:	ddbs_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Proceeds from issuance of restricted debt.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ddbs_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfRestrictedDebt
Namespace Prefix:	ddbs_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from sales and purchases of marketable investment securities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ddbs_ProceedsFromPaymentsForMarketableSecurities
Namespace Prefix:	ddbs_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Release of restricted debt escrow.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ddbs_ReleaseOfRestrictedDebtEscrow
Namespace Prefix:	ddbs_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Cash

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506951

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Cash Equivalents

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507016

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 1

-Article 5

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28358313&loc=d3e6676-107765

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3044-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34349781&loc=d3e330036-122817

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 08

-Paragraph h

-Article 4

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 6

-Section I

-Subsection 7

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Deferred Tax Expense (or Benefit)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510177

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the net total realized and unrealized gain (loss) included in earnings for the period as a result of selling or holding marketable securities categorized as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity, including the unrealized holding gain (loss) of held-to-maturity securities transferred to the trading security category and the cumulative unrealized gain (loss) which was included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity) for available-for-sale securities transferred to trading securities during the period. Additionally, this item would include any gains (losses) realized during the period from the sale of investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting and losses recognized for other than temporary impairments (OTTI) of the subject investments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(c),9(a))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 10

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27405-111563

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-Subparagraph (c)-(e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27357-111563

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 7

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amount due from customers for the credit sale of goods and services; includes accounts receivable and other types of receivables.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the obligations due for goods and services provided by the following types of related parties: a parent company and its subsidiaries, subsidiaries of a common parent, an entity and trust for the benefit of employees, such as pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of the entities' management, an entity and its principal owners, management, or member of their immediate families, affiliates, or other parties with the ability to exert significant influence.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableRelatedParties
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Change in recurring obligations of a business that arise from the acquisition of merchandise, materials, supplies and services used in the production and sale of goods and services.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amount due to the reporting entity for good and services provided to the following types of related parties: a parent company and its subsidiaries; subsidiaries of a common parent; an entity and trust for the benefit of employees, such as pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of the entity's management, an entity and its principal owners, management, member of their immediate families, affiliates, or other parties with the ability to exert significant influence.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivableRelatedParties
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all inventory held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other expenses incurred but not yet paid.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other current operating assets not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other assets used in operating activities less other operating liabilities used in operating activities not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows. May include changes in other current assets and liabilities, other noncurrent assets and liabilities, or a combination of other current and noncurrent assets and liabilities.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in other amounts due to the reporting entity, which are not otherwise defined in the taxonomy.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherReceivables
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The net cash inflow or outflow during the period for the aggregate increase (decrease) associated with funds and investments that are not available for withdrawal or use (such as assets held in escrow or contractually limited as to use or disposition) and are associated with underlying transactions that are classified as investing activities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow for the settlement of long-term borrowing, with the highest claim on the assets of the entity in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, as it matures.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 15

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3291-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MaturitiesOfSeniorDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) in cash associated with the entity's continuing operating, investing, and financing activities. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a debit balance consistent with its label.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash inflow (outflow) of financing activities, excluding discontinued operations. Financing activity cash flows include obtaining resources from owners and providing them with a return on, and a return of, their investment; borrowing money and repaying amounts borrowed, or settling the obligation; and obtaining and paying for other resources obtained from creditors on long-term credit.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 24

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3521-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 26

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3574-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash inflow (outflow) of investing activities, excluding discontinued operations. Investing activity cash flows include making and collecting loans and acquiring and disposing of debt or equity instruments and property, plant, and equipment and other productive assets.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities, excluding discontinued operations. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value not defined as investing or financing activities.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The net cash outflow or inflow from other investing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3095-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 9

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3098-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow paid to third parties in connection with debt origination, which will be amortized over the remaining maturity period of the associated long-term debt.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Cash outflow in the form of capital distributions and dividends to common shareholders, preferred shareholders and noncontrolling interests.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash inflow from a borrowing with the highest claim on the assets of the entity in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The net cash inflow or outflow from other financing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3095-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 9

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3098-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 4K

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736750&loc=SL4591552-111686

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 19

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1A

-Subparagraph (a),(c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 4J

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736750&loc=SL4591551-111686

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow during the period from the repayment of aggregate short-term and long-term debt and payment of capital lease obligations.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow for a long-term debt where the holder has highest claim on the entity's asset in case of bankruptcy or liquidation during the period.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSeniorDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ddbs_SeniorNotes6.375PercentDue2011Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ddbs_SeniorNotes7PercentDue2013Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: