Other Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Other Noncontrolling Interests
Represents information pertaining to the other noncontrolling interests.
Echo Star X [Member]
EchoStar X
Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar X.
Schedule of marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investments
Investment [Table Text Block]
Echo Star XI [Member]
EchoStar XI
Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XI.
Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XIV.
Echo Star XIV [Member]
EchoStar XIV
Targeted or Tracking Stock Related Party Transactions Transferred Cash
Cash
Represents the amount of cash transferred by related party under the transaction.
Targeted or Tracking Stock Related Party Transactions Transferred Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, net
Represents the amount of property and equipment transferred by related party under the transaction.
Targeted or Tracking Stock Related Party Transactions Transferred Current Liabilities
Current liabilities
Represents the amount of current liabilities transferred by related party under the transaction.
Targeted or Tracking Stock Related Party Transactions Transferred Noncurrent Liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
Represents the amount of noncurrent liabilities transferred by related party under the transaction.
Targeted or Tracking Stock Related Party Transactions Transferred Net Assets
Transfered net assets
Represents the amount of net assets transferred by related party under the transaction.
Transferred net assets
Stockholders Equity Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Net amount credited to stockholders' equity
Amendment Description
Adjustments to Reflect Equivalent Per Share Equity
Adjustment to reflect equivalent per-share equity
Represents the amount of adjustment to reflect equivalent per-share equity.
Amendment Flag
Offering Costs
Offering costs, net of tax
Represents the amount of direct costs of the Tracking Stock offering.
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes
Represents the amount of deferred income taxes.
Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted [Table]
The table contains disclosure pertaining to an entity's basic and diluted earnings per share.
Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Earnings per Share
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Preferred Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest
Allocation of net loss
Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to preferred tracking stock noncontrolling interest.
Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar Tracking Stock
Reallocation Based On Relative Liquidation Values
Reallocation based on relative liquidation values
Reallocation based on relative liquidation values.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Other Noncontrolling Interest
Less: Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests
Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interest.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Shareholders [Abstract]
Net income attributable to EchoStar shareholders:
Comprehensive Income Net of Tax Attributable to Preferred Tracking Stock
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock
Represents the amount of comprehensive income (loss) attributable to preferred tracking stock.
Comprehensive Income Net of Tax Attributable to Other Noncontrolling Interest
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to other noncontrolling interests
Represents the amount of comprehensive income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interest.
Net Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Tracking Stock
Net proceeds from issuance of Tracking Stock (Note 2)
Represents the cash inflow associated with amount received as proceeds from issuance of preferred tracking stock.
Net Assets Transferred in Exchange for Preferred Tracking Stock
Net assets transferred from DISH Network in exchange for Tracking Stock (Note 2)
Represents the amount of net assets transferred in exchange of preferred tracking stock.
AMC-15
Represents information pertaining to satellite AMC-15, which is leased from other third parties.
AMC 15 [Member]
AMC-16
Represents information pertaining to satellite AMC-16, which is leased from other third parties.
AMC 16 [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Accounting Policies [Table]
Summarization of the disclosures for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Award Type [Axis]
Accounts Receivable Contracts in Process [Member]
Contracts in process, net
Amounts due from customers or clients for contracts in process.
Interest rate (as a percent)
Investment Interest Rate
Aggregate Additional Payment if Option to Extend Agreements is Exercised Less than
Maximum additional aggregate payments required under cross license agreements if options are exercised
Maximum additional aggregate payments required under cross license agreements if options are exercised.
Aggregate Payment under Agreement Less than
Maximum aggregate payments required under cross license agreements
Maximum aggregate payments required under cross license agreements.
Represents the information pertaining to all other geographical segments of the entity.
All other
All Other Geographic Segments [Member]
All Other and Eliminations
All Other Segments and Eliminations [Member]
Represents information pertaining to segments not specifically identified and intersegment eliminations.
All Other and Elimination
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable from Related Parties Current.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable from Related Parties, Current
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - DISH Network (in dollars)
12 or more
Available-for-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months or Longer Aggregate Losses Accumulated in Investments
Amount of accumulated unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale securities that have been in a loss position for twelve months or longer.
Total
Available-for-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses Accumulated in Investments
Amount of accumulated unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale securities, impacting investments.
Less than 12 months
Available-for-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less than 12 Months Aggregate Losses Accumulated in Investments
Amount of accumulated unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale securities that have been in a loss position for less than twelve months impacting investments.
Amount of accumulated unrealized gain before deducting unrealized loss on investments in available-for-sale securities impacting investments.
Unrealized Gains
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated in Investments
Amount of accumulated unrealized loss before deducting unrealized gain on investments in available-for-sale securities impacting investments.
Unrealized Losses
Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated in Investments
Document Period End Date
Bell TV
Represents Bell TV, a major customer of the entity.
Bell TV [Member]
Represents the details pertaining to Blockbuster, Inc.
Blockbuster Inc [Member]
Blockbuster
Brazil Authorization Rights [Member]
Brazil authorization
Represents the details pertaining to Brazil authorization rights.
Breach of Fiduciary Duties [Member]
Breach of fiduciary duties
Represents details pertaining to breach of fiduciary duties.
Represents details pertaining to the Broadcast Agreement for certain sports related programming.
Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming [Member]
Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming
Broadcast Agreement
Represents the details pertaining to the Broadcast Agreement.
Broadcast Agreement [Member]
Represents the amount of contractual rights acquired to receive cash discounts on future launch services.
Business Acquisition Contractual Rights Acquired
Contractual rights to receive cash discounts on future launch services
Business Combination, Ownership Percentage Acquired by Related Party
Ownership interest acquired by related party (as a percent)
Business combination, ownership percentage acquired by related party.
CMB Star [Member]
CMBStar
Represents information pertaining to satellite CMBStar, which is owned by the entity and is under construction.
Entity [Domain]
Represents information pertaining to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
California Institute of Technology [Member]
Caltech
Canadian regulatory authorization
Represents the details pertaining to Canadian regulatory authorization rights.
Canadian Regulatory Authorization [Member]
Capital Lease Obligations, Increase (Decrease) Due to Change in Monthly Recurring Payment
Capital lease obligations increase decrease due to change in monthly recurring payment.
Decrease in capital lease obligations
Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain]
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Executory Costs and Orbital Location Lease
Amounts to be paid by lessee to lessor for lease of orbital location, maintenance, insurance, and tax expenses related to the leased asset.
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
Disclosure of accounting policy for costs incurred when both (1) the software is acquired, internally developed, or modified solely to meet the entity's internal needs, and (2) during the software's development or modification, no substantive plan exists or is being developed to market the software externally. This policy also may address the entity's amortization policy for its capitalized computer software costs and how it evaluates such capitalized costs for impairment.
Capitalized Software [Policy Text Block]
Capitalized Software Costs
Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc [Member]
Ciel
Represents information pertaining to Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc.
Represents the Class D common stock.
Class D common stock
Common Class D [Member]
Common stock convertible into number of shares of Class A common stock.
Common Stock Convertible into Number of Shares of Class A Common Stock
Number of shares of Class A common stock into which each share of common stock is convertible
Votes per share in event of change of control
Represents the number of votes per share in the event of change of control.
Common Stock Voting Rights in Event of Change of Control
Construction in progress: Other
Represents the information pertaining to other constructions in process.
Construction in Progress Other [Member]
Consumer Rental Program Period of Service Contract
Consumer rental program period of service contract.
Period of service contract under consumer rental program
Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Commitments and Contingencies
Contractual Obligations, Type [Axis]
Information pertaining to the future maturities of contractual obligations of the entity.
Contractual Obligations, Type [Domain]
Represents the type of contractual obligations, such as long-term borrowings, capital lease obligations, interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations, satellite-related obligations, operating lease obligations, purchase and other obligations.
Customer rental equipment
Represents information pertaining to customer rental equipment.
Customer Rental Equipment [Member]
DBSD North America Agreement [Member]
DBSD North America Agreement
Represents details pertaining to DBSD North America Agreement.
DISH Broadband [Member]
DISH Broadband
Represents the details pertaining to DISH Broadband.
DISH Network
Represents the details pertaining to Dish Network.
DISH Network [Member]
DISH Online.com Services Agreement
Represents the details pertaining to the DISHOnline.com Services Agreement.
DISHOnline.Com Services Agreement [Member]
DISH Remote Access Services Agreement
Represents the details pertaining to the DISH Remote Access Services Agreement.
DISH Remote Access Services Agreement [Member]
DISH Telesat Agreement
Represents the details pertaining to the DISH Telesat Agreement.
DISH Telesat Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument Issue Price as Percentage of Principal Amount
Long term debt issue price as percentage of principal amount.
Debt instrument issued, issue price (as a percent)
Debt Instrument Purchase Price, Due to Change of Control as Percentage of Aggregate Principal Amount
Represents the purchase price as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount at which the debt instrument may be required to be repurchased in the event of a change of control.
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
Debt Instrument Redemption with Net Proceeds from Equity Offerings or Capital Contributions as Percentage of Aggregate Principal Amount
Percentage of the aggregate principal amount that may be redeemed
Represents the percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the debt instruments that the entity may redeem with net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions.
Net operating losses, credit and other carryforwards
Deferred tax assets operating loss tax credit and other carryforwards.
Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Tax Credit and Other Carryforwards
Restricted marketable investment securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Restricted, Noncurrent
Defined Contribution Pension [Line Items]
Employee benefit plans
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Axis]
Disclosures about defined contribution plan.
The name of the defined contribution plan.
Defined Contribution Plan [Domain]
Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar 401(k) Plan.
EchoStar 401(k) Plan
Defined Contribution Plan, EchoStar 401K Plan [Member]
The period of service required for eligibility for matching contributions by the employer.
Defined Contribution Plan Eligible Period of Service for Matching Contribution
Eligibility for employer matching contributions, period of service
Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Employee Contribution Level One
Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 100% by employer
Represents the first level of employee contributions (percentage of compensation) which are matched by the employer.
Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 50% by employer
Represents the second level of employee contributions (percentage of compensation) which are matched by the employer.
Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Employee Contribution Level Two
Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Level One
Employer match of employee contributions of 3% of eligible compensation (as a percent)
Represents the employer matching contribution of the first level of employee contributions.
Represents the employer matching contribution of the second level of employee contributions.
Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Level Two
Employer match of employee contributions for 6% of eligible compensation (as a percent)
Defined Contribution Plan Employers Matching Contribution Annual Vesting Percentage After Specified Period of Service
Vesting percentage of matching contributions to eligible employees after specified period of service
Percentage of employer's matching contributions to a defined contribution plan that vests in a given year after a specified period of service.
Defined Contribution Plan, Hughes 401K Plan [Member]
Represents information pertaining to the Hughes 401(k) Plan.
Hughes 401(k) Plan
Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Annual Contribution by Employee Amount
Represents the annual dollar limit an employee may contribute to a defined contribution retirement plan.
Maximum annual contribution per employee under 401(k) plan
Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Annual Contribution Employee Percent of Eligible Compensation
Maximum percentage of employee gross pay, by the terms of the plan, that the employee may contribute to a defined contribution plan.
Contribution limit per employee, as a percentage of eligible compensation
The limit of annual employee contributions made by highly compensated employees to the plan per calendar year as a percentage of compensation.
Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Annual Contribution Per Employee for Highly Compensated Employees Percent
Highly compensated employee contribution limit as percentage of eligible compensation for highly compensated employees
Defined Contribution Plan Number of Plans
Number of 401(k) employee saving plan
Represents the number of plans under the defined contribution plan.
Deluxe Echo Star LLC [Member]
Deluxe
Represents the details pertaining to Deluxe /EchoStar LLC.
Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)
Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount due to contingency terms upon meeting certain company goal which was not probable of being achieved.
Dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount [Abstract]
Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share
Represents the details pertaining to Dish Mexico.
Dish Mexico [Member]
Dish Mexico
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Document and Entity Information
Entity Voluntary Filers
E Contact LLC Technology [Member]
E-Contact Technologies, LLC
Represents details pertaining to E-Contact Technologies, LLC.
Entity Current Reporting Status
Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization
EBITDA
Represents the amount of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization.
Entity Filer Category
Echo Star and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation [Member]
EchoStar and HSSC
Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation.
Entity Public Float
EchoStar III
Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar III (fully depreciated).
EchoStar III [Member]
Entity Registrant Name
EchoStar IX
Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar IX.
EchoStar IX [Member]
Entity Central Index Key
EchoStar Satellite Services
EchoStar Satellite Services Business
Represents Echo Star Satellite Services Business, a business segment of the entity which uses ten owned and leased in-orbit satellites and related FCC licenses to lease capacity on a full-time and occasional-use basis primarily to DISH Network.
Echo Star Satellite Services Business [Member]
EchoStar Technologies Business
Represents EchoStar Technologies Business, a business segment of the entity which designs, develops and distributes digital set-top boxes and related products and technology and also provides digital broadcast operations.
EchoStar Technologies Business [Member]
EchoStar VIII
Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VIII.
EchoStar VIII [Member]
EchoStar VIII Satellite Capacity Leased To Dish Network [Member]
EchoStar VIII capacity leased to Dish Network
Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar VIII satellite capacity leased to Dish Network.
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VI.
EchoStar VI [Member]
EchoStar VI
EchoStar XII
Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XII.
EchoStar XII [Member]
Echo Star XIX [Member]
EchoStar XIX
Represents the details pertaining to EchoStar XIX.
Echo Star XVII [Member]
Represents the details pertaining to EchoStar XVII.
EchoStar XVII
EchoStar XVI
Represents the details pertaining to EchoStar XVI.
EchoStar XVI [Member]
Echo Star XV [Member]
EchoStar XV
Represents information pertaining to satellite assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XV.
EchoStar XV Satellite Capacity Leased From Dish Network [Member]
EchoStar XV capacity leased from Dish Network
Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar XV satellite capacity leased from Dish Network.
El Paso Lease Agreement
Represents the details pertaining to the El Paso lease agreement entered into with DISH Network.
El Paso Lease Agreement [Member]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Maximum Fair Value of Common Stock Permitted to be Purchased Per Annum
Maximum fair value of capital stock permitted to be purchased by employees in any one year under ESPP
Employee Stock Purchase Plan maximum fair value of common stock permitted to be purchased per annum.
Represents details pertaining to the entity's stock awards.
EchoStar Awards
Entity Stock Awards [Member]
Equipment revenue - DISH Network
Equipment Revenue, Related Party
Equipment revenue related party.
Fair Value Measurement Asset and Liability Transfers Between Levels
Amount of transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy
Represents the amount of transfers between the levels of fair value hierarchy that have taken place during the period.
Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Regulatory authorizations and intangible assets
Finite Lived Intangible Asset Renewal Term
Renewal term
Represents the renewal term of finite-lived intangible assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Future Total
Total
Represents the total future estimated amortization expense for intangible assets.
Finite Lived Regulatory Authorizations [Member]
Finite lives
Represents information pertaining to the definite lived regulatory authorizations.
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other
Represents furniture, fixtures, equipment and other property, plant and equipment owned by the entity.
Furniture Fixtures Equipment and Other [Member]
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Gain (Loss) Recognized Due to Capital Lease Reduction
Gain recognized due to decrease in capital lease obligation
The amount of gain or loss recognized due to a contractual change in a capital lease obligation.
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Gilbert Lease Agreement [Member]
Gilbert Lease Agreement
Represents the details pertaining to the Gilbert Lease Agreement.
Gross Fair Value of Marketable Securities Received for Release of Accounts Receivable
Gross fair value of marketable securities received for release of accounts receivable
Represents the gross fair value of marketable securities received for release of accounts receivable in noncash investing or financing activities.
Harbinger Capital Partners Et Al [Member]
Harbinger Capital Partners, et al.
Represents details pertaining to Harbinger Capital Partners, et al and other.
Represents the stock awards held by employees of the entity.
Held by EchoStar employees
Held by Employees of Entity [Member]
Represents the stock awards held by employees of the related party.
Held by DISH Network employees
Held by Employees of Related Party [Member]
Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement
Represents the details pertaining to the Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement.
Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement [Member]
Hughes Business
Represents Hughes segment which provides equipment and services to the broadband communications marketplace.
Hughes Business Segment [Member]
Represents details pertaining to the acquisition of Hughes Communications and its subsidiaries.
Hughes Acquisition
Hughes Communications [Member]
Payments in connection with Hughes acquisition
Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation [Member]
HSS
Represents information pertaining to the Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation.
Hughes Systique Corporation [Member]
Hughes Systique Corporation
Represents the details pertaining to Hughes Systique Corporation.
Income (Loss) from Consolidated Subsidiaries
This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its consolidated subsidiaries.
Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries, net
Equity in losses (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries, net
Legal Entity [Axis]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes Minority Interest and Income (Loss) from Consolidated Subsidiaries
Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income or expense before, income taxes, extraordinary items, income or loss from consolidated subsidiaries, and noncontrolling interest.
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net
Document Type
Indefinite Lived Orbital Rights [Member]
Indefinite lives
Represents information pertaining to the indefinite lived orbital rights.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Initial Term of Satellite Capital Leases
Initial lease term of satellite
Initial term of satellite capital leases.
Intangible Assets Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived [Policy Text Block]
Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets
Represents the disclosure of accounting policy for finite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Inverness Lease Agreement
Represent the details pertaining to Inverness Lease Agreement.
Inverness Lease Agreement [Member]
Investor Rights Agreement [Member]
Investor Rights Agreement
Represents information pertaining to the Investor Rights Agreement.
Litigation Settlement, Initial Payment
Initial settlement amount paid
Litigation settlement initial payment.
Litigation settlement, number of annual installments
Litigation settlement number of annual installments.
Litigation Settlement, Number of Annual Installments
Litigation Settlement, Total Amount to be Paid Through Six Annual Installments
Aggregate of six annual installment amounts between 2012 and 2017
Litigation settlement total amount to be paid through six annual installments.
Receivables from related party
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties
Represents details pertaining to the long-term, performance based stock incentive plan (the 2005 LTIP).
LTIP 2005
Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]
Long-term performance based plans
Long Term Performance Based Plans [Member]
Represents the details pertaining to the long-term incentive plans of the entity.
Represents the information pertaining to purchases and other obligations of the entity.
Long Term Purchase Commitment and Other Obligations [Member]
Purchase and other obligations
Loss Contingency, Contribution Towards Settlement Agreement
Portion of the $300 million initial settlement agreement payment paid by EchoStar
Loss contingency contribution towards settlement agreement.
Estimated percentage of annual future payments payable by EchoStar
Loss contingency estimated percentage of annual payments payable by entity.
Loss Contingency, Estimated Percentage of Annual Payments, Payable by Entity
Management Services Agreement
Represents details pertaining to Management Services Agreement.
Management Services Agreement [Member]
Marketable and Other Investment Securities Fair Value Method Policy [Policy Text Block]
Marketable and Other Investment Securities -Fair Value Method
Marketable and other investment securities fair value method policy.
Receivable Type [Axis]
Maximum Liability for the Unvested Stock Options of Acquired Entity
Maximum liability for the unvested stock options of acquired entity
Maximum liability for the unvested stock options of acquired entity.
Minimum Period of Notice Required to be Given by Related Party to Extend Term of Agreement
Minimum notice period required to extend the agreement term
Represents the minimum notice period required to be given by the related party to extend the term of the agreement.
Other
Represents details pertaining to mortgages and other notes payable.
Mortgage and Other Notes Payable [Member]
Multiplication Factor for Conversion of Original Stock Option to Adjusted Stock Option
Multiplication factor for conversion of original stock option to adjusted stock option
Multiplication factor for the conversion of original stock option to adjusted stock option.
Multiplication Factor for Conversion of Original Stock Option to New Stock Option
Multiplication factor for conversion of original stock option to new stock option
Multiplication factor for the conversion of original stock option to new stock option.
NagraStar
Represents the equity method investee of the entity.
NagraStar LLC [Member]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest EBITDA Adjustment
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
EBITDA adjustment for net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest.
Net Income Loss Attributable To Subsidiary Preferred Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest EBITDA Adjustment
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock
EBITDA adjustment for net income (loss) attributable to subsidiary preferred tracking stock noncontrolling interest.
New Stock Options for Portion of Original Stock Options
Portion of the number of shares that were exercisable under the original option needed to receive a new stock option
Represents new stock options for a portion of original stock options.
Nimiq 5 Agreement
Represents the details pertaining to the Nimiq 5 Agreement.
Nimiq5 Agreement [Member]
Trade accounts payable
Accounts Payable, Trade, Current
Nimiq 5
Represents information pertaining to satellite Nimiq 5, which is leased from other third parties.
Nimiq 5 [Member]
Represents details pertaining to the non-performance based awards of the entity.
Non-Performance Based Stock Awards
Non Performance Based Stock Awards [Member]
Noncurrent Deferred Tax Liabilities [Member]
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities
Represents information pertaining to North America other than the United States.
Other
North America Other than US [Member]
Number of Amplifier Loss in Reporting Period
Loss of TWTAs
Represents the number of satellites that experienced the loss of traveling wave tube amplifiers.
Number of Finite Lived Intangible Asset Renewal Terms
Number of renewal terms
Represents the number of renewal terms of finite-lived intangible assets.
Represents the number of Ku-band FSS transponders.
Number of Ku-band FSS Transponders
Number of Ku-band FSS transponders
Number of Major Customers
Represents the number of major customers of the entity.
Number of major customers
Number of Reexamination Petitions Pending
Number of reexamination petitions pending before the United States Patents and Trademark Office
Number of reexamination petitions pending.
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $14,368 and $13,237, respectively
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current
Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity
Number of satellites utilized in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator
Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity.
Number of Series of Preferred Tracking Stocks to be Issued by Entity
Number of series of preferred tracking stocks to be issued by the entity
Represents the number of series of preferred tracking stocks to be issued by the entity.
Number of Spot Beams Option One
Number of spot beams
Represents the number of spot beams.
Number Of Solar Array Circuits Affected
Number of solar array circuits affected
Number of solar array circuits affected due to anomalies.
Number Of Functional Solar Array Circuits
Number of functional solar array circuits
The number of functional solar array circuits remaining after solar anomalies.
Number of indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries against which lawsuit was filed
Number of Subsidiaries Against which Lawsuit Filed
Number of subsidiaries against which lawsuit filed.
Number of Transponders Available for Use
Number of transponders available for use
Represents the number of transponders available for use.
Number of Transponders Available Option Two
Number of transponders available, option two
Represents the number of transponders available under option two.
Number of Transponders, Option One
Number of transponders, option one
Number of transponders option one.
Represents the number of votes per share of common stock owned.
Number of Votes Per Share of Common Stock
Votes per share
Total trade accounts receivable
Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current
Operating Lease Obligations [Member]
Operating lease obligations
Represents operating lease obligations of the entity.
All other
Represents other major customers of the entity.
Other Major Customers [Member]
Trade accounts payable - DISH Network
Amount payable to related party
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current
Patent Cross-License Agreements
Represents the details pertaining to the Patent Cross-License Agreements.
Patent Cross License Agreements [Member]
Cash payment for acquisition based on exchange rate at time of payment
Represents the amount of identifiable intangible assets recognized as of the acquisition date based on the exchange rate at the time of payment.
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Based on Exchange Rate at Time of Payment
Percentage ownership in variable interest entity by other related parties.
Ownership percentage by related party
Percentage Ownership in Variable Interest Entity by Other Related Parties
Portion of liability accrued for the unvested stock options of acquired entity
Portion of liability accrued for the unvested stock options of acquired entity.
Portion of Liability Accrued for the Unvested Stock Options of Acquired Entity
Preferred Tracking Stock Issued by Entity
Preferred tracking stock issued by the entity
Represents shares of preferred tracking stock issued by the reporting entity.
Other receivable - DISH Network
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Noncurrent
Net amount of the allocated tax attributes receivable
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation [Policy Text Block]
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
Represents the principles of consolidation and basis of presentation policy.
Prior Broadcast Agreement [Member]
Prior Broadcast Agreement
Represents details pertaining to the Prior Broadcast Agreement.
Prior Receiver Agreement [Member]
Prior Receiver Agreement
Represents details pertaining to the Prior Receiver Agreement.
Prior Telemetry Tracking and Control Agreement [Member]
Prior TT&C Agreement
Represents details pertaining to the Prior TT&C Agreement.
Proceeds from Payments to Contributions Distributions from to Affiliates
Contributions to subsidiaries and affiliates, net
The cash inflow or outflow from (to) an entity that is affiliated with the entity by means of direct or indirect ownership.
Proceeds from Transfer of Launch Contract
Transfer of launch contract to DISH Network
Represents the cash inflow from transfer of launch contract during the period.
Product Support Agreement
Represents the details pertaining to the Product Support Agreement.
Product Support Agreement [Member]
Professional Services Agreement
Represents details pertaining to the Professional Services Agreement.
Professional Services Agreement [Member]
Satellite under construction: Other
Represents the information pertaining to progress amounts of other satellite constructions.
Progress Amounts for Satellite Construction Other [Member]
Trade Accounts Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Prohibition Period for Transfer of Tracking Stock
Prohibition period for transfer of tracking stock
Represents the prohibition period for transfer of tracking stock.
QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement
Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement.
Quetz Sat1 Lease Agreement [Member]
QuetzSat-1
Represents the information pertaining to satellite QuetzSat-1, which is under construction.
Quetz Sat 1 [Member]
QuetzSat-1 Transponder
Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement.
Quetz Sat1 Transponder Agreement [Member]
Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero
Amount receivable from related party
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current
Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network
RUS Service Implementation Agreement [Member]
RUS Service Implementation Agreement
Represents information pertaining to RUS Service Implementation Agreement.
Range of Exercise Prices $00.00 - $10.00
Represents the range of exercise prices from 0.00 dollars to10.00 dollars.
Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 00.00 to 10.00 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices $10.01 - $15.00
Represents the range of exercise prices from 10.01 dollars to15.00 dollars.
Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 10.01 to 15.00 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices $15.01 - $20.00
Represents the range of exercise prices from 15.01 dollars to 20.00 dollars.
Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 15.01 to 20.00 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices $20.01 - $25.00
Represents the range of exercise prices from 20.01 dollars to 25.00 dollars.
Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 20.01 to 25.00 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices $25.01 - $30.00
Represents the range of exercise prices from 25.01 dollars to 30.00 dollars.
Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 25.01 to 30.00 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices $30.01 - $35.00
Represents the range of exercise prices from 30.01 dollars to 35.00 dollars.
Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 30.01 to 35.00 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices $35.01 - $40.00
Represents the range of exercise prices from 35.01 dollars to 40.00 dollars.
Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 35.01 to 40.00 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 40.00 and Above [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices $40.00 and above
Represents the range of exercise prices from 40.00 dollars and above.
Receivable for the sale of marketable securities
Represents the amount receivable for the sale of marketable securities.
Receivable for Sale of Marketable Securities
Receiver Agreement 2012 [Member]
2012 Receiver Agreement
Represents the details pertaining to the 2012 Receiver Agreement.
Reduction in Asset Carrying Amount Due to Reduction in Capital Lease Obligation
Reduction in asset's carrying amount due to reduction in capital lease obligation
The reduction in the carrying value of assets held under capital lease due to a contractual change in a capital lease obligation.
Reduction in Contractual Obligation
Reduction in satellite related obligations under the launch services agreement with Arianespace, SA
Represents the amount of reduction in contractual obligation, as a result of the agreement entered into by the entity.
Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations and Associated Asset, Value 2
Reduction of capital lease obligations and associated asset value
Represents the amount with respect to reduction of capital lease obligations.
Reduction of capital lease obligation for AMC-16
Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations And Associated Gain Value.
Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations and Associated Gain Value
Regulatory Authorization Included in Accrued Liabilities
Regulatory authorization included in accrued liabilities
Represents the amount of regulatory authorization included in accrued liabilities, as of the balance sheet date.
Regulatory Authorizations [Member]
Total regulatory authorizations
Represents information pertaining to the regulatory authorizations.
DISH Network Awards
Related Party Awards [Member]
Represents details pertaining to the related party stock awards.
Related Party Transaction, Sales of Digital Set Top Boxes and Related Accessories
Digital set-top boxes and related accessories
Related party transaction sales of digital set top boxes and related accessories.
Related Party Transaction, Sales of Other Services
Other services
Represents the sale of other services to related parties.
Related Party Transaction, Sales of Satellite Services
Sales of satellite services
Related party transaction sales of satellite services.
Uplink services
Related Party Transaction Sales of Uplink Services
Related party transaction sales of uplink services.
Related Party Transactions Agreement, Automatic Renewal Period
Automatic renewal period
Related party transactions agreement automatic renewal period.
Related Party Transactions Agreement, Maximum Number of One Year Renewal Options
Number of successive one year renewal options
Related party transactions agreement maximum number of one year renewal options.
Related Party Transactions Agreement Maximum Number of Three Year Renewal Options
Number of successive three year renewal options
Related party transactions agreement maximum number of three year renewal options.
Related Party Transactions, Agreement Renewal Option Additional Term
Additional term of renewal option
Represents the additional term of renewal option.
Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Option, Term
Term of renewal option
Related party transactions agreement renewal option term.
Related Party Transactions Agreement, Term
Agreement term
Related party transactions agreement term.
Related Party Transactions Agreement Term from Commencement of Service Date
Related party transactions agreement term from commencement of service date.
Agreement term from commencement of service date
Related Party Transactions Agreement, Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity
Required minimum notice period for termination of agreement by the reporting entity
Related party transactions agreement termination notice required by the reporting entity.
Related Party Transactions Agreement Termination Required Notice Period from Related Party, Minimum
Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party
Related party transactions agreement termination required notice period from related party minimum.
Related Party Transactions, Grants Receivable by Related Party
Grants receivable by related party
Related party transactions, grants receivable by related party.
Related Party Transactions, Minimum Notice Period Required for Termination of Lease Agreement
Minimum notice period required for termination of lease agreement
Represents the minimum notice period required for termination of lease agreement.
Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Available
Number of DBS transponders available to receive services
Related party transactions, number of DBS transponders available.
Number of DBS transponders expected to receive services
Related party transactions number of DBS transponders expected to receive services per agreement.
Related Party Transactions Number of DBS Transponders Expected to Receive Services Per Agreement
Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Receiving Services
Number of DBS transponders currently receiving services
Related party transactions number of DBS transponders receiving services.
Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Receiving Services Sublease
Number of DBS transponders currently receiving services subleased back from related party
Related party transactions number of DBS transponders receiving sublease services.
Related Party Transactions Number of Owned Satellites Transferred
Number of satellites transferred
Represents the number of owned satellites transferred.
Number of owned satellites transferred
Related Party Transactions Percentage of Economic Interest Held
Percentage of economic interest held
Represents the percentage of economic interest held an entity.
Represents shares of preferred tracking stock issued by a related party.
Represents the preferred tracking stock issued during the period by related party.
Related Party Transactions Preferred Tracking Stock Issued by Related Party
Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Agreement
Required minimum notice for termination of agreement
Related party transactions required minimum notice period for termination of agreement.
Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Specific Service
Required minimum notice for termination of individual service
Related party transactions required minimum notice period for termination of specific service.
Remanufactured Receiver Agreement
Represents details pertaining to the Remanufactured Receiver Agreement.
Remanufactured Receiver Agreement [Member]
Restricted Cash and Marketable Investment Securities [Member]
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities
Represents information pertaining to restricted cash and marketable investments securities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Restricted performance units awarded by a company to their employees as a form of incentive compensation.
Restricted Performance Units
Restricted Performance Units [Member]
SES Latin America [Member]
SES Latin America
Represents the details pertaining to SES Latin America S.A.
SPACEWAY 3
Represents the information pertaining to SPACEWAY 3 satellite.
SPACE WAY 3 [Member]
Santa Fe Lease Agreement [Member]
Santa Fe Lease Agreement
Represents the details pertaining to the Santa Fe Lease Agreement.
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction [Member]
Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction
Represents information pertaining to the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction.
Satellite Leasing Service Agreement [Member]
Service agreement to lease certain satellite capacity
Represents information pertaining to satellite leasing service agreement.
Satellite Related Expense
Satellite-related expenses
Represents the amount of satellite-related expenses incurred during the period.
United States
UNITED STATES
Satellite Related Obligation [Member]
Satellite-related obligations
Represents the information relating to satellite-related obligations of the entity.
Satellites
Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity.
Satellites [Member]
Satellites - owned
Schedule of Construction in Progress [Table Text Block]
Schedule of construction in progress.
Schedule of construction in progress
Schedule of Contractual Obligations [Table]
Schedule of information pertaining to contractual obligations of the entity.
Disclosures about defined contribution plans.
Schedule of Defined Contribution Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Schedule of depreciation expense
Schedule of depreciation expense.
Schedule of Depreciation Expense [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of amortizable intangibles assets, in total and by major class, including the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization. It also discloses the carrying value of intangible assets not subject to amortization, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class.
Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]
Schedule of regulatory authorizations with finite and indefinite useful lives
Tabular disclosure of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of the entity.
Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule of Reconciliation of EBITDA to Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Table Text Block]
Schedule of reconciliation of EBITDA to reported income (loss) before income taxes
Tabular disclosure of information which reconciles EBITDA to reported income or loss before income taxes.
Schedule of satellites
Schedule of satellites.
Schedule of Satellites [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Holder [Axis]
Pertinent data describing and reflecting the required disclosures pertaining to an equity-based compensation award originally issued to employees by the entity prior to the spin-off.
Pertinent data describing and reflecting the required disclosures pertaining to an equity-based compensation award originally issued to employees by the entity prior to the spin-off.
Schedule of Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment, Original Award Issuer [Axis]
Schedule of unrecognized non-cash, stock-based compensation expense under the 2005 LTIP
Schedule of unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense under the 2005 LTIP.
Schedule of Unrecognized Non Cash Stock Based Compensation Expense under the 2005 LTIP [Table Text Block]
7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2021
Represents details pertaining to 7 5/8 percent senior notes, which are due in 2021.
Senior Notes 7.625 Percent, Due 2021 [Member]
Senior Secured Notes 6.50 Percent, Due 2019 [Member]
6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019
Represents details pertaining to 6 1/2 percent senior secured notes, which are due in 2019.
Represents details pertaining to Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes collectively known as Notes.
Notes
Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes [Member]
Services and Other Revenue, Related Party
Services and other revenue - DISH Network
Services and other revenue - Related Party.
Set Top Box Application Development Agreement [Member]
Set-Top Box Application Development Agreement
Represent the details pertaining to the Set-Top Box Application Development Agreement.
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Disclosures Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested Right to Receive Award upon Holding One Unit of Award
Restricted stock unit converted into new restricted stock units
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options nonvested right award upon holding one unit of award.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Estimated Future Forfeiture Rate
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award estimated future forfeiture rate.
Future forfeiture rate (as a percent)
Details pertinent to an equity-based compensation award held by employees.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Holder [Domain]
Stock option grants attempted (in shares)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Attempted Grants in Period Gross
Gross number of share options (or share units) which the entity attempted to grant during the period.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Grants in Period Determined Invalid
Options granted during period determined to be invalid
Represents the number of options granted under the plan determined to be invalid.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options Outstanding, Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Percentage, Awards Vested Per Year after First Four Years
Percentage of awards vesting per annum after first four years
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award percentage awards vested per year after first four years.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Percentage, Awards Vested Per Year During First Four Years
Percentage of awards vesting per annum during first four years
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award percentage awards vested per year during first four years.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Right to Receive Award upon Holding One Unit of Award
Stock option converted into new stock options
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award right to receive award upon holding one unit of award.
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment, Original Award Issuer [Domain]
Details pertinent to an equity-based compensation award held by employees.
Share Based Compensation Award Terms [Abstract]
LTIP Terms
Represents the details pertaining to the Sling Service Services Agreement.
Sling Service Services Agreement [Member]
SlingService Services Agreement
Accrued royalties
Accrued Royalties, Current
Software Useful Life
Software useful life
Useful life of software that is either acquired, internally developed, or modified to meet the entity's needs.
Solaris [Member]
Solaris
Represents details pertaining to the acquisition of Solaris.
Solaris Mobile [Member]
Solaris Mobile
Represents details pertaining to the acquisition of Solaris Mobile.
Stock Awards Outstanding by Company and Award [Table Text Block]
Schedule of stock awards outstanding
Stock awards outstanding by company and award.
Subscriber Acquisition Costs [Policy Text Block]
Deferred Subscriber Acquisition Costs ("SAC")
Disclosure of the entity's accounting policy for subscriber acquisition costs.
Tax Sharing Agreement [Member]
Tax Sharing Agreement
Represents information pertaining to the tax sharing agreement.
Technology Development and Licensing LLC [Member]
Technology Development and Licensing, LLC
Represents details pertaining Technology Development and licensing, LLC.
TT&C Agreement
Represents the details pertaining to the TT and C Agreement.
Telemetry Tracking and Control Agreement [Member]
Telesat Canada
Represents details pertaining to Telesat Canada.
Telesat Canada [Member]
Terre Star Network Inc.
Represents details pertaining to TerreStar Network Inc., a legal entity.
TerreStar Network Inc [Member]
TerreStar-2
Represents details pertaining to Terrestar 2.
Terrestar 2 [Member]
Ti Vovs Dish Network and Echostar Corporation [Member]
TiVo vs. Dish Network and Echostar Corporation
Represents information pertaining to legal proceedings of TiVo vs. Dish Network and Echostar Corporation.
Total Number of Amplifier Loss
Total number of TWTAs lost on the satellite
Represents the total number of satellites that experienced the loss of traveling wave tube amplifiers.
Transaction Agreement [Member]
Transaction Agreement
Represents information pertaining to the Transaction Agreement.
Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers
Number of traveling wave tube amplifiers
Represents the number of traveling wave tube amplifiers.
Troppus [Member]
Troppus reporting unit
Represents information pertaining to the Troppus reporting unit of the EchoStar Technologies Business.
Unrecognized Non Cash Stock Based Compensation Expense on Vested Portion
Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion.
Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion
Uplinking equipment
Represents the information pertaining to Uplinking and Gateway equipment satellite.
Uplinking and Gateway Equipment [Member]
Varick Sublease Agreement
Varick Sublease Agreement [Member]
Represents the details pertaining to the Varick sublease agreement with DISH Network.
Watts Per Channel Option One
Represents the watts per channel in option one.
Watts per channel, option one
Watts Per Channel Option Three
Watts per channel, option three
Represents the watts per channel in option three.
Watts Per Channel Option Two
Watts per channel, option two
Represents the watts per channel in option two.
XiP Encryption Agreement [Member]
XiP Encryption Agreement
Represents details pertaining to the XiP Encryption Agreement.
Preferred Tracking Stock [Member]
Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
Represents information pertaining to tracking stock, 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.
Preferred Tracking Stock
EchoStar Tracking Stock
Represents the amount of stockholders' equity attributable to preferred tracking stock noncontrolling interest.
Preferred Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest
Noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock
Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
Targeted or Tracking Stock, Stock Disclosure [Text Block]
Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock
The entire disclosure for information related to target or tracking stock.
Tabular disclosure of the carrying amounts of net assets transferred under Tracking Stock Transaction.
Schedule of Carrying Amount of Net Assets Transferred under Tracking Stock Transaction [Table Text Block]
Schedule of carrying amounts of net assets transferred from DISH Network to EchoStar and HSS
Tabular disclosure of net amounts credited to Stockholders' equity in consolidated financial statements.
Schedule of Net Amount Credited to Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]
Schedule of net amounts credited to stockholders' equity
Represents the percentage of capital stock held by related party.
Percentage of Capital Stock Held by Related Party
Percentage of capital stock held
Targeted or Tracking Stock Portion of Vote Entitled to Each Share
Portion of one vote entitled to each share
Represents the portion of one vote entitled to each share of tracking stock.
Echo Star XXIII [Member]
EchoStar XXIII
Represents the details pertaining to EchoStar XXIII.
Echo Star VII [Member]
EchoStar VII
Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VII.
Echo Star I [Member]
EchoStar I
Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar I.
Hughes Retail Group [Member]
Hughes Retail Group
Represents information pertaining to the Hughes Retail Group
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Next Rolling Twelve Months Fair Value
Debt securities with contractual maturities exceeding one year
Amount of available-for-sale debt securities at fair value maturing after the next rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet presented.
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation (in dollars)
Accumulated depreciation
Principles of Consolidation [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation
Increase (Decrease) in Contractual Obligation
Increase in contractual obligations
Represents the amount of increase (decrease) in contractual obligation, as a result of the agreement entered into by the entity.
Hughes Network Systems LLC [Member]
HNS
Represents information pertaining to Hughes Network Systems, LLC.
Amount agreed to be funded under term loan facility
Represents the amount agreed to be funded under the term loan facility.
Related Party Transaction Amount Agreed to be Funded under Term Loan Facility
Represents information pertaining to the EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite.
EUTELSAT 65 West A [Member]
EUTELSAT 65 West A
Net Income Loss Attributable To Subsidiary Preferred Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock
Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to subsidiary preferred tracking stock noncontrolling interest.
Loss Contingency Number of Patents Infringed
Number of patents infringed
Represents the number of patents infringed.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Preferred Tracking Stock
Less: Net loss attributable to EchoStar Preferred Tracking Stock
Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to preferred tracking stock.
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Cumulative foreign currency translation losses
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax
Additional paid-in capital
Additional Paid in Capital
Additional Paid-In Capital
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation
Advertising Expenses
Advertising Expense
Advertising Costs
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Affiliated entity
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Allocated share-based compensation expense
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense
Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable (in dollars)
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Debt issuance costs amortized
Amortization of Financing Costs
Amortization expense
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of regulatory authorizations
Antidilutive Securities [Axis]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Total assets
Assets
Current Assets:
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Assets
Assets [Abstract]
Total noncurrent assets
Assets, Noncurrent
Total current assets
Assets, Current
Satellites acquired under capital leases
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]
Noncurrent Assets:
Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Less than 12 months
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value
Fair value of marketable investment securities in a loss position
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Next Rolling Twelve Months Fair Value
Debt securities with contractual maturities of one year or less
Amortized cost
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis
12 months or more
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value
Total
Available-for-sale Securities
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Amortized cost
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis
Debt security
Debt security with contractual maturities of one year or less
Estimated Fair Value
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current
Unrealized losses on marketable investment securities in a loss position
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Marketable investment securities
Total marketable investment securities - current
Available-for-sale Securities, Current
Amortized cost
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis
Realized losses from the sales of marketable investment securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains
Realized gains from the sales of available-for-sale marketable investment securities
Estimated Fair Value
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Current
Equity security
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Progress billings offset against contracts in process
Billed Contracts Receivable
Buildings and improvements
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Other current assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets
Marketable investment securities
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Marketable Securities
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Current liabilities
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent
Deferred tax liabilities
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Supplemental pro forma financial information (Unaudited)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Cash to be paid for each issued and outstanding share of common stock, vested stock option, unvested restricted stock unit and unvested stock option of Hughes pursuant to the Hughes Agreement (in dollars per share)
Business Acquisition, Share Price
Cash
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents
Supplemental pro forma financial information (Unaudited)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]
Regulatory authorizations
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Long-term liabilities
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities
Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other noncurrent assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired
Percentage of issued and outstanding shares acquired
Voting interest acquired (as a percent)
Total revenue
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Net income attributable to EchoStar
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)
Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]
Purchase Price Allocation
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Property and equipment
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Other intangible assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles
Total purchase price
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net
Acquisition related transaction costs
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs
Noncontrolling interests
Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value
2015
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years
Total minimum lease payments
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due
2018
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years
Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense
Depreciation expense under capital leases agreements
Less : Amount representing interest
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments
Less : Current portion
Capital Lease Obligations, Current
Capital lease obligations
Capital Lease Obligations
Long-term portion of capital lease obligations
Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent
Capital lease obligations
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Number of satellites utilized under capital lease
Capital Leased Assets, Number of Units
Future minimum sublease rental income
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals
Changes in capital expenditures included in accounts payable
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid
2016
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years
2017
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years
Net minimum lease payments
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Minimum Payments
Future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred
Accumulated depreciation on satellites acquired under capital leases
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation
Present value of net minimum lease payments
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments
Thereafter
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter
Capital lease obligation
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
2014
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months
Amortization expense relating to externally marketed software
Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization
Net carrying amount of externally marketed software
Capitalized Computer Software, Net
Capitalized Software Costs
Capitalized Computer Software, Net [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Acquisition of Hughes Communications, cash acquired
Cash Acquired from Acquisition
Cash equivalents (including restricted)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure
Class of Treasury Stock [Table]
Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14)
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies.
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Class A common stock
Common Class A [Member]
Class A and B Common Stock
Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock
Class A and B common stock
Common stock
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Common stock, shares issued
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Class B common stock
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock, shares authorized
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares Authorized
Class C common stock
Common Class C [Member]
Common stock, shares outstanding
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Temporary differences, which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to EchoStar
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis]
Percentage of total revenue
Concentration Risk, Percentage
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Condensed Income Statement [Table]
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
SCHEDULE I - Parent Company Information
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
SCHEDULE I - Parent Company Information
Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Principles of Consolidation
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Construction in progress
Construction in Progress, Gross
Construction in progress
Construction in Progress [Member]
2015
Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year
2018
Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year
Summary of contractual obligations
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block]
2017
Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth Year
2014
Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months
Contract-based
Contractual Rights [Member]
Remainder of 2014
Contractual Obligation, Future Minimum Payments Due, Remainder of Fiscal Year
2016
Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year
Thereafter
Contractual Obligation, Due after Fifth Year
Contractual Obligation
Satellite-related obligations
Contribution of assets to Dish Digital
Contribution of Property
Contribution to Dish Digital
Corporate Bonds
Corporate Bond Securities [Member]
DISH Digital
Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Cost of sales - equipment (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost method
Cost Method Investments
Cost of Equipment and Services
Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cost of sales - services and other (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
Cost of Services
Costs and Expenses:
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Total costs and expenses
Costs and Expenses
State
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current benefit (provision):
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Foreign
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)
Federal
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)
Total current benefit (provision)
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Customer relationships
Customer Relationships [Member]
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Principal amount of debt issuance
Debt Instrument, Face Amount
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain]
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis]
Prior to June 15, 2015
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Debt
Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block]
Prior to June 15, 2014
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]
Total debt and capital lease obligations
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations.
Fair Value
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure
Carrying Amount
Long-term Debt, Gross
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt redemption price as a percentage of the principal amount
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage
Debt Issuance Cost
Debt issuance costs incurred
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Debt Issuance Costs
Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Interest rate (as a percent)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Effective interest rates for satellite capital lease obligations, maximum (as a percent)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Maximum
Effective interest rates for satellite capital lease obligations, minimum (as a percent)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Minimum
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period
Federal tax benefits reflected as a deferred tax asset for depreciation and amortization
Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment
Provision for income and withholding taxes on undistributed earnings attributable to foreign subsidiaries
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability, Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries
Tax benefit from stock awards exercised
Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Total deferred tax liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross
Federal
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred benefit (provision):
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Foreign
Deferred tax provision (benefit)
Total deferred benefit (provision)
Deferred tax provision (benefit)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
State
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net deferred tax liabilities
Deferred Tax Assets, Net
Noncurrent portion of net deferred tax liabilities
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent
Current portion of net deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current
Deferred revenue and prepayments
Deferred Revenue and Credits, Current
Capital loss carry forwards for federal income tax purposes
Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross
Stock-based compensation
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost
Other asset
Deferred Tax Assets, Other
Accrued expenses
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals
Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]
Unrealized losses on investments, net
Deferred Tax Assets, Other Comprehensive Loss
Deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent
Valuation allowance
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance
Other liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current
Employer maximum annual contribution per employee under 401(k) plan
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Amount
Discretionary stock contributions, net of forfeitures, under 401(k) plan
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match
Employer matching contribution as a percentage of voluntary employee contributions under 401(k) plan (as a percent)
Vesting percentage of matching contributions to eligible employees per year
Defined Contribution Plan, Employers Matching Contribution, Annual Vesting Percentage
Matching contributions made by the company during the year
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized
Total depreciation expense
Depreciation
Depreciation expense
Depreciation [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction
Technology-based
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]
Earnings per share - EchoStar common stock:
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]
Earnings per share:
Earnings per share:
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
Earnings per Share
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
Earnings per Share
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Basic (in dollars per share)
Basic Earnings per share (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Diluted (in dollars per share)
Diluted Earnings per share (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock:
Earnings per Share
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations
Total effective tax rate (as a percent)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)
Stock write-off (as a percent)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other, Percent
Actual tax provision reconciliation to the amounts computed by applying statutory Federal tax rate to income before taxes
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
State income taxes, net of Federal benefit (as a percent)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent
Tax credits (as a percent)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent
Permanent differences (as a percent)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Percent
Other (as a percent)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent
Valuation allowance (as a percent)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent
Dividend received deduction (as a percent)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Dividend, Percent
Statutory rate (as a percent)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent
Accrued compensation
Employee-related Liabilities, Current
Stock-Based Compensation
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock options
Performance based options
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Employee Stock [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized
Unrecognized compensation expense
Unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, net of estimated forfeiture
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition
Period for recognition of compensation cost
Stock-Based Compensation
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract]
Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Equity method
Equity Method Investments
Equity interest in joint venture
Ownership percentage of voting securities in investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage
Equity Component [Domain]
Other Investment Securities - Cost and Equity Method
Equity and Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Other Investments - Noncurrent
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity securities - Strategic
Strategic equity securities
Equity Securities [Member]
Common Stock Repurchase Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Total
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Cost
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired
Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Issuances
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Issuances
Fair value measurements on recurring basis
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Settlements
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Asset Class [Axis]
Purchases
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases
Net realized gains included in earnings
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings
Fair value of marketable securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value measurements
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Asset Class [Domain]
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Schedule of fair value measurements
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]
Level 3 Investment Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table]
Changes in Level 3 instruments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Schedule of changes in Level 3 instruments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Level 3
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Balance at the end of the period
Balance at the beginning of the period
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value
Orbital incentive obligations
Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure
Level 1
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Level 2
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Useful life
Weighted Average Useful life
Amortization period of license term
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Cost
Finite useful lives, Cost
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross
2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
Other intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
Estimated future amortization of intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization
Finite useful lives, Accumulated amortization
Other intangible assets, net
Carrying amount
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Thereafter
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five
Remaining expected term for amortization
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period
2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months
2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
Estimated renewal costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Cost Incurred to Renew or Extend
Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net
Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments (includes reclassification of realized gains on available-for-sale ("AFS") securities out of accumulated other comprehensive loss of $28 and $16,530, respectively), net
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net
Gains on investments accounted for at fair value, net
Gains on investments accounted for at fair value, net
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Investments
Contribution to DISH Digital
Goodwill, Other Changes
Goodwill, Impairment Loss
Goodwill impairment charge
Impairment
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment [Abstract]
Impairments of Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Balance at the end of the period
Goodwill
Goodwill (non-deductible)
Goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Goodwill
Goodwill [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Deferred tax adjustment
Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset
Goodwill associated with various acquisitions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Intersegment Elimination
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Impairment of terrestrial wireless licenses
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)
Impairment of long-lived assets
Impairment loss
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use
Impairment charges of long-lived assets
Impairment charge
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments
Equity in the net loss of joint venture
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Taxes
Foreign
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign
Domestic
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic
Income Taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Provision for taxes
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Income tax benefit (provision), net
Total income tax benefit (provision), net
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax benefit (expense)
Cash paid for income taxes
Income Taxes Paid
Income Taxes
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Trade accounts payable
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade
Changes in restricted cash and marketable investment securities
Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash and Investments
Change in restricted cash and marketable investment securities
Other current assets
Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets
Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable, Related Parties
Accrued expenses and other
Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities
Trade accounts payable - DISH Network
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Related Parties
Trade accounts receivable
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables
Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net
Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities, Net
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]
Inventory
Increase (Decrease) in Inventories
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding (in shares)
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis]
Impairments of Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite lives
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)
Fair value of terrestrial wireless licenses
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Fair Value Disclosure
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Accrued interest
Interest Payable, Current
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
Interest Expense
Capitalized interest related to satellites under construction
Capitalized interest
Interest Costs Capitalized
Interest Income (Expense), Net
Interest income and expense, net
Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest)
Interest Paid
Interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Interest Expense [Member]
Inventory
Total inventory
Inventory, Net
Inventory
Finished goods
Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves
Raw materials
Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves
Inventory
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]
Inventory
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Work-in-process
Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves
Interest income
Investment Income, Net
Non-operating interest income
Aggregate principal amount of investment held
Investment Owned, at Fair Value
Dividend income from one of the entity's strategic investments
Investment Income, Dividend
Nonrecurring dividend from a strategic investment
Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investments
Investments
Investment Securities
Investments [Member]
Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investments
Investments and Cash [Abstract]
Investment Securities
Investments in Debt and Equity Instruments, Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) [Text Block]
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries, including intercompany balances
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures
Other investments
Total other investments-noncurrent
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure
Fair value of investments
Investment Securities
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Land
Land [Member]
Total rent expense
Operating Leases, Rent Expense
Total current liabilities
Liabilities, Current
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
Liabilities and Equity
Capitalized in-orbit incentive obligations
Liabilities Assumed
Liabilities Assumed
Total noncurrent liabilities
Liabilities, Noncurrent
Current Liabilities:
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Total liabilities
Liabilities
Noncurrent Liabilities:
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Litigation Case [Domain]
Litigation Case [Axis]
Settlement amount
Litigation Settlement, Amount
Trade Accounts Receivable
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion
Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Less: Current portion
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current
Long-term debt obligations
Long-term Debt [Member]
Debt
Other investments
Long-term Investments
Other investments-noncurrent:
Other Investments Securities - Cost and Equity Method
Long-term Investments [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain]
Loss Contingencies [Table]
Alleged damages
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value
Commitment and Contingencies
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Nature [Axis]
Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis]
Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain]
Customer [Axis]
Marketable Investment Securities
Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Advertising Costs
Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract]
All Other and Eliminations
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Maximum
Maximum [Member]
Minimum
Minimum [Member]
Other noncontrolling interests
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Changes in valuation and qualifying accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
North America:
North America [Member]
Long-lived assets
Long-Lived Assets
Customer [Domain]
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock
EchoStar common stock
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic
Net income attributable to EchoStar common stock
Net cash flows from operating activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations
Net income attributable to EchoStar
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract]
Net cash flows from financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations
Net cash flows from investing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Net income attributable to EchoStar
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Less: Net loss attributable to EchoStar Preferred Tracking Stock
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
New Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Liabilities assumed in regulatory authorization acquisition
Assumed liabilities
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Liabilities Assumed
Total other expense, net
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Other Income (Expense):
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Number of business segments
Number of Reportable Segments
Noncontrolling Interests in HSS Tracking Stock
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest
Acquisition of Hughes Communications
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination
Favorable leases
Off-Market Favorable Lease [Member]
Sublease rental income
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Sublease Revenue
Operating income
Operating income
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating segments
Operating Segments [Member]
Net operating loss carryforwards
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Organization and Business Activities
Organization and Business Activities
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Other noncurrent assets, net
Other receivable
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax
Tax effects on unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities
Unrealized gains on AFS securities and other
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax
Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities, net and other
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax
Recognition of previously unrealized gains on AFS securities in net income
Recognition of previously unrealized gains on AFS securities in net income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax
Other noncurrent assets, net
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Estimated fair value of future launch services
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Other noncurrent liabilities
Other Liabilities and Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects
Other Comprehensive Income, Noncontrolling Interest [Text Block]
Other current assets
Other Assets, Current
Other, net
Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement
Regulatory authorizations, net
Other Intangible Assets, Net
Total regulatory authorizations
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Tax effects on foreign currency translation adjustments
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax
Other
Other (including restricted)
Other Debt Obligations [Member]
Other, net
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Other noncurrent liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Realized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Other Noncontrolling Interests
Other noncontrolling interests
Other Income [Member]
Other, net
Accrued expenses and other
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current
Other comprehensive income, tax (expense) benefit
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Echostar Corporation
Parent Company [Member]
Echostar
EchoStar Stockholders
EchoStar
Parent [Member]
EchoStar Stockholders
6 1/2 % Senior Exchangeable Paid-In-Kind Notes Due June 15, 2014
Payment in Kind (PIK) Note [Member]
Amount funded
Payments to Fund Long-term Loans to Related Parties
Payments to Acquire Business Two, Net of Cash Acquired
Acquisition of Solaris, net of cash acquired of $1,657
Other, net
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities
Purchase of strategic investments securities
Payments to Acquire Investments
Acquisition of Hughes Communications, net of cash acquired of $98,900
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
Purchases of marketable investment securities
Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities
Purchases of property and equipment
Capital expenditures
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
Cash paid for property, plant and equipment
Aggregate principal amount of investment acquired
Payments to Acquire Notes Receivable
Debt issuance costs
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs
Purchase of strategic investments
Payments to Acquire Other Investments
Cash payment
Acquisition of regulatory authorizations
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets
Employee Benefit Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
Employee Benefit Plans
Long-term performance based plans
Performance Shares [Member]
Plan Name [Domain]
Plan Name [Axis]
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Preferred stock
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding
Preferred stock outstanding (in shares)
Preferred Stock
Preferred Stock [Member]
Prepaid expenses
Prepaid Expense, Current
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises
Proceeds and Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation
Distribution received from investments in affiliates
Distribution received from investment in affiliates
Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates
Other
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities
Cash received for interest
Proceeds from Interest Received
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt
Cash received for income taxes
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds
Amount received from exchange of spectrum rights
Proceeds from Sale of Intangible Assets
Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities
Proceeds from asset transfer to DISH Network
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale marketable investment securities
Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments
Proceeds from sale of strategic investments
Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options
Net income
Net income (loss)
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Net income
Depreciable Life
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
Useful life
Total property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Estimated fair value
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,598,240 and $2,499,889, respectively
Property and equipment, net
Carrying amount
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment
Property and Equipment
Schedule of property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Provision for Doubtful Accounts
Commitments to purchase from NagraStar
Purchase Obligation
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Reportable Entities
Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Receivable [Domain]
Trade Accounts Receivable
Accounts Receivable
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Total trade accounts receivable, net
Receivables, Net, Current
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]
Purchases from related party
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party
Related party transactions
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Principal Business
Interest rate (as a percent)
Related Party Transaction, Rate
General and administrative expenses - DISH Network
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party
Related Party [Axis]
Related Party Transactions
Related Party [Domain]
Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
Research and development expenses
Research and Development Expense
Research and development expenses
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Research and Development
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Restricted stock units
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities
Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent
Accumulated Deficit
Retained Earnings [Member]
Accumulated deficit
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Revenue recognized from equipment and services provided to related party
Revenue from Related Parties
Geographic Information
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue:
Revenues [Abstract]
Subsegments [Axis]
Subsegments [Domain]
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value
Expected term of options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent
Purchase price as percentage of closing market price on the last business day of each calendar quarter under ESPP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period
Expiration term
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
Schedule of estimated future amortization of intangible assets
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net
Equipment revenue - other
Total revenue
Total revenue
Revenue, Net
Revenue
Revenue
Sales [Member]
Services and other revenue - other
Sales Revenue, Services, Net
Final allocation of purchase price
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Investments [Table]
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table]
Schedule of stock option activity
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table]
Schedule of restricted stock unit activity
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]
Schedule of assumptions of Black-Scholes option valuation model
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]
Schedule of components of the benefit (provision) for income taxes
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
Schedule of future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]
Schedule of inventory
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]
Schedule of income tax rate reconciliation
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Schedule of components of income (loss) before income taxes
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Schedule of reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
Schedule of carrying amounts and fair values of the entity's debt
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table]
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule of related party transactions
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]
Schedule of quarterly results of operations
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
Summary of total long-lived assets and revenue attributed to the North American and other foreign locations
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of the effect of income (loss) on the entity's basic and diluted earnings per share
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
Summary of sales to major customer and its percentage of total revenue
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position by length of time and their fair value
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of other intangible assets subject to amortization
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
Marketable investment securities:
Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table]
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table]
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Goodwill
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Schedule of revenue, EBITDA, and capital expenditures by operating segments
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]
Schedule of trade accounts receivable
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]
Schedule of exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segments [Domain]
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Geographical [Domain]
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Share-based compensation additional disclosures
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional General Disclosures [Abstract]
Minimum period for which full-time employees employed by the entity are eligible to participate in the ESPP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period
Stock option activity
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures [Abstract]
Weighted - Average Grant Date Fair Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Restricted stock unit activity
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
Granted (in shares)
Granted (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Restricted stock units (in shares)
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares)
Vested (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period
Share-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period
Awards vesting period
Vesting period
Stock option grants (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee benefit plans
Stock-Based Compensation
Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)
Stock-Based Compensation
Forfeited and cancelled (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Forfeited and cancelled (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period
Exercised (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures
Stock options granted (in shares)
Granted (in shares)
Exercisable at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Dividend yield percentage
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate
Vested (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Exercisable at end of period (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number
Number of common stock available for future grant under stock incentive plans (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant
Number of shares that remain available for issuance
Volatility factor (as a percent)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate
Number of shares authorized for issue
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate
Black-Scholes option valuation model assumptions
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Forfeited and cancelled (in dollars per share)
Forfeited and cancelled (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Total options outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)
Total options outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)
Stock-based Compensation Expense
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number
Total options outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)
Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares)
Stock options (in shares)
Stock options outstanding (in shares)
Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable:
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value
Exercise Price Range [Axis]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain]
Stock option activity
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Equity Award [Domain]
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options
Number of stock options exercisable (in shares)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options
Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit
Statement [Table]
Statement
Statement [Line Items]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Geographical [Axis]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Equity Components [Axis]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Segments [Axis]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Amount of shares authorized for repurchase
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount
Exercise of stock options
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised
Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock
Employee benefits
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Stock awards
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Exercised (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period
Number of shares of common stock purchased under ESPP
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Stock Issued During Period Shares New Issues
Number of shares issued during the period
Issuance of Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (Note 2)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Other, net
Stockholders' Equity, Other
Net increase in stockholders' equity
Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Total Echo Star stockholders' equity
Total stockholders' equity
Beginning balance
Ending balance
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Events [Text Block]
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Event [Table]
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent event
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSSC")
Subsidiaries [Member]
HSS
Noncontrolling Interest
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Targeted or Tracking Stock, Stock [Table]
Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock
Targeted or Tracking Stock, Stock [Line Items]
Carrying amount of net assets transferred from DISH Network
Tax credits available to offset future tax liabilities
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount
Trade accounts receivables
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Trademark portfolio
Trademarks [Member]
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Member]
Treasury stock, at cost
Treasury Stock, Value
Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis]
Gains on investments accounted for at fair value, net
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments
Schedule of unrealized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]
Additions from Hughes Acquisition
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Acquisition
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions
Reductions based on tax settlements
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions
Net operating loss carryforwards attributable to stock-based compensation
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Resulting in Net Operating Loss Carryforward
Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, could affect our effective tax rate
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate
Reductions based on expirations of statute of limitations
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations
Beginning Balance
Ending balance
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain]
Charged to Costs and Expenses
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense
Balance at Beginning of Year
Balance at End of Year
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance
Deductions
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Valuation and qualifying accounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis]
VRDNs
Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member]
Ownership interest in related party (as a percent)
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Weighted-average shares outstanding - EchoStar common stock:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding :
Basic (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic
Basic and diluted (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted
Diluted (in shares)
Diluted (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted