v3.3.1.900
Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets- Schedule of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Other intangible assets          
Cash payment   $ 3,428   $ 41,748  
Cost   721,042 $ 724,542    
Accumulated amortization   (588,389) (528,880)    
Carrying amount   132,653 195,662    
Amortization expense   $ 75,900 92,100 $ 88,400  
Canadian regulatory authorization | DISH Network          
Other intangible assets          
Amount received from exchange of spectrum rights $ 23,100        
Cash payment         $ 20,000
Customer relationships          
Other intangible assets          
Weighted Average Useful life (in years)   8 years      
Cost   $ 293,932 293,932    
Accumulated amortization   (213,543) (185,393)    
Carrying amount   $ 80,389 108,539    
Contract-based          
Other intangible assets          
Weighted Average Useful life (in years)   10 years      
Cost   $ 255,366 255,366    
Accumulated amortization   (251,493) (233,009)    
Carrying amount   $ 3,873 22,357    
Technology-based          
Other intangible assets          
Weighted Average Useful life (in years)   7 years      
Cost   $ 137,337 140,837    
Accumulated amortization   (111,840) (100,940)    
Carrying amount   $ 25,497 39,897    
Trademark portfolio          
Other intangible assets          
Weighted Average Useful life (in years)   20 years      
Cost   $ 29,700 29,700    
Accumulated amortization   (6,806) (5,321)    
Carrying amount   $ 22,894 24,379    
Favorable leases          
Other intangible assets          
Weighted Average Useful life (in years)   4 years      
Cost   $ 4,707 4,707    
Accumulated amortization   $ (4,707) (4,217)    
Carrying amount     $ 490