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Other Investments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Services and other revenue - DISH Network		$ 10,313		$ 15,062
Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network		10,948	$ 10,683
Investment impairment		(21,300)		(28,700)
Broadband Connectivity Solutions
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest, percentage in joint venture	20.00%
Services and other revenue - DISH Network		$ 1,700		2,300
Payments to acquire equity method investments	$ 100,000
Dish Mexico
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest, percentage in joint venture		49.00%
Deluxe
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest, percentage in joint venture		50.00%
Services and other revenue - DISH Network		$ 1,300	900
Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network			600	$ 1,000
Broadband Connectivity Solutions
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network		$ 4,500	$ 5,200