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Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 16, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	EchoStar CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0001415404
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 2,160
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Class A common stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		45,563,639
Class B common stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		47,687,039

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 924,240	$ 549,053
Marketable investment securities, at fair value	612,338	1,139,103
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $12,485 and $14,188, respectively	179,240	163,232
Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero	277,159	251,669
Inventory	67,010	62,963
Prepaid expenses	56,949	67,164
Deferred tax assets		87,208
Other current assets	16,723	7,699
Total current assets	2,133,659	2,328,091
Noncurrent Assets:
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities	21,002	18,945
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,998,074 and $2,899,353, respectively	3,412,990	3,194,793
Regulatory authorizations, net	543,812	568,378
Goodwill	510,630	510,630
Other intangible assets, net	132,653	195,662
Investments in unconsolidated entities	209,264	159,962
Other receivable - DISH Network	90,966	90,241
Other noncurrent assets, net	185,786	187,296
Total noncurrent assets	5,107,103	4,925,907
Total assets	7,240,762	7,253,998
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	213,671	188,282
Trade accounts payable - DISH Network	24,682	32,474
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	35,698	41,912
Deferred revenue and prepayments	61,881	71,708
Accrued compensation	29,767	32,117
Accrued royalties	22,531	27,590
Accrued expenses and other	138,601	123,650
Total current liabilities	526,831	517,733
Noncurrent Liabilities:
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	2,187,943	2,325,775
Deferred tax liabilities	650,392	679,524
Other noncurrent liabilities	93,954	107,328
Total noncurrent liabilities	2,932,289	3,112,627
Total liabilities	3,459,120	3,630,360
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 16)
Stockholders' Equity:
Additional paid-in capital	3,776,451	3,706,122
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(117,233)	(55,856)
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	134,317	(19,040)
Treasury stock, at cost	(98,162)	(98,162)
Total EchoStar stockholders' equity	3,695,478	3,533,168
Noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock	74,854	80,457
Other noncontrolling interests	11,310	10,013
Total stockholders' equity	3,781,642	3,623,638
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	7,240,762	7,253,998
Class A common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock	51	50
Class B common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock	48	48
Class C common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock
Class D common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock
Preferred Stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock
Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock	6	6
Total stockholders' equity	$ 6	$ 6

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable (in dollars)	$ 12,485	$ 14,188
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - DISH Network (in dollars)	0	0
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation (in dollars)	$ 2,998,074	$ 2,899,353
Class A and B Common stock
Common stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	4,000,000,000	4,000,000,000
Class A common stock
Common stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,600,000,000	1,600,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	51,087,839	49,576,247
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	45,555,521	44,043,929
Class B common stock
Common stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	47,687,039	47,687,039
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	47,687,039	47,687,039
Class C common stock
Common stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Class D common stock
Common stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Preferred Stock
Preferred Stock:
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
Preferred Stock:
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	13,000,000	13,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	6,290,499	6,290,499
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	6,290,499	6,290,499

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue:
Equipment revenue - DISH Network	$ 763,184	$ 1,145,979	$ 1,311,446
Equipment revenue - other	358,301	374,049	347,910
Services and other revenue - DISH Network	918,301	828,612	620,189
Services and other revenue - other	1,103,928	1,096,938	1,002,907
Total revenue	3,143,714	3,445,578	3,282,452
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of sales - equipment (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	948,655	1,288,998	1,430,777
Cost of sales - services and other (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	856,065	838,918	776,121
Selling, general and administrative expenses	374,116	372,010	358,499
Research and development expenses	78,287	60,886	67,942
Depreciation and amortization	528,158	556,676	507,111
Impairment of long-lived assets	2,400		38,415
Total costs and expenses	2,787,681	3,117,488	3,178,865
Operating income	356,033	328,090	103,587
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	10,429	9,102	14,656
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(122,066)	(171,349)	(192,554)
Loss from partial redemption of debt	(5,044)
Gains (losses) on marketable investment securities, net	(6,443)	41	38,341
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on marketable investment securities	(11,226)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net	1,895	8,198	(5,024)
Other, net	(2,006)	4,251	6,958
Total other expense, net	(134,461)	(149,757)	(137,623)
Income (loss) before income taxes	221,572	178,333	(34,036)
Income tax (provision) benefit, net	(72,201)	(30,784)	37,437
Net income	149,371	147,549	3,401
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock	(5,603)	(6,714)
Less: Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests	1,617	1,389	876
Net income attributable to EchoStar	153,357	152,874	2,525
Less: Net loss attributable to Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (Note 4)	(10,343)	(12,394)
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock	$ 163,700	$ 165,268	$ 2,525
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock:
Basic (in shares)	92,397	91,190	89,405
Diluted (in shares)	93,466	92,616	90,952
Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.77	$ 1.81	$ 0.03
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.75	$ 1.78	$ 0.03
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net income	$ 149,371	$ 147,549	$ 3,401
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(62,731)	(31,935)	(16,394)
Recognition of foreign currency translation loss in net income	1,889
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities and other	(12,046)	(9,462)	18,413
Recognition of other-than-temporary loss on marketable investment securities in net income	11,226
Recognition of realized gains on marketable investment securities in net income	(35)	(41)	(36,312)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(61,697)	(41,438)	(34,293)
Comprehensive income (loss)	87,674	106,111	(30,892)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock	(5,603)	(6,714)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interests	1,297	1,152	(10)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to EchoStar	$ 91,980	$ 111,673	$ (30,882)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock	Class A and B Common stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interests in HSS Tracking Stock	Other Noncontrolling Interests	Total
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012		$ 93	$ 3,394,646	$ 18,752	$ (174,439)	$ (98,162)		$ 9,337	$ 3,150,227
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Exercise of stock options		3	61,461						61,464
Employee benefits			4,761						4,761
Employee Stock Purchase Plan			9,783						9,783
Stock-based compensation			18,353						18,353
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises			12,663						12,663
Other, net			338					(466)	(128)
Net income (loss)					2,525			876	3,401
Unrealized losses on marketable investment securities, net and other				(17,899)					(17,899)
Foreign currency translation adjustment				(15,508)				(886)	(16,394)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013		96	3,502,005	(14,655)	(171,914)	(98,162)		8,861	3,226,231
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Exercise of stock options		2	16,708						16,710
Employee benefits			10,316						10,316
Employee Stock Purchase Plan			12,147						12,147
Stock-based compensation			14,683						14,683
Issuance of Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (Note 4)	$ 6		163,510				$ 87,171		250,687
Sling TV Holding exchange (Note 6)			8,843						8,843
Echostar XXI option payment, net (Note 9)			(9,569)						(9,569)
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises			(7,252)						(7,252)
R&D tax credit utilized by DISH Network			(5,269)						(5,269)
Net income (loss)					152,874		(6,714)	1,389	147,549
Unrealized losses on marketable investment securities, net and other				(9,503)					(9,503)
Foreign currency translation adjustment				(31,698)				(237)	(31,935)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	6	98	3,706,122	(55,856)	(19,040)	(98,162)	80,457	10,013	3,623,638
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Exercise of stock options		1	24,840						24,841
Employee benefits			10,711						10,711
Employee Stock Purchase Plan			13,888						13,888
Stock-based compensation			21,839						21,839
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises			3,929						3,929
R&D tax credit utilized by DISH Network			(3,048)						(3,048)
Other, net			(1,830)						(1,830)
Net income (loss)					153,357		(5,603)	1,617	149,371
Unrealized losses on marketable investment securities, net and other				(855)					(855)
Foreign currency translation adjustment				(60,522)				(320)	(60,842)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 6	$ 99	$ 3,776,451	$ (117,233)	$ 134,317	$ (98,162)	$ 74,854	$ 11,310	$ 3,781,642

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 149,371	$ 147,549	$ 3,401
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	528,158	556,676	507,111
Equity in losses (earnings) of unconsolidated affiliates, net	(1,895)	(8,198)	5,024
Loss from partial redemption of debt	5,044
Losses (gains) and other-than-temporary impairment on marketable investment securities, net	17,669	(41)	(38,341)
Impairment of long-lived assets	2,400		38,415
Stock-based compensation	21,839	14,683	18,353
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	56,132	31,742	(35,780)
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net:
Trade accounts receivable	(36,749)	(18,023)	42,580
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(1,703)	950	(2,995)
Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network	(25,490)	104,051	(77,790)
Inventory	(4,906)	2,608	16,529
Other current assets	6,499	9,930	5,182
Trade accounts payable	37,228	(22,230)	(76,497)
Trade accounts payable - DISH Network	(7,792)	(26,508)	28,783
Accrued expenses and other	1,477	26,469	38,085
Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net	1,616	(8,305)	(41,650)
Other, net	27,553	28,778	20,097
Net cash flows from operating activities	776,451	840,131	450,507
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of marketable investment securities	(536,430)	(1,523,514)	(1,080,437)
Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities	1,057,034	1,353,157	912,030
Purchases of property and equipment	(809,270)	(680,026)	(391,873)
Refunds and other receipts related to capital expenditures	105,750
Changes in restricted cash and marketable investment securities	(2,057)	(2,808)	12,908
Investments in unconsolidated entities	(64,655)
Acquisition of regulatory authorizations	(3,428)		(41,748)
Proceeds from asset transfer to DISH Network			40,398
Capital contribution to Sling TV Holding		(18,569)	(7,000)
Expenditures for externally marketed software	(22,327)	(22,955)	(17,215)
Other, net	72	7,125	2,648
Net cash flows from investing activities	(275,311)	(887,590)	(570,289)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repayment of 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes Due 2019 and related premium	(113,300)
Repayment of other long-term debt and capital lease obligations	(44,804)	(63,122)	(68,225)
Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan	38,729	28,857	71,247
Net proceeds from issuance of Tracking Stock (Note 4)		7,526
Excess tax benefit from stock options exercises	3,929	(7,252)	12,663
Other, net	(4,811)	(1,105)	2,641
Net cash flows from financing activities	(120,257)	(35,096)	18,326
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(5,696)	(2,511)	3,961
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	375,187	(85,066)	(97,495)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	549,053	634,119	731,614
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	924,240	549,053	634,119
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)	179,114	188,087	188,331
Capitalized interest	63,808	23,774	3,968
Cash paid for income taxes	6,394	14,221	16,728
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock	10,711	10,316	4,761
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations	8,604	3,312	5,316
Increase (decrease) in capital expenditures included in accounts payable, net	(7,123)	11,436	(8,921)
Noncash assets contributed to SmarDTV (Note 6)	6,651
Net noncash assets transferred from DISH Network in exchange for Tracking Stock (Note 4)		386,691
Noncash assets received from Sling TV Holding (Note 6)		$ 34,075
Capitalized in-orbit incentive obligations			18,000
Reduction of capital lease obligation for AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites	$ 4,500		6,694
Liabilities assumed in regulatory authorization acquisition			$ 10,304

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 2015
6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.50%

Organization and Business Activities	12 Months Ended
Organization and Business Activities	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization and Business Activities
Organization and Business Activities	Note 1.Organization and Business Activities Principal Business EchoStar Corporation (which, together with its subsidiaries, is referred to as “EchoStar,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and/or “our”) is a holding company that was organized in October 2007 as a corporation under the laws of the State of Nevada. We are a global provider of satellite operations, video delivery solutions, digital set-top boxes, and broadband satellite technologies and services for home and office, delivering innovative network technologies, managed services, and solutions for enterprises and governments. Our Class A common stock is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “SATS.” We currently operate in the following three business segments: Hughes — which provides satellite broadband internet access to North American consumers and broadband network services and equipment to domestic and international enterprise markets. The Hughes segment also provides managed services to large enterprises and solutions to customers for mobile satellite systems. EchoStar Technologies (“ETC”) — which designs, develops and distributes secure end-to-end video technology solutions including digital set-top boxes and related products and technology, primarily for satellite TV service providers and telecommunication companies. Our EchoStar Technologies segment also provides digital broadcast operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission services, signal processing, conditional access management, and other services, primarily to DISH Network Corporation and its subsidiaries (“DISH Network”) and Dish Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“Dish Mexico”), a joint venture we entered into in 2008. In addition, we provide our TV Anywhere technology through Slingbox® units directly to consumers via retail outlets and online, as well as to the pay-TV operator market. Beginning in 2015, this segment also includes Move Networks, our over-the-top (“OTT”), Streaming Video on Demand (“SVOD”) platform business, which includes assets acquired from Sling TV Holding L.L.C. (formerly DISH Digital Holding L.L.C.) (“Sling TV Holding”), and primarily provides support services to DISH Network’s Sling TV operations. In 2016, we plan to introduce a security and home automation solution provided directly to consumers. EchoStar Satellite Services (“ESS”) — which uses certain of our owned and leased in-orbit satellites and related licenses to provide satellite services on a full-time and occasional-use basis primarily to DISH Network, Dish Mexico, United States (“U.S.”) government service providers, internet service providers, broadcast news organizations, programmers, and private enterprise customers. Our operations also include real estate and other activities that have not been assigned to our operating segments, including, costs incurred in certain satellite development programs and other business development activities, expenses of various corporate departments, and our centralized treasury operations, including, income from our investment portfolio and interest expense on our debt. These activities are accounted for in the “All Other and Eliminations” column in Note 17. In 2008, DISH Network completed its distribution to us of its digital set-top box business, certain infrastructure, and other assets and related liabilities, including certain of its satellites, uplink and satellite transmission assets, and real estate (the “Spin-off”). Since the Spin-off, EchoStar and DISH Network have operated as separate publicly-traded companies. However, as a result of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, described in Note 4, DISH Network owns shares of our and our subsidiary’s preferred tracking stock representing an aggregate 80.0% economic interest in the residential retail satellite broadband business of our Hughes segment. In addition, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of DISH Network and EchoStar is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation We consolidate all entities in which we have controlling financial interest. We are deemed to have a controlling financial interest in variable interest entities where we are the primary beneficiary. We are deemed to have a controlling financial interest in other entities when we own more than 50 percent of the outstanding voting shares and other shareholders do not have substantive rights to participate in management. For entities we control but do not wholly own, we record a noncontrolling interest within stockholders’ equity for the portion of the entity’s equity attributed to the noncontrolling ownership interests. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, noncontrolling interests consist primarily of HSS Tracking Stock owned by DISH Network (see Note 4). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the balance sheets, the reported amounts of revenue and expense for each reporting period, and certain information disclosed in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, amortization periods for deferred subscriber acquisition costs, revenue recognition using the percentage-of-completion method, allowances for doubtful accounts, allowances for sales returns and rebates, warranty obligations, self-insurance obligations, deferred taxes and related valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, loss contingencies, fair value of financial instruments, fair value of stock-based compensation awards, fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, lease classifications, asset impairment testing, useful lives and methods for depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets, and certain royalty obligations. We base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience, observable market inputs and on various other factors that we believe to be relevant under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements. Changing economic conditions may increase the inherent uncertainty in the estimates and assumptions indicated above. We review our estimates and assumptions periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period they occur or prospectively if the revised estimate affects future periods. Foreign Currency The functional currency for certain of our foreign operations is determined to be the local currency. Accordingly, we translate assets and liabilities of these foreign entities from their local currencies to U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates and translate income and expense accounts at monthly average rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) as “Foreign currency translation adjustments” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). We have not recorded deferred income taxes related to our foreign currency translation adjustments. Gains and losses resulting from re-measurement of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies into the functional currency are recognized in “Other, net” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). We recognized net foreign currency transaction losses of $7.7 million, $3.0 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 primarily consisted of money market funds, government bonds, corporate notes, and commercial paper. The amortized cost of these investments approximates their fair value. Marketable Investment Securities We classify our marketable investment securities as available-for-sale, except in certain instances where we have accounted for certain securities as trading securities. We report our marketable investment securities at fair value and generally recognize the difference between fair value and amortized cost as “Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities and other” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Declines in the fair value of marketable investment securities that are determined to be other than temporary are recognized in earnings, thus establishing a new cost basis for the investment. Interest and dividend income from marketable investment securities is reported in “Interest income” and “Other, net,” respectively, in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. We evaluate our marketable investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine whether declines in the fair value of these securities are other than temporary. Our evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things: the fair value of each security compared to its amortized cost; the length of time and the extent to which the fair value of a security has been lower than amortized cost; the historical volatility of the price of each security; any market and company-specific factors related to each security; and our intent and ability to hold the investment to recovery. Where the fair value of a debt security has declined below its amortized cost, we consider the decline to be other than temporary if any of the following factors apply: we intend to sell the security, it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before maturity or recovery, or we do not expect to recover the security’s entire amortized cost basis, even if there is no intent to sell the security. We use the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method to determine the cost basis on sales of marketable investment securities. Investments in Unconsolidated Entities — Cost and Equity Method We use the equity method to account for equity investments in entities that we do not control but have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the investee. We use the cost method when we do not have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the entity. Generally, our equity investments accounted for using either the equity method or cost method are not publicly traded and it is not practicable to regularly estimate the fair value of such investments. We evaluate these equity investments on a quarterly basis to determine whether an event or changes in circumstances has occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. As part of our evaluation, we review available information such as business plans and current financial statements of these companies for factors that may indicate an impairment of our investments. Such factors may include, but are not limited to, unprofitable operations, negative cash flow, material litigation, violations of debt covenants, bankruptcy and changes in business strategy. When we determine that an investment is impaired, and the impairment is other than temporary, we adjust the carrying amount of the investment to its estimated fair value and recognize the impairment loss in earnings. Generally, equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for our proportionate share of the net earnings or loss of the investee, which is reported in “Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The carrying amount of our investments may include a component of goodwill if the cost of our investment exceeds the fair value of the underlying identifiable assets and liabilities of the investee. Dividends received from equity method investees reduce the carrying amount of the investment. We defer, to the extent of our ownership interest in the investee, recognition of intra-entity profits on sales of equipment to the investee until the investee has charged the cost of the equipment to expense in a subsequent sale to a third party or through depreciation. In these circumstances, we report the gross amounts of revenue and cost of sales in the statement of operations and include the intra-entity profit eliminations within “Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net.” Accounts Receivable We estimate allowances for the potential non-collectability of accounts receivable based upon past collection experience and consideration of other relevant factors. Past experience may not be indicative of future collections and therefore additional adjustments could be recognized in the future to reflect differences between estimated and actual collections. Inventory Inventory is stated at the lower of cost, determined using the FIFO method, or net realizable value. Cost of inventory consists primarily of materials, direct labor and indirect overhead incurred in the procurement and manufacturing of our products. We use standard costing methodologies in determining the cost of certain of our finished goods and work-in-process inventories. We determine net realizable value using our best estimates of future use or recovery, considering the aging and composition of inventory balances, the effects of technological and/or design changes, forecasted future product demand based on firm or near-firm customer orders, and alternative means of disposition of excess or obsolete items. Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. The cost of our satellites includes construction costs, including the present value of in-orbit incentives payable to the satellite manufacturer, launch costs, capitalized interest, and related insurance premiums. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over lives ranging from one to 40 years. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense when incurred. Costs of renewals and betterments are capitalized. Impairment of Long-lived Assets We review our long-lived assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For assets held and used in operations, the asset is not recoverable if the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its undiscounted estimated future net cash flows. When an asset is not recoverable, we adjust the carrying amount of such asset to its estimated fair value and recognize the impairment loss in earnings. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired businesses over the estimated fair value assigned to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We do not amortize goodwill, but test goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may exist. Our goodwill as of December 31, 2015 consists primarily of goodwill assigned to reporting units of our Hughes segment. We test Hughes goodwill for impairment in the second fiscal quarter. There are two steps to the goodwill impairment test. Step one compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. We typically estimate fair value of the reporting units using discounted cash flow techniques, which includes significant assumptions about prospective financial information, terminal value and discount rates (Level 3 inputs). If the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value, it is necessary to perform the second step of the impairment test, which compares the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of such goodwill to determine the amount of impairment loss. We may bypass the two-step goodwill impairment test if we determine, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount including goodwill. Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets At acquisition and periodically thereafter, we evaluate our intangible assets to determine whether their useful lives are finite or indefinite. We consider our intangible assets to have indefinite lives when no significant legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic, or other factors limit the useful life. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from approximately one to 30 years. When we expect to incur significant costs to renew or extend finite-lived intangible assets, we amortize the total initial and estimated renewal costs over the combined initial and expected renewal terms. In such instances, actual renewal costs are capitalized when they are incurred. We test intangible assets with finite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, as discussed above under “Impairment of Long-lived Assets.” We do not amortize our indefinite-lived intangible assets, but test those assets for impairment annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset may be impaired. Costs incurred to maintain or renew indefinite-lived intangible assets are expensed as incurred. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets include Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) authorizations and certain other contractual or regulatory rights to use spectrum at specified orbital locations (collectively “Regulatory Authorizations”). We have determined that our FCC authorizations generally have indefinite useful lives due to the following: FCC authorizations are non-depleting assets; renewal satellite applications generally are authorized by the FCC subject to certain conditions, without substantial cost under a stable regulatory, legislative, and legal environment; expenditures required to maintain the authorization are not significant; and we intend to use these authorizations indefinitely. Our non-FCC regulatory authorizations consist primarily of authorizations in Europe and Brazil that we acquired in 2013 and 2012, respectively. We have determined that those Regulatory Authorizations have finite lives due to uncertainties about the regulatory environments. Income Taxes We recognize a provision or benefit for income taxes currently payable or receivable and for income tax amounts deferred to future periods. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the estimated future tax effects of differences that exist between the financial reporting carrying amount and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are offset by valuation allowances when we determine it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will not be realized in the foreseeable future. From time to time, we engage in transactions where the income tax consequences are uncertain. We recognize tax benefits when, in management’s judgment, a tax filing position is more likely than not to be sustained if challenged by the tax authorities. For tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not threshold, we may not recognize a portion of a tax benefit depending on management’s assessment of how the tax position will ultimately be settled. Unrecognized tax benefits generally are netted against the deferred tax assets associated with our net operating loss carryforwards. We adjust our estimates periodically based on ongoing examinations by and settlements with various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and precedent. We classify interest and penalties, if any, associated with our unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax provision or benefit. As discussed below under “New Accounting Pronouncements,” in 2015 we changed our method for classifying deferred income taxes in our consolidated balance sheets in connection with our adoption of ASU 2015-17. Fair Value Measurements We determine fair value based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Market or observable inputs are the preferred source of values, followed by unobservable inputs or assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs. We utilize the highest level of inputs available according to the following hierarchy in determining fair value: Level 1, defined as observable inputs being quoted prices in active markets for identical assets; Level 2, defined as observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, consistent with characteristics of the asset or liability that would be considered by market participants in a transaction to purchase or sell the asset or liability. Transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy are considered to occur at the beginning of the quarterly accounting period. There were no transfers between levels for each of the years ended December 31, 2015 or 2014. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, accounts payable and accrued liabilities were equal to or approximated fair value due to their short-term nature or proximity to current market rates. Fair values of our current marketable investment securities are based on a variety of observable market inputs. For our investments in publicly traded equity securities and U.S. government securities, fair value ordinarily is determined based on a Level 1 measurement that reflects quoted prices for identical securities in active markets. Fair values of our investments in other marketable debt securities generally are based on Level 2 measurements as the markets for such debt securities are less active. Trades of identical debt securities on or near the measurement date are considered a strong indication of fair value. Matrix pricing techniques that consider par value, coupon rate, credit quality, maturity and other relevant features also may be used to determine fair value of our investments in marketable debt securities. Fair values for our publicly traded long-term debt are based on quoted market prices in less active markets and are categorized as Level 2 measurements. The fair values of our privately held debt are Level 2 measurements and are estimated to approximate their carrying amounts based on the proximity of their interest rates to current market rates. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair values of our in-orbit incentive obligations, based on measurements categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, approximated their carrying amounts of $79.3 million and $85.8 million, respectively. We use fair value measurements from time to time in connection with impairment testing and the assignment of purchase consideration to assets and liabilities of acquired companies. Those fair value measurements typically include significant unobservable inputs and are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Revenue Recognition Revenue from the sale of equipment and services generally is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, prices are fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, and the goods have been delivered or services have been rendered. If any of these criteria are not met, revenue recognition is deferred until such time as all of the criteria are met. Revenue from equipment sales generally is recognized upon shipment to customers. Revenue from recurring services generally is recognized ratably over the service term. Upfront fees collected in connection with services to consumer subscribers in our Hughes segment are deferred and recognized as revenue over the estimated subscriber life. We may offer rebates to qualifying new consumer subscribers in our Hughes segment. We reduce related revenue at inception of the subscriber contract based on an estimate of the number of rebates that will be redeemed. Our estimates are based on historical experience and actual sales during the promotion. Services and other revenue includes revenue from leases of satellite capacity and equipment. We typically determine based on applicable criteria that our leasing arrangements are operating leases and recognize related revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In situations where customer offerings represent an arrangement for both services and equipment, revenue elements with standalone value to the customer are separated for revenue recognition purposes based on their selling prices if sold separately. We determine selling prices under a hierarchy that considers vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), third-party evidence and estimated selling prices. Typically, we derive VSOE from service renewal rates and optional equipment prices specified in customer contracts or we estimate prices based on the gross margin that we ordinarily realize in transactions with similarly situated customers. In addition to equipment and service offerings, our Hughes segment also enters into contracts to design, develop, and deliver complex telecommunication networks to customers in its enterprise and mobile satellite systems markets. Those contracts require significant effort to develop and construct the network over an extended time period. Revenue from such contracts is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method. Depending on the nature of the arrangement, we measure progress toward contract completion using the cost-to-cost method or the units-of-delivery method. Under the cost-to-cost method, revenue reflects the ratio of costs incurred to estimated total costs at completion multiplied by the total estimated contract revenue. Under the units-of-delivery method, revenue and related costs are recognized as products are delivered based on the expected profit for the entire agreement. Profit margins on long-term contracts are based on estimates of revenue and costs at completion. We review and revise our estimates periodically and recognize related adjustments in the period in which the revisions are made. Estimated losses on contracts are recorded in the period in which they are identified. We report revenue net of sales taxes imposed on our goods and services in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Since we primarily act as an agent for the governmental authorities, the amount charged to the customer is collected and remitted directly to the appropriate jurisdictional entity. Debt Issuance Costs Costs of issuing debt generally are deferred and amortized utilizing the effective interest method with amortization included in “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Cost of Sales - Equipment and Services Cost of sales - equipment primarily consists of inventory costs, including freight and royalties. Cost of sales - equipment generally is recognized as products are delivered to customers and related revenue is recognized. Cost of sales - services primarily consists of costs of digital broadcast operations, satellite capacity and services, hub infrastructure, customer care, wireline and wireless capacity, and direct labor costs associated with the services provided. Costs of sales - services generally are charged to expense as incurred. Research and Development Costs incurred in research and development activities generally are expensed as incurred. A significant portion of our research and development costs are incurred in connection with the specific requirements of a customer’s order. In such instances, the amounts for these customer funded development efforts are included in cost of sales. Cost of sales for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 includes research and development costs of approximately $59.2 million, $68.4 million and $65.3 million, respectively. In addition, we incurred $78.3 million, $60.9 million and $67.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for other research and development expenses. Subscriber Acquisition Costs Subscriber Acquisition Costs (“SAC”) consists of costs paid to third-party dealers and customer service representative commissions on new service activations and hardware upgrades and, in certain cases, the cost of hardware and installation services provided to non-wholesale consumer customers at the inception of service or hardware upgrade. SAC is deferred when a customer enters into a service agreement and is subsequently amortized over the service agreement term in proportion to when the related service revenue is recognized. We monitor the recoverability of deferred SAC and are entitled to an early termination fee if the subscriber cancels service prior to the end of the service agreement term. The recoverability of deferred SAC is reasonably assured through the monthly service fee charged to customers, our ability to recover the equipment, and/or our ability to charge an early termination fee. Deferred SAC is included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” in our consolidated balance sheets. Capitalized Software Costs Costs related to the procurement and development of software for internal use and externally marketed software are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, not in excess of five years. Capitalized costs of internal-use software are included in “Property and equipment, net” and capitalized costs of externally marketed software are included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” in our consolidated balance sheets. Externally marketed software is generally installed in the equipment we sell to customers. We conduct software program reviews for externally marketed capitalized software costs at least annually, or as events and circumstances warrant such a review, to determine if capitalized software development costs are recoverable and to ensure that costs associated with programs that are no longer generating revenue are expensed. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the net carrying amount of externally marketed software was $62.8 million and $48.9 million, respectively. For the years ended December 2015, 2014 and 2013, we capitalized costs of $22.4 million, $23.1 million and $17.0 million, respectively, related to the development of externally marketed software. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recorded amortization expense relating to the development of externally marketed software of $8.4 million, $5.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The weighted average useful life of our externally marketed software was approximately four years as of December 31, 2015. Stock-based Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on the fair value of stock awards ultimately expected to vest. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Compensation expense for awards with service conditions only is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Compensation expense for awards subject to performance conditions is recognized only when satisfaction of the performance condition is probable. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we incurred advertising expense of $49.9 million, $50.8 million and $47.4 million, respectively. New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). It outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-14, which deferred by one year the mandatory effective date of ASU 2014-09. As a result, public entities are required to adopt the new revenue standard in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and in interim periods within those annual periods. The standard may be applied either retrospectively to prior periods or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Early adoption is permitted, but not before annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We have not determined when we will adopt the new revenue standard or selected the transition method that we will apply upon adoption. We are assessing the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). This standard amends the consolidation guidance for variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and general partners’ investments in limited partnerships and similar entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods, and requires either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. We will adopt this standard on the effective date. In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). This standard requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods, and requires a retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. Based on our preliminary assessment, upon adoption of this standard, we expect to present unamortized deferred costs in other noncurrent assets with a carrying amount of $31.3 million and $39.1 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as a reduction of our long-term debt balances. We will adopt this standard on the effective date. In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”). This standard requires that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be presented as noncurrent assets or liabilities in the balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods, and may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this standard early on a prospective basis in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). This update substantially revises standards for the recognition, measurement and presentation of financial instruments. This standard revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. It also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted for certain requirements. We are assessing the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Earnings per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share

Note 3.Earnings per Share

We present basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS for our Class A and Class B common stock. The EchoStar Tracking Stock (see Note 4 for definitions and a further discussion of the preferred tracking stock, the EchoStar Group and the Hughes Retail Group) is a participating security that shares in our consolidated earnings and therefore, effective March 1, 2014, the issuance date of the EchoStar Tracking Stock, we apply the two-class method to calculate EPS. Under the two-class method, we allocate net income or loss attributable to EchoStar between common stock and the EchoStar Tracking Stock considering both dividends declared on each class of stock and the participation rights of each class of stock in undistributed earnings. Based on the 51.89% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group, represented by the EchoStar Tracking Stock, we allocate undistributed earnings to the EchoStar Tracking Stock based on 51.89% of the attributed net income or loss of the Hughes Retail Group. Moreover, because the reported amount of “Net income attributable to EchoStar” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) excludes DISH Network’s 28.11% economic interest (represented by the HSS Tracking Stock) in the net loss of the Hughes Retail Group (reported as a noncontrolling interest), the amount of consolidated net income or loss allocated to holders of Class A and Class B common stock effectively excludes an aggregate 80.0% of the attributed net loss of the Hughes Retail Group.

Basic EPS for our Class A and Class B common stock excludes potential dilution and is computed by dividing “Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock” by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if our common stock awards were exercised. The potential dilution from common stock awards was computed using the treasury stock method based on the average market value of our Class A common stock during the period. The calculation of our diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding excluded options to purchase shares of our Class A common stock, whose effect would be anti-dilutive, of 2.3 million, 2.3 million and 2.7 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The calculation also excluded 0.7 million shares of our Class A common stock that were issuable pursuant to our performance based stock incentive plans contingent upon meeting a company-specific performance measure by March 31, 2015, that was not achieved and which resulted in the expiration of such awards as of March 31, 2015.

The following table presents basic and diluted EPS amounts for all periods and the corresponding weighted-average shares outstanding used in the calculations.

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to EchoStar	$	153,357		$	152,874		$	2,525
Less: Net loss attributable to EchoStar Tracking Stock	(10,343		)	(12,394		)	—

Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock	$	163,700		$	165,268		$	2,525


Weighted-average common shares outstanding :
Class A and B common stock:
Basic	92,397			91,190			89,405
Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding	1,069			1,426			1,547

Diluted	93,466			92,616			90,952


Earnings per share:
Class A and B common stock:
Basic	$	1.77		$	1.81		$	0.03

Diluted	$	1.75		$	1.78		$	0.03

Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock

Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock

Note 4.Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock

Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction

On February 20, 2014, EchoStar entered into agreements with certain subsidiaries of DISH Network pursuant to which, effective March 1, 2014, (i) EchoStar issued shares of its newly authorized Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (the “EchoStar Tracking Stock”) and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (“HSS”), a subsidiary of EchoStar, also issued shares of its newly authorized Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (the “HSS Tracking Stock” and together with the EchoStar Tracking Stock, the “Tracking Stock”) to DISH Network in exchange for five satellites (EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI, and EchoStar XIV), including the assumption of related in-orbit incentive obligations, and $11.4 million in cash and (ii) DISH Network began receiving certain satellite services on these five satellites from us (the “Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction”). The Tracking Stock tracks the residential retail satellite broadband business of our Hughes segment, including certain operations, assets and liabilities attributed to such business (collectively, the “Hughes Retail Group” or “HRG”). The Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction was consistent with the long-term strategy of the Company to increase the scale of its satellite services business, which provides high-margin revenues, while continuing to benefit from the growth of the satellite broadband business. As a result of the additional satellites received in the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, EchoStar has increased short-term cash flow that it believes will better position it to achieve its strategic objectives.

EchoStar and HSS have adopted policy statements (the “Policy Statements”) setting forth management and allocation policies for purposes of attributing all of the business and operations of EchoStar to either the Hughes Retail Group or the “EchoStar Group,” which is defined as all other operations of EchoStar, including all existing and future businesses, other than the Hughes Retail Group. Among other things, the Policy Statements govern how assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses are attributed or allocated between HRG and the EchoStar Group. Such attributions and allocations generally do not affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements, except for the attribution of stockholders’ equity and net income or loss between the holders of Tracking Stock and common stock. The Policy Statements also do not significantly affect the way that management assesses operating performance and allocates resources within our Hughes segment.

We provide unaudited attributed financial information for HRG and the EchoStar Group in an exhibit to our periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K. Set forth below is information about certain terms of the Tracking Stock and the initial recording of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction in our consolidated financial statements.

Description of the Tracking Stock

Tracking stock is a type of capital stock that the issuing company intends to reflect or “track” the economic performance of a particular business component within the company, rather than reflect the economic performance of the company as a whole. The Tracking Stock is intended to track the economic performance of the Hughes Retail Group. The shares of the Tracking Stock issued to DISH Network represent an aggregate 80.0% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group (the shares issued as EchoStar Tracking Stock represent a 51.89% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group and the shares issued as HSS Tracking Stock represent a 28.11% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group). In addition to the remaining 20.0% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group, EchoStar retains all economic interest in the wholesale satellite broadband business and other businesses of EchoStar. The 80.0% economic interest was determined at the time of issuance based on the estimated fair value of the consideration received from DISH Network in exchange for the Tracking Stock, consisting of the five satellites and $11.4 million in cash, relative to the estimated fair value of the Hughes Retail Group. The allocation of economic interest represented by the Tracking Stock of 51.89% issued as EchoStar Tracking Stock and 28.11% issued as HSS Tracking Stock reflected the relative assignment to HSS Tracking Stock and EchoStar Tracking Stock of the aggregate increase in equity resulting from DISH Network’s contribution of the satellites and cash. The tracking stock structure and the allocation of the tracking stock economic interest between EchoStar and HSS was advantageous to EchoStar from an economic and tax perspective by allowing the Company to increase cash flow by using the value of the Hughes Retail Group to purchase the satellites from DISH Network.

While DISH Network, as the holder of the Tracking Stock, holds an aggregate 80.0% economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group, the Hughes Retail Group is not a separate legal entity and therefore cannot own assets, issue securities or enter into legally binding agreements. Holders of the Tracking Stock have no direct claim to the assets of the Hughes Retail Group; rather, holders of the Tracking Stock are stockholders of its respective issuer (EchoStar or HSS) and are subject to all risks and liabilities of the issuer.

The EchoStar Tracking Stock is a series of preferred stock consisting of 13,000,000 authorized shares with a par value of $0.001 per share, of which 6,290,499 shares were issued to DISH Network on March 1, 2014. The HSS Tracking Stock is a series of HSS preferred stock consisting of 300 authorized shares with a par value of $0.001 per share, of which 81.128 shares were issued to DISH Network on March 1, 2014. Following the issuance of the shares of the EchoStar Tracking Stock and the HSS Tracking Stock, DISH Network held 6.5% and 7.5% of the aggregate number of outstanding shares of EchoStar and HSS capital stock, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, DISH Network held 6.3% and 7.5% of the aggregate number of outstanding shares of EchoStar and HSS capital stock, respectively.

Holders of shares of the Tracking Stock vote with holders of the outstanding shares of common stock of its respective issuer, as a single class, with respect to any and all matters presented to stockholders for their action or consideration. Each share of the Tracking Stock is entitled to one-tenth (1/10th) of one vote, which resulted in a relative loss of voting power for our Class A and Class B common stockholders. In the event of a liquidation of EchoStar, holders of shares of EchoStar Class A common stock, EchoStar Class B common stock and the EchoStar Tracking Stock are entitled to receive their respective proportionate interests in the net assets of EchoStar, if any, remaining for distribution upon liquidation, pro rata based upon the aggregate market value of outstanding shares of the EchoStar Tracking Stock (determined by an independent appraisal to the extent such shares are not then listed or quoted on any U.S. national or regional securities exchange or quotation system) as compared to the aggregate market value of outstanding shares of EchoStar Class A common stock and EchoStar Class B common stock. Similarly, in the event of a liquidation of HSS, holders of shares of HSS common stock and HSS Tracking Stock are entitled to receive their respective proportionate interests in the net assets of HSS, if any, remaining for distribution upon liquidation, pro rata based upon the aggregate market value of outstanding shares of HSS Tracking Stock as compared to the aggregate market value of outstanding shares of HSS common stock. Market values of HSS Tracking Stock and HSS common stock are to be determined by an independent appraisal to the extent such shares are not then listed or quoted on any U.S. national or regional securities exchange or quotation system.

Should our board of directors, or the board of directors of HSS, make a future determination to pay a dividend on any shares of capital stock, the respective board of directors may, in its sole discretion, declare dividends only on shares of common stock, only on shares of the Tracking Stock or on shares of both the common stock and the Tracking Stock of the respective company. No dividend or other distribution may be paid on any shares of EchoStar Tracking Stock unless a dividend or distribution in an equivalent amount is paid on shares of HSS Tracking Stock and no dividend or other distribution may be paid on any shares of HSS Tracking Stock unless a dividend or distribution in an equivalent amount is paid on shares of EchoStar Tracking Stock.

EchoStar and HSS may each, at its option, redeem all of the outstanding shares of its Tracking Stock in exchange for shares of common stock in an HRG Holding Company (as defined below), which EchoStar is required to establish pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement discussed below.

Investor Rights Agreement

In connection with the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, EchoStar, HSS and DISH Network entered into an agreement (the “Investor Rights Agreement”) setting forth certain rights and obligations of the parties with respect to the Tracking Stock. Among other provisions, the Investor Rights Agreement provides: (i) certain information and consultation rights for DISH Network; (ii) certain transfer restrictions on the Tracking Stock and certain rights and obligations to offer and sell under certain circumstances (including a prohibition on transfer of the Tracking Stock until March 1, 2015), with continuing transfer restrictions (including a right of first offer in favor of EchoStar) thereafter, an obligation to sell the Tracking Stock to us in connection with a change of control of DISH Network and a right to require us to repurchase the Tracking Stock in connection with a change of control of EchoStar, in each case subject to certain terms and conditions; (iii) certain protective covenants afforded to holders of the Tracking Stock; and (iv) a requirement for EchoStar to establish a holding company subsidiary (an “HRG Holding Company”) that is directly or indirectly wholly owned by EchoStar and that will hold the Hughes Retail Group.

In addition, the Investor Rights Agreement provides that DISH Network may, on or after September 1, 2016, require EchoStar to use its commercially reasonable efforts to register some or all of the outstanding shares of the Tracking Stock under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, subject to certain terms and conditions (including our right, upon the receipt of a demand for registration, to offer to repurchase all of the Tracking Stock). In connection with any demand for registration, DISH Network may require any outstanding shares of the HSS Tracking Stock to be exchanged for shares of the EchoStar Tracking Stock with an equivalent economic interest in the Hughes Retail Group. In the event that a registration of shares of Tracking Stock is effected, EchoStar is required to use its reasonable best efforts to amend the terms of the Tracking Stock so that the Tracking Stock will be convertible or exchangeable for shares of EchoStar Class A common stock with equivalent market value.

Initial Recording of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction

EchoStar and DISH Network are entities under common control. In accordance with accounting principles that apply to transfers of assets between entities under common control, EchoStar and HSS recorded the net assets received from DISH Network in the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction at their historical carrying amounts as reflected in DISH Network’s consolidated financial statements as of February 28, 2014, the day prior to the effective date of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. DISH Network transferred the EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, and EchoStar X satellites to HSS and transferred the EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV satellites to EchoStar. The historical carrying amounts of net assets transferred to EchoStar and HSS were as follows:

	EchoStar(1)			HSS			Total
	(In thousands)
Cash	$	—		$	11,404		$	11,404
Property and equipment, net	349,243			82,837			432,080
Current liabilities	(3,479		)	(3,076		)	(6,555		)
Noncurrent liabilities	(30,121		)	(8,713		)	(38,834		)

Transferred net assets	$	315,643		$	82,452		$	398,095

(1)

All of the net assets received by EchoStar as part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction were immediately transferred to HSS and are being used by our EchoStar Satellite Services segment.

The transferred net assets increased EchoStar stockholders’ equity and HSS shareholders’ equity by amounts that reflect the carrying amounts of net assets that would be distributed to holders of the Tracking Stock and common stock in a hypothetical liquidation, which would be in proportion to the relative market values (as defined in applicable agreements) of each class of stock. The amounts credited to equity were reduced by direct costs of the Tracking Stock issuance and deferred income tax liabilities arising from differences between the financial reporting carrying amounts and the tax bases of the transferred satellites.

The net amounts credited to EchoStar stockholders’ equity for the EchoStar Tracking Stock (primarily additional paid-in capital) and the noncontrolling interest in the HSS Tracking Stock were as follows:

	EchoStar			Noncontrolling
	Stockholders			Interest			Total
	(In thousands)
Transferred net assets	$	315,643		$	82,452		$	398,095
Offering costs , net of tax	(2,302		)	(610		)	(2,912		)
Deferred income taxes	(114,525		)	(29,971		)	(144,496		)
Reallocation based on relative liquidation values	(35,300		)	35,300			—

Net increase in stockholders’ equity	$	163,516		$	87,171		$	250,687

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects

Note 5.Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects

We have not recognized any tax effects on foreign currency translation adjustments because they are not expected to result in future taxable income or deductions. We have not recognized any tax effects on unrealized gains or losses on marketable investment securities because such gains or losses would affect the amount of existing capital loss carryforwards for which the related deferred tax asset has been fully offset by a valuation allowance.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss includes cumulative foreign currency translation losses of $124.3 million, $63.8 million and $32.1 million as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

	Affected Line Item in our
	Condensed Consolidated	For the Years Ended December 31,
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components	Statement of Operations	2015			2014			2013
		(In thousands)
Recognition of realized gains on marketable investment securities in net income (1)	Gains (losses) on marketable investment securities, net	$	(35	)	$	(41	)	$	(36,312	)
Recognition of other-than-temporary impairment loss on marketable investment securities in net income (2)	Other-than-temporary impairment loss on marketable investment securities	11,226			—			—
Recognition of foreign currency translation losses in net income (3)	Other, net	1,889			—			—

Total reclassifications, net of tax and noncontrolling interests		$	13,080		$	(41	)	$	(36,312	)

(1)

When marketable investment securities are sold, the related unrealized gains and losses that were previously recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified and recognized as Gains (losses) on marketable investment securities, net, in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

(2)

In June 2015, September 2015 and December 2015, we recorded other-than-temporary impairment losses on shares of certain common stock included in our strategic equity securities. See Note 6 for further discussion.

(3)

As a result of the deconsolidation of several of our European subsidiaries in connection with our investment in SmarDTV SA in May 2015, the related cumulative translation adjustments that were previously recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) were reclassified and recognized as a loss within “Other income (expense)” in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). See Note 6 for further discussion.

Investment Securities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Investment Securities

Investment Securities

Note 6.Investment Securities

Our marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and investments in unconsolidated entities consisted of the following:

	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities—current:
Corporate bonds	$	562,236	$	1,049,139
Strategic equity securities	38,864		41,705
Other	11,238		48,259

Total marketable investment securities—current	612,338		1,139,103
Restricted marketable investment securities (1)	13,227		11,712

Total	625,565		1,150,815


Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	7,775		7,233


Investments in unconsolidated entities—noncurrent:
Cost method	81,174		31,174
Equity method	128,090		128,788

Total investments in unconsolidated entities—noncurrent	209,264		159,962

Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and investments in unconsolidated entities	$	842,604	$	1,318,010

(1)

Restricted marketable investment securities and restricted cash and cash equivalents are included in “Restricted cash and marketable investment securities” in our consolidated balance sheets.

Marketable Investment Securities

Our marketable investment securities portfolio consists of various debt and equity instruments, which generally are classified as available-for-sale. As of December 31, 2015, certain of our equity securities were classified as trading securities in order to reflect our investment strategy for those securities. The value of our investment portfolio depends on the value of such securities and other instruments comprising the portfolio.

Corporate Bonds

Our corporate bond portfolio includes debt instruments issued by individual corporations, primarily in the industrial and financial services industries.

Strategic Equity Securities

Our strategic investment portfolio consists of investments in shares of common stock of public companies, which are highly speculative and have experienced and continue to experience volatility. We did not receive any dividend income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, our strategic equity securities included shares of common stock of one of our customers that we received in satisfaction of certain milestone payments that were required to be paid to us under an existing long-term contract. For the year ended December 31, 2015, “Other-than-temporary impairment loss on marketable investment securities” included a $6.1 million other-than-temporary impairment of such common stock in our marketable investment portfolio. For the year ended December 31, 2015, “Gains (losses) on marketable investment securities, net” includes $6.5 million in losses on such common stock in our trading securities portfolio, which had a fair value of $10.3 million as of December 31, 2015. Other-than-temporary impairment losses for the year ended December 31, 2015 also includes a $5.1 million impairment of our shares of common stock in another company that experienced a severe decline in market value during the third and fourth quarters of 2015. We did not record any other-than-temporary impairment losses during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.

Other

Our other current marketable investment securities portfolio includes investments in various debt instruments, including U.S. government bonds.

Restricted Cash and Marketable Investment Securities

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, our restricted marketable investment securities, together with our restricted cash, included amounts required as collateral for our letters of credit or surety bonds.

Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities

The components of our available-for-sale investments are summarized in the table below.

	Amortized		Unrealized					Estimated
	Cost		Gains		Losses			Fair Value
	(In thousands)
As of December 31, 2015
Debt securities:
Corporate bonds	$	562,849	$	10	$	(623	)	$	562,236
Other (including restricted)	24,495		—		(30		)	24,465
Equity securities - strategic	20,855		7,748		(82		)	28,521

Total marketable investment securities	$	608,199	$	7,758	$	(735	)	$	615,222

As of December 31, 2014
Debt securities:
Corporate bonds	$	1,050,803	$	33	$	(1,697	)	$	1,049,139
Other (including restricted)	59,977		1		(7		)	59,971
Equity securities - strategic	32,081		12,849		(3,225		)	41,705

Total marketable investment securities	$	1,142,861	$	12,883	$	(4,929	)	$	1,150,815

As of December 31, 2015, restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities included debt securities of $519.3 million with contractual maturities of one year or less and $67.4 million with contractual maturities greater than one year. We may realize proceeds from certain investments prior to their contractual maturity as a result of our ability to sell these securities prior to their contractual maturity.

Marketable Investment Securities in a Loss Position

The following table reflects the length of time that our available-for-sale securities have been in an unrealized loss position. We do not intend to sell these securities before they recover or mature, and it is more likely than not that we will hold these securities until they recover or mature. We believe that changes in the estimated fair values of these securities are primarily related to temporary market conditions as of December 31, 2015.

	As of December 31,
	2015					2014
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(In thousands)
Less than 12 months	$	364,160	$	(609	)	$	968,941	$	(4,929	)
12 months or more	149,889		(126		)	—		—

Total	$	514,049	$	(735	)	$	968,941	$	(4,929	)

Sales of Marketable Investment Securities

We recognized de minimis gains from the sales of our available-for-sale securities for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $0.1 million and $36.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We recognized de minimis losses from the sales of our available-for-sale securities for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Proceeds from sales of our available-for-sale securities totaled $111.5 million, $190.5 million and $177.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

Our current marketable investment securities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as summarized in the table below. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we did not have investments that were categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

	As of December 31,
	2015						2014
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2
	(In thousands)
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	$	840,950	$	38,771	$	802,179	$	437,886	$	58,108	$	379,778

Debt securities:
Corporate bonds	$	562,236	$	—	$	562,236	$	1,049,139	$	—	$	1,049,139
Other (including restricted)	24,465		12,078		12,387		59,971		5,630		54,341
Equity securities - strategic	38,864		38,864		—		41,705		41,705		—

Total marketable investment securities	$	625,565	$	50,942	$	574,623	$	1,150,815	$	47,335	$	1,103,480

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities — Noncurrent

We have several strategic investments in certain non-publicly traded equity securities that are accounted for using either the equity or the cost method of accounting. Our ability to realize value from our strategic investments in companies that are not publicly traded depends on the success of those companies’ businesses and their ability to obtain sufficient capital to execute their business plans. Because private markets are not as liquid as public markets, there is also increased risk that we will not be able to sell these investments, or that when we desire to sell them we will not be able to obtain fair value for them.

In June 2015, we purchased an equity investment in WorldVu Satellites Limited (“OneWeb”), a low-earth orbit satellite company. OneWeb plans to develop and operate a global network of low-earth orbit Ku-band satellites to provide internet access to fixed and mobile terminals. We do not exercise significant influence over the management of OneWeb; accordingly, we account for the investment using the cost method.

In May 2015, we acquired a 22.5% interest in the equity and subordinated debt of SmarDTV SA (“SmarDTV”), a Swiss subsidiary of Kudelski SA that offers set-top boxes and conditional access modules, in exchange for cash of $13.9 million and the contribution of several of our European subsidiaries to SmarDTV. We recorded our initial investment in SmarDTV at $20.0 million, representing our estimate of the investment’s fair value using discounted cash flow techniques. Our estimate included significant unobservable inputs related to SmarDTV’s future operations and is categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. As of the acquisition date, we deconsolidated the contributed entities and recognized a $2.6 million loss within “Other income (expense)” in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss), consisting of: (i) a $0.7 million loss resulting from our initial investment (at fair value) being less than the sum of our $13.9 million cash payment and the carrying amount of the net assets of the deconsolidated entities and (ii) the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss of $1.9 million in foreign currency translation adjustments related to the deconsolidated entities. The net assets of the deconsolidated entities included property and equipment of $6.7 million and cash of $0.8 million. We have the ability to exercise significant influence over SmarDTV and therefore account for our investment using the equity method. We and SmarDTV also entered into a services agreement pursuant to which our EchoStar Technologies segment purchases certain engineering services from SmarDTV. See Note 19 for information about our related party transactions with SmarDTV subsequent to the date of our initial investment.

On August 8, 2014, an option providing for an unrelated party to acquire a 51.0% equity interest in Dish Mexico was terminated. Although we have owned 49.0% of the equity of Dish Mexico since its inception in 2008, we accounted for our investment as a 24.0% equity interest using the equity method based on assumed dilution that would occur upon the exercise of the option. Upon termination of the option, we recorded a $10.3 million adjustment to increase “Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates” to reflect an increase from 24.0% to 49.0% in our interest in Dish Mexico’s inception-to-date net income. For periods subsequent to the date of the termination of the option, we account for our investment in Dish Mexico as a 49.0% equity interest using the equity method.

As of December 31, 2013, our equity method investments included $18.0 million for our investment in DISH Digital Holding, L.L.C. (now known as Sling TV Holding L.L.C., “Sling TV Holding”), a joint venture between us and DISH Network. The carrying amount of our investment reflected the $44.7 million aggregate carrying amount of cash and certain noncash assets that we contributed to Sling TV Holding upon its formation on July 1, 2012 in exchange for a one-third equity interest in Sling TV Holding, less our equity in the net loss of Sling TV Holding of $16.5 million and $10.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Effective August 1, 2014, we and Sling TV Holding entered into an exchange agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) pursuant to which, we exchanged our one-third voting interest in Sling TV Holding, which we accounted for using the equity method, for a 10.0% non-voting interest in Sling TV Holding, which we account for using the cost method. As part of this transaction, we received a distribution of certain noncurrent assets associated with Move Networks, including property and equipment, technology-related intangible assets and goodwill. Because we and Sling TV Holding are entities under common control, we recorded the distributed assets at their carrying amounts in Sling TV Holding’s accounts, which totaled $34.1 million at the date of distribution, and we recorded our non-voting interest at $1.1 million, which represents 10.0% of the carrying amount of the remaining equity in Sling TV Holding. These amounts exceeded the carrying amount of our existing equity method investment by $8.8 million, which was credited to additional paid-in capital because gain recognition generally is precluded by GAAP in exchanges between entities under common control. In connection with our obligations associated with our interest prior to the Exchange Agreement, we contributed $18.6 million in cash to Sling TV Holding during the third quarter of 2014. We have no obligation to contribute additional capital to Sling TV Holding. See Note 19 for more information regarding the Exchange Agreement with Sling TV Holding.

Investment in TerreStar

In 2008, we invested in certain debt securities (“Exchangeable Notes”) of TerreStar Networks Inc. (“TerreStar”), which subsequently filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in 2010. We accounted for our investment in the Exchangeable Notes using the fair value method and, as of December 31, 2011, our investment was stated at its estimated fair value of zero. Effective March 29, 2012, the Exchangeable Notes were cancelled pursuant to TerreStar’s Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. In December 2014 and January 2016, we received $5.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in cash distributions from the indenture trustee in satisfaction of our claims related to the Exchangeable Notes. We accrued a receivable as of December 31, 2015 for the 2016 receipt and recognized the distributions as gains in “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) and we reported the 2014 cash receipt in “Other, net” within “Cash Flows from Investing Activities” in our consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Trade Accounts Receivable

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Trade Accounts Receivable

Trade Accounts Receivable

Note 7.Trade Accounts Receivable

Our trade accounts receivable consisted of the following:

	As of December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Trade accounts receivable	$	168,714		$	160,886
Contracts in process, net	23,011			16,534

Total trade accounts receivable	191,725			177,420
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(12,485		)	(14,188		)
Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network	277,159			251,669

Total trade accounts receivable, net	$	456,399		$	414,901

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, progress billings offset against contracts in process amounted to $2.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for claims held for amounts due a entity, excluding financing receivables. Examples include, but are not limited to, trade accounts receivables, notes receivables, loans receivables. Includes disclosure for allowance for credit losses.

+ References + Details

Inventory

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Inventory

Inventory

Note 8.Inventory

Our inventory consisted of the following:

	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Finished goods	$	52,839	$	49,038
Raw materials	9,042		6,192
Work-in-process	5,129		7,733

Total inventory	$	67,010	$	62,963

Property and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

Note 9.Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

	Depreciable
	Life	As of December 31,
	(In Years)	2015			2014
		(In thousands)
Land	—	$	41,457		$	42,826
Buildings and improvements	1-40	367,947			375,920
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	1-12	1,254,325			1,223,807
Customer rental equipment	2-4	588,430			498,180
Satellites - owned	2-15	2,381,120			2,381,120
Satellites acquired under capital leases	10-15	665,518			935,104
Construction in progress	—	1,112,267			637,189

Total property and equipment		6,411,064			6,094,146
Accumulated depreciation		(2,998,074		)	(2,899,353		)

Property and equipment, net		$	3,412,990		$	3,194,793

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, accumulated depreciation included amounts for satellites acquired under capital leases of $268.1 million and $481.5 million, respectively. In August 2014, our then existing capital lease agreements for the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites were extended and are being accounted for as operating leases for their extended terms.

In December 2015, we recognized an impairment loss of $2.4 million related to certain building and equipment in our EchoStar Technologies segment.

Construction in progress consisted of the following:

	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Progress amounts for satellite construction, including prepayments under capital leases and launch services costs	$	963,103	$	583,877
Satellite related equipment	126,373		34,270
Other	22,791		19,042

Construction in progress	$	1,112,267	$	637,189

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recorded $63.8 million, $23.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively, of capitalized interest related to our satellites and satellite payloads under construction.

Depreciation expense associated with our property and equipment consisted of the following:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Satellites	$	197,469	$	210,763	$	180,517
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	135,536		123,360		126,625
Customer rental equipment	105,725		116,685		98,076
Buildings and improvements	13,513		13,734		13,449

Total depreciation expense	$	452,243	$	464,542	$	418,667

Satellites depreciation expense includes amortization of satellites under capital lease agreements of $56.2 million, $59.7 million and $59.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Satellites

As of December 31, 2015, we utilized in support of our operations, 18 of our owned and leased satellites in geosynchronous orbit, approximately 22,300 miles above the equator. We depreciate our owned satellites on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of each satellite. Two of our satellites are accounted for as capital leases and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their respective lease terms. We utilized two satellites that were accounted for as operating leases and are not included in property and equipment as of December 31, 2015.

Our operating satellite fleet consists of both owned and leased satellites detailed in the table below as of December 31, 2015.

			Nominal Degree	Depreciable
		Launch	Orbital Location	Life
Satellites	Segment	Date	(Longitude)	(In Years)
Owned:
SPACEWAY 3 (1)	Hughes	August 2007	95 W	12
EchoStar XVII	Hughes	July 2012	107 W	15
EchoStar I (2)(3)(4)	ESS	December 1995	77 W	—
EchoStar III (4)	ESS	October 1997	61.5 W	12
EchoStar VI (4)	ESS	July 2000	96.2 W	12
EchoStar VII (2)(3)	ESS	February 2002	119 W	3
EchoStar VIII (2)(4)	ESS	August 2002	77 W	12
EchoStar IX (2)(4)	ESS	August 2003	121 W	12
EchoStar X (2)(3)	ESS	February 2006	110 W	7
EchoStar XI (2)(3)	ESS	July 2008	110 W	9
EchoStar XII (2)(4)(5)	ESS	July 2003	61.5 W	2
EchoStar XIV (2)(3)	ESS	March 2010	119 W	11
EchoStar XVI (2)	ESS	November 2012	61.5W	15
EUTELSAT 10A (“W2A”) (6)	Other	April 2009	10 E	—

Capital Leases:
Nimiq 5 (2)	ESS	September 2009	72.7 W	15
QuetzSat-1 (2)	ESS	September 2011	77 W	10

Operating Leases:
AMC-15	ESS	October 2004	105 W	—
AMC-16 (7)	ESS	December 2004	85 W	—

(1)

Depreciable life represents the remaining useful life as of June 8, 2011, the date EchoStar completed its acquisition of Hughes Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

(2)

See Note 19 for discussion of related party transactions with DISH Network.

(3)

Depreciable life represents the remaining useful life as of March 1, 2014, the effective date of our receipt of the satellites from DISH Network as part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction (See Note 4).

(4)

Fully depreciated assets.

(5)

Depreciable life represents the remaining useful life as of June 30, 2013, the date the EchoStar XII satellite was impaired.

(6)

The Company acquired the S-band payload on this satellite, which prior to the acquisition in December 2013, experienced an anomaly at the time of the launch. As a result, the S-band payload is not fully operational.

(7)

Operating lease expired in February 2016.

Our owned and leased satellites under construction as of December 31, 2015 are presented below.

Satellites	Segment	Expected Launch Date
EUTELSAT 65 West A (1)	Hughes	First quarter of 2016
EchoStar XXI	Other	Second quarter of 2016
EchoStar XXIII	Other	Third quarter of 2016
EchoStar XIX	Other	Fourth quarter of 2016
EchoStar 105/SES-11	ESS	Fourth quarter of 2016
Telesat T19V (“63 West”) (1)	Hughes	Second quarter of 2018

(1)

We entered into satellite services agreements for certain capacity on these satellites once launched, but are not parties to the construction contracts.

Recent Developments

63 West Agreements. In September 2015, we entered into satellite services agreements pursuant to which affiliates of Telesat Canada (“Telesat”) will provide to us fixed broadband service into South America using the Ka-band capacity on a satellite to be located at the 63 degree west longitude orbital location for a 15-year term. The satellite services agreements require us to make prepayments while the satellite is under construction. We expect the satellite to be launched in the second quarter of 2018 to deliver consumer satellite broadband services into South America as well as create a platform to potentially allow for further development of our business in South America.

Satellite Construction — Launch Services Costs. In the third quarter of 2015, we mutually agreed with a vendor to cancel an existing launch services agreement for the launch of the EchoStar XIX satellite. Pursuant to the cancellation, we received a refund of prior payments related to the launch services, and credited the refund amount to construction in progress in the third quarter of 2015. Also in the third quarter of 2015, we entered into an agreement with a different vendor to provide for the launch of the satellite, which is expected to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2016.

AMC-15 and AMC-16. In August 2014, in connection with the execution of agreements related to the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite, we entered into amendments that extend the terms of our existing agreements with SES Americom Colorado, Inc. (“SES”) for satellite services on the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites. As amended, the term of our agreement for satellite services on certain transponders on the AMC-15 satellite was extended from December 2014 through the in-service date of the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite and is being accounted for as an operating lease. The amended agreement for the AMC-16 satellite services extended the term for the satellite’s entire communications capacity, subject to available power, for one year following expiration of the initial term in February 2015 and the agreement terminated according to its terms in February 2016.

As a result of anomalies that affected the operation of the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites, our monthly recurring payments were reduced under the related capital lease agreements. We have accounted for these lease modifications generally by reducing the carrying amounts of the satellite and related capital lease obligation by the present value of the payment reduction. In such instances where the carrying amount of the satellite had been reduced to zero as a result of accumulated depreciation or impairments, we have recognized the reductions in the capital lease obligations as gains in “Other, net” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recognized such gains of $4.5 million, zero, and $6.7 million, respectively.

Satellite Anomalies and Impairments

Our satellites may experience anomalies from time to time, some of which may have a significant adverse impact on their remaining useful lives, the commercial operation of the satellites or our operating results. We are not aware of any anomalies with respect to our owned or leased satellites that have had any such material adverse effect during the year ended December 31, 2015. There can be no assurance, however, that anomalies will not have any such adverse impacts in the future. In addition, there can be no assurance that we can recover critical transmission capacity in the event one or more of our in-orbit satellites were to fail.

We generally do not carry in-orbit insurance on our satellites or use commercial insurance to mitigate the potential financial impact of launch or in-orbit failures because we believe that the cost of insurance is uneconomical relative to the risk of such failures. Therefore, we generally bear the risk of any uninsured launch or in-orbit failures. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements governing certain portions of our indebtedness, we are required, subject to certain limitations on coverage, to maintain launch and in-orbit insurance for our SPACEWAY 3, EchoStar XVI, and EchoStar XVII satellites. In addition, although we were not required to maintain in-orbit insurance pursuant to our service agreement with DISH Network for the EchoStar XV satellite, we would have been liable for any damage caused by our use of the satellite and therefore we carried third-party insurance on the EchoStar XV satellite until the termination of our service agreement with DISH Network for the EchoStar XV satellite in November 2015.

We evaluate our satellites for impairment and test for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Certain of the anomalies previously disclosed, may be considered to represent a significant adverse change in the physical condition of a particular satellite. However, based on the redundancy designed within each satellite, certain of these anomalies are not necessarily considered to be significant events that would require a test of recoverability.

EchoStar XII. Prior to 2013, our EchoStar XII satellite experienced anomalies resulting in the loss of electrical power available from its solar arrays, which reduced the number of transponders that could be operated. The satellite is currently leased to DISH Network pursuant to an agreement that entitles DISH Network to a reduction in its monthly recurring lease payments in the event of a partial loss of satellite capacity or complete failure of the satellite. In the second quarter of 2013, we determined that the carrying amount of the satellite was not recoverable as a result of expected reductions in the monthly recurring lease payments due to future capacity loss. Consequently, in the second quarter of 2013, we recognized a $34.7 million impairment loss within our EchoStar Satellite Services segment to reduce the carrying amount of the satellite to its estimated fair value of $11.3 million as of June 30, 2013. Our fair value estimate was determined using probability weighted discounted cash flow techniques and is categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Our estimate included significant unobservable inputs related to predicted electrical power levels and the number of billable transponders that can be supported by predicted available power. In connection with our impairment analysis, we revised our estimate of the useful life of the satellite to reflect a remaining estimated useful life of 18 months. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the EchoStar XII satellite was fully depreciated.

Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets

Note 10.Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The excess of the cost of an acquired business over the fair values of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets at the time of the acquisition is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is assigned to our reporting units of our operating segments and is subject to impairment testing annually, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not less than its carrying amount.

Changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

	Hughes		ETC		Consolidated Total
	(In thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	504,173	$	—	$	504,173
Sling TV Holding exchange	—		6,457		6,457

Balance as of December 31, 2014	504,173		6,457		510,630

Balance as of December 31, 2015	$	504,173	$	6,457	$	510,630

As of December 31, 2015, approximately $504.2 million of our goodwill was assigned to reporting units of our Hughes segment. We test this goodwill for impairment annually in the second quarter. Based on our qualitative assessment of impairment of such goodwill in the second quarter of 2015, we determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of the Hughes segment reporting units were less than the corresponding carrying amounts.

In August 2014, we and Sling TV Holding entered into the Exchange Agreement pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holding distributed certain assets to us at their carrying amounts, including our Move Networks business with associated goodwill of $6.5 million. See Note 19 for information about the Exchange Agreement.

Regulatory Authorizations

Regulatory authorizations included amounts with finite and indefinite useful lives, as follows:

	As of						Currency			As of
	December 31,						Translation			December 31,
	2014			Additions			Adjustment			2015
	(In thousands)
Finite useful lives:
Cost	$	103,499		$	—		$	(21,492	)	$	82,007
Accumulated amortization	(6,778		)	(4,741		)	1,667			(9,852		)

Net	96,721			(4,741		)	(19,825		)	72,155
Indefinite lives	471,657			—			—			471,657

Total regulatory authorizations, net	$	568,378		$	(4,741	)	$	(19,825	)	$	543,812

In December 2013, we acquired 100.0% of Solaris Mobile which is based in Dublin, Ireland and licensed by the European Union and its member states (“EU”) to provide mobile satellite services and a complementary ground component services covering the entire EU using S-band spectrum. Solaris Mobile changed its name to EchoStar Mobile Limited (“EchoStar Mobile”) in the first quarter of 2015. On the acquisition date, EchoStar Mobile lacked certain inputs and processes that would be necessary to be considered a business. Accordingly, we accounted for the transaction as an acquisition of net assets. The primary acquired asset was an EU regulatory authorization for S-band frequencies, which had a cost of $51.8 million, consisting of $43.4 million in cash payments and $10.3 million in assumed liabilities. The cost of the regulatory authorization is being amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining term of the authorization ending in May 2027.

In June 2013 we entered into an agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which we conveyed to DISH Network certain of our rights under a Canadian regulatory authorization to develop certain spectrum rights at the 103 degree west longitude orbital location, which we acquired for $20.0 million in cash in 2012. In the third quarter of 2013, we received $23.1 million from DISH Network in exchange for these rights. In accordance with accounting principles that apply to transfers of assets between companies under common control, we did not recognize any gain on this transaction. Rather, we increased our additional paid-in capital to reflect the excess of the cash payment over the carrying amount of the derecognized intangible asset, net of related income taxes.

Amortization expense for the regulatory authorizations with finite lives was $4.7 million, $6.1 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Other Intangible Assets

Our other intangible assets, which are subject to amortization, consisted of the following:

	Weighted	As of December 31,
	Average	2015							2014
	Useful life			Accumulated			Carrying				Accumulated			Carrying
	(in Years)	Cost		Amortization			Amount		Cost		Amortization			Amount
		(In thousands)
Customer relationships	8	$	293,932	$	(213,543	)	$	80,389	$	293,932	$	(185,393	)	$	108,539
Contract-based	10	255,366		(251,493		)	3,873		255,366		(233,009		)	22,357
Technology-based	7	137,337		(111,840		)	25,497		140,837		(100,940		)	39,897
Trademark portfolio	20	29,700		(6,806		)	22,894		29,700		(5,321		)	24,379
Favorable leases	4	4,707		(4,707		)	—		4,707		(4,217		)	490

Total other intangible assets		$	721,042	$	(588,389	)	$	132,653	$	724,542	$	(528,880	)	$	195,662

Customer relationships are amortized predominantly in relation to the expected contribution of cash flow to the business over the life of the intangible asset. Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the periods the assets are expected to contribute to our cash flows. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, intangible asset amortization expense was $75.9 million, $92.1 million and $88.4 million, respectively, including amortization of regulatory authorizations with finite lives and externally marketed capitalized software.

Future Amortization

As of December 31, 2015, our estimated future amortization of intangible assets, including regulatory authorizations with finite lives, was as follows:

	Amount
	(In thousands)
For the Years Ending December 31,
2016	$	48,913
2017	30,040
2018	22,325
2019	21,111
2020	15,774
Thereafter	69,996

Total	$	208,159

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

Note 11.Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, our debt primarily consisted of our Senior Secured Notes and Senior Unsecured Notes, as defined below, and our capital lease obligations. The Notes are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The following table summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of our debt:

		As of December 31,
		2015					2014
	Interest	Carrying			Fair		Carrying			Fair
	Rates	Amount			Value		Amount			Value
		(In thousands)
6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019	6.500%	$	990,000		$	1,071,675	$	1,100,000		$	1,177,000
7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021	7.625%	900,000			954,000		900,000			994,500
Other	5.5 - 13.25%	803			803		1,240			1,240

Subtotal		1,890,803			$	2,026,478	2,001,240			$	2,172,740

Capital lease obligations		332,838					366,447

Total debt and capital lease obligations		2,223,641					2,367,687
Less: Current portion		(35,698		)			(41,912		)

Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations		$	2,187,943				$	2,325,775

We estimated the fair value of our publicly traded long-term debt using market prices in less active markets (Level 2).

6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 and 7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021

On June 1, 2011, our subsidiary, Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation (“HSS”), issued $1.10 billion aggregate principal amount of 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes (the “Senior Secured Notes”) at an issue price of 100.0%, pursuant to a Secured Indenture dated June 1, 2011, (as amended the “Secured Indenture”). The Senior Secured Notes mature on June 15, 2019. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 6 1/2% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year. As of December 31, 2015, the outstanding principal balance on the Senior Secured Notes was $990.0 million.

On June 1, 2011, HSS also issued $900.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes (the “Senior Unsecured Notes,” and together with the “Senior Secured Notes,” the “Notes”) at an issue price of 100.0%, pursuant to an Unsecured Indenture dated June 1, 2011, (as amended the “Unsecured Indenture”, and together with the “Secured Indenture”, the “Indentures”). The Senior Unsecured Notes mature on June 15, 2021. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 7 5/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year. As of December 31, 2015, the outstanding principal balance on the Senior Unsecured Notes was $900.0 million.

The Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount thereof plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the Indentures, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. On June 12, 2015, we redeemed $110.0 million of the Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price equal to 103.0% of the principal amount plus related and unpaid accrued interest. As a result, we recorded a $5.0 million loss consisting of the $3.3 million redemption premium and a $1.7 million write-off of related deferred financing costs.

The Senior Secured Notes are:

general secured obligations of HSS;

secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of HSS and certain of its subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens as provided in the Secured Indenture;

effectively junior to HSS’ obligations that are secured by assets that are not part of the collateral that secures the Senior Secured Notes, in each case to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such obligations;

effectively senior to HSS’ existing and future unsecured obligations to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the Senior Secured Notes, after giving effect to permitted liens as provided in the Secured Indenture;

senior in right of payment to all existing and future obligations of HSS that are expressly subordinated to the Senior Secured Notes;

structurally junior to any existing and future obligations of any of HSS’ subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Senior Secured Notes; and

unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a general senior secured basis by certain of HSS’ subsidiaries that guarantee the Senior Secured Notes.

The Senior Unsecured Notes are:

general unsecured obligations of HSS;

effectively junior to HSS’ obligations that are secured to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such obligations;

senior in right of payment to all existing and future obligations of HSS that are expressly subordinated to the Senior Unsecured Notes;

structurally junior to any existing and future obligations of any of HSS’ subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Senior Unsecured Notes; and

unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a general senior basis by certain of HSS’ subsidiaries that guarantee the Senior Unsecured Notes.

Subject to certain exceptions, the Indentures contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on the ability of HSS and, in certain instances, the ability of certain of its subsidiaries, to:

pay dividends or make distributions on capital stock or repurchase capital stock;

incur additional debt;

make certain investments;

create liens or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;

merge or consolidate with another company;

transfer or sell assets;

enter into transactions with affiliates; and

allow to exist certain restrictions on the ability of certain subsidiaries of HSS to pay dividends, make distributions, make other payments, or transfer assets to us.

In the event of a change of control, as defined in the Indentures, HSS would be required to make an offer to repurchase all or any part of a holder’s Notes at a purchase price equal to 101.0% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date of repurchase.

As discussed above, HSS and certain of its subsidiaries have granted a first priority security interest in substantially all of their assets, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, to secure HSS’ obligations under the Senior Secured Notes and related guarantees.

Debt Issuance Costs

As of December 31, 2015 we had not early adopted ASU 2015-03 (see Note 2) and unamortized debt issuance costs associated with our Notes were reported in “Other noncurrent assets” in our consolidated balance sheets. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we amortized $6.0 million, $5.8 million and $5.4 million of debt issuance costs, respectively, which are included in “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Capital Lease Obligations

Our capital lease obligations reflect the present value of future minimum lease payments under noncancelable lease agreements, primarily for certain of our satellites (see Note 9). These agreements require monthly recurring payments, which generally include principal, interest, an amount for use of the orbital location and estimated executory costs, such as insurance and maintenance. The monthly recurring payments generally are subject to reduction in the event of failures that reduce the satellite transponder capacity. Certain of these agreements provide for extension of the initial lease term at our option. The effective interest rates for our satellite capital lease obligations range from 9.1% to 11.2%, with a weighted average of 10.5% as of December 31, 2015.

Our capital lease obligations consist primarily of our payment obligations under agreements for the Nimiq 5 and QuetzSat-1 satellites, which have remaining noncancelable terms ending in September 2024 and November 2021, respectively. As discussed in Note 19, we have subleased transponders on these satellites to DISH Network. As discussed in Note 9, in August 2014, our then existing capital lease agreements for the AMC-15 and AMC-16 satellites were extended. The AMC-15 agreement is being accounted for as an operating lease. The amended agreement for the AMC-16 satellite services extended the term for the satellite’s entire communications capacity, subject to available power, for one year following expiration of the initial term in February 2015 and the agreement terminated according to its terms in February 2016.

Future minimum lease payments under our capital lease obligations, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2015, are as follows:

	Amount
	(In thousands)
For the Years Ending December 31,
2016	$	94,008
2017	90,144
2018	88,182
2019	87,930
2020	87,818
Thereafter	257,999

Total minimum lease payments	706,081
Less: Amount representing lease of the orbital location and estimated executory costs (primarily insurance and maintenance) including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments	(214,242		)

Net minimum lease payments	491,839
Less: Amount representing interest	(159,001		)

Present value of net minimum lease payments	332,838
Less: Current portion	(34,895		)

Long-term portion of capital lease obligations	$	297,943

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we received rental income of approximately $132.4 million, $132.4 million and $126.7 million, respectively, from the sublease of our capital lease satellites. As of December 31, 2015, our future minimum sublease rental income was $613.3 million, relating to such satellites.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Note 12.Income Taxes

The components of income (loss) before income taxes are as follows:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015			2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Domestic	$	224,058		$	172,276	$	(50,551	)
Foreign	(2,486		)	6,057		16,515

Total income (loss) before income taxes	$	221,572		$	178,333	$	(34,036	)

The components of the benefit (provision) for income taxes are as follows:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Current benefit (provision):
Federal	$	(165	)	$	(2,593	)	$	1,118
State	(9,601		)	9,006			6,531
Foreign	(6,303		)	(5,455		)	(5,992		)

Total current benefit (provision)	(16,069		)	958			1,657

Deferred benefit (provision):
Federal	(62,572		)	(31,905		)	26,511
State	4,818			(1,283		)	10,074
Foreign	1,622			1,446			(805		)

Total deferred (provision) benefit	(56,132		)	(31,742		)	35,780

Total income tax (provision) benefit, net	$	(72,201	)	$	(30,784	)	$	37,437

The actual tax provisions for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reconcile to the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal tax rate to income (loss) before income taxes as shown below:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013

Statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of Federal benefit	2.1	%	(0.2	)%	21.0	%
Permanent differences	3.6	%	0.6	%	(10.7	)%
Tax credits	(10.1	)%	(18.6	)%	48.7	%
Valuation allowance	2.8	%	(0.9	)%	14.2	%
Other	(0.8	)%	1.4	%	1.8	%

Total effective tax rate	32.6	%	17.3	%	110.0	%

The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	As of December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses, credit and other carryforwards	$	315,924		$	412,744
Unrealized losses on investments, net	47,678			30,248
Accrued expenses	34,037			34,632
Stock-based compensation	13,345			8,445
Other asset	9,534			12,157

Total deferred tax assets	420,518			498,226
Valuation allowance	(72,131		)	(73,664		)

Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	348,387			424,562


Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	(993,326		)	(1,014,812		)
Other liabilities	(1,412		)	(748		)

Total deferred tax liabilities	(994,738		)	(1,015,560		)

Total net deferred tax liabilities (1)	$	(646,351	)	$	(590,998	)


Current portion of net deferred tax assets (1)	$	—		$	87,208
Noncurrent portion of net deferred tax liabilities	(646,351		)	(678,206		)

Total net deferred tax liabilities	$	(646,351	)	$	(590,998	)

(1)

In 2015, we early adopted ASU 2015-17 (see Note 2), which resulted in the classification of all of our deferred taxes as noncurrent as of December 31, 2015. We did not retrospectively reclassify our current deferred tax balances as of December 31, 2014.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the effects of tax losses, credits, and the future income tax effects of temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and are measured using enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

We evaluate our deferred tax assets for realization and record a valuation allowance when we determine that it is more likely than not that the amounts will not be realized. Overall, our net deferred tax assets were offset by a valuation allowance of $72.1 million and $73.7 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The change in the valuation allowance primarily relates to a decrease in realized and unrealized gains that are capital in nature, partially offset by an increase in the net operating loss carryforwards of certain foreign subsidiaries.

Tax benefits of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards are evaluated on an ongoing basis, including a review of historical and projected future operating results, the eligible carryforward period, and other circumstances. As of December 31, 2015, we had net operating loss carryforwards of $768.8 million, including $92.7 million of foreign net operating loss carryforwards. A substantial portion of these net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2029. As of December 31, 2015, we have tax credit carryforwards of $96.9 million and $30.6 million for federal and state income tax purposes, respectively. If not utilized, the federal tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2026 and the state tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2016.

Additionally, tax benefits from excess tax deductions attributable to stock-based compensation has resulted in $38.4 million of net operating loss carryforwards that will not be recognized as a credit to additional paid in capital until such deductions reduce taxes payable. We follow the tax law ordering rules, which assume that stock option deductions are realized when they have been used for tax purposes.

As of December 31, 2015, we had undistributed earnings attributable to foreign subsidiaries for which no provision for U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes has been made because it is expected that such earnings will be reinvested outside the U.S. indefinitely. It is not practicable to determine the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability at this time.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

In addition to filing U.S. federal income tax returns, we file income tax returns in all states that impose an income tax. As of December 31, 2015, we are currently under a U.S. federal income tax examination for fiscal years 2009 and 2010. We also file income tax returns in the United Kingdom, Brazil, India and a number of other foreign jurisdictions. We generally are open to income tax examination in these foreign jurisdictions for taxable years beginning in 2003. As of December 31, 2015, we are currently being audited by the Indian tax authorities for fiscal years 2003 through 2012. We have no other on-going significant income tax examinations in process in our foreign jurisdictions.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized income tax benefits is as follows:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Unrecognized tax benefit	2015		2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Balance as of beginning of period	$	44,839	$	43,319		$	34,677
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	11,748		3,806			81
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years	5,779		4,643			9,929
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years	—		(81		)	(1,253		)
Reductions based on tax settlements	—		(6,848		)	(115		)

Balance as of end of period	$	62,366	$	44,839		$	43,319

As of December 31, 2015, we had $62.4 million of unrecognized income tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2014, we had $44.8 million of unrecognized income tax benefits, all of which if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. We do not believe that the total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months due to the lapse of statute of limitations or settlement with tax authorities.

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, our income tax provision or benefit included an insignificant amount of interest and penalties.

Estimates of our uncertain tax positions are made based upon prior experience and are updated in light of changes in facts and circumstances. However, due to the uncertain and complex application of tax regulations, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of audits may result in liabilities which could be materially different from these estimates. In such an event, we will record additional income tax provision or benefit in the period in which such resolution occurs.

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity	Note 13.Stockholders’ Equity Preferred Stock Our board of directors is authorized to divide the preferred stock into series and, with respect to each series, to determine the preferences and rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the series, including the dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences, sinking fund provisions, the number of shares constituting the series, and the designation of such series. Our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, issue additional preferred stock of existing or new series with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of common stock and could have certain anti-takeover effects. In February 2014, our board of directors authorized 13,000,000 shares of Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock with a par value of $0.001 per share, of which 6,290,499 shares were issued to DISH Network on March 1, 2014 and remain outstanding as of December 31, 2015. See Note 4 for a discussion of the Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock. Common Stock Our Class A, Class B, and Class C common stock are equivalent except for voting rights. Holders of Class A and Class C common stock are entitled to one vote per share and holders of Class B common stock are entitled to 10 votes per share. Upon a change in control of the Company, each holder of outstanding shares of Class C common stock is entitled to 10 votes for each share of Class C common stock held. Each share of Class B and Class C common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of Class A common stock. Our principal stockholder owns the majority of all outstanding Class B common stock and, together with all other stockholders, owns outstanding Class A common stock. There are no shares of Class C common stock outstanding. Any holder of Class D common stock is not entitled to a vote on any matter or to convert the shares of Class D common stock into any other class of common stock. There are no shares of Class D common stock outstanding. Each share of common stock is entitled to receive its pro rata share, based upon the number of shares of common stock held, of dividends and distributions upon liquidation. Common Stock Repurchase Program Pursuant to a stock repurchase program approved by our board of directors, we are authorized to repurchase up to $500.0 million of our outstanding shares of Class A common stock through and including December 31, 2016. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we did not repurchase any common stock under this program.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Paragraph d
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans	Dec. 31, 2015
Employee Benefit Plans
Employee Benefit Plans	Note 14.Employee Benefit Plans Employee Stock Purchase Plan We have an employee stock purchase plan (the “ESPP”), under which we are authorized to issue 2.5 million shares of Class A common stock. As of December 31, 2015, we had 0.8 million shares of Class A common stock which remain available for issuance under this plan. Substantially all full-time employees who have been employed by us for at least one calendar quarter are eligible to participate in the ESPP. Employee stock purchases are made through payroll deductions. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees may not deduct an amount which would permit such employee to purchase our capital stock under all of our stock purchase plans at a rate which would exceed $25,000 in fair value of capital stock in any one year. The purchase price of the stock is 85.0% of the closing price of the Class A common stock on the last business day of each calendar quarter in which such shares of Class A common stock are deemed sold to an employee under the ESPP. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, employee purchases of Class A common stock through the ESPP totaled 362,000 shares, 283,000 shares and 268,000 shares, respectively. 401(k) Employee Savings Plans Under the EchoStar 401(k) Plan (“the Plan”), eligible employees were entitled to contribute up to 75.0% of their compensation subject to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) limit of $18,000 (or $24,000 for employees eligible to make Catch-Up contributions) in 2015. We amended the Plan in October 2015 to provide eligible employees with the option to make after-tax contributions (“Roth 401(k) contributions”) to the Plan so that they may contribute up to 75% of their compensation on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis subject to the IRS limit. For Roth 401(k) contributions, earnings receive favorable tax treatment upon distribution as long as certain conditions are met. All employee contributions to the Plan are immediately vested. The Company will match 50 cents on the dollar for the first 6.0% of each employee’s salary contributions to the Plan for a total of 3.0% match on a pre-tax basis up to a maximum of $7,500 annually. The Company match is calculated each pay period there is an employee contribution. Company contributions under the Plan vest at 20.0% per year and are 100.0% vested after an eligible employee has completed five years of service. Forfeitures of unvested participant balances which were retained by the EchoStar 401(k) Plan may be used to fund matching and discretionary contributions. Our board of directors may also authorize an annual discretionary contribution to the Plan to be made in cash or our stock, subject to the maximum deductible limit provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recognized matching contributions, net of forfeitures, of $7.4 million, $6.8 million and $6.1 million, respectively, and made discretionary contributions of shares of our Class A common stock, net of forfeitures, with a fair value of $10.4 million, $10.2 million and $10.3 million, respectively (approximately 204,000, 207,000 and 139,000 shares, respectively), to the Plan.

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

Note 15.Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Incentive Plans

We maintain stock incentive plans to attract and retain officers, directors and key employees. Stock awards under these plans include both performance-based and non-performance based stock incentives. As of December 31, 2015, we had outstanding under these plans stock options to acquire 5.9 million shares of our Class A common stock and approximately 57,000 restricted stock units. Stock options granted prior to and on December 31, 2015 were granted with exercise prices equal to or greater than the market value of our Class A common stock at the date of grant and with a maximum term of ten years. While generally we issue stock awards subject to vesting, typically over three to five years, some stock awards have been granted with immediate vesting and other stock awards vest only upon the achievement of certain performance objectives. As of December 31, 2015, we had 4.3 million shares of our Class A common stock available for future grant under our stock incentive plans.

Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:

	Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
Price Range	Number Outstanding as of December 31, 2015	Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years)	Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable as of December 31, 2015	Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years)	Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$0.00 - $10.00	686	1	$	2.12	686	1	$	2.12
$10.01 - $15.00	84,329	3	$	14.83	84,329	3	$	14.83
$15.01 - $20.00	246,524	4	$	18.96	246,524	4	$	18.96
$20.01 - $25.00	496,947	4	$	20.29	480,947	4	$	20.25
$25.01 - $30.00	305,415	4	$	28.12	227,415	3	$	28.64
$30.01 - $35.00	403,001	7	$	34.04	349,001	6	$	34.02
$35.01 - $40.00	2,378,839	6	$	37.90	1,440,839	6	$	37.70
$40.01 and above	1,977,500	9	$	49.42	252,500	8	$	48.09

	5,893,241	7	$	38.38	3,082,241	5	$	32.61

Stock Award Activity

Our stock option activity was as follows:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015				2014				2013
	Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Total options outstanding, beginning of period	6,669,614		$	34.02	6,271,058		$	30.43	7,908,300		$	27.21
Granted	929,000		$	51.59	1,161,000		$	47.84	1,190,000		$	38.75
Exercised	(894,071	)	$	27.78	(697,544	)	$	24.87	(2,494,893	)	$	24.65
Forfeited and cancelled	(811,302	)	$	29.45	(64,900	)	$	32.65	(332,349	)	$	27.01

Total options outstanding, end of period	5,893,241		$	38.38	6,669,614		$	34.02	6,271,058		$	30.43

Performance-based options outstanding, end of period (1)	—		$	—	623,100		$	25.27	629,300		$	25.27

Exercisable at end of period	3,082,241		$	32.61	3,013,114		$	29.66	2,712,891		$	28.69

(1)

These stock options are included in the caption “Total options outstanding, end of period.” See discussion of the 2005 LTIP below.

We realized total tax benefits from stock options exercised of $7.9 million, $7.2 million and $21.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Our restricted stock unit activity was as follows:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015				2014				2013
	Restricted Stock Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Restricted Stock Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Restricted Stock Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period	96,768		$	29.29	121,877		$	29.93	151,683		$	30.18
Granted	100,000		$	50.00	—		$	—	—		$	—
Vested	(83,992	)	$	45.72	(22,877	)	$	33.08	(22,876	)	$	33.08
Forfeited and cancelled	(55,448	)	$	27.01	(2,232	)	$	25.51	(6,930	)	$	24.88

Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period	57,328		$	42.31	96,768		$	29.29	121,877		$	29.93

Restricted Performance Units outstanding, end of period	33,334		$	50.00	55,448		$	27.00	57,680		$	26.94

We granted 100,000 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) for the year ended December 31, 2015. The RSUs vest based on the attainment of certain quarterly company performance criteria for the second, third and fourth quarters of 2015 and will expire on March 31, 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2015, 66,666 of the RSUs vested and vesting of the remaining 33,334 RSUs is probable.

2005 LTIP. During 2005, DISH Network adopted a long-term, performance-based stock incentive plan (the “2005 LTIP”). The 2005 LTIP provided stock options and RSUs, either alone or in combination, with vesting over seven years at the rate of 10.0% per year during the first four years, and at the rate of 20.0% per year thereafter. In connection with the Spin-off, those stock options and RSUs were converted into EchoStar stock options and RSUs with the same terms and obligations as were provided under the 2005 LTIP. As of December 31, 2014, all outstanding awards under the terms of the 2005 LTIP had satisfied applicable time-based vesting requirements and were subject only to a performance condition that a company-specific goal is achieved by March 31, 2015. In 2015 we determined that the company-specific goal was no longer achievable under the terms of the 2005 LTIP. Accordingly, the 2005 LTIP and all outstanding awards under the terms of the 2005 LTIP were cancelled and terminated during 2015.

Stock-Based Compensation

Total non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for all of our employees is shown in the following table for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and was assigned to the same expense categories as the base compensation for such employees:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Research and development expenses	$	4,570	$	2,403	$	3,478
Selling, general and administrative expenses	17,269		12,280		14,875

Total stock-based compensation	$	21,839	$	14,683	$	18,353

As of December 31, 2015, total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to our unvested stock awards was $33.1 million. This cost is based on an estimated future forfeiture rate of approximately 2.0% per year and will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years.

Valuation of Stock Options

The fair value of each stock option granted for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was estimated at the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. The estimated grant-date fair values and related assumptions were as follows:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Assumptions:	2015	2014	2013
Risk-free interest rate	1.38% - 1.80%	1.72% - 1.85%	0.99% - 1.54%
Volatility factor	27.16% - 27.85%	29.05% - 35.02%	37.54% - 42.23%
Expected term of options in years	5.3 - 5.4	5.2 - 5.3	5.4 - 5.5
Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$12.25 - $15.05	$13.79 - $17.21	$15.59 - $17.20

We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our common stock and accordingly, the dividend yield percentage used in the Black-Scholes option valuation model was assumed to be zero for all periods. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded stock options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Consequently, our estimate of fair value may differ from other valuation models. Further, the Black-Scholes option valuation model requires the input of subjective assumptions. Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.

Based on the closing market price of our Class A common stock on December 31, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value of our stock options was $24.7 million for options outstanding and $22.3 million for options exercisable as of December 31, 2015.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Note 16.Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at December 31, 2015:

	Payments Due in the Year Ending December 31,
	Total		2016		2017		2018		2019		2020		Thereafter
	(In thousands)
Long-term debt	$	1,890,803	$	803	$	—	$	—	$	990,000	$	—	$	900,000
Capital lease obligations	332,838		34,895		34,502		36,287		40,143		44,558		142,453
Interest on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	761,689		166,086		162,805		159,265		123,191		86,697		63,645
Satellite-related obligations	1,134,217		534,871		165,992		119,976		55,654		53,662		204,062
Operating lease obligations	100,274		26,324		19,469		11,919		9,800		8,543		24,219
Purchase and other obligations	227,028		225,361		1,667		—		—		—		—

Total	$	4,446,849	$	988,340	$	384,435	$	327,447	$	1,218,788	$	193,460	$	1,334,379

“Satellite-related obligations” primarily include payments pursuant to agreements for the construction of the EchoStar XIX, EchoStar XXI, EchoStar XXIII, and EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellites, payments pursuant to launch services contracts and regulatory authorizations, executory costs for our capital lease satellites, costs under satellite service agreements and in-orbit incentives relating to certain satellites, as well as commitments for long-term satellite operating leases and satellite service arrangements. We incurred satellite-related expenses of $160.8 million, $178.8 million and $181.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Our “Purchase and other obligations” primarily consists of binding purchase orders for digital set-top boxes and related components. Our purchase obligations can fluctuate significantly from period to period due to, among other things, management’s control of inventory levels, and can materially impact our future operating asset and liability balances, and our future working capital requirements.

The table above does not include amounts related to deferred tax liabilities, unrecognized tax positions and certain other amounts recorded in our noncurrent liabilities as the timing of any payments is uncertain. The table also excludes long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities that do not require future cash payments.

In certain circumstances, the dates on which we are obligated to pay our contractual obligations could change.

Rent Expense

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recorded $22.0 million, $21.3 million and $22.6 million, respectively, of operating lease expense relating to the leases of office space, equipment, and other facilities.

Contingencies

Patents and Intellectual Property

Many entities, including some of our competitors, have or may in the future obtain patents and other intellectual property rights that cover or affect products or services directly or indirectly related to those that we offer. We may not be aware of all patents and other intellectual property rights that our products and services may potentially infringe. Damages in patent infringement cases can be substantial, and in certain circumstances can be trebled. Further, we cannot estimate the extent to which we may be required in the future to obtain licenses with respect to intellectual property rights held by others and the availability and cost of any such licenses. Various parties have asserted patent and other intellectual property rights with respect to components within our DBS products and services. We cannot be certain that these persons do not own the rights they claim, that these rights are not valid or that our products and services do not infringe on these rights. Further, we cannot be certain that we would be able to obtain licenses from these persons on commercially reasonable terms or, if we were unable to obtain such licenses, that we would be able to redesign our products and services to avoid infringement.

Separation Agreement

In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a separation agreement with DISH Network that provides, among other things, for the division of certain liabilities, including liabilities resulting from litigation. Under the terms of the separation agreement, we have assumed certain liabilities that relate to our business, including certain designated liabilities for acts or omissions that occurred prior to the Spin-off. Certain specific provisions govern intellectual property related claims under which, generally, we will only be liable for our acts or omissions following the Spin-off and DISH Network will indemnify us for any liabilities or damages resulting from intellectual property claims relating to the period prior to the Spin-off, as well as DISH Network’s acts or omissions following the Spin-off.

Litigation

We are involved in a number of legal proceedings (including those described below) concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of our business activities. Many of these proceedings are at preliminary stages and/or seek an indeterminate amount of damages. We regularly evaluate the status of the legal proceedings in which we are involved to assess whether a loss is probable or there is a reasonable possibility that a loss or an additional loss may have been incurred and to determine if accruals are appropriate. We record an accrual for litigation and other loss contingencies when we determine that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If accruals are not appropriate, we further evaluate each legal proceeding to assess whether an estimate of possible loss or range of loss can be made. There can be no assurance that legal proceedings against us will be resolved in amounts that will not differ from the amounts of our recorded accruals. Legal fees and other costs of defending litigation are charged to expense as incurred.

For certain cases described below, management is unable to predict with any degree of certainty the outcome or provide a meaningful estimate of the possible loss or range of possible loss because, among other reasons, (i) the proceedings are in various stages; (ii) damages have not been sought or specified; (iii) damages are unsupported, indeterminate and/or exaggerated in management’s opinion; (iv) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals or motions; (v) there are significant factual issues to be resolved; and/or (vi) there are novel legal issues or unsettled legal theories to be presented or a large number of parties are involved (as with many patent-related cases). For these cases, however, management does not believe, based on currently available information, that the outcomes of these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operating results or cash flows, though there is no assurance that the resolution and outcomes of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not be material to our financial condition, operating results or cash flows for any particular period, depending, in part, upon the operating results for such period.

We intend to vigorously defend the proceedings against us. In the event that a court ultimately rules against us, we may be subject to adverse consequences, including, without limitation, substantial damages, which may include treble damages, fines, penalties, compensatory damages and/or other equitable or injunctive relief that could require us to materially modify our business operations or certain products or services that we offer to our consumers. In addition, adverse decisions against DISH Network in the proceedings described below could decrease the number of products and components we sell to DISH Network, which could have a material adverse effect on our business operations and our financial condition, results of operation and cash flows.

California Institute of Technology

On October 1, 2013, the California Institute of Technology (“Caltech”) filed suit against two of our subsidiaries, Hughes Communications, Inc. and Hughes Network Systems, LLC (“HNS”), as well as against DISH Network, DISH Network L.L.C., and dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C., in the United States District Court for the Central District of California alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 7,116,710; 7,421,032; 7,916,781; and 8,284,833, each of which is entitled “Serial Concatenation of Interleaved Convolutional Codes forming Turbo-Like Codes.” Caltech asserted that encoding data as specified by the DVB-S2 standard infringes each of the asserted patents. In the operative Amended Complaint, served on March 6, 2014, Caltech claims that the HopperTM set-top box that we design and sell to DISH Network, as well as certain of our Hughes segment’s satellite broadband products and services, infringe the asserted patents by implementing the DVB-S2 standard. On September 26, 2014, Caltech requested leave to amend its Amended Complaint to add EchoStar Corporation and our subsidiary, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. as defendants, as well as to allege that a number of additional set-top boxes infringe the asserted patents. On November 7, 2014, the Court rejected that request. Additionally, on November 4, 2014, the Court ruled that the patent claims at issue in the suit are directed to patentable subject matter. On February 17, 2015, Caltech filed a second complaint in the same district against the same defendants alleging that HNS’ Gen4 HT1000 and HT1100 products infringe the same patents asserted in the first case. We answered that second complaint on March 24, 2015. The trial for the first case which was scheduled to commence on April 20, 2015, was vacated by the Court on March 16, 2015 and a new trial date has yet to be set. On May 5, 2015, the Court granted summary judgment for us on a number of issues, finding that Caltech’s damages theory improperly apportioned alleged damages, that allegations of infringement against DISH Network, DISH Network L.L.C., and dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C. should be dismissed from the case, and affirming that Caltech could not assert infringement under the doctrine of equivalents. The Court also granted motions by Caltech seeking findings that certain of its patents were not indefinite or subject to equitable estoppel. The Court otherwise denied motions for summary judgment, including a motion by Caltech seeking summary judgment of infringement. On May 14, 2015, the judge assigned to the case passed away. A new judge has not yet been formally assigned. The parties are discussing resolving these cases without further litigation. There can be no assurance that a settlement agreement will be reached. If a settlement agreement is not reached, we cannot predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of the suit or determine the extent of any potential liability or damages and we intend to vigorously defend these cases.

ClearPlay, Inc.

On March 13, 2014, ClearPlay, Inc. (“ClearPlay”) filed a complaint against EchoStar Corporation and our subsidiary, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., as well as against DISH Network and DISH Network L.L.C. in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. The complaint alleges infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,898,799, entitled “Multimedia Content Navigation and Playback”; 7,526,784, entitled “Delivery of Navigation Data for Playback of Audio and Video Content”; 7,543,318, entitled “Delivery of Navigation Data for Playback of Audio and Video Content”; 7,577,970, entitled “Multimedia Content Navigation and Playback”; and 8,117,282, entitled “Media Player Configured to Receive Playback Filters From Alternative Storage Mediums.” ClearPlay alleges that the AutoHop™ feature of the HopperTM set-top box infringes the asserted patents. On February 11, 2015, the Court stayed the case pending various third-party challenges before the United States Patent and Trademark Office regarding the validity of certain of the patents ClearPlay asserted in the case.

CRFD Research, Inc. (a subsidiary of Marathon Patent Group, Inc.)

On January 17, 2014, CRFD Research, Inc. (“CRFD”) filed a complaint against EchoStar Corporation and our subsidiary, EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., as well as against DISH Network, DISH DBS Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C., in United States District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 7,191,233 (the “233 patent”). The 233 patent is entitled “System for Automated, Mid-Session, User-Directed, Device-to-Device Session Transfer System,” and relates to transferring an ongoing software session from one device to another. CRFD alleges that certain of our set-top boxes infringe the 233 patent. On the same day, CRFD filed patent infringement complaints against AT&T Inc.; Comcast Corp.; DirecTV; Time Warner Cable Inc.; Cox Communications, Inc.; Level 3 Communications, Inc.; Akamai Technologies, Inc.; Cablevision Systems Corp. and Limelight Networks, Inc. On January 26, 2015, we and DISH Network filed a petition before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the 233 patent, which was subsequently instituted along with two third-party petitions also challenging the validity of the 233 patent. On June 4, 2015, the litigation in the District Court was ordered stayed pending resolution of our petition before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and on January 16, 2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office held oral arguments on the merits of the petition. CRFD is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

Elbit

On January 23, 2015, Elbit Systems Land and C4I LTD and Elbit Systems of America Ltd. (together referred to as “Elbit”) filed a complaint against our subsidiary HNS, as well as against Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations, LLC, Bluetide Communications, Inc. and Helm Hotels Group, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 6,240,073 (the “073 patent”) and 7,245,874 (“874 patent”). The 073 patent is entitled “Reverse Link for a Satellite Communication Network” and the 874 patent is entitled “Infrastructure for Telephony Network.” Elbit alleges that the 073 patent is infringed by broadband satellite systems that practice the Internet Protocol Over Satellite standard. Elbit alleges that the 874 patent is infringed by the manufacture and sale of broadband satellite systems that provide cellular backhaul service via connections to E1 or T1 interfaces at cellular backhaul base stations. On April 2, 2015, Elbit filed an amended complaint removing Helm Hotels Group as a defendant, but making similar allegations against a new defendant, Country Home Investments, Inc. On April 20, 2015, the defendants filed motions to dismiss portions of Elbit’s amended complaint. On January 15, 2016, the defendants filed a petition challenging the validity of the 073 patent and the 874 patent.

The Hopper Litigation

On May 24, 2012, DISH Network L.L.C., filed suit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (“ABC”), CBS Corporation (“CBS”), Fox Entertainment Group, Inc., Fox Television Holdings, Inc., Fox Cable Network Services, L.L.C. (collectively, “Fox”) and NBCUniversal Media, LLC (“NBC”). The lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment that DISH Network L.L.C is not infringing any defendant’s copyright, or breaching any defendant’s retransmission consent agreement, by virtue of the PrimeTime Anytime™ and AutoHop™ features of the Hopper™ set-top boxes we design and sell to DISH Network. A consumer can use the PrimeTime Anytime feature at his or her option, to record certain primetime programs airing on ABC, CBS, Fox, and/or NBC up to every night, and to store those recordings for up to eight days. A consumer can use the AutoHop feature at his or her option, to watch certain recordings the subscriber made with our PrimeTime Anytime feature, commercial-free, if played back at a certain point after the show’s original airing.

Later on May 24, 2012, (i) Fox Broadcasting Company, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. and Fox Television Holdings, Inc. filed a lawsuit against DISH Network and DISH Network L.L.C. (collectively, “DISH”) in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature, the AutoHop feature, as well as DISH’s use of Slingbox unit’s placeshifting functionality infringe their copyrights and breach their retransmission consent agreements, (ii) NBC Studios LLC, Universal Network Television, LLC, Open 4 Business Productions LLC and NBCUniversal Media, LLC filed a lawsuit against DISH in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature and the AutoHop feature infringe their copyrights, and (iii) CBS Broadcasting Inc., CBS Studios Inc. and Survivor Productions LLC filed a lawsuit against DISH in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the PrimeTime Anytime feature and the AutoHop feature infringe their copyrights.

As a result of certain parties’ competing counterclaims and venue-related motions brought in both the New York and California actions, as described below, and certain networks filing various amended complaints, the claims have proceeded in the following venues: (1) the copyright and contract claims regarding the ABC and CBS parties in New York; and (2) the copyright and contract claims regarding the Fox and NBC parties in California.

California Actions. On August 17, 2012, the NBC plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint in their California action adding EchoStar Corporation and our subsidiary EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. to the NBC litigation, alleging various claims of copyright infringement. We and our subsidiary answered on September 18, 2012.

On November 7, 2012, the California court denied the Fox plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the Hopper set-top box’s PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features, and the Fox plaintiffs appealed. On March 27, 2013, at the request of the parties, the Central District of California granted a stay of all proceedings in the action brought by the NBC plaintiffs, pending resolution of the appeal by the Fox plaintiffs. On July 24, 2013, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of the Fox plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction as to the PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features. On August 7, 2013, the Fox plaintiffs filed a petition for rehearing and rehearing en banc, which was denied on January 24, 2014. The United States Supreme Court granted the Fox plaintiffs an extension until May 23, 2014 to file a petition for writ of certiorari, but they did not file. As a result, the stay of the NBC plaintiffs’ action expired. On August 6, 2014, at the request of the parties, the Central District of California granted a further stay of all proceedings in the action brought by the NBC plaintiffs, pending a final judgment on all claims in the Fox plaintiffs’ action. As discussed below, the Fox action was dismissed on February 11, 2016. As a result, the parties to the NBC action have until February 26, 2016 to file a status report indicating their intended course of action. No trial date is currently set on the NBC claims.

In addition, on February 21, 2013, the Fox plaintiffs filed a second motion for preliminary injunction against: (i) DISH Network, seeking to enjoin the Hopper Transfers™ feature in the second-generation Hopper set-top box, alleging breach of a retransmission consent agreement; and (ii) EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. and DISH Network, seeking to enjoin the Slingbox unit’s placeshifting functionality in the second-generation Hopper set-top box, alleging copyright infringement by both defendants, and breach of the earlier-mentioned retransmission consent agreement by DISH Network. The Fox plaintiffs’ motion was denied on September 23, 2013. The Fox plaintiffs appealed, and on July 14, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of the Fox plaintiffs’ motion. On October 17, 2014, the California court heard oral argument on the Fox plaintiffs’ and our respective motions for summary judgment. On January 12, 2015, the Court entered an order ruling on the parties’ respective summary judgment motions, holding that: (a) the Slingbox unit’s placeshifting functionality and the PrimeTime Anytime, AutoHop and Hopper Transfers features do not violate copyright law; (b) certain quality assurance copies (which were discontinued in November 2012) did violate copyright law; and (c) the Slingbox unit’s placeshifting functionality, the Hopper Transfers feature and certain quality assurance copies breach DISH’s retransmission consent agreement with Fox. At the parties’ joint request, the Court had stayed the case until January 15, 2016. Pursuant to a settlement agreement between us, DISH Network and the Fox plaintiffs, on February 10, 2016, we, DISH Network and the Fox plaintiffs filed a motion to dismiss with prejudice all of our respective claims pending in the California Court. That motion was granted on February 11, 2016.

New York Actions. On October 9, 2012, the ABC plaintiffs filed copyright counterclaims in the New York action against EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C., with the CBS plaintiffs filing similar copyright counterclaims in the New York action against EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. on October 12, 2012. Additionally, the CBS plaintiffs filed a counterclaim alleging that DISH Network fraudulently concealed the AutoHop feature when negotiating the renewal of its CBS retransmission consent agreement.

On November 23, 2012, the ABC plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the Hopper set-top box’s PrimeTime Anytime and AutoHop features. On September 18, 2013, the New York court denied that motion. The ABC plaintiffs appealed, and oral argument on the appeal was heard on February 20, 2014 before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Pursuant to a settlement between us and the ABC parties, on March 4, 2014, the ABC parties withdrew their appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and, on March 6, 2014, we and the ABC parties dismissed without prejudice all of our respective claims pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The CBS claims in the New York action were scheduled for trial on May 29, 2015. However, on December 6, 2014 the parties to the CBS case reached a settlement agreement and all claims pending in New York Court were dismissed with prejudice on December 10, 2014.

Kappa Digital, LLC

On June 1, 2015, Kappa Digital LLC (“Kappa”) filed suit against our subsidiary HNS in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 6,349,135, entitled “Method and System for a Wireless Digital Message Service.” Kappa generally alleges that HNS’ “HughesNet Gen 4 residential internet service/systems” and “HughesNet Business Broadband service/systems” infringe its asserted patent. Kappa is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. On February 1, 2016, Kappa filed a motion to dismiss its claims with prejudice and on February 2, 2016, the action was dismissed accordingly.

LightSquared/Harbinger Capital Partners LLC (LightSquared Bankruptcy)

On August 6, 2013, Harbinger Capital Partners LLC and other affiliates of Harbinger (collectively, “Harbinger”), a shareholder of LightSquared Inc. (“LightSquared”), filed an adversary proceeding against EchoStar Corporation, DISH Network, L-Band Acquisition, LLC (“LBAC”), Charles W. Ergen (our Chairman), SP Special Opportunities, LLC (“SPSO”) (an entity controlled by Mr. Ergen), and certain other parties, in the LightSquared bankruptcy cases pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”), which cases are jointly administered under the caption In re LightSquared Inc., et. al., Case No. 12 12080 (SCC). Harbinger alleged, among other things, claims based on fraud, unfair competition, civil conspiracy and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage related to certain purchases of LightSquared secured debt by SPSO. Subsequently, LightSquared intervened to join in certain claims alleged against certain defendants other than us, DISH Network and LBAC.

On October 29, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court dismissed all of the claims against us in Harbinger’s complaint in their entirety, but granted leave for LightSquared to file its own complaint in intervention. On November 15, 2013, LightSquared filed its complaint, which included various claims against us, DISH Network, Mr. Ergen and SPSO. On December 2, 2013, Harbinger filed an amended complaint, asserting various claims against SPSO. On December 12, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court dismissed several of the claims asserted by LightSquared and Harbinger. The surviving claims included, among others, LightSquared’s claims against SPSO for declaratory relief, breach of contract and statutory disallowance; LightSquared’s tortious interference claim against us, DISH Network and Mr. Ergen; and Harbinger’s claim against SPSO for statutory disallowance. These claims proceeded to a non-jury trial on January 9, 2014, which concluded on January 17, 2014. The parties submitted post-trial briefs and a hearing for closing arguments occurred on March 17, 2014. In its Post-Trial Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law entered on June 10, 2014, the Bankruptcy Court rejected all claims against us and DISH Network, and it rejected some but not all claims against the other defendants. On July 7, 2015, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York denied Harbinger’s motion for an appeal of certain Bankruptcy Court orders in the adversary proceeding.

Michael Heskiaoff, Marc Langenohl, and Rafael Mann

On July 10, 2015, Messrs. Michael Heskiaoff and Marc Langenohl, purportedly on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, filed suit against our subsidiary Sling Media, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint alleges that Sling Media Inc.’s display of advertising to its customers violates a number of state statutes dealing with consumer deception. On September 25, 2015, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, and Mr. Rafael Mann, purportedly on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, filed an additional complaint alleging similar causes of action. On November 16, 2015, the cases were consolidated.

Personalized Media Communications, Inc.

During 2008, Personalized Media Communications, Inc. (“PMC”) filed suit against EchoStar Corporation, DISH Network and Motorola Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,109,414; 4,965,825; 5,233,654; 5,335,277; and 5,887,243, which relate to satellite signal processing. PMC is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. Subsequently, Motorola Inc. settled with PMC, leaving DISH Network and us as defendants. On July 18, 2012, pursuant to a Court order, PMC filed a Second Amended Complaint that added Rovi Guides, Inc. (f/k/a/ Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.) and TVG-PMC, Inc. (collectively, “Gemstar”) as a party, and added a new claim against all defendants seeking a declaratory judgment as to the scope of Gemstar’s license to the patents in suit, under which DISH Network and we are sublicensees. On August 12, 2014, in response to the parties’ respective summary judgment motions related to the Gemstar license issues, the Court ruled in favor of PMC and dismissed all claims by or against Gemstar and entered partial final judgment in PMC’s favor as to those claims. On September 16, 2014, we and DISH Network filed a notice of appeal of that partial final judgment, which is pending. On November 5, 2014, PMC supplemented its expert report on damages, dropping a higher value damages theory and disclosing that it seeks damages ranging from $167 million to $447 million as of September 30, 2014, excluding pre-judgment interest and possible treble damages under Federal law. On May 7, 2015, we, DISH Network and PMC entered into a settlement and release agreement that provided, among other things, for a license by PMC to us and DISH Network for certain patents and patent applications and the dismissal of all of PMC’s claims in the action against us and DISH Network with prejudice. In June 2015, we and DISH Network agreed that we would contribute a one-time payment of $5.0 million towards the settlement under the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off and the 2012 Receiver Agreement. On June 4, 2015, the Court dismissed all of PMC’s claims in the action against us and DISH Network with prejudice. We have recorded a loss related to the settlement within “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) of $5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Phoenix Licensing, L.L.C./LPL Licensing, L.L.C.

On July 30, 2015, Phoenix Licensing, L.L.C. and LPL Licensing, L.L.C. (together referred to as “Phoenix”) filed a complaint against our subsidiary HNS in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,987,434, entitled “Apparatus and Method for Transacting Marketing and Sales of Financial Products”; 7,890,366, entitled “Personalized Communication Documents, System and Method for Preparing Same”; 8,352,317, entitled “System for Facilitating Production of Variable Offer Communications”; 8,234,184, entitled “Automated Reply Generation Direct Marketing System”; 6,999,938, entitled “Automated Reply Generation Direct Marketing System”; 8,738,435, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Presenting Personalized Content Relating to Offered Products and Services”; and 7,860,744, entitled “System and Method for Automatically Providing Personalized Notices Concerning Financial Products and/or Services.” Phoenix alleged that HNS infringes the asserted patents by making and using products and services that generate customized marketing materials. Phoenix is an entity that seeks to license a patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein against us. On October 16, 2015, Phoenix moved to dismiss the litigation against us without prejudice pursuant to a settlement agreement, and on November 3, 2015, the action was dismissed accordingly.

Realtime Data LLC

On May 8, 2015, Realtime Data LLC (“Realtime”) filed suit against EchoStar Corporation and our subsidiary HNS in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 7,378,992, entitled “Content Independent Data Compression Method and System”; 7,415,530, entitled “System and Methods for Accelerated Data Storage and Retrieval”; and 8,643,513, entitled “Data Compression System and Methods.” Realtime generally alleges that the asserted patents are infringed by certain HNS data compression products and services. Realtime is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

Shareholder Derivative Litigation

On December 5, 2012, Greg Jacobi, purporting to sue derivatively on behalf of EchoStar Corporation, filed suit (the “Jacobi Litigation”) against Charles W. Ergen, Michael T. Dugan, R. Stanton Dodge, Tom A. Ortolf, C. Michael Schroeder, Joseph P. Clayton, David K. Moskowitz, and EchoStar Corporation in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada. The complaint alleges that a March 2011 attempted grant of 1.5 million stock options to Charles Ergen breached defendants’ fiduciary duties, resulted in unjust enrichment, and constituted a waste of corporate assets.

On December 18, 2012, Chester County Employees’ Retirement Fund, derivatively on behalf of EchoStar Corporation, filed a suit (the “Chester County Litigation”) against Charles W. Ergen, Michael T. Dugan, R. Stanton Dodge, Tom A. Ortolf, C. Michael Schroeder, Anthony M. Federico, Pradman P. Kaul, Joseph P. Clayton, and EchoStar Corporation in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. The complaint similarly alleges that the March 2011 attempted grant of 1.5 million stock options to Charles Ergen breached defendants’ fiduciary duties, resulted in unjust enrichment, and constituted a waste of corporate assets.

On February 22, 2013, the Chester County Litigation was transferred to the District of Nevada, and on April 3, 2013, the Chester County Litigation was consolidated into the Jacobi Litigation. Oral argument on a motion to dismiss the Jacobi Litigation was held February 21, 2014. On April 11, 2014, the Chester County litigation was stayed pending resolution of the motion to dismiss. On March 30, 2015, the Court dismissed the Jacobi litigation, with leave for Jacobi to amend his complaint by April 20, 2015. On April 20, 2015, Jacobi filed an amended complaint, which on June 12, 2015, we moved to dismiss.

Of the attempted grant of 1.5 million options to Mr. Ergen in 2011, only 800,000 were validly granted and remain outstanding.

Technology Development and Licensing, LLC

On January 22, 2009, Technology Development and Licensing, LLC (“TDL”) filed suit against EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois alleging infringement of United States Patent No. Re. 35,952, which relates to certain favorite channel features. TDL is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. The case has been stayed since July 2009, pending two reexamination petitions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which concluded in August 2015 resulting in 42 out of the 53 claims of the 952 patent being cancelled. As a result, the case resumed in August 2015. A trial date has not been set.

TQ Beta LLC

On June 30, 2014, TQ Beta LLC (“TQ Beta”) filed suit against DISH Network, DISH DBS Corporation, DISH Network L.L.C., as well as EchoStar Corporation and our subsidiaries, EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C, HSS, and Sling Media, Inc., in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging infringement of United States Patent No. 7,203,456 (the “456 patent”), which is entitled “Method and Apparatus for Time and Space Domain Shifting of Broadcast Signals.” TQ Beta alleges that the Hopper, Hopper with Sling, ViP 722 and ViP 722k DVR devices, as well as the DISH Anywhere service and DISH Anywhere mobile application, infringe the 456 patent, but has not specified the amount of damages that it seeks. TQ Beta is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein. During August 2015, EchoStar Corporation and DISH Network L.L.C. filed petitions before the United States Patent and Trademark Office challenging the validity of the 456 patent. Trial is scheduled to commence on December 12, 2016.

Two-Way Media Ltd

On February 17, 2016, Two-Way Media Ltd (“TWM”) filed a complaint against EchoStar Corporation and our subsidiaries EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C., and Sling Media, Inc., as well as against DISH Network Corporation, DISH DBS Corporation, DISH Network L.L.C., DISH Network Service L.L.C., Sling TV Holding L.L.C., Sling TV L.L.C., and Sling TV Purchasing L.L.C. TWM brought the suit in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,778,187; 5,983,005; 6,434,622; and 7,266,686, each entitled “Multicasting Method and Apparatus”; and 9,124,607, entitled “Methods and Systems for Playing Media.” TWM alleges that the SlingTV, Sling International, DISH Anywhere, and DISHWorld services, as well as the Slingbox units and Sling-enabled DISH DVRs, infringe the asserted patents. TWM is an entity that seeks to license an acquired patent portfolio without itself practicing any of the claims recited therein.

Other

In addition to the above actions, we are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of our business. As part of our ongoing operations, the Company is subject to various inspections, audits, inquiries, investigations and similar actions by third parties, as well as by governmental/regulatory authorities responsible for enforcing the laws and regulations to which the Company is subject. Further, under the federal False Claims Act, private parties have the right to bring qui tam, or “whistleblower,” suits against companies that submit false claims for payments to, or improperly retain overpayments from, the federal government. Some states have adopted similar state whistleblower and false claims provisions. In addition, the Company from time to time receives inquiries from federal, state and foreign agencies regarding compliance with various laws and regulations.

In our opinion, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to any of these actions is unlikely to materially affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, though the resolutions and outcomes, individually or in the aggregate, could be material to our financial position, operating results or cash flows for any particular period, depending, in part, upon the operating results for such period.

The Company indemnifies its directors, officers and employees for certain liabilities that might arise from the performance of their responsibilities for the Company. Additionally, in the normal course of its business, the Company enters into contracts pursuant to which the Company may make a variety of representations and warranties and indemnify the counterparty for certain losses. The Company’s possible exposure under these arrangements cannot be reasonably estimated as this involves the resolution of claims made, or future claims that may be made, against the Company or its officers, directors or employees, the outcomes of which are unknown and not currently predictable or estimable.

Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting

Note 17.Segment Reporting

Operating segments are business components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), who for EchoStar is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Under this definition, we operate the following three primary business segments:

Hughes — which provides satellite broadband internet access to North American consumers and broadband network services and equipment to domestic and international enterprise markets. The Hughes segment also provides managed services to large enterprises and solutions to customers for mobile satellite systems.

EchoStar Technologies (“ETC”) — which designs, develops and distributes secure end-to-end video technology solutions including digital set-top boxes and related products and technology, primarily for satellite TV service providers and telecommunication companies. Our EchoStar Technologies segment also provides digital broadcast operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission services, signal processing, conditional access management, and other services, primarily to DISH Network and Dish Mexico. In addition, we provide our TV Anywhere technology through Slingbox® units directly to consumers via retail outlets and online, as well as to the pay-TV operator market. Beginning in 2015, this segment also includes Move Networks, our over-the-top (“OTT”), Streaming Video on Demand (“SVOD”) platform business, which includes assets acquired from Sling TV Holding L.L.C. (formerly DISH Digital Holding L.L.C.), and primarily provides support services to DISH Network’s Sling TV operations. In 2016, we plan to introduce a security and home automation solution provided directly to consumers.

EchoStar Satellite Services — which uses certain of our owned and leased in-orbit satellites and related licenses to provide satellite services on a full-time and occasional-use basis primarily to DISH Network, Dish Mexico, U.S. government service providers, internet service providers, broadcast news organizations, programmers, and private enterprise customers.

The primary measure of segment profitability that is reported regularly to our CODM is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA. Our segment operating results do not include real estate and other activities, costs incurred in certain satellite development programs and other business development activities, expenses of various corporate departments and our centralized treasury operations, including income from our investment portfolio and interest expense on our debt. These activities are accounted for in the “All Other and Eliminations” column in the table below. Total assets by segment have not been reported herein because the information is not provided to our CODM on a regular basis. The Hughes Retail Group is included in our Hughes segment and our CODM reviews separate HRG financial information only to the extent such information is included in our periodic filings with the SEC. Therefore, we do not consider HRG to be a separate operating segment.

Prior to 2015, our Move Networks business, including certain assets distributed to us in August 2014 in connection with the Exchange Agreement with Sling TV Holding (see Notes 6, 10 and 19), was managed separately from our existing operating segments and was reported within “All Other and Eliminations.” In the first quarter of 2015, we assigned management responsibility for our Move Networks business to our EchoStar Technologies segment, where it continues to be managed and reported as a separate reporting unit. All prior period amounts have been retrospectively adjusted to present operations of our Move Networks business in our EchoStar Technologies segment.

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, transactions between segments were not significant.

The following table presents revenue, EBITDA, and capital expenditures for each of our operating segments:

					EchoStar		All
			EchoStar		Satellite		Other and			Consolidated
	Hughes		Technologies		Services		Eliminations			Total
	(In thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2015
External revenue	$	1,344,945	$	1,297,510	$	489,842	$	11,417		$	3,143,714
Intersegment revenue	$	2,395	$	688	$	749	$	(3,832	)	$	—
Total revenue	$	1,347,340	$	1,298,198	$	490,591	$	7,585		$	3,143,714
EBITDA	$	396,684	$	106,745	$	412,607	$	(50,683	)	$	865,353
Capital expenditures	$	285,499	$	50,593	$	101,215	$	266,213		$	703,520

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
External revenue	$	1,325,887	$	1,626,826	$	481,579	$	11,286		$	3,445,578
Intersegment revenue	$	1,831	$	540	$	2,876	$	(5,247	)	$	—
Total revenue	$	1,327,718	$	1,627,366	$	484,455	$	6,039		$	3,445,578
EBITDA	$	356,871	$	154,786	$	419,442	$	(28,518	)	$	902,581
Capital expenditures	$	218,607	$	48,616	$	28,734	$	384,069		$	680,026

For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
External revenue	$	1,215,783	$	1,730,433	$	326,828	$	9,408		$	3,282,452
Intersegment revenue	$	2,343	$	412	$	3,349	$	(6,104	)	$	—
Total revenue	$	1,218,126	$	1,730,845	$	330,177	$	3,304		$	3,282,452
EBITDA	$	281,513	$	136,537	$	235,993	$	(3,946	)	$	650,097
Capital expenditures	$	186,561	$	56,935	$	12,700	$	135,677		$	391,873

The following table reconciles total consolidated EBITDA to reported “Income (loss) before income taxes” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss):

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
EBITDA	$	865,353		$	902,581		$	650,097
Interest income and expense, net	(111,637		)	(162,247		)	(177,898		)
Depreciation and amortization	(528,158		)	(556,676		)	(507,111		)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,986		)	(5,325		)	876

Income (loss) before income taxes	$	221,572		$	178,333		$	(34,036	)

Geographic Information and Transactions with Major Customers

Geographic Information. Revenue is attributed to geographic regions based upon the location where the goods and services are provided. North America revenue includes transactions with North America customers. All other revenue includes transactions with customers in Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. The following table summarizes total long-lived assets and revenue attributed to the North America and other foreign locations.

	As of December 31,
Long-lived assets:	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
North America:
United States	$	4,440,590	$	4,313,649
Other	1,242		585
All other	158,253		155,229

Total	$	4,600,085	$	4,469,463

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Revenue:	2015		2014			2013
	(In thousands)
North America:
United States	$	2,685,665		$	2,958,539	$	2,819,968
Other	203,813			220,122		215,787
All other	254,236			266,917		246,697

Total	$	3,143,714		$	3,445,578	$	3,282,452

Transactions with Major Customers. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, our revenue included sales to one major customer. The following table summarizes sales to this customer and its percentage of total revenue.

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Total revenue:
DISH Network:
Hughes segment	$	105,181		$	112,692		$	113,869
EchoStar Technologies segment	1,141,435			1,443,419			1,560,905
EchoStar Satellite Services segment	423,465			407,236			247,174
Other	11,404			11,244			9,687

Total DISH Network	1,681,485			1,974,591			1,931,635
All other	1,462,229			1,470,987			1,350,817

Total revenue	$	3,143,714		$	3,445,578		$	3,282,452


Percentage of total revenue:
DISH Network	53.5		%	57.3		%	58.8		%

All other	46.5		%	42.7		%	41.2		%

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8380-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher FASB
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+ Details

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Note 18.Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Our quarterly results of operations are summarized as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Year ended December 31, 2015:
Total revenue	$	798,653	$	793,595	$	760,879	$	790,587
Operating income	$	81,205	$	94,348	$	88,607	$	91,873
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock	$	33,402	$	33,900	$	30,102	$	66,296
Basic earnings per share	$	0.36	$	0.37	$	0.33	$	0.71
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.36	$	0.36	$	0.32	$	0.71

Year ended December 31, 2014:
Total revenue	$	826,023	$	879,828	$	895,840	$	843,887
Operating income	$	59,820	$	92,470	$	92,277	$	83,523
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock	$	12,653	$	33,794	$	64,055	$	54,766
Basic earnings per share	$	0.14	$	0.37	$	0.70	$	0.60
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.14	$	0.36	$	0.69	$	0.59

For the quarter ended December 31, 2015, our effective income tax rate decreased due primarily to the re-enactment of federal research and experimentation tax credits in December 2015. The decrease in our effective tax rate resulted in a $23.2 million decrease in our quarterly tax provision.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, our operating results included a gain of $5.8 million related to our investment in TerreStar (See Note 6).

Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions

Note 19.Related Party Transactions

DISH Network

Following the Spin-off, we and DISH Network have operated as separate publicly-traded companies. However, pursuant to the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, described in Note 4 and below, DISH Network owns Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock representing an aggregate 80.0% economic interest in the residential retail satellite broadband business of our Hughes segment, including certain operations, assets and liabilities attributed to such business. In addition, a substantial majority of the voting power of the shares of both companies is owned beneficially by Charles W. Ergen, our Chairman, and by certain trusts established by Mr. Ergen for the benefit of his family.

In connection with and following the Spin-off, we and DISH Network have entered into certain agreements pursuant to which we obtain certain products, services and rights from DISH Network; DISH Network obtains certain products, services and rights from us; and we and DISH Network have indemnified each other against certain liabilities arising from our respective businesses. We also may enter into additional agreements with DISH Network in the future. Generally, the amounts DISH Network pays for products and services provided under the agreements are based on our cost plus a fixed margin (unless noted differently below), which varies depending on the nature of the products and services provided.

The following is a summary of the terms of our principal agreements with DISH Network that may have an impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

“Equipment revenue — DISH Network”

Receiver Agreement. Effective January 2012, we and DISH Network entered into a receiver agreement (the “2012 Receiver Agreement”), pursuant to which DISH Network has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories, and other equipment from us for the period from January 2012 to December 2014. The 2012 Receiver Agreement replaced the receiver agreement we entered into with DISH Network in connection with the Spin-off. The 2012 Receiver Agreement allows DISH Network to purchase digital set-top boxes, related accessories, and other equipment from us either: (i) at cost (decreasing as we reduce costs and increasing as costs increase) plus a dollar mark-up which will depend upon the cost of the product subject to a collar on our mark-up; or (ii) at cost plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the equipment purchased. Under the 2012 Receiver Agreement, our margins will be increased if we are able to reduce the costs of our digital set-top boxes and our margins will be reduced if these costs increase. We provide DISH Network with standard manufacturer warranties for the goods sold under the 2012 Receiver Agreement. Additionally, the 2012 Receiver Agreement includes an indemnification provision, whereby the parties indemnify each other for certain intellectual property matters. DISH Network is able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days’ notice to us. We are able to terminate the 2012 Receiver Agreement if certain entities acquire DISH Network. DISH Network has an option, but not the obligation, to extend the 2012 Receiver Agreement for one additional year upon 180 days’ notice prior to the end of the term. In May 2014, we received DISH Network’s notice to extend the 2012 Receiver Agreement for one year to December 2015, and in November 2015, we amended the 2012 Receiver Agreement with DISH Network to extend the term of the 2012 Receiver Agreement for one year to December 2016.

“Services and other revenue — DISH Network”

Broadcast Agreement. Effective January 2012, we and DISH Network entered into a broadcast agreement (the “2012 Broadcast Agreement”) pursuant to which we provide certain broadcast services to DISH Network, including teleport services such as transmission and downlinking, channel origination services, and channel management services, for the period from January 2012 to December 2016. The 2012 Broadcast Agreement replaced the broadcast agreement that we entered into with DISH Network in connection with the Spin-off. The fees for the services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement are calculated at either: (a) our cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed dollar fee, which is subject to certain adjustments; or (b) our cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the services provided. DISH Network has the ability to terminate channel origination services and channel management services for any reason and without any liability upon at least 60 days’ notice to us. If DISH Network terminates the teleport services provided under the 2012 Broadcast Agreement for a reason other than our breach, DISH Network generally is obligated to reimburse us for any direct costs we incur related to any such termination that we cannot reasonably mitigate.

Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming. In May 2010, we and DISH Network entered into a broadcast agreement pursuant to which we provide certain broadcast services to DISH Network in connection with its carriage of certain sports related programming. The term of this agreement is ten years. If DISH Network terminates this agreement for a reason other than our breach, DISH Network generally is obligated to reimburse us for any direct costs we incur related to any such termination that we cannot reasonably mitigate. The fees for the broadcast services provided under this agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and provide such services.

Satellite Services Provided to DISH Network. Since the Spin-off, we have entered into certain satellite service agreements pursuant to which DISH Network receives satellite services on certain satellites owned or leased by us. The fees for the services provided under these satellite service agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite, the number of transponders that are providing services on the applicable satellite, and the length of the service arrangements. The terms of each service arrangement is set forth below:

EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV. As part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction discussed in Note 4, in March 2014, we began providing certain satellite services to DISH Network on the EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV satellites. The term of each satellite services agreement generally terminates upon the earlier of: (i) the end of life of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; or (iii) a certain date, which depends upon, among other things, the estimated useful life of the satellite. DISH Network generally has the option to renew each satellite service agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end of the respective satellite’s life. There can be no assurance that any options to renew such agreements will be exercised. DISH Network has elected not to renew the satellite services agreement relative to the EchoStar I satellite. The agreement for the EchoStar I satellite expired pursuant to its terms effective November 2015. In December 2015, DISH Network renewed the satellite services agreement relative to the EchoStar VII satellite for one year to June 2017.

EchoStar VIII. In May 2013, DISH Network began receiving satellite services from us on the EchoStar VIII satellite as an in-orbit spare. Effective March 2014, this satellite services arrangement converted to a month-to-month service agreement with both parties having the right to terminate upon 30 days’ notice. The agreement terminated in accordance with its terms effective November 2015.

EchoStar IX. Effective January 2008, DISH Network began receiving satellite services from us on the EchoStar IX satellite. Subject to availability, DISH Network generally has the right to continue to receive satellite services from us on the EchoStar IX satellite on a month-to-month basis.

EchoStar XII. DISH Network receives satellite services from us on the EchoStar XII satellite. The term of the satellite services agreement terminates upon the earlier of: (i) the end of life of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails or the date the transponder(s) on which the service was being provided under the agreement fails; or (iii) September 2017. DISH Network generally has the option to renew the agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end of the satellite’s life. There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised.

EchoStar XVI. In December 2009, we entered into an initial ten-year transponder service agreement with DISH Network, pursuant to which DISH Network has received satellite services from us on the EchoStar XVI satellite since January 2013. Effective December 2012, we and DISH Network amended the transponder service agreement to, among other things, change the initial term to generally expire upon the earlier of: (i) the end-of-life or replacement of the satellite; (ii) the date the satellite fails; (iii) the date the transponder(s) on which service is being provided under the agreement fails; or (iv) four years following the actual service commencement date. Prior to expiration of the initial term, we, upon certain conditions, and DISH Network have the option to renew for an additional six-year period. If either we or DISH Network exercise our respective six-year renewal options, DISH Network has the option to renew for an additional five-year period prior to expiration of the then-current term. There can be no assurance that any option to renew this agreement will be exercised. In the event that we or DISH Network does not exercise the six-year renewal option or DISH does not exercise the five-year renewal options, DISH Network has the option to purchase the EchoStar XVI satellite for a certain price. If DISH Network does not elect to purchase the EchoStar XVI satellite at that time, we may sell the EchoStar XVI satellite to a third party and DISH Network is required to pay us a certain amount in the event we are not able to sell the EchoStar XVI satellite for more than a certain amount.

Nimiq 5 Agreement. In September 2009, we entered into a fifteen-year satellite service agreement with Telesat to receive service on all 32 DBS transponders on the Nimiq 5 satellite at the 72.7 degree west longitude orbital location (the “Telesat Transponder Agreement”). In September 2009, we also entered into a satellite service agreement (the “DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement”) with DISH Network, pursuant to which DISH Network receives satellite services from us on all 32 of the DBS transponders covered by the Telesat Transponder Agreement.

Under the terms of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, DISH Network makes certain monthly payments to us that commenced in September 2009, when the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service, and continue through the service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement, the service term will expire ten years following the date the Nimiq 5 satellite was placed into service. Upon expiration of the initial term, DISH Network has the option to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement on a year-to-year basis through the end of life of the Nimiq 5 satellite. Upon in-orbit failure or end of life of the Nimiq 5 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, DISH Network has certain rights to receive service from us on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew the DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement will be exercised or that DISH Network will exercise its option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

QuetzSat-1 Agreement. In November 2008, we entered into a ten-year satellite service agreement with SES Latin America, which provides, among other things, for the provision by SES Latin America to us of service on 32 DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite. Concurrently, in 2008, we entered into a transponder service agreement with DISH Network, pursuant to which DISH Network receives satellite services on 24 of the DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite. The QuetzSat-1 satellite was launched in September 2011 and was placed into service during November 2011 at the 67.1 degree west longitude orbital location. In the interim, we provided DISH Network with alternate capacity at the 77 degree west longitude orbital location. In February 2013, we and DISH Network entered into an agreement pursuant to which we receive certain satellite services from DISH Network on five DBS transponders on the QuetzSat-1 satellite. In January 2013, the QuetzSat-1 satellite was moved to the 77 degree west longitude orbital location and DISH Network commenced commercial operations at such location in February 2013.

Under the terms of our contractual arrangements with DISH Network, we began to provide service to DISH Network on the QuetzSat-1 satellite in February 2013 and will continue to provide service through the remainder of the service term. Unless extended or earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of our agreement with DISH Network for the QuetzSat-1 satellite, the initial service term will expire in November 2021. Upon expiration of the initial service term, DISH Network has the option to renew the agreement for the QuetzSat-1 satellite on a year-to-year basis through the end of life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite. Upon an in-orbit failure or end of life of the QuetzSat-1 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, DISH Network has certain rights to receive service from us on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that any options to renew this agreement will be exercised or that DISH Network will exercise its option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

103 Degree Orbital Location/SES-3. In May 2012, we entered into a spectrum development agreement (the “103 Spectrum Development Agreement”) with Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc. (“Ciel”) to develop certain spectrum rights at the 103 degree west longitude orbital location (the “103 Spectrum Rights”). In June 2013, we and DISH Network entered into a spectrum development agreement (the “DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement”) pursuant to which DISH Network may use and develop the 103 Spectrum Rights. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, the term generally will continue for the duration of the 103 Spectrum Rights.

In connection with the 103 Spectrum Development Agreement, in May 2012, we also entered into a ten-year service agreement with Ciel pursuant to which we receive certain satellite services from Ciel on the SES-3 satellite at the 103 degree orbital location. In June 2013, we and DISH Network entered into an agreement pursuant to which DISH Network receives certain satellite services from us commencing in June 2013 on the SES-3 satellite (the “DISH 103 Service Agreement”). Under the terms of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, DISH Network makes certain monthly payments to us through the service term. Unless earlier terminated under the terms and conditions of the DISH 103 Service Agreement, the initial service term will expire on the earlier of: (i) the date the SES-3 satellite fails; (ii) the date the transponder(s) on which service was being provided under the agreement fails; or (iii) ten years following the service commencement date. Upon in-orbit failure or end of life of the SES-3 satellite, and in certain other circumstances, DISH Network has certain rights to receive service from us on a replacement satellite. There can be no assurance that DISH Network will exercise its option to receive service on a replacement satellite.

Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. In February 2014, we entered into agreements with DISH Network to implement a transaction pursuant to which, among other things: (i) in March 2014, EchoStar and HSS issued shares of the Tracking Stock to DISH Network in exchange for five satellites owned by DISH Network (EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV) (including assumption of related in-orbit incentive obligations) and approximately $11.4 million in cash; and (ii) in March 2014, DISH Network began receiving certain satellite services on these five satellites from us. See Note 4 for further information.

TT&C Agreement. Effective January 2012, we entered into a telemetry, tracking and control (“TT&C”) agreement pursuant to which we provide TT&C services to DISH Network and its subsidiaries for a period ending in December 2016 (the “2012 TT&C Agreement”). The 2012 TT&C Agreement replaced the TT&C agreement we entered into with DISH Network in connection with the Spin-off. The fees for services provided under the 2012 TT&C Agreement are calculated at either: (i) a fixed fee or (ii) cost plus a fixed margin, which will vary depending on the nature of the services provided. DISH Network is able to terminate the 2012 TT&C Agreement for any reason upon 60 days’ notice.

In connection with the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction, in February 2014, we amended the TT&C Agreement to cease the provision of TT&C services to DISH Network for the EchoStar I, EchoStar VII, EchoStar X, EchoStar XI and EchoStar XIV satellites. Effective March 2014, we provide TT&C services for the D-1 and EchoStar XV satellites; however, for the period that we receive satellite services on the EchoStar XV satellite from DISH Network, we have waived the fees for the TT&C services on the EchoStar XV satellite.

Real Estate Lease Agreements. We have entered into lease agreements pursuant to which DISH Network leases certain real estate from us. The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic area at the time of the lease, and DISH Network is responsible for its portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. The term of each of the leases is set forth below:

Inverness Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 90 Inverness Circle East in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending in December 2016. This agreement can be terminated by either party upon six months’ prior notice. This agreement may be extended by mutual consent, in which case this agreement will be converted to a month-to-month lease agreement. Upon such extension, both parties have the right to terminate this agreement upon 30 days’ notice. In February 2016, DISH Network provided us notice to terminate this lease effective August 10, 2016.

Meridian Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 9601 S. Meridian Blvd. in Englewood, Colorado is for a period ending in December 2016. This agreement may be extended by mutual consent, in which case this agreement will be converted to a month-to-month lease agreement. Upon extension, both parties have the right to terminate this agreement upon 30 days’ notice.

Santa Fe Lease Agreement. The lease for all of 5701 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, Colorado is for a period ending in December 2016. This agreement may be extended by mutual consent, in which case this agreement will be converted to a month-to-month lease agreement. Upon extension, both parties have the right to terminate this agreement upon 30 days’ notice.

EchoStar Data Networks Sublease Agreement. The sublease for certain space at 211 Perimeter Center in Atlanta, Georgia is for a period ending in October 2016. DISH Network may extend this agreement for an additional five years.

Gilbert Lease Agreement. The original lease for certain space at 801 N. DISH Dr. in Gilbert, Arizona was a month to month lease and could be terminated by either party upon 30 days’ prior notice. The original lease was terminated in May 2014. Effective August 2014, we began leasing this space to DISH Network under a new lease for a period ending in July 2016. DISH Network has renewal options for three additional one year terms.

Cheyenne Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 530 EchoStar Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming is for a period ending in December 2031. This agreement may be extended by mutual consent, in which case this agreement will be converted to a month-to-month lease agreement. Upon extension, both parties have the right to terminate this agreement upon 30 days’ notice.

Product Support Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a product support agreement pursuant to which DISH Network has the right, but not the obligation, to receive product support from us (including certain engineering and technical support services) for all set-top boxes and related accessories that we have previously sold and in the future may sell to DISH Network. The fees for the services provided under the product support agreement are calculated at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the services provided. The term of the product support agreement is the economic life of such set-top boxes and related accessories, unless terminated earlier. DISH Network may terminate the product support agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days’ notice. In the event of an early termination of this agreement, DISH Network is entitled to a refund of any unearned fees paid to us for the services.

DISHOnline.com Services Agreement. Effective January 2010, DISH Network entered into a two-year agreement with us pursuant to which DISH Network receives certain services associated with an online video portal. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. DISH Network has the option to renew this agreement for successive one year terms and the agreement may be terminated by DISH Network for any reason upon at least 120 days’ notice to us. In October 2014, DISH Network exercised its right to renew this agreement for a one-year period ending in December 2015, and in November 2015, DISH Network exercised its right to renew this agreement for an additional one-year period ending in December 2016.

DISH Remote Access Services Agreement. Effective February 2010, we entered into an agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which DISH Network receives, among other things, certain remote digital video recorder (“DVR”) management services. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. This agreement had an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms. This agreement automatically renewed in February 2016 for an additional one-year period until February 2017. The agreement may be terminated by DISH Network for any reason upon at least 120 days’ notice to us.

SlingService Services Agreement. Effective February 2010, we entered into an agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which DISH Network receives certain services related to placeshifting. The fees for the services provided under this services agreement depend, among other things, upon the cost to develop and operate such services. This agreement had an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms. This agreement automatically renewed in February 2016 for an additional one-year period until February 2017. The agreement may be terminated by DISH Network for any reason upon at least 120 days’ notice to us.

Blockbuster Agreements. In April 2011, DISH Network acquired substantially all of the assets of Blockbuster, Inc. (the “Blockbuster Acquisition”). In June 2011, we completed the acquisition of Hughes Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Hughes Acquisition”). HNS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc., provided certain broadband products and services to Blockbuster, Inc. (with its subsidiaries, “Blockbuster”) pursuant to an agreement that was entered into prior to the Blockbuster Acquisition and the Hughes Acquisition. Subsequent to both the Blockbuster Acquisition and the Hughes Acquisition, Blockbuster entered into a new agreement with HNS pursuant to which Blockbuster could continue to purchase broadband products and services from our Hughes segment.

Effective February 2014, all services to all Blockbuster locations, including Blockbuster franchisee locations, terminated in connection with the closing of all of the Blockbuster retail locations.

Radio Access Network Agreement. In November 2012, HNS entered into an agreement with DISH Network L.L.C. pursuant to which HNS constructed for DISH Network a ground-based satellite radio access network for a fixed fee. The parties mutually agreed to terminate this agreement in December 2014.

TerreStar Agreement. In March 2012, DISH Network completed its acquisition of substantially all the assets of TerreStar Networks Inc. (“TerreStar”). Prior to DISH Network’s acquisition of substantially all the assets of TerreStar and our completion of the Hughes Acquisition, TerreStar and HNS entered into various agreements pursuant to which our Hughes segment provides, among other things, hosting, operations and maintenance services for TerreStar’s satellite gateway and associated ground infrastructure. These agreements generally may be terminated by DISH Network at any time for convenience.

Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement. Effective October 2012, HNS and dishNET Satellite Broadband L.L.C. (“dishNET”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network, entered into a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) pursuant to which dishNET has the right, but not the obligation, to market, sell and distribute the Hughes satellite internet service (the “Hughes service”). dishNET pays HNS a monthly per subscriber wholesale service fee for the Hughes service based upon a subscriber’s service level, and, beginning in January 2014, based upon certain volume subscription thresholds. The Distribution Agreement also provides that dishNET has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase certain broadband equipment from us to support the sale of the Hughes service. The Distribution Agreement had an initial term of five years with automatic renewal for successive one year terms unless terminated by either party with a written notice at least 180 days before the expiration of the then-current term. In February 2014, HNS and dishNET entered into an amendment to the Distribution Agreement which, among other things, extended the initial term of the Distribution Agreement through March 2024. Upon expiration or termination of the Distribution Agreement, the parties will continue to provide the Hughes service to the then-current dishNET subscribers pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Distribution Agreement.

Set-Top Box Application Development Agreement. During November 2012, we and DISH Network entered into a set-top box application development agreement (the “Application Development Agreement”) pursuant to which we provide DISH Network with certain services relating to the development of web-based applications for set-top boxes for the period ending in February 2016. The Application Development Agreement automatically renewed in February 2016 for a one-year period ending in February 2017, and renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by us or DISH Network at any time upon at least 90 days’ notice. The fees for services provided under the Application Development Agreement are calculated at our cost of providing the relevant service plus a fixed margin, which will depend on the nature of the services provided.

XiP Encryption Agreement. In July 2012, we entered into an encryption agreement with DISH Network for our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes (the “XiP Encryption Agreement”) pursuant to which we provide certain security measures on our whole-home HD DVR line of set-top boxes to encrypt the content delivered to the set-top box via a smart card and secure the content between set-top boxes. The XiP Encryption Agreement’s term ends on the same day as the 2012 Receiver Agreement and therefore was automatically extended until December 2016 when we and DISH Network extended the 2012 Receiver Agreement in November 2015. We and DISH Network each have the right to terminate the XiP Encryption Agreement for any reason upon at least 180 days’ notice and 30 days’ notice, respectively. The fees for the services provided under the XiP Encryption Agreement are calculated on a monthly basis based on the number of receivers utilizing such security measures each month.

DBSD North America Agreement. In March 2012, DISH Network completed its acquisition of 100% of the equity of reorganized DBSD North America, Inc. (“DBSD North America”). Prior to DISH Network’s acquisition of DBSD North America and our completion of the Hughes Acquisition, DBSD North America and HNS entered into an agreement pursuant to which our Hughes segment provides, among other things, hosting, operations and maintenance services of DBSD North America’s satellite gateway and associated ground infrastructure. This agreement will expire in February 2017.

Sling TV Holding L.L.C. (formerly DISH Digital Holding L.L.C.) (“Sling TV Holding”). Effective July 2012, we and DISH Network formed Sling TV Holding, which was owned two-thirds by DISH Network and one-third by us. Sling TV Holding was formed to develop and commercialize certain advanced technologies. At that time, we, DISH Network and Sling TV Holding entered into the following agreements with respect to Sling TV Holding: (i) a contribution agreement pursuant to which we and DISH Network contributed certain assets in exchange for our respective ownership interests in Sling TV Holding; (ii) a limited liability company operating agreement (“Operating Agreement”), which provides for the governance of Sling TV Holding; and (iii) a commercial agreement (“Commercial Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holding had: (a) certain rights and corresponding obligations with respect to its business; and (b) the right, but not the obligation, to receive certain services from us and DISH Network, respectively.

Effective August 2014, we and Sling TV Holding entered into the Exchange Agreement pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holding distributed certain assets to us and we reduced our interest in Sling TV Holding to a 10.0% non-voting interest. As a result, DISH Network has a 90.0% equity interest and a 100% voting interest in Sling TV Holding. In addition, we, DISH Network and Sling TV Holding amended and restated the Operating Agreement, primarily to reflect the changes implemented by the Exchange Agreement. Finally, we, DISH Network and Sling TV Holding amended and restated the Commercial Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, Sling TV Holding: (1) continues to have certain rights and corresponding obligations with respect to its business; (2) continues to have the right, but not the obligation, to receive certain services from us and DISH Network; and (3) has a license from us to use certain of the assets distributed to us as part of the Exchange Agreement.

“Cost of sales — equipment — DISH Network”

Remanufactured Receiver Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a remanufactured receiver agreement with DISH Network pursuant to which we have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase remanufactured receivers and related components from DISH Network at cost plus a fixed margin, which varies depending on the nature of the equipment purchased. In November 2014, we and DISH Network extended this agreement for a one-year period ending in December 2015, and in November 2015, we and DISH Network extended this agreement for a one-year period ending in December 2016. We may terminate the remanufactured receiver agreement for any reason upon at least 60 days’ notice to DISH Network. DISH Network may also terminate this agreement if certain entities acquire DISH Network.

“Cost of sales — services and other — DISH Network”

Satellite Services Received from DISH Network. Since the Spin-off, we entered into certain satellite services agreements pursuant to which we receive satellite services from DISH Network on certain satellites owned or leased by DISH Network. The fees for the services provided under these satellite services agreements depend, among other things, upon the orbital location of the applicable satellite, the number of transponders that are providing services on the applicable satellite and the length of the service term. The term of each satellite service agreement is set forth below:

D-1. In November 2012, HNS entered into a satellite service agreement pursuant to which HNS received satellite services from DISH Network on the D-1 satellite for research and development. This agreement terminated in June 2014.

EchoStar XV. In May 2013, we began receiving satellite services from DISH Network on the EchoStar XV satellite and relocated the satellite to the 45 degree west longitude orbital location for testing pursuant to our Brazilian authorization. Effective March 2014, this satellite services agreement converted to a month-to-month service agreement with both parties having the right to terminate this agreement upon 30 days’ notice. In October 2015, we provided DISH Network a notice to terminate this agreement effective in November 2015, and the agreement was terminated according to its terms in November 2015.

“General and administrative expenses — DISH Network”

Professional Services Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into various agreements with DISH Network including the Transition Services Agreement, Satellite Procurement Agreement and Services Agreement, which all expired in January 2010 and were replaced by a Professional Services Agreement. In January 2010, we and DISH Network agreed that we shall continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to receive the following services from DISH Network, among others, certain of which were previously provided under the Transition Services Agreement: information technology, travel and event coordination, internal audit, legal, accounting and tax, benefits administration, program acquisition services and other support services. Additionally, we and DISH Network agreed that DISH Network would continue to have the right, but not the obligation, to engage us to manage the process of procuring new satellite capacity for DISH Network (previously provided under the Satellite Procurement Agreement), receive logistics, procurement and quality assurance services from us (previously provided under the Services Agreement) and other support services. The Professional Services Agreement automatically renewed in January 2016 for an additional one-year period until January 2017 and renews automatically for successive one-year periods thereafter, unless terminated earlier by either party upon at least 60 days’ notice. However, either party may terminate the Professional Services Agreement in part with respect to any particular service it receives for any reason upon at least 30 days’ notice.

Real Estate Lease Agreements. We have entered into lease agreements pursuant to which we lease certain real estate from DISH Network. The rent on a per square foot basis for each of the leases is comparable to per square foot rental rates of similar commercial property in the same geographic area at the time of the lease, and we are responsible for our portion of the taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance of the premises. The term of each of the leases is set forth below:

El Paso Lease Agreement. The lease for certain space at 1285 Joe Battle Blvd., El Paso, Texas was for an initial period ending in August 2015, and provided us with renewal options for four consecutive three year terms. Effective August 2015, we exercised our first renewal option for a period ending in August 2018.

American Fork Occupancy License Agreement. The license for certain space at 796 East Utah Valley Drive in American Fork, Utah is for a period ending in July 2017, subject to the terms of the underlying lease agreement. In connection with the Exchange Agreement, this license was terminated in August 2014.

“Other agreements — DISH Network”

Tax Sharing Agreement. In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a tax sharing agreement with DISH Network which governs our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations after the Spin-off with respect to taxes for the periods ending on or before the Spin-off. Generally, all pre-Spin-off taxes, including any taxes that are incurred as a result of restructuring activities undertaken to implement the Spin-off, are borne by DISH Network, and DISH Network will indemnify us for such taxes. However, DISH Network is not liable for and will not indemnify us for any taxes that are incurred as a result of the Spin-off or certain related transactions failing to qualify as tax-free distributions pursuant to any provision of Section 355 or Section 361 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended because of: (i) a direct or indirect acquisition of any of our stock, stock options or assets; (ii) any action that we take or fail to take; or (iii) any action that we take that is inconsistent with the information and representations furnished to the IRS in connection with the request for the private letter ruling, or to counsel in connection with any opinion being delivered by counsel with respect to the Spin-off or certain related transactions. In such case, we will be solely liable for, and will indemnify DISH Network for, any resulting taxes, as well as any losses, claims and expenses. The tax sharing agreement will only terminate after the later of the full period of all applicable statutes of limitations, including extensions, or once all rights and obligations are fully effectuated or performed.

In light of the tax sharing agreement, among other things, and in connection with our consolidated federal income tax returns for certain tax years prior to and for the year of the Spin-off, in September 2013, we and DISH Network agreed upon a supplemental allocation of the tax benefits arising from certain tax items resolved in the course of the IRS’s examination of our consolidated tax returns. Prior to the agreement with DISH Network, the federal tax benefits of $83.2 million were reflected as a deferred tax asset for depreciation and amortization, which was netted in our noncurrent deferred tax liabilities. The agreement requires DISH Network to pay us $83.2 million of the federal tax benefit it receives at such time as we would have otherwise been able to realize such tax benefit, which we currently estimate would be after 2016. Accordingly, we recorded a noncurrent receivable from DISH Network for $83.2 million in “Other receivable — DISH Network” and a corresponding increase in our net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities to reflect the effects of this agreement in September 2013. In addition, in September 2013, we and DISH Network agreed upon a tax sharing arrangement for filing certain combined state income tax returns and a method of allocating the respective tax liabilities between us and DISH Network for such combined returns, through the taxable period ending on December 31, 2017.

We and DISH Network file combined income tax returns in certain states. In 2014 and 2015, we earned and recognized a tax benefit for certain state income tax credits that we would be unable to utilize currently if we had filed separately from DISH Network. DISH Network expects to utilize these tax credits to reduce its state income tax payable. Consistent with accounting principles that apply to transfers of assets between entities under common control, we recorded a charge of $3.0 million and $5.3 million in additional paid-in capital for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, representing the amount that we estimate is more likely than not to be realized by DISH Network as a result of its utilization of the tax credits that we earned. We expect to increase additional paid-in capital upon receipt of any consideration paid to us by DISH Network in exchange for these tax credits.

TiVo. In April 2011, we and DISH Network entered into a settlement agreement with TiVo, Inc. (“TiVo”). The settlement resolved all pending litigation between us and DISH Network, on the one hand, and TiVo, on the other hand, including litigation relating to alleged patent infringement involving certain DISH Network DVRs. Under the settlement agreement, all pending litigation was dismissed with prejudice and all injunctions that permanently restrain, enjoin or compel any action by us or DISH Network were dissolved. We and DISH Network are jointly responsible for making payments to TiVo in the aggregate amount of $500.0 million, including an initial payment of $300.0 million and the remaining $200.0 million in six equal annual installments between 2012 and 2017. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off, DISH Network made the initial payment to TiVo in May 2011, except for the contribution from us totaling approximately $10.0 million, representing an allocation of liability relating to our sales of DVR-enabled receivers to an international customer. Subsequent payments are allocated between us and DISH Network based on historical sales of certain licensed products, with EchoStar being responsible for 5% of each annual payment.

Sling Trademark License Agreement. In December 2014, DISH Digital (now known as Sling TV Holding) entered into an agreement with Sling Media, Inc., our subsidiary, pursuant to which Sling TV Holding has the right, for a fixed fee, to use certain trademarks, domain names and other intellectual property related to the “Sling” trademark through December 2016.

gTLD Bidding Agreement. In April 2015, we and DISH Network entered into a gTLD Bidding Agreement whereby, among other things: (i) DISH Network obtained rights from us to participate in a generic top level domain (“gTLD”) auction, assuming all rights and obligations from us related to our application with ICANN for a particular gTLD; (ii) DISH Network agreed to reimburse us for our ICANN application fee and certain out-of-pocket expenses related to the application and the auction; and (iii) we and DISH Network agreed to split equally the net proceeds obtained by DISH Network as the losing bidder in the auction, less such fee reimbursement and out-of-pocket expenses.

Patent Cross-License Agreements. In December 2011, we and DISH Network entered into separate patent cross-license agreements with the same third party whereby: (i) we and such third party licensed our respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions; and (ii) DISH Network and such third party licensed their respective patents to each other subject to certain conditions (each, a “Cross-License Agreement”). Each Cross-License Agreement covers patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 2017 and aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements total less than $10.0 million. Each Cross-License Agreement also contains an option to extend each Cross-License Agreement to include patents acquired by the respective party prior to January 2022. If both options are exercised, the aggregate additional payments to such third party would total less than $3.0 million. However, we and DISH Network may elect to extend our respective Cross-License Agreement independently of each other. Since the aggregate payments under both Cross-License Agreements were based on the combined annual revenue of us and DISH Network, we and DISH Network agreed to allocate our respective payments to such third party based on our respective percentage of combined total revenue.

PMC. In 2008, PMC filed suit against us, DISH Network and Motorola Inc., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of United States Patent Nos. 5,109,414; 4,965,825; 5,233,654; 5,335,277 and 5,887,243, which relate to satellite signal processing. In May 2015, we, DISH Network and PMC entered into a settlement and release agreement that provided, among other things, for a license by PMC to us and DISH Network for certain patents and patent applications and the dismissal of all of PMC’s claims in the action against us and DISH Network with prejudice. In June 2015, the Court dismissed all of PMC’s claims in the action against us and DISH Network with prejudice. See Note 16 for further discussion. In June 2015, we and DISH Network agreed that we would contribute a one-time payment of $5.0 million towards the settlement under the agreements entered into in connection with the Spin-off and the 2012 Receiver Agreement.

TerreStar-2 Development Agreement. In August 2013, we and DISH Network entered into a development agreement (“T2 Development Agreement”) with respect to the EchoStar XXI satellite under which we reimburse DISH Network for amounts it pays pursuant to an authorization to proceed (“T2 ATP”) with SS/L in connection with the construction of the EchoStar XXI satellite. In exchange, DISH Network granted us a right of first refusal and right of first offer to purchase the EchoStar XXI satellite during the term of the T2 Development Agreement. The T2 Development Agreement was amended in December 2013 to provide for the right and option to purchase DISH Network’s rights and obligations under the T2 ATP and the related agreement for the construction of the EchoStar XXI satellite with SS/L. In December 2014, we exercised our option to purchase DISH Network’s rights and obligations under the T2 Development Agreement for $55.0 million in cash and the agreement terminated pursuant to its terms. In accordance with accounting principles that apply to transfers of assets between companies under common control, we recorded a $9.6 million charge to additional-paid-in-capital, net of related deferred income taxes.

Roger J. Lynch. In November 2009, Mr. Roger J. Lynch became employed by both us and DISH Network as Executive Vice President. Mr. Lynch was responsible for the development and implementation of advanced technologies that are of potential utility and importance to both us and DISH Network. Mr. Lynch’s compensation consisted of cash and equity compensation and was borne by both DISH Network and us. Mr. Lynch’s employment with us terminated in December 2014.

Other Agreements

Hughes Systique Corporation (“Hughes Systique”)

We contract with Hughes Systique for software development services. In February 2008, HNS agreed to make available to Hughes Systique a term loan facility of up to $1.5 million. Also in 2008, HNS funded an initial $0.5 million to Hughes Systique pursuant to the term loan facility. In 2009, HNS funded the remaining $1.0 million of its $1.5 million commitment under the term loan facility. The loans bear interest at 6%, payable annually, and are convertible into shares of Hughes Systique upon non-payment or an event of default. In May 2014, Hughes and Hughes Systique amended the term loan facility to increase the interest rate from 6% to 8%, payable annually, to reflect current market conditions. The loans, as amended, matured on May 1, 2015. In April 2015, we extended the maturity date of the loans to May 1, 2016 on the same terms. In 2015, Hughes Systique repaid $1.5 million of the outstanding principal of the loans. As of December 31, 2015, the principal outstanding amount of the loans was $0.7 million. In addition to our 44.0% ownership in Hughes Systique, Mr. Pradman Kaul, the President of Hughes Communications, Inc. and a member of our board of directors and his brother, who is the CEO and President of Hughes Systique, in the aggregate, owned approximately 25.8%, on an undiluted basis, of Hughes Systique’s outstanding shares as of December 31, 2015. Furthermore, Mr. Pradman Kaul serves on the board of directors of Hughes Systique. Hughes Systique is a variable interest entity and we are considered the primary beneficiary of Hughes Systique due to, among other factors, our ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Hughes Systique. As a result, we consolidate Hughes Systique’s financial statements in our consolidated financial statements.

NagraStar L.L.C.

We own 50.0% of NagraStar L.L.C. (“NagraStar”), a joint venture that is our primary provider of encryption and related security technology used in our set-top boxes. We account for our investment in NagraStar using the equity method. We made purchases from NagraStar totaling approximately $19.6 million, $22.6 million and $14.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had trade accounts payable to NagraStar totaling approximately $2.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

Dish Mexico

We own 49.0% of an entity that provides direct-to-home satellite services in Mexico known as Dish Mexico. We provide certain broadcast services and satellite services and sell hardware such as digital set-top boxes and related equipment to Dish Mexico.

The following table summarizes revenue from sales of hardware and services we provided to Dish Mexico.

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Digital set-top boxes and related accessories	$	66,779	$	60,464	$	36,929

Satellite services	$	23,347	$	23,327	$	22,638

Uplink services	$	4,996	$	6,251	$	6,735

Other services	$	—	$	—	$	127

		As of December 31,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
Due from Dish Mexico	$		32,906	$		11,012

Deluxe/EchoStar LLC

We own 50.0% of Deluxe/EchoStar LLC (“Deluxe”), a joint venture that we entered into in 2010 to build an advanced digital cinema satellite distribution network targeting delivery to digitally equipped theaters in the U.S. and Canada. We account for our investment in Deluxe using the equity method. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recognized revenue from Deluxe for transponder services and the sale of broadband equipment of approximately $2.7 million, $3.3 million and $1.8 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had trade accounts receivable from Deluxe of approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

SmarDTV

In May 2015, we acquired a 22.5% interest in SmarDTV, which we account for using the equity method. Pursuant to a services agreement, we purchased engineering services from SmarDTV totaling $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, we had trade accounts payable to SmarDTV of $0.9 million and a $0.5 million current note receivable from SmarDTV arising from a working capital adjustment pursuant to the acquisition agreement.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for related party transactions. Examples of related party transactions include transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiary; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) and entity and its principal owners; and (d) affiliates.

+ References + Details

SCHEDULE I - Parent Company Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

SCHEDULE I - Parent Company Information

SCHEDULE I - Parent Company Information

SCHEDULE I

We have corrected errors in the presentation of certain assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and in the presentation of related cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 in the following condensed financial information of the registrant (parent company information only). We do not believe these errors were material to the condensed financial information. The errors were limited to the condensed financial information of registrant and did not affect any other reported amounts or disclosures in our consolidated financial statements.

	As of
	December 31, 2014
	As previously reported		As adjusted
	(In thousands)
Condensed Balance Sheet Data
Other current assets	$	—	$	6,796
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries, including intercompany balances	$	2,547,478	$	2,034,447
Deferred tax assets	$	340,852	$	340,246
Total assets	$	4,042,822	$	3,535,981
Accrued expenses and other	$	509,654	$	2,813
Total liabilities	$	509,654	$	2,813
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	4,042,822	$	3,535,981

	For the Years Ended
	December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	As previously reported			As adjusted			As previously reported			As adjusted
	(In thousands)
Condensed Statement of Cash Flows Data
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	$	(267,175	)	$	(1,105	)	$	33,380		$	7,473
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net	$	298,661		$	6,389		$	88,677		$	11,426
Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net	$	(975	)	$	35		$	(88,874	)	$	—
Net cash flows from operating activities	$	63,114		$	37,922		$	55,205		$	40,921
Contributions to subsidiaries and affiliates, net	$	(300,737	)	$	(275,545	)	$	(98,387	)	$	(84,103	)
Net cash flows from investing activities	$	(215,088	)	$	(189,896	)	$	(198,434	)	$	(184,150	)

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(Parent Company Information Only— See notes to consolidated financial statements)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	As of December 31,
	2015			2014
				(As adjusted)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	530,678		$	273,646
Marketable investment securities	358,995			744,112
Other current assets	2,560			6,796

Total current assets	892,233			1,024,554

Noncurrent Assets:
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries, including intercompany balances	2,446,916			2,034,447
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities	862			1,293
Deferred tax assets	245,457			340,246
Other intangible assets, net	5,221			22,185
Investments in unconsolidated entities	26,476			25,319
Other receivable - DISH Network	88,503			87,937

Total noncurrent assets	2,813,435			2,511,427

Total assets	$	3,705,668		$	3,535,981


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities:
Accrued expenses and other	10,190			2,813

Total current liabilities	10,190			2,813

Total liabilities	10,190			2,813

Commitments and Contingencies

Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred Stock, $.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized:
Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock, $.001 par value, 13,000,000 shares authorized, 6,290,499 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively	6			6
Common Stock, $.001 par value, 4,000,000,000 shares authorized:
Class A common stock, $.001 par value, 1,600,000,000 shares authorized, 51,087,839 shares issued and 45,555,521 shares outstanding at December 31, 2015 49,576,247 shares issued and 44,043,929 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014	51			50
Class B common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 47,687,039 shares issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2015 and 2014	48			48
Class C common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2015 and 2014	—			—
Class D common stock, $.001 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2015 and 2014	—			—
Additional paid-in capital	3,776,451			3,706,122
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(117,233		)	(55,856		)
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	134,317			(19,040		)
Treasury stock, at cost	(98,162		)	(98,162		)

Total stockholders’ equity	3,695,478			3,533,168

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,705,668		$	3,535,981

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Parent Company Information Only— See notes to consolidated financial statements)

(In thousands)

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013

Costs and Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	1,482		$	1,536		$	1,598
Depreciation and amortization	16,964			16,965			16,964

Total costs and expenses	18,446			18,501			18,562

Operating loss	(18,446		)	(18,501		)	(18,562		)


Other Income (Expense):
Interest income and expense, net	7,941			8,880			7,197
Gains (losses) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net	(5,067		)	73			36,280
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net	6,157			(4,389		)	(12,068		)
Other, net	790			5,835			(598		)

Total other income, net	9,821			10,399			30,811

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net	(8,625		)	(8,102		)	12,249
Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries, net	166,731			159,871			(2,251		)
Income tax benefit (provision), net	(4,749		)	1,105			(7,473		)

Net income	$	153,357		$	152,874		$	2,525


Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Net income	$	153,357		$	152,874		$	2,525

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(62,411		)	(31,698		)	(15,508		)
Recognition of foreign currency translation loss in net income	1,889			—			—
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities and other	(12,046		)	(9,462		)	18,413
Recognition of other-than-temporary loss on marketable investment securities in net income	11,226			—			—
Recognition of realized gains on marketable investment securities in net income	(35		)	(41		)	(36,312		)

Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(61,377		)	(41,201		)	(33,407		)

Comprehensive income (loss)	$	91,980		$	111,673		$	(30,882	)

ECHOSTAR CORPORATION

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Parent Company Information Only— See notes to consolidated financial statements)

(In thousands)

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
				(As adjusted)			(As adjusted)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$	153,357		$	152,874		$	2,525
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	16,964			16,965			16,964
Equity in losses (earnings) of unconsolidated affiliates, net	(6,157		)	4,389			12,068
Equity in losses (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries, net	(166,731		)	(159,871		)	2,251
Gains (losses) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net	5,067			(73		)	(36,280		)
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	4,749			(1,105		)	7,473
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net	7,205			6,389			11,426
Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net	(566		)	35			—
Other, net	12,705			18,319			24,494

Net cash flows from operating activities	26,593			37,922			40,921


Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of marketable investment securities	(327,610		)	(1,013,699		)	(957,142		)
Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities	701,832			1,118,187			857,139
Contributions to subsidiaries and affiliates, net	(182,943		)	(275,545		)	(84,103		)
Capital contribution to Sling TV Holding	—			(18,569		)	—
Changes in restricted cash and marketable investment securities	431			(270		)	(44		)

Net cash flows from investing activities	191,710			(189,896		)	(184,150		)


Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan	38,729			28,857			71,247
Other	—			(3,075		)	—

Net cash flows from financing activities	38,729			25,782			71,247


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	257,032			(126,192		)	(71,982		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	273,646			399,838			471,820

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	530,678		$	273,646		$	399,838

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

SCHEDULE II

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Our valuation and qualifying accounts as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

Allowance for doubtful accounts	Balance at Beginning of Year		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions			Balance at End of Year
	(In thousands)
For the years ended:
December 31, 2015	$	14,188	$	6,712	$	(8,415	)	$	12,485
December 31, 2014	$	13,237	$	7,242	$	(6,291	)	$	14,188
December 31, 2013	$	16,894	$	7,662	$	(11,319	)	$	13,237

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation We consolidate all entities in which we have controlling financial interest. We are deemed to have a controlling financial interest in variable interest entities where we are the primary beneficiary. We are deemed to have a controlling financial interest in other entities when we own more than 50 percent of the outstanding voting shares and other shareholders do not have substantive rights to participate in management. For entities we control but do not wholly own, we record a noncontrolling interest within stockholders’ equity for the portion of the entity’s equity attributed to the noncontrolling ownership interests. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, noncontrolling interests consist primarily of HSS Tracking Stock owned by DISH Network (see Note 4). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the balance sheets, the reported amounts of revenue and expense for each reporting period, and certain information disclosed in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, amortization periods for deferred subscriber acquisition costs, revenue recognition using the percentage-of-completion method, allowances for doubtful accounts, allowances for sales returns and rebates, warranty obligations, self-insurance obligations, deferred taxes and related valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, loss contingencies, fair value of financial instruments, fair value of stock-based compensation awards, fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, lease classifications, asset impairment testing, useful lives and methods for depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets, and certain royalty obligations. We base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience, observable market inputs and on various other factors that we believe to be relevant under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements. Changing economic conditions may increase the inherent uncertainty in the estimates and assumptions indicated above. We review our estimates and assumptions periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period they occur or prospectively if the revised estimate affects future periods.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency The functional currency for certain of our foreign operations is determined to be the local currency. Accordingly, we translate assets and liabilities of these foreign entities from their local currencies to U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates and translate income and expense accounts at monthly average rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) as “Foreign currency translation adjustments” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). We have not recorded deferred income taxes related to our foreign currency translation adjustments. Gains and losses resulting from re-measurement of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies into the functional currency are recognized in “Other, net” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). We recognized net foreign currency transaction losses of $7.7 million, $3.0 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 primarily consisted of money market funds, government bonds, corporate notes, and commercial paper. The amortized cost of these investments approximates their fair value.
Marketable Investment Securities	Marketable Investment Securities We classify our marketable investment securities as available-for-sale, except in certain instances where we have accounted for certain securities as trading securities. We report our marketable investment securities at fair value and generally recognize the difference between fair value and amortized cost as “Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities and other” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Declines in the fair value of marketable investment securities that are determined to be other than temporary are recognized in earnings, thus establishing a new cost basis for the investment. Interest and dividend income from marketable investment securities is reported in “Interest income” and “Other, net,” respectively, in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. We evaluate our marketable investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine whether declines in the fair value of these securities are other than temporary. Our evaluation consists of reviewing, among other things: the fair value of each security compared to its amortized cost; the length of time and the extent to which the fair value of a security has been lower than amortized cost; the historical volatility of the price of each security; any market and company-specific factors related to each security; and our intent and ability to hold the investment to recovery. Where the fair value of a debt security has declined below its amortized cost, we consider the decline to be other than temporary if any of the following factors apply: we intend to sell the security, it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before maturity or recovery, or we do not expect to recover the security’s entire amortized cost basis, even if there is no intent to sell the security. We use the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method to determine the cost basis on sales of marketable investment securities.
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities - Cost and Equity Method	Investments in Unconsolidated Entities — Cost and Equity Method We use the equity method to account for equity investments in entities that we do not control but have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the investee. We use the cost method when we do not have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the entity. Generally, our equity investments accounted for using either the equity method or cost method are not publicly traded and it is not practicable to regularly estimate the fair value of such investments. We evaluate these equity investments on a quarterly basis to determine whether an event or changes in circumstances has occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. As part of our evaluation, we review available information such as business plans and current financial statements of these companies for factors that may indicate an impairment of our investments. Such factors may include, but are not limited to, unprofitable operations, negative cash flow, material litigation, violations of debt covenants, bankruptcy and changes in business strategy. When we determine that an investment is impaired, and the impairment is other than temporary, we adjust the carrying amount of the investment to its estimated fair value and recognize the impairment loss in earnings. Generally, equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for our proportionate share of the net earnings or loss of the investee, which is reported in “Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The carrying amount of our investments may include a component of goodwill if the cost of our investment exceeds the fair value of the underlying identifiable assets and liabilities of the investee. Dividends received from equity method investees reduce the carrying amount of the investment. We defer, to the extent of our ownership interest in the investee, recognition of intra-entity profits on sales of equipment to the investee until the investee has charged the cost of the equipment to expense in a subsequent sale to a third party or through depreciation. In these circumstances, we report the gross amounts of revenue and cost of sales in the statement of operations and include the intra-entity profit eliminations within “Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net.”
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable We estimate allowances for the potential non-collectability of accounts receivable based upon past collection experience and consideration of other relevant factors. Past experience may not be indicative of future collections and therefore additional adjustments could be recognized in the future to reflect differences between estimated and actual collections.
Inventory	Inventory Inventory is stated at the lower of cost, determined using the FIFO method, or net realizable value. Cost of inventory consists primarily of materials, direct labor and indirect overhead incurred in the procurement and manufacturing of our products. We use standard costing methodologies in determining the cost of certain of our finished goods and work-in-process inventories. We determine net realizable value using our best estimates of future use or recovery, considering the aging and composition of inventory balances, the effects of technological and/or design changes, forecasted future product demand based on firm or near-firm customer orders, and alternative means of disposition of excess or obsolete items.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. The cost of our satellites includes construction costs, including the present value of in-orbit incentives payable to the satellite manufacturer, launch costs, capitalized interest, and related insurance premiums. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over lives ranging from one to 40 years. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense when incurred. Costs of renewals and betterments are capitalized.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets	Impairment of Long-lived Assets We review our long-lived assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For assets held and used in operations, the asset is not recoverable if the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its undiscounted estimated future net cash flows. When an asset is not recoverable, we adjust the carrying amount of such asset to its estimated fair value and recognize the impairment loss in earnings. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired businesses over the estimated fair value assigned to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We do not amortize goodwill, but test goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may exist. Our goodwill as of December 31, 2015 consists primarily of goodwill assigned to reporting units of our Hughes segment. We test Hughes goodwill for impairment in the second fiscal quarter. There are two steps to the goodwill impairment test. Step one compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. We typically estimate fair value of the reporting units using discounted cash flow techniques, which includes significant assumptions about prospective financial information, terminal value and discount rates (Level 3 inputs). If the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value, it is necessary to perform the second step of the impairment test, which compares the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of such goodwill to determine the amount of impairment loss. We may bypass the two-step goodwill impairment test if we determine, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount including goodwill.
Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets	Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets At acquisition and periodically thereafter, we evaluate our intangible assets to determine whether their useful lives are finite or indefinite. We consider our intangible assets to have indefinite lives when no significant legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic, or other factors limit the useful life. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from approximately one to 30 years. When we expect to incur significant costs to renew or extend finite-lived intangible assets, we amortize the total initial and estimated renewal costs over the combined initial and expected renewal terms. In such instances, actual renewal costs are capitalized when they are incurred. We test intangible assets with finite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, as discussed above under “Impairment of Long-lived Assets.” We do not amortize our indefinite-lived intangible assets, but test those assets for impairment annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset may be impaired. Costs incurred to maintain or renew indefinite-lived intangible assets are expensed as incurred. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets include Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) authorizations and certain other contractual or regulatory rights to use spectrum at specified orbital locations (collectively “Regulatory Authorizations”). We have determined that our FCC authorizations generally have indefinite useful lives due to the following: FCC authorizations are non-depleting assets; renewal satellite applications generally are authorized by the FCC subject to certain conditions, without substantial cost under a stable regulatory, legislative, and legal environment; expenditures required to maintain the authorization are not significant; and we intend to use these authorizations indefinitely. Our non-FCC regulatory authorizations consist primarily of authorizations in Europe and Brazil that we acquired in 2013 and 2012, respectively. We have determined that those Regulatory Authorizations have finite lives due to uncertainties about the regulatory environments.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We recognize a provision or benefit for income taxes currently payable or receivable and for income tax amounts deferred to future periods. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the estimated future tax effects of differences that exist between the financial reporting carrying amount and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are offset by valuation allowances when we determine it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will not be realized in the foreseeable future. From time to time, we engage in transactions where the income tax consequences are uncertain. We recognize tax benefits when, in management’s judgment, a tax filing position is more likely than not to be sustained if challenged by the tax authorities. For tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not threshold, we may not recognize a portion of a tax benefit depending on management’s assessment of how the tax position will ultimately be settled. Unrecognized tax benefits generally are netted against the deferred tax assets associated with our net operating loss carryforwards. We adjust our estimates periodically based on ongoing examinations by and settlements with various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws, regulations and precedent. We classify interest and penalties, if any, associated with our unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax provision or benefit. As discussed below under “New Accounting Pronouncements,” in 2015 we changed our method for classifying deferred income taxes in our consolidated balance sheets in connection with our adoption of ASU 2015-17.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements We determine fair value based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Market or observable inputs are the preferred source of values, followed by unobservable inputs or assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs. We utilize the highest level of inputs available according to the following hierarchy in determining fair value: Level 1, defined as observable inputs being quoted prices in active markets for identical assets; Level 2, defined as observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, consistent with characteristics of the asset or liability that would be considered by market participants in a transaction to purchase or sell the asset or liability. Transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy are considered to occur at the beginning of the quarterly accounting period. There were no transfers between levels for each of the years ended December 31, 2015 or 2014. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, accounts payable and accrued liabilities were equal to or approximated fair value due to their short-term nature or proximity to current market rates. Fair values of our current marketable investment securities are based on a variety of observable market inputs. For our investments in publicly traded equity securities and U.S. government securities, fair value ordinarily is determined based on a Level 1 measurement that reflects quoted prices for identical securities in active markets. Fair values of our investments in other marketable debt securities generally are based on Level 2 measurements as the markets for such debt securities are less active. Trades of identical debt securities on or near the measurement date are considered a strong indication of fair value. Matrix pricing techniques that consider par value, coupon rate, credit quality, maturity and other relevant features also may be used to determine fair value of our investments in marketable debt securities. Fair values for our publicly traded long-term debt are based on quoted market prices in less active markets and are categorized as Level 2 measurements. The fair values of our privately held debt are Level 2 measurements and are estimated to approximate their carrying amounts based on the proximity of their interest rates to current market rates. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair values of our in-orbit incentive obligations, based on measurements categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, approximated their carrying amounts of $79.3 million and $85.8 million, respectively. We use fair value measurements from time to time in connection with impairment testing and the assignment of purchase consideration to assets and liabilities of acquired companies. Those fair value measurements typically include significant unobservable inputs and are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue from the sale of equipment and services generally is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, prices are fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, and the goods have been delivered or services have been rendered. If any of these criteria are not met, revenue recognition is deferred until such time as all of the criteria are met. Revenue from equipment sales generally is recognized upon shipment to customers. Revenue from recurring services generally is recognized ratably over the service term. Upfront fees collected in connection with services to consumer subscribers in our Hughes segment are deferred and recognized as revenue over the estimated subscriber life. We may offer rebates to qualifying new consumer subscribers in our Hughes segment. We reduce related revenue at inception of the subscriber contract based on an estimate of the number of rebates that will be redeemed. Our estimates are based on historical experience and actual sales during the promotion. Services and other revenue includes revenue from leases of satellite capacity and equipment. We typically determine based on applicable criteria that our leasing arrangements are operating leases and recognize related revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In situations where customer offerings represent an arrangement for both services and equipment, revenue elements with standalone value to the customer are separated for revenue recognition purposes based on their selling prices if sold separately. We determine selling prices under a hierarchy that considers vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), third-party evidence and estimated selling prices. Typically, we derive VSOE from service renewal rates and optional equipment prices specified in customer contracts or we estimate prices based on the gross margin that we ordinarily realize in transactions with similarly situated customers. In addition to equipment and service offerings, our Hughes segment also enters into contracts to design, develop, and deliver complex telecommunication networks to customers in its enterprise and mobile satellite systems markets. Those contracts require significant effort to develop and construct the network over an extended time period. Revenue from such contracts is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method. Depending on the nature of the arrangement, we measure progress toward contract completion using the cost-to-cost method or the units-of-delivery method. Under the cost-to-cost method, revenue reflects the ratio of costs incurred to estimated total costs at completion multiplied by the total estimated contract revenue. Under the units-of-delivery method, revenue and related costs are recognized as products are delivered based on the expected profit for the entire agreement. Profit margins on long-term contracts are based on estimates of revenue and costs at completion. We review and revise our estimates periodically and recognize related adjustments in the period in which the revisions are made. Estimated losses on contracts are recorded in the period in which they are identified. We report revenue net of sales taxes imposed on our goods and services in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Since we primarily act as an agent for the governmental authorities, the amount charged to the customer is collected and remitted directly to the appropriate jurisdictional entity.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs Costs of issuing debt generally are deferred and amortized utilizing the effective interest method with amortization included in “Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Cost of Sales - Equipment and Services	Cost of Sales - Equipment and Services Cost of sales - equipment primarily consists of inventory costs, including freight and royalties. Cost of sales - equipment generally is recognized as products are delivered to customers and related revenue is recognized. Cost of sales - services primarily consists of costs of digital broadcast operations, satellite capacity and services, hub infrastructure, customer care, wireline and wireless capacity, and direct labor costs associated with the services provided. Costs of sales - services generally are charged to expense as incurred.
Research and Development	Research and Development Costs incurred in research and development activities generally are expensed as incurred. A significant portion of our research and development costs are incurred in connection with the specific requirements of a customer’s order. In such instances, the amounts for these customer funded development efforts are included in cost of sales. Cost of sales for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 includes research and development costs of approximately $59.2 million, $68.4 million and $65.3 million, respectively. In addition, we incurred $78.3 million, $60.9 million and $67.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for other research and development expenses.
Subscriber Acquisition Costs	Subscriber Acquisition Costs Subscriber Acquisition Costs (“SAC”) consists of costs paid to third-party dealers and customer service representative commissions on new service activations and hardware upgrades and, in certain cases, the cost of hardware and installation services provided to non-wholesale consumer customers at the inception of service or hardware upgrade. SAC is deferred when a customer enters into a service agreement and is subsequently amortized over the service agreement term in proportion to when the related service revenue is recognized. We monitor the recoverability of deferred SAC and are entitled to an early termination fee if the subscriber cancels service prior to the end of the service agreement term. The recoverability of deferred SAC is reasonably assured through the monthly service fee charged to customers, our ability to recover the equipment, and/or our ability to charge an early termination fee. Deferred SAC is included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” in our consolidated balance sheets.
Capitalized Software Costs	Capitalized Software Costs Costs related to the procurement and development of software for internal use and externally marketed software are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, not in excess of five years. Capitalized costs of internal-use software are included in “Property and equipment, net” and capitalized costs of externally marketed software are included in “Other noncurrent assets, net” in our consolidated balance sheets. Externally marketed software is generally installed in the equipment we sell to customers. We conduct software program reviews for externally marketed capitalized software costs at least annually, or as events and circumstances warrant such a review, to determine if capitalized software development costs are recoverable and to ensure that costs associated with programs that are no longer generating revenue are expensed. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the net carrying amount of externally marketed software was $62.8 million and $48.9 million, respectively. For the years ended December 2015, 2014 and 2013, we capitalized costs of $22.4 million, $23.1 million and $17.0 million, respectively, related to the development of externally marketed software. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recorded amortization expense relating to the development of externally marketed software of $8.4 million, $5.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The weighted average useful life of our externally marketed software was approximately four years as of December 31, 2015.
Stock-based Compensation Expense	Stock-based Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on the fair value of stock awards ultimately expected to vest. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Compensation expense for awards with service conditions only is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Compensation expense for awards subject to performance conditions is recognized only when satisfaction of the performance condition is probable.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we incurred advertising expense of $49.9 million, $50.8 million and $47.4 million, respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). It outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-14, which deferred by one year the mandatory effective date of ASU 2014-09. As a result, public entities are required to adopt the new revenue standard in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and in interim periods within those annual periods. The standard may be applied either retrospectively to prior periods or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Early adoption is permitted, but not before annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We have not determined when we will adopt the new revenue standard or selected the transition method that we will apply upon adoption. We are assessing the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). This standard amends the consolidation guidance for variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and general partners’ investments in limited partnerships and similar entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods, and requires either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. We will adopt this standard on the effective date. In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). This standard requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those annual periods, and requires a retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. Based on our preliminary assessment, upon adoption of this standard, we expect to present unamortized deferred costs in other noncurrent assets with a carrying amount of $31.3 million and $39.1 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as a reduction of our long-term debt balances. We will adopt this standard on the effective date. In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”). This standard requires that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be presented as noncurrent assets or liabilities in the balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods, and may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this standard early on a prospective basis in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). This update substantially revises standards for the recognition, measurement and presentation of financial instruments. This standard revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. It also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted for certain requirements. We are assessing the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Earnings per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Earnings per Share

Tabular disclosure of the effect of income (loss) on the entity's basic and diluted earnings per share

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to EchoStar	$	153,357		$	152,874		$	2,525
Less: Net loss attributable to EchoStar Tracking Stock	(10,343		)	(12,394		)	—

Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock	$	163,700		$	165,268		$	2,525


Weighted-average common shares outstanding :
Class A and B common stock:
Basic	92,397			91,190			89,405
Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding	1,069			1,426			1,547

Diluted	93,466			92,616			90,952


Earnings per share:
Class A and B common stock:
Basic	$	1.77		$	1.81		$	0.03

Diluted	$	1.75		$	1.78		$	0.03

Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock

Schedule of carrying amounts of net assets transferred from DISH Network to EchoStar and HSS

	EchoStar(1)			HSS			Total
	(In thousands)
Cash	$	—		$	11,404		$	11,404
Property and equipment, net	349,243			82,837			432,080
Current liabilities	(3,479		)	(3,076		)	(6,555		)
Noncurrent liabilities	(30,121		)	(8,713		)	(38,834		)

Transferred net assets	$	315,643		$	82,452		$	398,095

(1)

All of the net assets received by EchoStar as part of the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction were immediately transferred to HSS and are being used by our EchoStar Satellite Services segment.

Schedule of net amounts credited to stockholders' equity

	EchoStar			Noncontrolling
	Stockholders			Interest			Total
	(In thousands)
Transferred net assets	$	315,643		$	82,452		$	398,095
Offering costs , net of tax	(2,302		)	(610		)	(2,912		)
Deferred income taxes	(114,525		)	(29,971		)	(144,496		)
Reallocation based on relative liquidation values	(35,300		)	35,300			—

Net increase in stockholders’ equity	$	163,516		$	87,171		$	250,687

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects

Schedule of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss

	Affected Line Item in our
	Condensed Consolidated	For the Years Ended December 31,
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components	Statement of Operations	2015			2014			2013
		(In thousands)
Recognition of realized gains on marketable investment securities in net income (1)	Gains (losses) on marketable investment securities, net	$	(35	)	$	(41	)	$	(36,312	)
Recognition of other-than-temporary impairment loss on marketable investment securities in net income (2)	Other-than-temporary impairment loss on marketable investment securities	11,226			—			—
Recognition of foreign currency translation losses in net income (3)	Other, net	1,889			—			—

Total reclassifications, net of tax and noncontrolling interests		$	13,080		$	(41	)	$	(36,312	)

(1)

(2)

(3)

Investment Securities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Investment Securities

Schedule of marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and investments in unconsolidated entities

	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Marketable investment securities—current:
Corporate bonds	$	562,236	$	1,049,139
Strategic equity securities	38,864		41,705
Other	11,238		48,259

Total marketable investment securities—current	612,338		1,139,103
Restricted marketable investment securities (1)	13,227		11,712

Total	625,565		1,150,815


Restricted cash and cash equivalents (1)	7,775		7,233


Investments in unconsolidated entities—noncurrent:
Cost method	81,174		31,174
Equity method	128,090		128,788

Total investments in unconsolidated entities—noncurrent	209,264		159,962

Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and investments in unconsolidated entities	$	842,604	$	1,318,010

(1)

Restricted marketable investment securities and restricted cash and cash equivalents are included in “Restricted cash and marketable investment securities” in our consolidated balance sheets.

Schedule of unrealized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities

	Amortized		Unrealized					Estimated
	Cost		Gains		Losses			Fair Value
	(In thousands)
As of December 31, 2015
Debt securities:
Corporate bonds	$	562,849	$	10	$	(623	)	$	562,236
Other (including restricted)	24,495		—		(30		)	24,465
Equity securities - strategic	20,855		7,748		(82		)	28,521

Total marketable investment securities	$	608,199	$	7,758	$	(735	)	$	615,222

As of December 31, 2014
Debt securities:
Corporate bonds	$	1,050,803	$	33	$	(1,697	)	$	1,049,139
Other (including restricted)	59,977		1		(7		)	59,971
Equity securities - strategic	32,081		12,849		(3,225		)	41,705

Total marketable investment securities	$	1,142,861	$	12,883	$	(4,929	)	$	1,150,815

Schedule of available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position by length of time and their fair value

	As of December 31,
	2015					2014
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(In thousands)
Less than 12 months	$	364,160	$	(609	)	$	968,941	$	(4,929	)
12 months or more	149,889		(126		)	—		—

Total	$	514,049	$	(735	)	$	968,941	$	(4,929	)

Schedule of fair value measurements

	As of December 31,
	2015						2014
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2
	(In thousands)
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	$	840,950	$	38,771	$	802,179	$	437,886	$	58,108	$	379,778

Debt securities:
Corporate bonds	$	562,236	$	—	$	562,236	$	1,049,139	$	—	$	1,049,139
Other (including restricted)	24,465		12,078		12,387		59,971		5,630		54,341
Equity securities - strategic	38,864		38,864		—		41,705		41,705		—

Total marketable investment securities	$	625,565	$	50,942	$	574,623	$	1,150,815	$	47,335	$	1,103,480

Trade Accounts Receivable (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Trade Accounts Receivable

Schedule of trade accounts receivable

	As of December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Trade accounts receivable	$	168,714		$	160,886
Contracts in process, net	23,011			16,534

Total trade accounts receivable	191,725			177,420
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(12,485		)	(14,188		)
Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network	277,159			251,669

Total trade accounts receivable, net	$	456,399		$	414,901

Inventory (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Inventory

Schedule of inventory

	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Finished goods	$	52,839	$	49,038
Raw materials	9,042		6,192
Work-in-process	5,129		7,733

Total inventory	$	67,010	$	62,963

Property and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Property and Equipment

Schedule of property and equipment

	Depreciable
	Life	As of December 31,
	(In Years)	2015			2014
		(In thousands)
Land	—	$	41,457		$	42,826
Buildings and improvements	1-40	367,947			375,920
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	1-12	1,254,325			1,223,807
Customer rental equipment	2-4	588,430			498,180
Satellites - owned	2-15	2,381,120			2,381,120
Satellites acquired under capital leases	10-15	665,518			935,104
Construction in progress	—	1,112,267			637,189

Total property and equipment		6,411,064			6,094,146
Accumulated depreciation		(2,998,074		)	(2,899,353		)

Property and equipment, net		$	3,412,990		$	3,194,793

Schedule of construction in progress

	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Progress amounts for satellite construction, including prepayments under capital leases and launch services costs	$	963,103	$	583,877
Satellite related equipment	126,373		34,270
Other	22,791		19,042

Construction in progress	$	1,112,267	$	637,189

Schedule of depreciation expense

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Satellites	$	197,469	$	210,763	$	180,517
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other	135,536		123,360		126,625
Customer rental equipment	105,725		116,685		98,076
Buildings and improvements	13,513		13,734		13,449

Total depreciation expense	$	452,243	$	464,542	$	418,667

Schedule of satellites

Our operating satellite fleet consists of both owned and leased satellites detailed in the table below as of December 31, 2015.

			Nominal Degree	Depreciable
		Launch	Orbital Location	Life
Satellites	Segment	Date	(Longitude)	(In Years)
Owned:
SPACEWAY 3 (1)	Hughes	August 2007	95 W	12
EchoStar XVII	Hughes	July 2012	107 W	15
EchoStar I (2)(3)(4)	ESS	December 1995	77 W	—
EchoStar III (4)	ESS	October 1997	61.5 W	12
EchoStar VI (4)	ESS	July 2000	96.2 W	12
EchoStar VII (2)(3)	ESS	February 2002	119 W	3
EchoStar VIII (2)(4)	ESS	August 2002	77 W	12
EchoStar IX (2)(4)	ESS	August 2003	121 W	12
EchoStar X (2)(3)	ESS	February 2006	110 W	7
EchoStar XI (2)(3)	ESS	July 2008	110 W	9
EchoStar XII (2)(4)(5)	ESS	July 2003	61.5 W	2
EchoStar XIV (2)(3)	ESS	March 2010	119 W	11
EchoStar XVI (2)	ESS	November 2012	61.5W	15
EUTELSAT 10A (“W2A”) (6)	Other	April 2009	10 E	—

Capital Leases:
Nimiq 5 (2)	ESS	September 2009	72.7 W	15
QuetzSat-1 (2)	ESS	September 2011	77 W	10

Operating Leases:
AMC-15	ESS	October 2004	105 W	—
AMC-16 (7)	ESS	December 2004	85 W	—

(1)

Depreciable life represents the remaining useful life as of June 8, 2011, the date EchoStar completed its acquisition of Hughes Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

(2)

See Note 19 for discussion of related party transactions with DISH Network.

(3)

(4)

Fully depreciated assets.

(5)

Depreciable life represents the remaining useful life as of June 30, 2013, the date the EchoStar XII satellite was impaired.

(6)

(7)

Operating lease expired in February 2016.

Schedule of owned and leased satellites under construction

Our owned and leased satellites under construction as of December 31, 2015 are presented below.

Satellites	Segment	Expected Launch Date
EUTELSAT 65 West A (1)	Hughes	First quarter of 2016
EchoStar XXI	Other	Second quarter of 2016
EchoStar XXIII	Other	Third quarter of 2016
EchoStar XIX	Other	Fourth quarter of 2016
EchoStar 105/SES-11	ESS	Fourth quarter of 2016
Telesat T19V (“63 West”) (1)	Hughes	Second quarter of 2018

(1)

We entered into satellite services agreements for certain capacity on these satellites once launched, but are not parties to the construction contracts.

Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets

Schedule of Goodwill

	Hughes		ETC		Consolidated Total
	(In thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	504,173	$	—	$	504,173
Sling TV Holding exchange	—		6,457		6,457

Balance as of December 31, 2014	504,173		6,457		510,630

Balance as of December 31, 2015	$	504,173	$	6,457	$	510,630

Schedule of regulatory authorizations with finite and indefinite useful lives

	As of						Currency			As of
	December 31,						Translation			December 31,
	2014			Additions			Adjustment			2015
	(In thousands)
Finite useful lives:
Cost	$	103,499		$	—		$	(21,492	)	$	82,007
Accumulated amortization	(6,778		)	(4,741		)	1,667			(9,852		)

Net	96,721			(4,741		)	(19,825		)	72,155
Indefinite lives	471,657			—			—			471,657

Total regulatory authorizations, net	$	568,378		$	(4,741	)	$	(19,825	)	$	543,812

Schedule of other intangible assets subject to amortization

	Weighted	As of December 31,
	Average	2015							2014
	Useful life			Accumulated			Carrying				Accumulated			Carrying
	(in Years)	Cost		Amortization			Amount		Cost		Amortization			Amount
		(In thousands)
Customer relationships	8	$	293,932	$	(213,543	)	$	80,389	$	293,932	$	(185,393	)	$	108,539
Contract-based	10	255,366		(251,493		)	3,873		255,366		(233,009		)	22,357
Technology-based	7	137,337		(111,840		)	25,497		140,837		(100,940		)	39,897
Trademark portfolio	20	29,700		(6,806		)	22,894		29,700		(5,321		)	24,379
Favorable leases	4	4,707		(4,707		)	—		4,707		(4,217		)	490

Total other intangible assets		$	721,042	$	(588,389	)	$	132,653	$	724,542	$	(528,880	)	$	195,662

Schedule of estimated future amortization of intangible assets

	Amount
	(In thousands)
For the Years Ending December 31,
2016	$	48,913
2017	30,040
2018	22,325
2019	21,111
2020	15,774
Thereafter	69,996

Total	$	208,159

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

Schedule of carrying amounts and fair values of the entity's debt

		As of December 31,
		2015					2014
	Interest	Carrying			Fair		Carrying			Fair
	Rates	Amount			Value		Amount			Value
		(In thousands)
6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019	6.500%	$	990,000		$	1,071,675	$	1,100,000		$	1,177,000
7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021	7.625%	900,000			954,000		900,000			994,500
Other	5.5 - 13.25%	803			803		1,240			1,240

Subtotal		1,890,803			$	2,026,478	2,001,240			$	2,172,740

Capital lease obligations		332,838					366,447

Total debt and capital lease obligations		2,223,641					2,367,687
Less: Current portion		(35,698		)			(41,912		)

Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations		$	2,187,943				$	2,325,775

Schedule of future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations

	Amount
	(In thousands)
For the Years Ending December 31,
2016	$	94,008
2017	90,144
2018	88,182
2019	87,930
2020	87,818
Thereafter	257,999

Total minimum lease payments	706,081
Less: Amount representing lease of the orbital location and estimated executory costs (primarily insurance and maintenance) including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments	(214,242		)

Net minimum lease payments	491,839
Less: Amount representing interest	(159,001		)

Present value of net minimum lease payments	332,838
Less: Current portion	(34,895		)

Long-term portion of capital lease obligations	$	297,943

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Income Taxes

Schedule of components of income (loss) before income taxes

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015			2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Domestic	$	224,058		$	172,276	$	(50,551	)
Foreign	(2,486		)	6,057		16,515

Total income (loss) before income taxes	$	221,572		$	178,333	$	(34,036	)

Schedule of components of the benefit (provision) for income taxes

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Current benefit (provision):
Federal	$	(165	)	$	(2,593	)	$	1,118
State	(9,601		)	9,006			6,531
Foreign	(6,303		)	(5,455		)	(5,992		)

Total current benefit (provision)	(16,069		)	958			1,657

Deferred benefit (provision):
Federal	(62,572		)	(31,905		)	26,511
State	4,818			(1,283		)	10,074
Foreign	1,622			1,446			(805		)

Total deferred (provision) benefit	(56,132		)	(31,742		)	35,780

Total income tax (provision) benefit, net	$	(72,201	)	$	(30,784	)	$	37,437

Schedule of income tax rate reconciliation

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013

Statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of Federal benefit	2.1	%	(0.2	)%	21.0	%
Permanent differences	3.6	%	0.6	%	(10.7	)%
Tax credits	(10.1	)%	(18.6	)%	48.7	%
Valuation allowance	2.8	%	(0.9	)%	14.2	%
Other	(0.8	)%	1.4	%	1.8	%

Total effective tax rate	32.6	%	17.3	%	110.0	%

Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities

	As of December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses, credit and other carryforwards	$	315,924		$	412,744
Unrealized losses on investments, net	47,678			30,248
Accrued expenses	34,037			34,632
Stock-based compensation	13,345			8,445
Other asset	9,534			12,157

Total deferred tax assets	420,518			498,226
Valuation allowance	(72,131		)	(73,664		)

Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	348,387			424,562


Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	(993,326		)	(1,014,812		)
Other liabilities	(1,412		)	(748		)

Total deferred tax liabilities	(994,738		)	(1,015,560		)

Total net deferred tax liabilities (1)	$	(646,351	)	$	(590,998	)


Current portion of net deferred tax assets (1)	$	—		$	87,208
Noncurrent portion of net deferred tax liabilities	(646,351		)	(678,206		)

Total net deferred tax liabilities	$	(646,351	)	$	(590,998	)

(1)

Schedule of reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Unrecognized tax benefit	2015		2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Balance as of beginning of period	$	44,839	$	43,319		$	34,677
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	11,748		3,806			81
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years	5,779		4,643			9,929
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years	—		(81		)	(1,253		)
Reductions based on tax settlements	—		(6,848		)	(115		)

Balance as of end of period	$	62,366	$	44,839		$	43,319

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Stock-Based Compensation

Schedule of exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable

	Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
Price Range	Number Outstanding as of December 31, 2015	Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years)	Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable as of December 31, 2015	Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years)	Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$0.00 - $10.00	686	1	$	2.12	686	1	$	2.12
$10.01 - $15.00	84,329	3	$	14.83	84,329	3	$	14.83
$15.01 - $20.00	246,524	4	$	18.96	246,524	4	$	18.96
$20.01 - $25.00	496,947	4	$	20.29	480,947	4	$	20.25
$25.01 - $30.00	305,415	4	$	28.12	227,415	3	$	28.64
$30.01 - $35.00	403,001	7	$	34.04	349,001	6	$	34.02
$35.01 - $40.00	2,378,839	6	$	37.90	1,440,839	6	$	37.70
$40.01 and above	1,977,500	9	$	49.42	252,500	8	$	48.09

	5,893,241	7	$	38.38	3,082,241	5	$	32.61

Schedule of stock option activity

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015				2014				2013
	Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Total options outstanding, beginning of period	6,669,614		$	34.02	6,271,058		$	30.43	7,908,300		$	27.21
Granted	929,000		$	51.59	1,161,000		$	47.84	1,190,000		$	38.75
Exercised	(894,071	)	$	27.78	(697,544	)	$	24.87	(2,494,893	)	$	24.65
Forfeited and cancelled	(811,302	)	$	29.45	(64,900	)	$	32.65	(332,349	)	$	27.01

Total options outstanding, end of period	5,893,241		$	38.38	6,669,614		$	34.02	6,271,058		$	30.43

Performance-based options outstanding, end of period (1)	—		$	—	623,100		$	25.27	629,300		$	25.27

Exercisable at end of period	3,082,241		$	32.61	3,013,114		$	29.66	2,712,891		$	28.69

(1)

These stock options are included in the caption “Total options outstanding, end of period.” See discussion of the 2005 LTIP below.

Schedule of restricted stock unit activity

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015				2014				2013
	Restricted Stock Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Restricted Stock Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Restricted Stock Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period	96,768		$	29.29	121,877		$	29.93	151,683		$	30.18
Granted	100,000		$	50.00	—		$	—	—		$	—
Vested	(83,992	)	$	45.72	(22,877	)	$	33.08	(22,876	)	$	33.08
Forfeited and cancelled	(55,448	)	$	27.01	(2,232	)	$	25.51	(6,930	)	$	24.88

Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period	57,328		$	42.31	96,768		$	29.29	121,877		$	29.93

Restricted Performance Units outstanding, end of period	33,334		$	50.00	55,448		$	27.00	57,680		$	26.94

Schedule of allocated non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for all employees

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Research and development expenses	$	4,570	$	2,403	$	3,478
Selling, general and administrative expenses	17,269		12,280		14,875

Total stock-based compensation	$	21,839	$	14,683	$	18,353

Schedule of assumptions of Black-Scholes option valuation model

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Assumptions:	2015	2014	2013
Risk-free interest rate	1.38% - 1.80%	1.72% - 1.85%	0.99% - 1.54%
Volatility factor	27.16% - 27.85%	29.05% - 35.02%	37.54% - 42.23%
Expected term of options in years	5.3 - 5.4	5.2 - 5.3	5.4 - 5.5
Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$12.25 - $15.05	$13.79 - $17.21	$15.59 - $17.20

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies

Summary of contractual obligations

	Payments Due in the Year Ending December 31,
	Total		2016		2017		2018		2019		2020		Thereafter
	(In thousands)
Long-term debt	$	1,890,803	$	803	$	—	$	—	$	990,000	$	—	$	900,000
Capital lease obligations	332,838		34,895		34,502		36,287		40,143		44,558		142,453
Interest on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	761,689		166,086		162,805		159,265		123,191		86,697		63,645
Satellite-related obligations	1,134,217		534,871		165,992		119,976		55,654		53,662		204,062
Operating lease obligations	100,274		26,324		19,469		11,919		9,800		8,543		24,219
Purchase and other obligations	227,028		225,361		1,667		—		—		—		—

Total	$	4,446,849	$	988,340	$	384,435	$	327,447	$	1,218,788	$	193,460	$	1,334,379

Segment Reporting (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting

Schedule of revenue, EBITDA, and capital expenditures by operating segments

					EchoStar		All
			EchoStar		Satellite		Other and			Consolidated
	Hughes		Technologies		Services		Eliminations			Total
	(In thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2015
External revenue	$	1,344,945	$	1,297,510	$	489,842	$	11,417		$	3,143,714
Intersegment revenue	$	2,395	$	688	$	749	$	(3,832	)	$	—
Total revenue	$	1,347,340	$	1,298,198	$	490,591	$	7,585		$	3,143,714
EBITDA	$	396,684	$	106,745	$	412,607	$	(50,683	)	$	865,353
Capital expenditures	$	285,499	$	50,593	$	101,215	$	266,213		$	703,520

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
External revenue	$	1,325,887	$	1,626,826	$	481,579	$	11,286		$	3,445,578
Intersegment revenue	$	1,831	$	540	$	2,876	$	(5,247	)	$	—
Total revenue	$	1,327,718	$	1,627,366	$	484,455	$	6,039		$	3,445,578
EBITDA	$	356,871	$	154,786	$	419,442	$	(28,518	)	$	902,581
Capital expenditures	$	218,607	$	48,616	$	28,734	$	384,069		$	680,026

For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
External revenue	$	1,215,783	$	1,730,433	$	326,828	$	9,408		$	3,282,452
Intersegment revenue	$	2,343	$	412	$	3,349	$	(6,104	)	$	—
Total revenue	$	1,218,126	$	1,730,845	$	330,177	$	3,304		$	3,282,452
EBITDA	$	281,513	$	136,537	$	235,993	$	(3,946	)	$	650,097
Capital expenditures	$	186,561	$	56,935	$	12,700	$	135,677		$	391,873

Schedule of reconciliation of EBITDA to reported income (loss) before income taxes

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
EBITDA	$	865,353		$	902,581		$	650,097
Interest income and expense, net	(111,637		)	(162,247		)	(177,898		)
Depreciation and amortization	(528,158		)	(556,676		)	(507,111		)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,986		)	(5,325		)	876

Income (loss) before income taxes	$	221,572		$	178,333		$	(34,036	)

Summary of total long-lived assets and revenue attributed to the North American and other foreign locations

	As of December 31,
Long-lived assets:	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
North America:
United States	$	4,440,590	$	4,313,649
Other	1,242		585
All other	158,253		155,229

Total	$	4,600,085	$	4,469,463

	For the Years Ended December 31,
Revenue:	2015		2014			2013
	(In thousands)
North America:
United States	$	2,685,665		$	2,958,539	$	2,819,968
Other	203,813			220,122		215,787
All other	254,236			266,917		246,697

Total	$	3,143,714		$	3,445,578	$	3,282,452

Summary of sales to major customer and its percentage of total revenue

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Total revenue:
DISH Network:
Hughes segment	$	105,181		$	112,692		$	113,869
EchoStar Technologies segment	1,141,435			1,443,419			1,560,905
EchoStar Satellite Services segment	423,465			407,236			247,174
Other	11,404			11,244			9,687

Total DISH Network	1,681,485			1,974,591			1,931,635
All other	1,462,229			1,470,987			1,350,817

Total revenue	$	3,143,714		$	3,445,578		$	3,282,452


Percentage of total revenue:
DISH Network	53.5		%	57.3		%	58.8		%

All other	46.5		%	42.7		%	41.2		%

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Schedule of quarterly results of operations

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Year ended December 31, 2015:
Total revenue	$	798,653	$	793,595	$	760,879	$	790,587
Operating income	$	81,205	$	94,348	$	88,607	$	91,873
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock	$	33,402	$	33,900	$	30,102	$	66,296
Basic earnings per share	$	0.36	$	0.37	$	0.33	$	0.71
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.36	$	0.36	$	0.32	$	0.71

Year ended December 31, 2014:
Total revenue	$	826,023	$	879,828	$	895,840	$	843,887
Operating income	$	59,820	$	92,470	$	92,277	$	83,523
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock	$	12,653	$	33,794	$	64,055	$	54,766
Basic earnings per share	$	0.14	$	0.37	$	0.70	$	0.60
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.14	$	0.36	$	0.69	$	0.59

Related Party Transactions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Dish Mexico

Related party transactions

Schedule of related party transactions

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Digital set-top boxes and related accessories	$	66,779	$	60,464	$	36,929

Satellite services	$	23,347	$	23,327	$	22,638

Uplink services	$	4,996	$	6,251	$	6,735

Other services	$	—	$	—	$	127

		As of December 31,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
Due from Dish Mexico	$		32,906	$		11,012

Organization and Business Activities (Details)	12 Months Ended
Organization and Business Activities (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015 item
Organization and Business Activities
Number of business segments	3

Organization and Business Activities (Details 2) - DISH Network - Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 02, 2014	Mar. 02, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015
Principal Business
Percentage of economic interest held	80.00%
Hughes Retail Group \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Principal Business
Percentage of economic interest held		80.00%	80.00%

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Foreign Currency
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)	$ (7,700)	$ (3,000)	$ (1,100)
Fair value measurements
Amount of transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy	0	0
Research and Development
Research and Development Expense	78,287	60,886	67,942
Capitalized Software Costs
Net carrying amount of externally marketed software	62,800	48,900
Capitalized costs related to development of externally marketed software	22,400	23,100	17,000
Amortization expense relating to externally marketed software	8,400	5,400	1,700
Advertising Costs
Advertising Expenses	49,900	50,800	47,400
Cost of sales
Research and Development
Research and Development Expense	$ 59,200	68,400	$ 65,300
Minimum
Property and Equipment
Useful life	1 year
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful life	1 year
Maximum
Property and Equipment
Useful life	40 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful life	30 years
Capitalized Software Costs
Software useful life	5 years
Weighted-average \| Externally marketed software
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful life	4 years
Level 2
Fair value measurements
Orbital incentive obligations	$ 79,300	$ 85,800

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
New accounting pronouncement disclosures
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	$ 2,187,943	$ 2,325,775
Proforma Adjustment - if ASU had been early adopted
New accounting pronouncement disclosures
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	(31,300)	(39,100)
Other noncurrent assets, net \| Proforma Adjustment - if ASU had been early adopted
New accounting pronouncement disclosures
Unamortized deferred cost	$ (31,300)	$ (39,100)

Earnings per Share - Related Party (Details)			12 Months Ended
Earnings per Share - Related Party (Details)	Mar. 02, 2014	Mar. 02, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| EchoStar Corporation \| Hughes Retail Group
Earnings per Share
Percentage of economic interest held	20.00%
DISH Network \| Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
Earnings per Share
Percentage of economic interest held	80.00%
DISH Network \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| Hughes Retail Group \| Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
Earnings per Share
Percentage of economic interest held		80.00%	80.00%
DISH Network \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| EchoStar Corporation \| Hughes Retail Group
Earnings per Share
Percentage of economic interest held	51.89%		51.89%
DISH Network \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSSC") \| Hughes Retail Group
Earnings per Share
Percentage of economic interest held	28.11%		28.11%

Earnings per Share - Antidilutive Securities (Details) - Class A common stock - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term performance based plans
Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share
Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	0.7	0.7	0.7
Stock awards
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	2.3	2.3	2.7

Earnings per Share - Basic and Diluted EPS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income attributable to EchoStar
Net income attributable to EchoStar									$ 153,357	$ 152,874	$ 2,525
Less: Net loss attributable to EchoStar Tracking Stock									(10,343)	(12,394)
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock	$ 66,296	$ 30,102	$ 33,900	$ 33,402	$ 54,766	$ 64,055	$ 33,794	$ 12,653	$ 163,700	$ 165,268	$ 2,525
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock:
Basic (in shares)									92,397	91,190	89,405
Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding (in shares)									1,069	1,426	1,547
Diluted (in shares)									93,466	92,616	90,952
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.71	$ 0.33	$ 0.37	$ 0.36	$ 0.60	$ 0.70	$ 0.37	$ 0.14	$ 1.77	$ 1.81	$ 0.03
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.71	$ 0.32	$ 0.36	$ 0.36	$ 0.59	$ 0.69	$ 0.36	$ 0.14	$ 1.75	$ 1.78	$ 0.03

Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock - Agreement (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 02, 2014 USD ($) item $ / shares shares	Mar. 02, 2014 $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) item $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Cash received				$ 7,526
Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Portion of one vote entitled to each share \| item			0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) \| shares	13,000,000	13,000,000	13,000,000
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 0.001	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Dividend or other distributions paid on preferred stock			$ 0
Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock \| Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSSC")
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) \| shares	300	300
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Dividend or other distributions paid on preferred stock			$ 0
DISH Network \| EchoStar Corporation
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Percentage of capital stock held		6.50%	6.30%
DISH Network \| Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSSC")
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Percentage of capital stock held		7.50%	7.50%
DISH Network \| Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Percentage of economic interest held		80.00%
DISH Network \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Cash received	$ 11,400
DISH Network \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| EchoStar and HSSC
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Number of owned satellites transferred \| item	5
Cash received	$ 11,400
DISH Network \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock \| EchoStar Corporation
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Number of shares issued during the period \| shares		6,290,499
DISH Network \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock \| Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSSC")
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Number of shares issued during the period \| shares		81.128
Hughes Retail Group \| Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSSC")
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Portion of one vote entitled to each share \| item			0.10
Hughes Retail Group \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| EchoStar Corporation
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Percentage of economic interest held		20.00%
Hughes Retail Group \| DISH Network \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| EchoStar Corporation
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Percentage of economic interest held		51.89%	51.89%
Hughes Retail Group \| DISH Network \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSSC")
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Percentage of economic interest held		28.11%	28.11%
Hughes Retail Group \| DISH Network \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Percentage of economic interest held	80.00%		80.00%

Hughes Preferred Tracking Stock - Net Assets Transferred (Details) - Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction $ in Thousands	Feb. 28, 2014 USD ($)
Carrying amount of net assets transferred from DISH Network
Transferred net assets	$ 398,095
DISH Network
Carrying amount of net assets transferred from DISH Network
Cash	11,404
Property and equipment, net	432,080
Current liabilities	(6,555)
Noncurrent liabilities	(38,834)
Transferred net assets	398,095
DISH Network \| EchoStar Corporation
Carrying amount of net assets transferred from DISH Network
Property and equipment, net	349,243
Current liabilities	(3,479)
Noncurrent liabilities	(30,121)
Transferred net assets	315,643
DISH Network \| Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSSC")
Carrying amount of net assets transferred from DISH Network
Cash	11,404
Property and equipment, net	82,837
Current liabilities	(3,076)
Noncurrent liabilities	(8,713)
Transferred net assets	$ 82,452

Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock - Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Details) - Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction $ in Thousands	Feb. 28, 2014 USD ($)
Net amount credited to stockholders' equity
Transferred net assets	$ 398,095
Offering costs, net of tax	(2,912)
Deferred income taxes	(144,496)
Net increase in stockholders' equity	250,687
EchoStar
Net amount credited to stockholders' equity
Transferred net assets	315,643
Offering costs, net of tax	(2,302)
Deferred income taxes	(114,525)
Reallocation based on relative liquidation values	(35,300)
Net increase in stockholders' equity	163,516
Noncontrolling Interests in HSS Tracking Stock
Net amount credited to stockholders' equity
Transferred net assets	82,452
Offering costs, net of tax	(610)
Deferred income taxes	(29,971)
Reallocation based on relative liquidation values	35,300
Net increase in stockholders' equity	$ 87,171

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other comprehensive income, tax (expense) benefit
Tax effects on foreign currency translation adjustments	$ 0
Tax effects on unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities	0
Cumulative foreign currency translation losses	124,300	$ 63,800	$ 32,100
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Recognition of realized gains on marketable investment securities in net income	(35)	(41)	(36,312)
Recognition of other-than-temporary loss on marketable investment securities in net income	11,226
Recognition of foreign currency translation loss in net income	1,889
Total reclassifications, net of tax and noncontrolling interests	13,080	(41)	(36,312)
Gains (losses) on marketable investment securities, net
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Recognition of realized gains on marketable investment securities in net income	(35)	$ (41)	$ (36,312)
Other-than-temporary impairment on marketable investment securities
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Recognition of other-than-temporary loss on marketable investment securities in net income	11,226
Other, net
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Recognition of foreign currency translation loss in net income	$ 1,889

Investment Securities - Schedule of Investments and Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and investments in unconsolidated entities
Total marketable investment securities - current	$ 612,338	$ 1,139,103
Total	625,565	1,150,815
Long-term Investments [Abstract]
Cost method	81,174	31,174
Equity method	128,090	128,788
Total investments in unconsolidated entities-noncurrent	209,264	159,962
Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and investments in unconsolidated entities	842,604	1,318,010
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on marketable investment securities	(11,226)
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities
Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and investments in unconsolidated entities
Restricted marketable investment securities	13,227	11,712
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	7,775	7,233
Corporate Bonds
Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and investments in unconsolidated entities
Marketable investment securities, at fair value	562,236	1,049,139
Strategic equity securities
Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and investments in unconsolidated entities
Marketable investment securities, at fair value	38,864	41,705
Long-term Investments [Abstract]
Dividend income from one of the entity's strategic investments	0	0	$ 0
Fair value of trading securities	10,300
Strategic equity securities \| Other-than-temporary impairment on marketable investment securities
Long-term Investments [Abstract]
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on marketable investment securities		0	$ 0
Strategic equity securities \| Other-than-temporary impairment on marketable investment securities \| Common Stock of Company A
Long-term Investments [Abstract]
Other-than-temporary impairment of common stock in available-for-sale portfolio	6,100
Strategic equity securities \| Other-than-temporary impairment on marketable investment securities \| Common Stock Of Company B
Long-term Investments [Abstract]
Other-than-temporary impairment of common stock in available-for-sale portfolio	5,100
Strategic equity securities \| Gains (losses) on marketable investment securities, net
Long-term Investments [Abstract]
Unrealized loss on common stock in trading securities portfolio	6,500
Other
Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and investments in unconsolidated entities
Marketable investment securities, at fair value	$ 11,238	$ 48,259

Investment Securities - Other Investments and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 08, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2008	Jul. 02, 2012
Other Investments - Noncurrent
Equity Method Investments				$ 128,090	$ 128,788
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net				1,895	8,198	$ (5,024)
Carrying amount of distributed assets					34,075
Amount in excess of carrying amount of existing equity method investment					8,843
Capital contribution					18,569	7,000
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Amortized cost				608,199	1,142,861
Unrealized Gains				7,758	12,883
Unrealized Losses				(735)	(4,929)
Total				615,222	1,150,815
Sling TV Holding
Other Investments - Noncurrent
Equity Method Investments						18,000
Contribution to Sling TV Holding						44,700
Equity interest in joint venture (as a percentage)									33.00%
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net						$ 16,500	$ 10,200
Non-voting interest in cost method investment (as a percentage)		10.00%
Carrying amount of distributed assets		$ 34,100
Fair value of non-voting interest		1,100
Amount in excess of carrying amount of existing equity method investment		$ 8,800
Capital contribution			$ 18,600
Dish Mexico
Other Investments - Noncurrent
Equity interest in joint venture (as a percentage)	49.00%							49.00%
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net	$ 10,300
Equity interest for which an option to acquire was provided for an unrelated party (as a percentage)	51.00%
Equity interest accounted based on assumed dilution (as a percentage)								24.00%
Corporate Bonds
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Amortized cost				562,849	1,050,803
Unrealized Gains				10	33
Unrealized Losses				(623)	(1,697)
Estimated Fair Value				562,236	1,049,139
Other
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Amortized cost				24,495	59,977
Unrealized Gains					1
Unrealized Losses				(30)	(7)
Estimated Fair Value				24,465	59,971
Strategic equity securities
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Amortized cost				20,855	32,081
Unrealized Gains				7,748	12,849
Unrealized Losses				(82)	(3,225)
Estimated Fair Value				$ 28,521	$ 41,705

Investment Securities - Contractual Maturities (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Investment Securities
Debt securities with contractual maturities of one year or less	$ 519.3
Debt securities with contractual maturities exceeding one year	$ 67.4

Investment Securities - Marketable Investment Securities in a Loss Position (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair value of marketable investment securities in a loss position
Less than 12 months	$ 364,160	$ 968,941
12 months or more	149,889
Total	514,049	968,941
Unrealized losses on marketable investment securities in a loss position
Less than 12 months	(609)	(4,929)
12 months or more	(126)
Total	$ (735)	$ (4,929)

Investment Securities - Sales of Marketable Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Realized gains (losses) on sale of marketable investment securities
Realized gains from the sales of available-for-sale securities		$ 0.1	$ 36.3
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	$ 111.5	$ 190.5	$ 177.5

Investment Securities - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair value of marketable securities
Total	$ 625,565	$ 1,150,815
Corporate Bonds
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt security	562,236	1,049,139
Other
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt security	24,465	59,971
Strategic equity securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Equity security	38,864	41,705
Level 3
Fair value of marketable securities
Fair value of investments	0	0
Fair value measurements on recurring basis
Fair value of marketable securities
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	840,950	437,886
Total	625,565	1,150,815
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Corporate Bonds
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt security	562,236	1,049,139
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Other
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt security	24,465	59,971
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Strategic equity securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Equity security	38,864	41,705
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 1
Fair value of marketable securities
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	38,771	58,108
Total	50,942	47,335
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 1 \| Other
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt security	12,078	5,630
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 1 \| Strategic equity securities
Fair value of marketable securities
Equity security	38,864	41,705
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 2
Fair value of marketable securities
Cash equivalents (including restricted)	802,179	379,778
Total	574,623	1,103,480
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 2 \| Corporate Bonds
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt security	562,236	1,049,139
Fair value measurements on recurring basis \| Level 2 \| Other
Fair value of marketable securities
Debt security	$ 12,387	$ 54,341

Investment Securities - Investment in Unconsoldiated Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 02, 2012
Investments in unconsolidated entities-noncurrent:
Equity method		$ 128,090	$ 128,788
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss for foreign currency translation adjustments		(1,889)
Net assets of deconsolidated entities included net property and equipment		$ 6,651
SmarDTV
Investments in unconsolidated entities-noncurrent:
Ownership interest percentage (as a percent)	22.50%
Payments to acquire investments	$ 13,900
Loss resulting from changes in fair value	700
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss for foreign currency translation adjustments	1,900
Net assets of deconsolidated entities included net property and equipment	6,700
Net assets of deconsolidated entities included cash	800
SmarDTV \| Other, net
Investments in unconsolidated entities-noncurrent:
Loss recognized from the deconsolidation of contributed entities	2,600
SmarDTV \| Level 3
Investments in unconsolidated entities-noncurrent:
Fair value of investments	$ 20,000
Sling TV Holding
Investments in unconsolidated entities-noncurrent:
Equity method				$ 18,000
Ownership interest percentage (as a percent)					33.00%

Investment Securities - Investment in TerreStar (Details) - TerreStar Networks Inc. (TerreStar) - Exchangeable Notes - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment disclosures
Fair value of investments				$ 0.0
Other, net
Investment disclosures
Gain on investments account for at fair value		$ 5.8	$ 5.8
Subsequent event \| Other, net
Investment disclosures
Gain on investments account for at fair value	$ 0.8

Trade Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Trade Accounts Receivable
Trade accounts receivable	$ 191,725	$ 177,420
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(12,485)	(14,188)
Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network	277,159	251,669
Total trade accounts receivable, net	456,399	414,901
Progress billings offset against contracts in process	2,900	2,500
Trade accounts receivables
Trade Accounts Receivable
Trade accounts receivable	168,714	160,886
Contracts in process, net
Trade Accounts Receivable
Trade accounts receivable	$ 23,011	$ 16,534

Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory
Finished goods	$ 52,839	$ 49,038
Raw materials	9,042	6,192
Work-in-process	5,129	7,733
Total inventory	$ 67,010	$ 62,963

Property and Equipment - Schedule of PP&E (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 6,411,064		$ 6,094,146
Accumulated depreciation	(2,998,074)		(2,899,353)
Property and equipment, net	3,412,990		3,194,793
Accumulated depreciation on satellites acquired under capital leases	268,100		481,500
Impairment loss related to building and equipment	2,400	$ 38,415
EchoStar Technologies Business
Property and equipment
Impairment loss related to building and equipment	$ 2,400
Minimum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	1 year
Maximum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	40 years
Land
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 41,457		42,826
Buildings and improvements
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 367,947		375,920
Buildings and improvements \| Minimum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	1 year
Buildings and improvements \| Maximum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	40 years
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 1,254,325		1,223,807
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other \| Minimum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	1 year
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other \| Maximum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	12 years
Customer rental equipment
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 588,430		498,180
Customer rental equipment \| Minimum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	2 years
Customer rental equipment \| Maximum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	4 years
Satellites
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 2,381,120		2,381,120
Satellites \| Minimum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	2 years
Satellites \| Maximum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	15 years
Satellites acquired under capital leases
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 665,518		935,104
Satellites acquired under capital leases \| Minimum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	10 years
Satellites acquired under capital leases \| Maximum
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life	15 years
Construction in progress
Property and equipment
Total property and equipment	$ 1,112,267		$ 637,189

Property and Equipment - Construction in Progress (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property and equipment
Construction in progress	$ 1,112,267	$ 637,189
Capitalized interest related to satellites under construction	63,808	23,774	$ 3,968
Progress amounts for satellite construction including prepayments under capital leases and launch services costs
Property and equipment
Construction in progress	963,103	583,877
Satellite related equipment
Property and equipment
Construction in progress	126,373	34,270
Construction in progress: Other
Property and equipment
Construction in progress	$ 22,791	$ 19,042

Property and Equipment - Depreciation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Depreciation expense
Total depreciation expense	$ 452,243	$ 464,542	$ 418,667
Satellites
Depreciation expense
Total depreciation expense	197,469	210,763	180,517
Depreciation expense under capital leases agreements	56,200	59,700	59,700
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Depreciation expense
Total depreciation expense	135,536	123,360	126,625
Customer rental equipment
Depreciation expense
Total depreciation expense	105,725	116,685	98,076
Buildings and improvements
Depreciation expense
Total depreciation expense	$ 13,513	$ 13,734	$ 13,449

Property and Equipment - Satellites (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Property and equipment
Carrying amount		$ 3,412,990	$ 3,194,793
Reduction of capital lease obligation recognized as gains		4,500		$ 6,694
Impairment loss		2,400		38,415
EchoStar Technologies Business
Property and equipment
Impairment loss		$ 2,400
Satellites
Property and equipment
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator \| item		18
Length of satellites utilized in geosynchronous orbit above the equator (in miles) \| item		22,300
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease \| item		2
Number of satellites utilized under operating lease \| item		2
SPACEWAY 3
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		12 years
EchoStar XVII
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		15 years
EchoStar III
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		12 years
EchoStar VI
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		12 years
EchoStar VII
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		3 years
EchoStar VIII
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		12 years
EchoStar XII
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		2 years
EchoStar XII \| EchoStar Technologies Business
Property and equipment
Impairment loss	$ 34,700
Estimated fair value	$ 11,300
EchoStar XII \| EchoStar Satellite Services Business \| DISH Network
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		18 months
EchoStar IX
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		12 years
EchoStar X
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		7 years
EchoStar XI
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		9 years
EchoStar XIV
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		11 years
EchoStar XVI
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		15 years
AMC-16
Property and equipment
Capital lease additional term		1 year
AMC-15 and AMC-16
Property and equipment
Carrying amount		$ 0
AMC-15 and AMC-16 \| Other Income
Property and equipment
Reduction of capital lease obligation recognized as gains		$ 4,500	$ 0	$ 6,700
Nimiq 5
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		15 years
QuetzSat-1
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		10 years
63 West Agreements
Property and equipment
Depreciable Life		15 years

Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill associated with various acquisitions
Balance at the beginning of the period		$ 504,173
Balance at the end of the period		510,630
Balance at the end of the period		504,173	$ 510,630
Sling TV Holding
Goodwill associated with various acquisitions
Other (increase) decreases to goodwill	$ 6,500	6,457
EchoStar Technologies Business
Goodwill associated with various acquisitions
Balance at the end of the period		6,457
Balance at the end of the period		6,457	6,457
EchoStar Technologies Business \| Sling TV Holding
Goodwill associated with various acquisitions
Other (increase) decreases to goodwill		6,457
Hughes Business
Goodwill associated with various acquisitions
Balance at the beginning of the period		504,173
Balance at the end of the period		504,173
Balance at the end of the period		$ 504,173	$ 504,173

Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets - Regulatory Authorizations - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Regulatory authorizations and intangible assets
Cash payment	$ 3,428		$ 41,748
Assumed liabilities			10,304
Amortization of regulatory authorizations	75,900	$ 92,100	$ 88,400
Cost
Balance at the beginning of the period	724,542
Balance at the end of the period	721,042	724,542
Accumulated amortization
Balance at the beginning of the period	(528,880)
Balance at the end of the period	(588,389)	(528,880)
Net
Balance at the beginning of the period	195,662
Balance at the end of the period	132,653	195,662
Total regulatory authorizations, net
Balance at the beginning of the period	568,378
Additions	(4,741)
Currency Translation Adjustment	(19,825)
Balance at the end of the period	543,812	568,378
Solaris Mobile
Regulatory authorizations and intangible assets
Voting interest acquired (as a percent)			100.00%
Cash payment			$ 43,400
Cost			51,800
Assumed liabilities			10,300
Finite lives
Regulatory authorizations and intangible assets
Amortization of regulatory authorizations	4,700	6,100	$ 1,500
Cost
Balance at the beginning of the period	103,499
Currency Translation Adjustment	(21,492)
Balance at the end of the period	82,007	103,499
Accumulated amortization
Balance at the beginning of the period	(6,778)
Additions	(4,741)
Currency Translation Adjustment	1,667
Balance at the end of the period	(9,852)	(6,778)
Net
Balance at the beginning of the period	96,721
Additions	(4,741)
Currency Translation Adjustment	(19,825)
Balance at the end of the period	72,155	96,721
Indefinite Lives
Indefinite lives
Balance at the beginning of the period	471,657
Balance at the end of the period	$ 471,657	$ 471,657

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

Goodwill, Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets - Future Amortization of Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Estimated future amortization of intangible assets
2016	$ 48,913
2017	30,040
2018	22,325
2019	21,111
2020	15,774
Thereafter	69,996
Total	$ 208,159

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations - Schedule of Debt and Capital Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Carrying Amount	$ 1,890,803	$ 2,001,240
Fair Value	2,026,478	2,172,740
Capital lease obligations	332,838	366,447
Total debt and capital lease obligations	2,223,641	2,367,687
Less: Current portion	(35,698)	(41,912)
Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations	$ 2,187,943	2,325,775
6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.50%
Carrying Amount	$ 990,000	1,100,000
Fair Value	1,071,675	1,177,000
6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 \| Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSSC")
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Carrying Amount	$ 990,000
7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Interest rate (as a percent)	7.625%
Carrying Amount	$ 900,000	900,000
Fair Value	954,000	994,500
7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 \| Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSSC")
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Carrying Amount	900,000
Other
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Carrying Amount	803	1,240
Fair Value	$ 803	$ 1,240
Other \| Minimum
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.50%
Other \| Maximum
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Interest rate (as a percent)	13.25%

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations - Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 12, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 01, 2011
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Carrying Amount		$ 1,890,803	$ 2,001,240
Loss from partial redemption of debt		(5,044)
Debt issuance costs amortized		$ 6,000	5,800	$ 5,400
6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Interest rate (as a percent)		6.50%
Carrying Amount		$ 990,000	1,100,000
6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 \| Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSSC")
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Principal amount of debt issuance					$ 1,100,000
Debt instrument issued, issue price (as a percent)		100.00%
Carrying Amount		$ 990,000
Loss from partial redemption of debt	$ (5,000)
Redemption premium	3,300
Write off of deferred financing fees	1,700
Debt redemption price as a percentage of the principal amount		100.00%
Purchase price as a percentage of aggregate principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in the event of change of control		101.00%
6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 \| Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSSC") \| Prior to June 15, 2015
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Debt redeemed	$ 110,000
Debt redemption price as a percentage of the principal amount	103.00%
7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Interest rate (as a percent)		7.625%
Carrying Amount		$ 900,000	900,000
7 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 \| Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSSC")
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Principal amount of debt issuance					$ 900,000
Debt instrument issued, issue price (as a percent)		100.00%
Carrying Amount		$ 900,000
Other
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Carrying Amount		$ 803	$ 1,240
Other \| Minimum
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.50%
Other \| Maximum
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Interest rate (as a percent)		13.25%

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations - Capital Lease Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments
2016	$ 94,008
2017	90,144
2018	88,182
2019	87,930
2020	87,818
Thereafter	257,999
Total minimum lease payments	706,081
Less : Amount representing lease of the orbital location and estimated executory costs (primarily insurance and maintenance) including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments	(214,242)
Net minimum lease payments	491,839
Less : Amount representing interest	(159,001)
Present value of net minimum lease payments	332,838
Less : Current portion	(34,895)
Long-term portion of capital lease obligations	297,943
Sublease rental income	132,400	$ 132,400	$ 126,700
Future minimum sublease rental income	$ 613,300
Capital lease obligations.
Capital lease obligation
Effective interest rates for satellite capital lease obligations, minimum (as a percent)	9.10%
Effective interest rates for satellite capital lease obligations, maximum (as a percent)	11.20%
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)	10.50%
Capital lease obligations. \| AMC-16
Capital lease obligation
Lease, amended agreement term	1 year

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of income (loss) before income taxes
Domestic	$ 224,058	$ 172,276	$ (50,551)
Foreign	(2,486)	6,057	16,515
Income (loss) before income taxes	221,572	178,333	(34,036)
Current benefit (provision):
Federal	(165)	(2,593)	1,118
State	(9,601)	9,006	6,531
Foreign	(6,303)	(5,455)	(5,992)
Total current (provision) benefit	(16,069)	958	1,657
Deferred benefit (provision):
Federal	(62,572)	(31,905)	26,511
State	4,818	(1,283)	10,074
Foreign	1,622	1,446	(805)
Total deferred (provision) benefit	(56,132)	(31,742)	35,780
Total income tax (provision) benefit, net	$ (72,201)	$ (30,784)	$ 37,437
Actual tax provision reconciliation to the amounts computed by applying statutory Federal tax rate to income (loss) before taxes
Statutory rate (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of Federal benefit (as a percent)	2.10%	(0.20%)	21.00%
Permanent differences (as a percent)	3.60%	0.60%	(10.70%)
Tax credits (as a percent)	(10.10%)	(18.60%)	48.70%
Valuation allowance (as a percent)	2.80%	(0.90%)	14.20%
Other (as a percent)	(0.80%)	1.40%	1.80%
Total effective tax rate (as a percent)	32.60%	17.30%	110.00%
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses, credit and other carryforwards	$ 315,924	$ 412,744
Unrealized losses on investments, net	47,678	30,248
Accrued expenses	34,037	34,632
Stock-based compensation	13,345	8,445
Other asset	9,534	12,157
Total deferred tax assets	420,518	498,226
Valuation allowance	(72,131)	(73,664)
Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	348,387	424,562
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	(993,326)	(1,014,812)
Other liabilities	(1,412)	(748)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(994,738)	(1,015,560)
Total net deferred tax liabilities	(646,351)	(590,998)
Deferred Taxes by classification
Current portion of net deferred tax assets		87,208
Noncurrent portion of net deferred tax liabilities	(646,351)	(678,206)
Total net deferred tax liabilities	(646,351)	(590,998)
Net operating loss carryforwards	768,800
Net operating loss carryforwards attributable to stock-based compensation	38,400
Provision for income and withholding taxes on undistributed earnings attributable to foreign subsidiaries	0
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits
Balance as of beginning of period	44,839	43,319	$ 34,677
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	11,748	3,806	81
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years	5,779	4,643	9,929
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years		(81)	(1,253)
Reductions based on tax settlements		(6,848)	(115)
Balance as of end of period	62,366	44,839	$ 43,319
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, could affect our effective tax rate	62,400	$ 44,800
Federal
Deferred Taxes by classification
Tax credit available to offset future tax liabilities	96,900
State
Deferred Taxes by classification
Tax credit available to offset future tax liabilities	30,600
Foreign
Deferred Taxes by classification
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 92,700

Stockholders' Equity - Preferred Stock and Common Stock (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 item $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2014 $ / shares shares	Mar. 01, 2014 shares	Feb. 28, 2014 $ / shares shares
Preferred Stock
Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	13,000,000	13,000,000		13,000,000
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 0.001	$ 0.001		$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	6,290,499	6,290,499
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	6,290,499	6,290,499
DISH Network \| Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)			6,290,499
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	6,290,499
Class A common stock
Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
Votes per share \| item	1
Common stock, shares outstanding	45,555,521	44,043,929
Class B common stock
Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
Votes per share \| item	10
Number of shares of Class A common stock into which each share of common stock is convertible \| item	1
Common stock, shares outstanding	47,687,039	47,687,039
Class C common stock
Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
Votes per share \| item	1
Number of shares of Class A common stock into which each share of common stock is convertible \| item	1
Votes per share in event of change of control \| item	10
Common stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Class D common stock
Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
Common stock, shares outstanding	0	0

Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock Repurchase Program (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Class A common stock
Common Stock Repurchase Program
Amount of shares authorized for repurchase	$ 500.0

Employee Benefit Plans - Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Details) - Class A common stock - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee benefit plans
Number of shares that remain available for issuance	4,300,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Employee benefit plans
Number of shares authorized for issue	2,500,000
Number of shares that remain available for issuance	800,000
Minimum period for which full-time employees employed by the entity are eligible to participate in the ESPP	3 months
Maximum fair value of capital stock permitted to be purchased by employees in any one year under ESPP	$ 25,000
Purchase price as percentage of closing market price on the last business day of each calendar quarter under ESPP	85.00%
Number of shares of common stock purchased under ESPP	362,000	283,000	268,000

Employee Benefit Plans - 401(k) Employee Savings Plans (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 23, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
EchoStar 401(k) Plan
Employee benefit plans
Contribution limit per employee, as a percentage of eligible compensation		75.00%
Maximum annual contribution per employee under 401(k) plan		$ 18,000
Maximum annual catch-up contribution		$ 24,000
Employer matching contribution as a percentage of voluntary employee contributions under 401(k) plan (as a percent)		50.00%
Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 50% by employer		6.00%
Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 100% by employer		3.00%
Employer maximum annual contribution per employee under 401(k) plan		$ 7,500
Vesting percentage of matching contributions to eligible employees per year		20.00%
Vesting percentage of matching contributions to eligible employees after specified period of service		100.00%
Eligibility for employer matching contributions, period of service		5 years
Matching contributions made by the company during the year		$ 7,400,000	$ 6,800,000	$ 6,100,000
Roth 401(k) Plan
Employee benefit plans
Contribution limit per employee, as a percentage of eligible compensation	75.00%
Class A common stock \| EchoStar 401(k) Plan
Employee benefit plans
Discretionary contributions, net of forfeitures, fair value, under 401(k) plan		$ 10,400,000	$ 10,200,000	$ 10,300,000
Discretionary contributions, Shares, under 401(k) plan		204,000	207,000	139,000

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Incentive Plans (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Class A common stock
Stock-Based Compensation
Number of common stock available for future grant under stock incentive plans (in shares)	4,300,000
Restricted stock units
Stock-Based Compensation
Restricted stock units (in shares)	57,328	96,768	121,877	151,683
Stock options
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock options (in shares)	5,893,241	6,669,614	6,271,058	7,908,300
Stock options \| Minimum
Stock-Based Compensation
Vesting period	3 years
Stock options \| Maximum
Stock-Based Compensation
Expiration term	10 years
Vesting period	5 years

Stock-Based Compensation - Exercise Prices for Stock Options (Details) - Stock options	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 $ / shares shares
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	5,893,241
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 38.38
Number of stock options exercisable (in shares) \| shares	3,082,241
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 32.61
Range of Exercise Prices $00.00 - $10.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	0.00
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 10.00
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	686
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 2.12
Number of stock options exercisable (in shares) \| shares	686
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 2.12
Range of Exercise Prices $10.01 - $15.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	10.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 15.00
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	84,329
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 14.83
Number of stock options exercisable (in shares) \| shares	84,329
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 14.83
Range of Exercise Prices $15.01 - $20.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	15.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 20.00
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	246,524
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 18.96
Number of stock options exercisable (in shares) \| shares	246,524
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 18.96
Range of Exercise Prices $20.01 - $25.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	20.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 25.00
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	496,947
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 20.29
Number of stock options exercisable (in shares) \| shares	480,947
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 20.25
Range of Exercise Prices $25.01 - $30.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	25.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 30.00
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	305,415
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 28.12
Number of stock options exercisable (in shares) \| shares	227,415
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 28.64
Range of Exercise Prices $30.01 - $35.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	30.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 35.00
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	403,001
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 34.04
Number of stock options exercisable (in shares) \| shares	349,001
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 34.02
Range of Exercise Prices $35.01 - $40.00
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	35.01
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 40.00
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	2,378,839
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 37.90
Number of stock options exercisable (in shares) \| shares	1,440,839
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 37.70
Range of Exercise Prices $40.01 and above
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 40.01
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	1,977,500
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	9 years
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 49.42
Number of stock options exercisable (in shares) \| shares	252,500
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 48.09

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Award Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term performance based plans
Stock option activity
Total options outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	623,100	629,300
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)		623,100	629,300
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Total options outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 25.27	$ 25.27
Total options outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)		$ 25.27	$ 25.27
Stock options
Stock option activity
Total options outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	6,669,614	6,271,058	7,908,300
Granted (in shares)	929,000	1,161,000	1,190,000
Exercised (in shares)	(894,071)	(697,544)	(2,494,893)
Forfeited and cancelled (in shares)	(811,302)	(64,900)	(332,349)
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	5,893,241	6,669,614	6,271,058
Exercisable at end of period (in shares)	3,082,241	3,013,114	2,712,891
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Total options outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 34.02	$ 30.43	$ 27.21
Granted (in dollars per share)	51.59	47.84	38.75
Exercised (in dollars per share)	27.78	24.87	24.65
Forfeited and cancelled (in dollars per share)	29.45	32.65	27.01
Total options outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	38.38	34.02	30.43
Exercisable at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 32.61	$ 29.66	$ 28.69
Share-based compensation additional disclosures
Tax benefits from stock options exercised	$ 7.9	$ 7.2	$ 21.9
Restricted stock units
Restricted stock unit activity
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	96,768	121,877	151,683
Granted (in shares)	100,000
Vested (in shares)	(83,992)	(22,877)	(22,876)
Forfeited and cancelled (in shares)	(55,448)	(2,232)	(6,930)
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares)	57,328	96,768	121,877
Weighted - Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 29.29	$ 29.93	$ 30.18
Granted (in dollars per share)	50.00
Vested (in dollars per share)	45.72	33.08	33.08
Forfeited and cancelled (in dollars per share)	27.01	25.51	24.88
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 42.31	$ 29.29	$ 29.93
Restricted stock units \| Vesting Based On Performance Measurements
Share-based compensation additional disclosures
Expected to vest (in shares)	33,334
Restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)	100,000
Vested (in shares)	(66,666)
Restricted Performance Units
Restricted stock unit activity
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	55,448	57,680
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares)	33,334	55,448	57,680
Weighted - Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 27.00	$ 26.94
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 50.00	$ 27.00	$ 26.94

Stock-Based Compensation - 2005 LTIP Vesting Period (Details) - LTIP 2005	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
LTIP Terms
Awards vesting period	7 years
Percentage of awards vesting per annum during first four years	10.00%
Percentage of awards vesting per annum after first four years	20.00%

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation
Allocated share-based compensation expense	$ 21,839	$ 14,683	$ 18,353
Stock-Based Compensation
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 33,100
Future forfeiture rate (as a percent)	2.00%
Period for recognition of compensation cost	2 years
Research and development expenses
Stock-Based Compensation
Allocated share-based compensation expense	$ 4,570	2,403	3,478
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Stock-Based Compensation
Allocated share-based compensation expense	$ 17,269	$ 12,280	$ 14,875

Stock-Based Compensation - Valuation of Stock Options (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Black-Scholes option valuation model assumptions
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	$ 24.7
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable	$ 22.3
Stock options
Black-Scholes option valuation model assumptions
Dividend yield percentage	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Stock options \| Minimum
Black-Scholes option valuation model assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.38%	1.72%	0.99%
Volatility factor (as a percent)	27.16%	29.05%	37.54%
Expected term of options	5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years 2 months 12 days	5 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 12.25	$ 13.79	$ 15.59
Stock options \| Maximum
Black-Scholes option valuation model assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.80%	1.85%	1.54%
Volatility factor (as a percent)	27.85%	35.02%	42.23%
Expected term of options	5 years 4 months 24 days	5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years 6 months
Weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 15.05	$ 17.21	$ 17.20

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Committments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies
2016	$ 988,340
2017	384,435
2018	327,447
2019	1,218,788
2020	193,460
Thereafter	1,334,379
Contractual Obligation, Total	4,446,849
Long-term debt obligations
Commitments and Contingencies
2016	803
2019	990,000
Thereafter	900,000
Contractual Obligation, Total	1,890,803
Capital lease obligations.
Commitments and Contingencies
2016	34,895
2017	34,502
2018	36,287
2019	40,143
2020	44,558
Thereafter	142,453
Contractual Obligation, Total	332,838
Interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Commitments and Contingencies
2016	166,086
2017	162,805
2018	159,265
2019	123,191
2020	86,697
Thereafter	63,645
Contractual Obligation, Total	761,689
Satellite-related obligations
Commitments and Contingencies
2016	534,871
2017	165,992
2018	119,976
2019	55,654
2020	53,662
Thereafter	204,062
Contractual Obligation, Total	1,134,217
Operating lease obligations
Commitments and Contingencies
2016	26,324
2017	19,469
2018	11,919
2019	9,800
2020	8,543
Thereafter	24,219
Contractual Obligation, Total	100,274
Purchase and other obligations
Commitments and Contingencies
2016	225,361
2017	1,667
Contractual Obligation, Total	$ 227,028

Commitments and Contingencies - Satellite Leases and Rent Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies
Satellite-related expenses	$ 160.8	$ 178.8	$ 181.2
Total rent expense	$ 22.0	$ 21.3	$ 22.6

Commitments and Contingencies - Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions			1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jan. 26, 2015 item	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015 item	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 shares	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2011 shares	Oct. 02, 2013 item	Jul. 31, 2009 item
Caltech
Commitment and Contingencies
Number of indirect subsidiaries against lawsuit was filed								2
CRFD
Commitment and Contingencies
Number of third-party petitions challenging the validity	2
Technology Development and Licensing, LLC
Commitment and Contingencies
Number of reexamination petitions pending before the United States Patents and Trademark Office									2
Number of claims cancelled			42
Total number of claims			53
Breach of fiduciary duties
Commitment and Contingencies
Stock option grants attempted (in shares) \| shares					1,500,000
Stock option grants (in shares) \| shares							800,000
Stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares						800,000
Personalized Media Communications, Inc.
Commitment and Contingencies
One-time payment towards settlement under the agreements \| $				$ 5.0
Personalized Media Communications, Inc. \| Minimum
Commitment and Contingencies
Alleged damages \| $		$ 167.0
Personalized Media Communications, Inc. \| Maximum
Commitment and Contingencies
Alleged damages \| $		$ 447.0
Personalized Media Communications, Inc. \| Selling, general and administrative expenses
Commitment and Contingencies
Loss on litigation settlement \| $						$ 5.0

Segment Reporting - Reporting Segments (Details)	12 Months Ended
Segment Reporting - Reporting Segments (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015 item
Segment Reporting
Number of business segments	3

Segment Reporting - Revenue, Capital Expenditures, and EBITDA (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting
Total revenue	$ 790,587	$ 760,879	$ 793,595	$ 798,653	$ 843,887	$ 895,840	$ 879,828	$ 826,023	$ 3,143,714	$ 3,445,578	$ 3,282,452
EBITDA									865,353	902,581	650,097
Capital expenditures									703,520	680,026	391,873
Interest income and expense, net									(111,637)	(162,247)	(177,898)
Depreciation and amortization									(528,158)	(556,676)	(507,111)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									(3,986)	(5,325)	876
Income (loss) before income taxes									221,572	178,333	(34,036)
Hughes Business
Segment Reporting
Total revenue									1,344,945	1,325,887	1,215,783
EchoStar Technologies Business
Segment Reporting
Total revenue									1,297,510	1,626,826	1,730,433
EchoStar Satellite Services Business
Segment Reporting
Total revenue									489,842	481,579	326,828
All Other and Eliminations
Segment Reporting
Total revenue									11,417	11,286	9,408
EchoStar Corporation
Segment Reporting
Interest income and expense, net									7,941	8,880	7,197
Depreciation and amortization									(16,964)	(16,965)	(16,964)
Operating segments \| Hughes Business
Segment Reporting
Total revenue									1,347,340	1,327,718	1,218,126
EBITDA									396,684	356,871	281,513
Capital expenditures									285,499	218,607	186,561
Operating segments \| EchoStar Technologies Business
Segment Reporting
Total revenue									1,298,198	1,627,366	1,730,845
EBITDA									106,745	154,786	136,537
Capital expenditures									50,593	48,616	56,935
Operating segments \| EchoStar Satellite Services Business
Segment Reporting
Total revenue									490,591	484,455	330,177
EBITDA									412,607	419,442	235,993
Capital expenditures									101,215	28,734	12,700
Intersegment Elimination \| Hughes Business
Segment Reporting
Total revenue									2,395	1,831	2,343
Intersegment Elimination \| EchoStar Technologies Business
Segment Reporting
Total revenue									688	540	412
Intersegment Elimination \| EchoStar Satellite Services Business
Segment Reporting
Total revenue									749	2,876	3,349
Intersegment Elimination \| All Other and Eliminations
Segment Reporting
Total revenue									(3,832)	(5,247)	(6,104)
All Other and Eliminations \| All Other and Eliminations
Segment Reporting
Total revenue									7,585	6,039	3,304
EBITDA									(50,683)	(28,518)	(3,946)
Capital expenditures									$ 266,213	$ 384,069	$ 135,677

Segment Reporting - Geographic Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Geographic Information
Long-lived assets	$ 4,600,085				$ 4,469,463				$ 4,600,085	$ 4,469,463
Total revenue	790,587	$ 760,879	$ 793,595	$ 798,653	843,887	$ 895,840	$ 879,828	$ 826,023	3,143,714	3,445,578	$ 3,282,452
United States
Geographic Information
Long-lived assets	4,440,590				4,313,649				4,440,590	4,313,649
Total revenue									2,685,665	2,958,539	2,819,968
Other
Geographic Information
Long-lived assets	1,242				585				1,242	585
Total revenue									203,813	220,122	215,787
All other
Geographic Information
Long-lived assets	$ 158,253				$ 155,229				158,253	155,229
Total revenue									$ 254,236	$ 266,917	$ 246,697

Segment Reporting - Transactions with Major Customers (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) item
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Number of major customers \| item									1	1	1
Total revenue	$ 790,587	$ 760,879	$ 793,595	$ 798,653	$ 843,887	$ 895,840	$ 879,828	$ 826,023	$ 3,143,714	$ 3,445,578	$ 3,282,452
Hughes Business
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Total revenue									1,344,945	1,325,887	1,215,783
Hughes Business \| Operating segments
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Total revenue									1,347,340	1,327,718	1,218,126
EchoStar Technologies Business
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Total revenue									1,297,510	1,626,826	1,730,433
EchoStar Technologies Business \| Operating segments
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Total revenue									1,298,198	1,627,366	1,730,845
EchoStar Satellite Services Business
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Total revenue									489,842	481,579	326,828
EchoStar Satellite Services Business \| Operating segments
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Total revenue									490,591	484,455	330,177
DISH Network
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Total revenue									$ 1,681,485	$ 1,974,591	$ 1,931,635
DISH Network \| Revenue
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Percentage of total revenue									53.50%	57.30%	58.80%
DISH Network \| All Other and Eliminations
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Total revenue									$ 11,404	$ 11,244	$ 9,687
DISH Network \| Hughes Business \| Operating segments
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Total revenue									105,181	112,692	113,869
DISH Network \| EchoStar Technologies Business \| Operating segments
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Total revenue									1,141,435	1,443,419	1,560,905
DISH Network \| EchoStar Satellite Services Business \| Operating segments
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Total revenue									423,465	407,236	247,174
All other
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Total revenue									$ 1,462,229	$ 1,470,987	$ 1,350,817
All other \| Revenue
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Percentage of total revenue									46.50%	42.70%	41.20%

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Summary of Results (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Total revenue	$ 790,587	$ 760,879	$ 793,595	$ 798,653	$ 843,887	$ 895,840	$ 879,828	$ 826,023	$ 3,143,714	$ 3,445,578	$ 3,282,452
Operating income	91,873	88,607	94,348	81,205	83,523	92,277	92,470	59,820	356,033	328,090	103,587
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock	$ 66,296	$ 30,102	$ 33,900	$ 33,402	$ 54,766	$ 64,055	$ 33,794	$ 12,653	$ 163,700	$ 165,268	$ 2,525
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.71	$ 0.33	$ 0.37	$ 0.36	$ 0.60	$ 0.70	$ 0.37	$ 0.14	$ 1.77	$ 1.81	$ 0.03
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.71	$ 0.32	$ 0.36	$ 0.36	$ 0.59	$ 0.69	$ 0.36	$ 0.14	$ 1.75	$ 1.78	$ 0.03

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References + Details

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Explanatory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)				$ 72,201	$ 30,784	$ (37,437)
Variance As Compared To Prior Quarter
Segment Reporting
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		$ (23,200)
TerreStar Networks Inc. (TerreStar) \| Exchangeable Notes \| Other, net
Segment Reporting
Gain on investments account for at fair value	$ 5,800		$ 5,800

Related Party Transactions - DISH Network (Details) $ in Thousands			1 Months Ended													12 Months Ended
	Mar. 02, 2014	Mar. 02, 2014 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2015 item	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2010	Feb. 28, 2010	Jan. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2009 item	Nov. 30, 2008 item	Dec. 31, 2015 item	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009	Aug. 01, 2014	Sep. 30, 2012 item	Jul. 02, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
Related party transactions
Liabilities Assumed \| $																		$ 18,000
Net proceeds from issuance of Tracking Stock (Note 4) \| $																	$ 7,526
Sling TV Holding
Related party transactions
Non-voting interest in cost method investment (as a percentage)																				10.00%
Equity interest in joint venture (as a percentage)																						33.00%
EchoStar XVI
Related party transactions
Term of renewal option																6 years
Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement
Related party transactions
Agreement term									5 years
Automatic renewal period																1 year
Required minimum notice for termination of agreement																180 days
DISH Network \| Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
Related party transactions
Percentage of economic interest held	80.00%
DISH Network \| Sling TV Holding
Related party transactions
Voting interests acquired by related party (as a percent)			100.00%													100.00%
Ownership interest acquired by related party (as a percent)			90.00%													90.00%						67.00%
DISH Network \| 2012 Receiver Agreement
Related party transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party																60 days
Agreement term extension period				1 year			1 year
Additional term of renewal option																1 year
Minimum notice period required to extend the agreement term																180 days
DISH Network \| Broadcast Agreement
Related party transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party																60 days
DISH Network \| Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming
Related party transactions
Agreement term											10 years
DISH Network \| EchoStar VII
Related party transactions
Agreement term			1 year
DISH Network \| EchoStar VIII capacity leased to Dish Network
Related party transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party																30 days
Required minimum notice period for termination of agreement by the reporting entity																30 days
DISH Network \| EchoStar XVI
Related party transactions
Agreement term																			10 years
Agreement term from commencement of service date								4 years
Additional term of renewal option																5 years
Term of renewal option																6 years
DISH Network \| Service agreement to lease certain satellite capacity \| Ciel
Related party transactions
Agreement term										10 years
DISH Network \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Related party transactions
Net proceeds from issuance of Tracking Stock (Note 4) \| $		$ 11,400
DISH Network \| Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction \| EchoStar and HSSC
Related party transactions
Net proceeds from issuance of Tracking Stock (Note 4) \| $		$ 11,400
Number of owned satellites transferred		5
DISH Network \| TT&C Agreement
Related party transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party																60 days
DISH Network \| Inverness Lease Agreement
Related party transactions
Required minimum notice for termination of agreement																6 months
Required minimum notice period for termination of agreement after extension																30 days
DISH Network \| Meridian Lease Agreement
Related party transactions
Required minimum notice for termination of agreement																30 days
DISH Network \| Santa Fe Lease Agreement
Related party transactions
Required minimum notice for termination of agreement																30 days
DISH Network \| Gilbert Lease Agreement
Related party transactions
Term of renewal option																1 year
Number of successive one year renewal options																3
Required minimum notice for termination of agreement																30 days
DISH Network \| Cheyenne Lease Agreement
Related party transactions
Required minimum notice for termination of agreement																30 days
DISH Network \| EchoStar Data Networks Sublease Agreement
Related party transactions
Term of renewal option																5 years
DISH Network \| Product Support Agreement
Related party transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party																60 days
DISH Network \| DISH Online.com Services Agreement
Related party transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party																120 days
Agreement term				1 year		1 year							2 years
Additional term of renewal option																1 year
DISH Network \| DISH Remote Access Services Agreement
Related party transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party																120 days
Agreement term												5 years
Additional term of renewal option																1 year
Automatic renewal period																1 year
DISH Network \| SlingService Services Agreement
Related party transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party																120 days
Agreement term												5 years
Additional term of renewal option																1 year
Automatic renewal period																1 year
DISH Network \| Set-Top Box Application Development Agreement
Related party transactions
Automatic renewal period																1 year
Required minimum notice for termination of agreement																90 days
DISH Network \| XiP Encryption Agreement
Related party transactions
Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party																30 days
Required minimum notice period for termination of agreement by the reporting entity																180 days
DISH Network \| DBSD North America Agreement
Related party transactions
Ownership interest acquired by related party (as a percent)																							100.00%
DISH Network \| Remanufactured Receiver Agreement
Related party transactions
Agreement term				1 year	1 year
Required minimum notice period for termination of agreement by the reporting entity																60 days
DISH Network \| EchoStar XV capacity leased from Dish Network
Related party transactions
Required minimum notice for termination of agreement																30 days
DISH Network \| Professional Services Agreement
Related party transactions
Agreement term																1 year
Automatic renewal period																1 year
Required minimum notice for termination of agreement																60 days
Required minimum notice for termination of individual service																30 days
DISH Network \| El Paso Lease Agreement
Related party transactions
Term of renewal option																3 years
Number of successive three year renewal options																4
DISH Network \| DISH Telesat Agreement
Related party transactions
Agreement term from commencement of service date														10 years
Number of DBS transponders available to receive services														32
DISH Network \| QuetzSat-1 Transponder
Related party transactions
Number of DBS transponders currently receiving services			24													24
Number of DBS transponders currently receiving services subleased back from related party																					5
Telesat Canada \| Nimiq 5 Agreement
Related party transactions
Agreement term														15 years
Number of DBS transponders available to receive services														32
SES Latin America \| QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement
Related party transactions
Agreement term															10 years
Number of DBS transponders expected to receive services															32

Related Party Transactions - Tax Sharing and Patent Cross-License Agreements (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2011 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Related party transactions
Net amount of the allocated tax attributes receivable		$ 90,241		$ 90,966	$ 90,241
Tax credit charge recorded in additional paid-in capital				3,048	5,269
Cash paid for property, plant and equipment				809,270	680,026	$ 391,873
Charge to additional-paid-in-capital, net of related deferred income taxes due to transfers of assets between companies					9,569
Patent Cross-License Agreements
Related party transactions
Maximum aggregate payments required under cross license agreements							$ 10,000
Maximum additional aggregate payments required under cross license agreements if options are exercised							$ 3,000
Personalized Media Communications, Inc.
Related party transactions
One-time payment towards settlement under the agreements	$ 5,000
DISH Network
Related party transactions
Tax credit charge recorded in additional paid-in capital				$ 3,000	$ 5,300
DISH Network \| TiVo vs. Dish Network and Echostar Corporation
Related party transactions
Settlement amount			$ 500,000
Initial settlement amount paid			300,000
Aggregate of six annual installment amounts between 2012 and 2017			$ 200,000
Litigation settlement, number of annual installments \| item			6
Portion of the $300 million initial settlement agreement payment paid by EchoStar			$ 10,000
Estimated percentage of annual future payments payable by EchoStar			5.00%
DISH Network \| Tax Sharing Agreement \| Other noncurrent assets, net
Related party transactions
Net amount of the allocated tax attributes receivable								$ 83,200
DISH Network \| Tax Sharing Agreement \| Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities
Related party transactions
Federal tax benefits reflected as a deferred tax asset for depreciation and amortization									$ 83,200
DISH Network \| T2 Development Agreement
Related party transactions
Cash paid for property, plant and equipment		55,000
Charge to additional-paid-in-capital, net of related deferred income taxes due to transfers of assets between companies		$ 9,600

Related Party Transactions - Other Agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	Feb. 29, 2008	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2009	May 31, 2015
Related party transactions
Amount payable to related party			$ 24,682	$ 32,474
Amount receivable from related party			277,159	251,669
Hughes Systique Corporation
Related party transactions
Repayment of loan			1,500
Remaining balance of loan			$ 700
Ownership interest in related party (as a percent)			44.00%
Ownership percentage by related party			25.80%
Hughes Systique Corporation \| HNS
Related party transactions
Amount agreed to be funded under term loan facility		$ 1,500
Amount funded		$ 500				$ 1,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.00%	6.00%
NagraStar
Related party transactions
Ownership interest in related party (as a percent)			50.00%
Purchases from related party			$ 19,600	22,600	$ 14,900
Amount payable to related party			$ 2,600	3,200
Dish Mexico
Related party transactions
Ownership interest in related party (as a percent)			49.00%
Digital set-top boxes and related accessories			$ 66,779	60,464	36,929
Satellite services			23,347	23,327	22,638
Uplink services			4,996	6,251	6,735
Other services					127
Amount receivable from related party			$ 32,906	11,012
Deluxe
Related party transactions
Ownership interest in related party (as a percent)			50.00%
Revenue recognized from equipment and services provided to related party			$ 2,700	3,300	$ 1,800
Receivables from related party			100	$ 200
SmarDTV
Related party transactions
Equity interest in joint venture (as a percentage)							22.50%
Purchases from related party			3,600
Amount payable to related party			900
Note receivable from related party			$ 500

SCHEDULE I - Parent Company Information - Error Corrections Related to Presentation Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Other current assets	$ 16,723	$ 7,699
Total assets	7,240,762	7,253,998
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Accrued expenses and other	138,601	123,650
Total liabilities	3,459,120	3,630,360
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	7,240,762	7,253,998
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	56,132	31,742	$ (35,780)
Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net	1,616	(8,305)	(41,650)
Net cash flows from operating activities	776,451	840,131	450,507
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Net cash flows from investing activities	(275,311)	(887,590)	(570,289)
EchoStar Corporation
Assets
Other current assets	2,560	6,796
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries, including intercompany balances	2,446,916	2,034,447
Deferred tax assets	245,457	340,246
Total assets	3,705,668	3,535,981
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Accrued expenses and other	10,190	2,813
Total liabilities	10,190	2,813
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,705,668	3,535,981
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	4,749	(1,105)	7,473
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net	7,205	6,389	11,426
Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net	(566)	35
Net cash flows from operating activities	26,593	37,922	40,921
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Contributions to subsidiaries and affiliates, net	(182,943)	(275,545)	(84,103)
Net cash flows from investing activities	$ 191,710	(189,896)	(184,150)
EchoStar Corporation \| Error corrections related to presentation financial information
Assets
Other current assets		6,796
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries, including intercompany balances		2,034,447
Deferred tax assets		340,246
Total assets		3,535,981
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Accrued expenses and other		2,813
Total liabilities		2,813
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		3,535,981
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Deferred tax provision (benefit)		(1,105)	7,473
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net		6,389	11,426
Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net		35
Net cash flows from operating activities		37,922	40,921
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Contributions to subsidiaries and affiliates, net		(275,545)	(84,103)
Net cash flows from investing activities		(189,896)	(184,150)
EchoStar Corporation \| As previously reported \| Error corrections related to presentation financial information
Assets
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries, including intercompany balances		2,547,478
Deferred tax assets		340,852
Total assets		4,042,822
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Accrued expenses and other		509,654
Total liabilities		509,654
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		4,042,822
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Deferred tax provision (benefit)		(267,175)	33,380
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net		298,661	88,677
Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net		(975)	(88,874)
Net cash flows from operating activities		63,114	55,205
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Contributions to subsidiaries and affiliates, net		(300,737)	(98,387)
Net cash flows from investing activities		$ (215,088)	$ (198,434)

SCHEDULE I - Parent Company Information - Condensed Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 924,240	$ 549,053		$ 634,119	$ 731,614
Marketable investment securities	612,338	1,139,103
Other current assets	16,723	7,699
Total current assets	2,133,659	2,328,091
Noncurrent Assets:
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities	21,002	18,945
Other intangible assets, net	132,653	195,662
Investments in unconsolidated entities	209,264	159,962
Total noncurrent assets	5,107,103	4,925,907
Total assets	7,240,762	7,253,998
Current Liabilities:
Accrued expenses and other	138,601	123,650
Total current liabilities	526,831	517,733
Noncurrent Liabilities:
Total noncurrent liabilities	2,932,289	3,112,627
Total liabilities	3,459,120	3,630,360
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
Additional paid-in capital	3,776,451	3,706,122
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(117,233)	(55,856)
Accumulated deficit	134,317	(19,040)
Treasury stock, at cost	(98,162)	(98,162)
Total stockholders' equity	3,695,478	3,533,168
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 7,240,762	$ 7,253,998
Class A and B Common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	4,000,000,000	4,000,000,000
Class A common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, Value, Issued	$ 51	$ 50
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	1,600,000,000	1,600,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	51,087,839	49,576,247
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	45,555,521	44,043,929
Class B common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, Value, Issued	$ 48	$ 48
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	47,687,039	47,687,039
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	47,687,039	47,687,039
Class C common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	0	0
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	0	0
Class D common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	0	0
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	0	0
Preferred Stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued	$ 6	$ 6
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	13,000,000	13,000,000	13,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	6,290,499	6,290,499
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	6,290,499	6,290,499
EchoStar Corporation
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 530,678	$ 273,646		$ 399,838	$ 471,820
Marketable investment securities	358,995	744,112
Other current assets	2,560	6,796
Total current assets	892,233	1,024,554
Noncurrent Assets:
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries, including intercompany balances	2,446,916	2,034,447
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities	862	1,293
Deferred tax assets	245,457	340,246
Other intangible assets, net	5,221	22,185
Investments in unconsolidated entities	26,476	25,319
Other receivable - DISH Network	88,503	87,937
Total noncurrent assets	2,813,435	2,511,427
Total assets	3,705,668	3,535,981
Current Liabilities:
Accrued expenses and other	10,190	2,813
Total current liabilities	10,190	2,813
Noncurrent Liabilities:
Total liabilities	10,190	2,813
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
Additional paid-in capital	3,776,451	3,706,122
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(117,233)	(55,856)
Accumulated deficit	134,317	(19,040)
Treasury stock, at cost	(98,162)	(98,162)
Total stockholders' equity	3,695,478	3,533,168
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,705,668	3,535,981
EchoStar Corporation \| Class A common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, Value, Issued	$ 51	$ 50
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	1,600,000,000	1,600,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	51,087,839	49,576,247
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	45,555,521	44,043,929
EchoStar Corporation \| Class B common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, Value, Issued	$ 48	$ 48
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	47,687,039	47,687,039
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	47,687,039	47,687,039
EchoStar Corporation \| Class C common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	0	0
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	0	0
EchoStar Corporation \| Class D common stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	0	0
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	0	0
EchoStar Corporation \| Preferred Stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
EchoStar Corporation \| Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued	$ 6	$ 6
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	13,000,000	13,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	6,290,499	6,290,499
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	6,290,499	6,290,499

SCHEDULE I - Parent Company Information - Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Costs and Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses									$ 374,116	$ 372,010	$ 358,499
Depreciation and amortization									528,158	556,676	507,111
Total costs and expenses									2,787,681	3,117,488	3,178,865
Operating loss	$ 91,873	$ 88,607	$ 94,348	$ 81,205	$ 83,523	$ 92,277	$ 92,470	$ 59,820	356,033	328,090	103,587
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income and expense, net									(111,637)	(162,247)	(177,898)
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net									1,895	8,198	(5,024)
Other, net									(2,006)	4,251	6,958
Total other income, net									(134,461)	(149,757)	(137,623)
Income tax (provision) benefit, net									(72,201)	(30,784)	37,437
Net income attributable to EchoStar									153,357	152,874	2,525
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net income									153,357	152,874	2,525
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments									(62,731)	(31,935)	(16,394)
Recognition of foreign currency translation loss in net income									1,889
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities and other									(12,046)	(9,462)	18,413
Recognition of other-than-temporary loss on marketable investment securities in net income									11,226
Recognition of realized gains on marketable investment securities in net income									(35)	(41)	(36,312)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax									(61,697)	(41,438)	(34,293)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to EchoStar									91,980	111,673	(30,882)
EchoStar Corporation
Costs and Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses									1,482	1,536	1,598
Depreciation and amortization									16,964	16,965	16,964
Total costs and expenses									18,446	18,501	18,562
Operating loss									(18,446)	(18,501)	(18,562)
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income and expense, net									7,941	8,880	7,197
Gains (losses) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net									(5,067)	73	36,280
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net									6,157	(4,389)	(12,068)
Other, net									790	5,835	(598)
Total other income, net									9,821	10,399	30,811
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net									(8,625)	(8,102)	12,249
Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries, net									166,731	159,871	(2,251)
Income tax (provision) benefit, net									(4,749)	1,105	(7,473)
Net income attributable to EchoStar									153,357	152,874	2,525
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net income									153,357	152,874	2,525
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments									(62,411)	(31,698)	(15,508)
Recognition of foreign currency translation loss in net income									1,889
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities and other									(12,046)	(9,462)	18,413
Recognition of other-than-temporary loss on marketable investment securities in net income									11,226
Recognition of realized gains on marketable investment securities in net income									(35)	(41)	(36,312)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax									(61,377)	(41,201)	(33,407)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to EchoStar									$ 91,980	$ 111,673	$ (30,882)

SCHEDULE I - Parent Company Information - Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 149,371	$ 147,549	$ 3,401
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	528,158	556,676	507,111
Equity in losses (earnings) of unconsolidated affiliates, net	(1,895)	(8,198)	5,024
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	56,132	31,742	(35,780)
Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net	1,616	(8,305)	(41,650)
Other, net	27,553	28,778	20,097
Net cash flows from operating activities	776,451	840,131	450,507
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of marketable investment securities	(536,430)	(1,523,514)	(1,080,437)
Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities	1,057,034	1,353,157	912,030
Capital contribution to Sling TV Holding		(18,569)	(7,000)
Change in restricted cash and marketable investment securities	(2,057)	(2,808)	12,908
Net cash flows from investing activities	(275,311)	(887,590)	(570,289)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan	38,729	28,857	71,247
Other	(4,811)	(1,105)	2,641
Net cash flows from financing activities	(120,257)	(35,096)	18,326
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	375,187	(85,066)	(97,495)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	549,053	634,119	731,614
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	924,240	549,053	634,119
EchoStar Corporation
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	153,357	152,874	2,525
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	16,964	16,965	16,964
Equity in losses (earnings) of unconsolidated affiliates, net	(6,157)	4,389	12,068
Equity in losses (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries, net	(166,731)	(159,871)	2,251
Gains (losses) and impairment on marketable investment securities, net	5,067	(73)	(36,280)
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	4,749	(1,105)	7,473
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net	7,205	6,389	11,426
Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net	(566)	35
Other, net	12,705	18,319	24,494
Net cash flows from operating activities	26,593	37,922	40,921
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of marketable investment securities	(327,610)	(1,013,699)	(957,142)
Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities	701,832	1,118,187	857,139
Contributions to subsidiaries and affiliates, net	(182,943)	(275,545)	(84,103)
Capital contribution to Sling TV Holding		(18,569)
Change in restricted cash and marketable investment securities	431	(270)	(44)
Net cash flows from investing activities	191,710	(189,896)	(184,150)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan	38,729	28,857	71,247
Other		(3,075)
Net cash flows from financing activities	38,729	25,782	71,247
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	257,032	(126,192)	(71,982)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	273,646	399,838	471,820
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 530,678	$ 273,646	$ 399,838

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - Allowance for doubtful accounts - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in valuation and qualifying accounts
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 14,188	$ 13,237	$ 16,894
Charged to Costs and Expenses	6,712	7,242	7,662
Deductions	(8,415)	(6,291)	(11,319)
Balance at End of Year	$ 12,485	$ 14,188	$ 13,237