Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization expense Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates Gain (Loss) on Investments Unrealized and realized (gains) losses on marketable investment securities and other investments Unrealized and realized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities and other investments Total unrealized and realized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities and other investments Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments Unrealized (gains) losses on investments accounted for at fair value, net Unrealized gains (losses) on investments accounted for at fair value, net Asset Impairment Charges Impairments of goodwill, indefinite-lived and long-lived assets Share-based Compensation Non-cash, stock-based compensation Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Change in noncurrent assets Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Trade accounts receivable - other Increase (Decrease) in Other Receivables Allowance for doubtful accounts Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Trade accounts payable - other Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Related Parties Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Accrued expenses and other Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Purchases of marketable investment securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Launch service assigned to DISH Network (Note 13) Launch service sold to related parties Launch Service Sold to Related Parties Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities Proceeds from insurance settlement Change in restricted cash and marketable investment securities Change In Restricted Cash And Marketable Investment Securities Change in Restricted Cash and Marketable Investment Securities Payments to Acquire Investments Purchase of strategic investments included in marketable and other investment securities Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Investment in Move Networks (Note 14) Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments Proceeds from sale of strategic investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Contribution of cash and cash equivalents from DISH Network in connection with the Spinoff Contribution of cash and cash equivalents in connection with spin off. Contribution of Cash and Cash Equivalents in Connection With Spin Off Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Class A common stock repurchases Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash flows from financing activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Interest Paid Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest) Proceeds from Interest Received Cash received for interest Income Taxes Paid Cash paid for income taxes Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock Launch service assigned to DISH Network (Note 19) Launch service sold to related parties noncash Launch Service Sold to Related Parties Noncash Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations Reduction of capital lease obligations and associated asset value for AMC-16 (Note 6) Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations And Associated Asset Value Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations and Associated Asset, Value Contribution of Property Net assets contributed in connection with the Spin-off, excluding cash and cash equivalents Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net Represents the Class D common stock. Class D common stock Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class A common stock Class B common stock Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current Assets: CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Available-for-sale Securities, Current Marketable investment securities Total marketable investment securities - current Debt security Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,116 and $7,644, respectively Inventory, Net Inventory Total inventory Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred tax assets Other Assets, Current Other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Noncurrent Assets: Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Restricted cash and marketable investment securities Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,860,004 and $1,766,290, respectively Property and equipment, net Indefinite-Lived License Agreements FCC authorizations Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets, net Long-term Investments Marketable and other investment securities Total marketable and other investment securities - noncurrent Other Assets, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets, net Assets, Noncurrent Total noncurrent assets Assets Total assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Accounts Payable, Current Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Amounts payable to NagraStar Accrued Royalties, Current Accrued royalties Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses and other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current Deferred tax liabilities Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-Term Obligations, Net of Current Portion: Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations. Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term obligations, net of current portion Liabilities Total liabilities Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, $.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated earnings (deficit) Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, at cost Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total EchoStar stockholders' equity (deficit) Balance Balance Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) 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 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred Stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred Stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders' equity (deficit) Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment Accumulated depreciation CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Revenues [Abstract] Revenue: Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Equipment revenue Services and other revenue - Related Party. Services and Other Revenue, Related Party Services and other revenue - DISH Network Sales Revenue, Services, Net Services and other revenue Revenue, Net Total revenue Revenue Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and Expenses: Cost of Goods Sold Cost of sales - equipment (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below - Note 6) Cost of Services Cost of sales - services and other (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below - Note 6) Research and Development Expense Research and development expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expenses, Related Party General and administrative expenses paid to a related party. General and administrative expenses - DISH Network Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Operating Income (Loss) Operating income (loss) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other Income (Expense): Investment Income, Interest Interest income Interest Expense, Debt Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income (expense) Income (loss) before income taxes Income (loss) before Income Tax The portion of earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes. Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax (provision) benefit, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss) Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to EchoStar common shareholders Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted (in shares) Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock: Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to EchoStar common shareholders (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to EchoStar common shareholders (in dollars per share) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Document and Entity Information Contribution from Related Party in Connection with the Spinoff Contribution from DISH Network in connection with the Spin-off Contribution from Related Party in connection with spin off. Capital Transaction with Related Party in Connection with Launch Service Capital Transaction with Related Party in Connection With Launch Service Capital transaction with DISH Network in connection with the launch service (Note 19) Capital transactions with Related Party, net of tax Capital Transactions with Related Party, Net of Tax Capital transactions with DISH Network, net of tax (Note 19) Tax related to the capital transaction with related party in Connection with the launch Contract. Tax Related to the Capital Transaction with Related Party in connection with the launch contract Tax related to the capital transaction with DISH Network in connection with the launch contract (Note 19) Issuances of Class A Common Stock [Abstract] Issuances of Class A common stock: Stock based compensation and other, net of tax. Stock-based Compensation and Other, Net of Tax Stock-based compensation and other, net of tax Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Parent [Member] Class A and B Common Stock Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Earnings/(Deficit) Net Investment in EchoStar Ownership Interest [Member] Treasury Stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee Stock Purchase Plan Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Class A common stock repurchases, at cost Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Income tax (expense) benefit related to stock awards and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation Impairments of Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived and Long-Lived Assets Impairments of Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived and Long-Lived Assets [Text Block] Impairments of Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived and Long-Lived Assets [Text Block] Impairments of Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived and Long-Lived Assets Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization and Business Activities Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible Assets and Goodwill Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Employee Benefit Plans Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity (Deficit): Common stock Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss): Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar common shareholders Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar common shareholders Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax expense (benefit) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) Equipment revenue - DISH Network Equipment Revenue, Related Party Equipment revenue related party. Amendment Description Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Inventory Property and Equipment Stock-Based Compensation Related Party Transactions Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11) Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and Contingencies Intangible Assets and Goodwill Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization and Business Activities Income Taxes Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Reporting Segments, Number Reporting segments number. Number of business units Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity [Abstract] Agreement and plan of merger to acquire all of the outstanding equity of Hughes and its subsidiaries (the "Hughes Merger") Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity Cash to be Paid Per Share as Per Merger Agreement Business acquisition cost of acquired entity cash to be paid per share as per merger agreement Cash to be paid for each issued and outstanding share of common stock and vested stock option of Hughes pursuant to the Hughes Agreement (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Loan Facility to be Assumed as Per Merger Agreement Assumed loan facility pursuant to the Hughes Agreement Business acquisition loan facility to be assumed as per merger agreement Senior Secured Bridge Financing Commitment Senior secured bridge financing commitment to finance the Hughes Merger Amount of aggregate financing commitment in senior secured bridge financing obtained from Deutsche Bank AG Cayman Islands Branch by the entity and EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C., ("ESS") in order to finance the Hughes Merger. Senior Unsecured Bridge Financing Commitment Senior unsecured bridge financing commitment to finance the Hughes Merger Amount of aggregate financing commitment in senior unsecured bridge financing obtained from Deutsche Bank AG Cayman Islands Branch by the entity and EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C., ("ESS") in order to finance the Hughes Merger. Bridge Commitment Initial Term Initial term of the Bridge Commitment (in months) Initial term of the Bridge Commitment, an aggregate financing commitment in senior secured bridge financing and senior unsecured bridge financing from Deutsche Bank AG Cayman Islands Branch in order to finance the Hughes Merger. Bridge Commitment Extendable Term Extendable term of the Bridge Commitment (in months) Extendable term of the Bridge Commitment so long as we have delivered certain required information, including certain financial statements, and have complied with our obligations to issue debt securities in lieu of borrowing under the Bridge Commitment. Business Acquisition, Period over which Merger Agreement Cannot be Terminated Period over which the Hughes Agreement cannot be terminated (in months) Period, after the date the Hughes Agreement was executed, over which the Hughes Agreement cannot be terminated by the entity subject to certain exceptions. Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Identifiable intangibles subject to amortization Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Estimated future amortization of identifiable intangible assets Contract-based Customer relationships Technology-based Technology-based intangible assets such as innovations or scientific advances. Trademark portfolio Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum Average finite useful life, low end of the range (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Maximum Average finite useful life, high end of the range (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Amortization expense Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract] Estimated future amortization of identifiable intangible assets Future Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2011 (remaining six months) Thereafter Future Amortization Expense after Year Four Future amortization expense after year four. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense Total In-process Research and Development Included in Future Amortization Expense after Year Four In-process R&D assets In-process research and development assets included in future amortization expense after year four. Goodwill Goodwill Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Capital Leases Initial Term of Satellite AMC 16 Initial lease term of satellite AMC-16 (in years) Initial term of satellite capital leases AMC 16. Capital Leases Initial Term of Satellite AMC 15 Initial lease term of satellite AMC-15 (in years) Initial term of satellite capital leases AMC 15. Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Long-term portion of capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Current Less : Current portion Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Present value of net minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Minimum Payments Net minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Less : Amount representing interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Total minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Remainder of Year 2011 (six months remaining) Capital leases future minimum payments due remainder of year. Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due First Full Fiscal Year 2012 Capital leases future minimum payments due first full fiscal year. Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Second Full Fiscal Year 2013 Capital leases future minimum payments due second full fiscal year. Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Third Full Fiscal Year 2014 Capital leases future minimum payments due third full fiscal year. Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Fourth Full Fiscal Year 2015 Capital leases future minimum payments due fourth full fiscal year. Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due after Fourth Full Fiscal Year Thereafter Capital leases future minimum payments due after fourth full fiscal year. Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments [Abstract] Future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments Capital Leased Assets, Gross Estimated fair value of satellites acquired under capital leases Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation Accumulated depreciation on satellites acquired under capital leases Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense Depreciation expense - capital leases Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Preliminary allocation of the purchase price Business Acquisition, Escrow for Potential Contingencies Escrow for certain potential contingencies Business acquisition escrow for potential contingencies. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] Purchase Price Allocation Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation in Process Research and Development In-process R&D Business acquisition purchase price allocation in process research and development. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Current Assets (Liabilities), Net Other current Business acquisition purchase price allocation other current assets liabilities net. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Total purchase price Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Receivables Accounts receivable Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Intangibles Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Goodwill Move Networks Represents details pertaining to the acquisition of Move Networks. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Property and equipment Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Purchase price Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquisition Hughes Acquisition Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Operating segment data and reconciliation of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") to reported net income Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Summary of total long-lived assets and revenue attributed to the North American and other foreign locations Digital Set-Top Box Business Represents Digital Set-Top Box 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 Satellite Services Business Represents 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. All Other Eliminations Earnings before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortization EBITDA Earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortization Interest Revenue (Expense), Net Interest expense, net Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Principal Business North America Represents the information about transactions with North American locations of the entity. Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, including FCC authorizations Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Geographic Information Number of Major Customers Number of major customers. Number of major customers Concentration Risk [Line Items] Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue DISH Network Represents the details pertaining to Dish Network. Bell TV Represents Bell TV, a major customer of the entity. Dish Mexico Represents the details pertaining to Dish Mexico. Other. Represents other major customers of the entity. Percentage of total revenue (as a percent) Percentage of Total Revenue Percentage of total revenue. Capitalized interest Interest Paid, Capitalized Class C common stock Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Employee Benefit Plans Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Number of Owned and Leased in Orbit Satellites Used by Reportable Segment Number of owned and leased in-orbit satellites used by segment Number of owned and leased in-orbit satellites. Represents the information pertaining to all other geographical segments of the entity. All Other. Concentration Risk [Table] Major Customers [Axis] Name of Major Customer [Domain] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisition of Hughes, net of cash acquired of $84,768 Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Deferred debt issuance costs Debt issuance costs incurred Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Represents details pertaining to the acquisition of Troppus. Troppus Acquisition Represents details pertaining to the acquisition of Hughes Communications and its subsidiaries. Hughes Communications Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 Represents details pertaining to 6 1/2 percent senior secured notes, which are due in 2019. Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill associated with various acquisitions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Acquired during the period 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2021 Represents details pertaining to 7 5/8 percent senior notes, which are due in 2021. Mortgages and other notes payable Represents details pertaining to mortgages and other notes payable. EH Holding Corporation ("EHHC") Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings Debt instrument issued Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate (as a percent) Debt instrument, Interest rate (as a percent) Long-term Debt 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) Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Long-term Debt Redemption Price as Percentage of Principal Amount Long term debt redemption price as percentage of principal amount. Percentage of principal amount at which the entity may redeem some or all of the notes to the date of redemption (as a percent) Long-term Debt Redemption Prior to June 15 2014 with Net Proceeds from Equity Offerings as Percentage of Principal Amount Long term debt redemption prior to June 15 2014 with net proceeds from equity offerings as percentage of principal amount. Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes redeemable before June 15, 2014 (as a percent) Long-term Debt Redemption Prior toJune 15 2014 Price with Net Proceeds from Equity Offerings as Percentage of Principal Amount Long term debt redemption prior to June 15 2014 price with net proceeds from equity offerings as percentage of principal amount. Redemption price as percentage of principal redeemable any time before June 15, 2014 (as a percent) Long-term Debt Redemption Prior to June 15 2015 with Net Proceeds from Equity Offerings as Percentage of Principal Amount Long term debt redemption prior to June 15 2015 with net proceeds from equity offerings as percentage of principal amount. Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of notes redeemable at any time before June 15, 2015 (as a percent) Long-term Debt Redemption Prior to June 15 2015 Price with Net Proceeds from Equity Offerings as Percentage of Principal Amount Long term debt redemption prior to June 15 2015 price with net proceeds from equity offerings as percentage of principal amount. Redemption price as percentage of principal amount of notes redeemable at any time before June 15, 2015 (as a percent) Long-term Debt, Gross Carrying Value Debt outstanding Long-term Debt, Fair Value Fair Value Capital Lease Obligations. Capital lease obligations Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion) Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the effect of income (loss) on the entity's basic and diluted earnings per share Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding (in shares) Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock: Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock awards Performance based options Restricted stock units Restricted Performance Units Long-term performance based plans Represents the details pertaining to the long-term incentive plans of the entity. Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of inventory Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Raw materials Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Schedule of Future Maturities of Contractual Obligations [Table] Tabular disclosure of the aggregate amount of maturities of long-term borrowings including capital lease obligations for each of the five years following the date of the latest balance sheet date presented. 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. Long-term debt obligations Capital lease obligations Interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations Satellite-related obligations Represents the information relating to satellite-related obligations of the entity. Satellite Under Construction - QuetzSat-1 Represents details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 satellite under construction. Satellite Under Construction - EchoStar XVI Represents details pertaining to the EchoStar XVI satellite under construction. Satellite Under Construction - Jupiter Represents details pertaining to the Jupiter satellite under construction. Operating lease obligations Purchase and other obligations Represents the information pertaining to purchases and other obligations of the entity. Contractual Obligations [Line Items] Commitment and Contingencies Contractual Obligations Repayments Remainder of Fiscal Year 2011 Contractual obligations repayments remainder of fiscal year. Contractual Obligations Repayments, First Full Fiscal Year 2012 Contractual obligations repayments first full fiscal year. Contractual Obligations Repayments, Second Full Fiscal Year 2013 Contractual obligations repayments second full fiscal year. Contractual Obligations Repayments, Third Full Fiscal Year 2014 Contractual obligations repayments third full fiscal year. Contractual Obligations Repayments, Fourth Full Fiscal Year 2015 Contractual obligations repayments fourth full fiscal year. Contractual Obligations Repayments after Fourth Full Fiscal Year Thereafter Contractual obligations repayments after fourth full fiscal year. Contractual Obligations Repayments, Total Total Contractual obligations repayments total. Contractual Obligations, Number of Satellite Launch Contracts Satellite-related obligations, number of satellite launch contracts Contractual obligations, number of satellite launch contracts. Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits accrued, with no expectations of payment and settlement with in the next twelve months Satellite Service Agreement Period Satellite service agreement period (in years) Satellite service agreement period. Number of DBS Transponders Available Number of DBS transponders available Number of DBS transponders available. Number of DBS Transponders Leased Number of DBS transponders leased by DISH Network from EchoStar Number of DBS transponders leased. Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Patent infringement Represents details pertaining to patent infringements. California Subscriber Lawsuit Represents details pertaining to patent infringements. Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Technology Development Licensing Represents details pertaining to technology development licensing. Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Tivo Inc. Represents details pertaining to Tivo Inc. Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Commitment and Contingencies Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Number of plaintiffs Number of plaintiffs. Litigation Settlement, Estimated Settlement and Other Costs Estimated settlement costs, plaintiff's attorney fees and other related expenses Litigation settlement estimated settlement and other costs. Litigation Settlement, Gross Settlement amount Litigation Settlement, Initial Payment Initial settlement amount paid Litigation settlement initial payment. 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. Litigation Settlement, Number of Annual Installments Litigation settlement, number of annual installments Litigation settlement number of annual installments Loss Contingency, Contribution Towards Settlement Agreement Portion of the $300 million initial settlement agreement payment allocated to EchoStar Loss contingency contribution towards settlement agreement. Loss Contingency, Estimated Percentage of Annual Payments, Payable by Entity Estimated percentage of annual future payments payable by EchoStar (as a percent) Loss contingency estimated percentage of annual payments payable by entity. Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Prior Years Portion of EchoStar's initial litigation settlement payment related to prior periods Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Claims Paid Prepayment Portion of EchoStar's initial litigation settlement payment related to future periods Liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense claims paid prepayment. Litigation Settlement, Intellectual Property, Liability Contribution Litigation settlement intellectual property liability contribution. Intellectual property liability contribution Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock awards outstanding Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock option activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Realized Tax Benefits from Stock Awards Exercised [Table Text Block] Schedule of realized tax benefits from stock awards exercised Schedule of share based compensation realized tax benefits from stock awards exercised. Schedule of Aggregate Intrinsic Value of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable [Table Text Block] Schedule of aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable Schedule of aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable. Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of restricted stock unit activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Noncash, Stock-based Compensation Expense under 2005 LTIP [Table Text Block] 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 Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of assumptions of Black-Scholes option valuation model Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Stock options LTIP 2005 Represents details pertaining to the long-term, performance based stock incentive plan (the 2005 LTIP). Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment, Original Award Issuer [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. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment, Original Award Issuer [Domain] Details pertinent to an equity-based compensation award held by employees. EchoStar Awards Represents details pertaining to the entity's stock awards. DISH Network Awards Represents details pertaining to the related party stock awards. Non-Performance Based Stock Awards Represents details pertaining to the non-performance based awards of the entity. 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. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Holder [Domain] Details pertinent to an equity-based compensation award held by employees. Held by EchoStar employees Represents the stock awards held by employees of the entity. Held by DISH Network employees Represents the stock awards held by employees of the related party. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Date Expiration term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights Percentage of stock awards vesting per year (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Number of common stock available for future grant under stock incentive plans (in shares) 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. 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. New Stock Option for Portion of Original Stock Option Portion of the number of shares that were exercisable under the original option needed to receive a new stock option. New stock option for portion of original 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. 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, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Stock option activity 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) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Forfeited and cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable at end of period (in shares) 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) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (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) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised Tax benefit from stock awards exercised 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, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward] Restricted stock unit activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares) Number of stock awards outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited and cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted - Average Grant Date Fair Value 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, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (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 Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited and cancelled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Awards vesting period (in 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 (as a percent) 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, Percentage, Awards Vested Per Year after First Four Years Percentage of awards vesting per annum after first four years (as a percent) Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award percentage awards vested per year after first four years. Nonvested Performance Based Plans Awards Outstanding Number Number of stock awards outstanding Nonvested performance based plans awards outstanding number. Total Unrecognized Non Cash Stock Based Compensation Expense Unrecognized compensation expense relating to long-term performance based incentive awards Total unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Equity Instruments Compensation Costs [Abstract] Share-based expenses 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 Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Estimated Future Forfeiture Rate Future forfeiture rate (as a percent) Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award estimated future forfeiture rate. Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Period for recognition of compensation cost (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Black-Scholes option valuation model, assumptions Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Risk-free interest rate (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Volatility factor (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected term of options (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Dividend yield percentage (as a percent) Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Research and development expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses Represents the allocation (or location) of expense to (in) selling, general and administrative expenses. Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Stock-Based Compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Allocated share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Risk-free Interest Rate, low end of range (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum Risk-free Interest Rate, high end of range (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum Volatility factor, low end of range (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum Volatility factor, high end of range (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Grants in Period Weighted Average Fair Value of Options Granted Minimum Weighted-average fair value of options granted, low end of the range (in dollars per share) Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options grants in period weighted average fair value of options granted minimum. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Grants in Period Weighted Average Fair Value of Options Granted Maximum Weighted-average fair value of options granted, high end of the range (in dollars per share) Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options grants in period weighted average fair value of options granted maximum. Number of Owned and Leased in Orbit Satellites Number of owned and leased in-orbit satellites Number of owned and leased in-orbit satellites. Represents details pertaining to 9 1/2 percent senior notes, which are due in 2014. 9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2014 Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Acquisition related transaction costs Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Supplemental pro forma financial information (Unaudited) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Total revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar common shareholders Marketable Investment Securities Restricted Cash and other Investment Securities Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities. Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Other Investment Securities. Equity Method Investments Equity Method Cost-method Investments, Aggregate Carrying Amount Cost Method Marketable and other investment securities - noncurrent: Marketable and Other investment Securities, Non-current [Abstract] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted cash and cash equivalents Marketable Securities Total Total marketable investment securities Marketable Securities, Restricted, Noncurrent Restricted marketable investment securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Marketable investment securities: Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities Current marketable investment securities - VRDNs Current marketable investment securities - strategic Investments in debt or equity securities of public companies that are highly speculative and have experienced and continue to experience volatility. Current marketable investment securities - other Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair value of marketable securities Marketable and other Investment securities - noncurrent Represents the long-term investment in marketable and other securities. Equity securities Other (including restricted) Investments in debt securities other than variable rate demand obligations, auction-rate securities, or mortgage-backed securities. Includes investments that are restricted and those that are not restricted. Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair value measurements on recurring basis Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Debt securities Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract] Fair value of marketable investment securities in a loss position Less than Six Months Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position less than six months fair value. Available-for-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Six Months Fair Value Six to Nine Months Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position six to nine months fair value. Available-for-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Six to Nine Months Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract] Unrealized loss on marketable investment securities in a loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Noncurrent Debt securities with contractual maturities greater than one year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current Debt security with contractual maturities of one year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Contractual maturities of restricted and non-restricted marketable investment securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) Unrealized Gains Losses, Net Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Unrealized Losses Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated net unrealized gains, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Balance at the end of the period Balance at the beginning of the period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Purchases Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Level 3 Investment Securities Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Changes in Level 3 instruments Investment Securities Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Marketable and other investment securities - other-than-temporary-impairments Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) Marketable investment securities - gains (losses) on sales/exchanges Deferred Subscriber Acquisition Costs, Noncurrent Deferred subscriber acquisition costs included in "Other noncurrent assets, net" Subscriber Acquisition Period of Service Agreements Subscriber acquisition period of service agreements. Period of service agreement currently offered to customers (in months) Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition Period of service contract under consumer rental program (in months) Consumer rental program period of service contract. Consumer Rental Program, Period of Service Contract Reward from the U.S. Government as the only national provider of high-speed satellite broadband service Broadband stimulus programs award from government. Broadband Stimulus Programs, Award from Government Debt Issuance Costs Debt Instrument Issuance Costs [Abstract] Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization of debt issuance costs Debt issuance costs amortized Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Unamortized debt issuance costs Subscriber Acquisition Costs ("SAC") Subscriber Acquisition Costs [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of property and equipment Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense. Schedule of Depreciation and Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land Buildings and improvements Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other Represents furniture, fixtures, equipment and other property, plant and equipment owned by the entity. Satellites Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity. EchoStar III - fully depreciated Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar III (fully depreciated). EchoStar IV - fully depreciated Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar IV (fully depreciated). EchoStar VI Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VI. EchoStar VIII Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VIII. EchoStar IX Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar IX. EchoStar XII Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XII. Construction in process QuetzSat-1 Represents the information pertaining to satellite QuetzSat-1, which is under construction. EchoStar XVI Represents the details pertaining to EchoStar XVI. Jupiter Represents the information pertaining to the Jupiter, a next-generation, high throughput geostationary satellite. Satellite under construction: Other Represents the information pertaining to progress amounts of other satellite constructions. Uplink equipment Represents the information pertaining to Uplinking and Gateway equipment satellite. Construction in process: Other Represents the information pertaining to other constructions in process. Consumer rental equipment Represents the information pertaining to consumer rental equipments. Identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization Represent the information pertaining to identifiable intangible assets which are subject to amortization. Leased Satellites Represents details pertaining to leased satellites. Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Total property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives Depreciable Life (in years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum Depreciable Life, low end of range (in years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum Depreciable Life, high end of range (in years) Amortization period of software development costs (in years) Capitalized interest related to satellites under construction Capitalized interest related to satellites under construction Capitalized interest related to satellites under construction. Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization expenses 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 Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity under Leases Number of satellites utilized under lease Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity under leases. Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity under Capital Leases Number of satellites utilized under capital lease Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity under capital leases. Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity under Operating Leases Number of satellites utilized under operating lease Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity under operating leases. Number of Satellites Acquired Number of satellites acquired Number of satellites acquired. Number of Transponders, Option One Number of DBS transponders, option one Number of transponders option one. Watts Per Channel, Option One Watts per channel, option one Watts per channel option one. Number of Transponders Available, Option Two Number of DBS transponders available, option two Number of transponders available option two. Watts Per Channel, Option Two Watts per channel, option two Watts per channel option two. Decrease in Capital Lease Obligation and Corresponding Assets Value Due to Reduction in Recurring Payment Reduction in capital lease obligation and corresponding assets value Decrease in capital lease lobligation and corresponding assets value due to reduction in recurring payment. Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value by Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, by Asset Class [Domain] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Debt Repurchase Price, Percentage in Event of Change of Control Debt repurchase price percentage in event of change of control. Repurchase price in the event of change of control, percentage of principal (as a percent) 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 TerreStar Corporation and TerreStar Network Represents details pertaining to TerreStar Corporation and TerreStar Network Inc. TerreStar Corporation Represents details pertaining to TerreStar Corporation, a legal entity. TerreStar Network Inc. Represents details pertaining to TerreStar Network Inc., a legal entity. Represents details pertaining to 15 percent Senior Secured Paid-in-Kind Notes, due in 2014. 15% Senior Secured Paid-in-Kind Notes due February 15, 2014 Period of Investment Period of investment. Period of investment (in years) Investment Owned, at Fair Value Aggregate principal amount of investment acquired Frequency of Spectrum Acquired Frequency of spectrum acquired (in GHz) Frequency of spectrum acquired. Shares of Common Stock Issued to Acquire Spectrum Shares of common stock issued to acquire spectrum. Shares of common stock issued to acquire spectrum (in shares) Commitment under Credit Agreement Commitment under credit agreement. Commitment under credit agreement Amount Owed to Entity under Terms of Credit Agreement Represents the amount owed to the entity under terms of credit agreement for secured financing. Amount owed to entity under the terms of credit agreement Aggregate principal amount of non-revolving multiple draw term loan Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument issued for the funding of the acquisition Debt instrument issued Amount Funded to Debtors under Credit Facility Represents the amount funded to the debtors under the Credit Facility. Amount funded to debtors under the Credit Facility Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Fair value of debt investments Accrued Investment Income Receivable Accrued interest on fair value of debt investments Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Fair value of equity investments Equity security Percentage of Hypothetical Adverse Change in Price of Debt Instruments Percent of hypothetical adverse change in the price of debt instruments. Hypothetical adverse change in the price of debt instruments (as a percent) Approximate Decrease in Fair Value of Debt Investments Due to Hypothetical Adverse Change Approximate decrease in fair value of debt investments due to hypothetical adverse change. Approximate decrease in fair value of debt investments Statements of Operations Data [Abstract] Statements of Operations Data (unaudited) Revenues Revenue Operating Expenses Operating expenses Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) from continuing operations Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of unrealized gain (loss) on marketable investment securities Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position by length of time and their fair value Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value measurements Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in Level 3 instruments Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of gains and losses on sales and changes in carry values of investments Schedule of marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities Investment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Summarized Financial Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of summarized financial information. Summarized financial information Schedule of Construction in Process [Table Text Block] Schedule of construction in process. Components of construction in process Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of carrying and fair values of entity's debt facilities Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Supplemental pro forma financial information (Unaudited) Construction in process:Buildings and improvements Capitalized costs related to long lived, depreciable structure held for productive use and any addition, improvement, or renovation to the structure, such as interior masonry, interior flooring, electrical, and plumbing. Number of In-orbit Satellites Acquired Number of in-orbit satellites acquired Number of in-orbit satellites acquired. Number of Satellites under Construction Acquired Number of satellites under construction acquired Number of satellites under construction acquired. SPACEWAY 3 Represents the information pertaining to SPACEWAY 3 satellite. Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Plans [Table Text Block] Schedule of awards outstanding under 2005 LTIP Schedule of nonvested performance based plans. Expected Future Payments Under Agreement Expected future payments under agreement Expected future payments under agreement. Vigilos, LLC Represents details pertaining to Vigilos, LLC. Loss Contingency Number of Set top Boxes Not Disabled Represents number of digital set-top boxes in which DVR functionality will not be disabled. Number of set-top boxes not required to be disabled Loss Contingency Disablement Provision Disablement provision contempt sanction amount Loss contingency disablement provision. Portion of Settlement Expense Including Prepayment Portion of litigation payment expense including prepayments Portion of settlement expense including prepayment. Number of International Customers to Whom License Granted Number of international customers to whom license granted. Number of international customers to whom license granted Number of subsidiaries against which lawsuit was filed Number of Subsidiaries Against Which Lawsuit Filed Number of subsidiaries against which lawsuit filed. Hughes Business Represents Hughes segment which provides equipment and services to the broadband communications marketplace. Africa, Asia and the Middle East Represents the information about the African, Asian and Middle Eastern locations of the entity. Europe Represents the information about the Europeon locations of the entity. South America and the Carribean Represents the information about the South American and Carribean locations of the entity. Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash to be Paid, Per Share to Vested Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units, as per Merger Agreement Cash to be paid for each vested restricted stock awards and restricted stock units of Hughes, pursuant to the Hughes Agreement (in dollars per share) Business acquisition cost of acquired entity cash to be paid per share to vested restricted stock awards and restricted stock units as per merger agreement. Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash to be Paid, Per Share to Unvested Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units, as per Merger Agreement Cash to be paid for each unvested restricted stock awards and restricted stock units of Hughes, pursuant to the Hughes Agreement (in dollars per share) Business acquisition cost of acquired entity cash to be paid per share to unvested restricted stock awards and restricted stock units as per merger agreement. Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] NagraStar Represents the equity method investee of the entity. Affiliated entity Hughes Telematics Inc. Represents the details pertaining to Hughes Telematics Inc. Jeffrey A. Leddy, a director Hughes Systique Corporation Represents the details pertaining to Hughes Systique Corporation. Joint Venture in Taiwan Represents the details pertaining to the joint venture entered into by the entity in Taiwan. Receiver Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Receiver Agreement. Broadcast Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Broadcast Agreement. Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming Represents details pertaining to the Broadcast Agreement for certain sports related programming. Nimiq 5 Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Nimiq 5 Agreement. DISH Telesat Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the DISH Telesat Agreement. QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement. QuetzSat-1 Transponder Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement. TT&C Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the TT and C Agreement. Real Estate Lease Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Real Estate Lease Agreement. Meridian Lease Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Meridian Lease Agreement. Santa Fe Lease Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Santa Fe Lease Agreement. Gilbert Lease Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Gilbert Lease Agreement. Product Support Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Product Support Agreement. DISHOnline.com Services Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the DISHOnline.com Services Agreement. DISH Remote Access Services Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the DISH Remote Access Services Agreement. SlingService Services Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Sling Service Services Agreement. Management Services Agreement Represents details pertaining to Management Services Agreement. Professional Services Agreement Represents details pertaining to the Professional Services Agreement. Satellite capacity leased from Dish Network Represents details pertaining to Satellite services leased from Dish Network. Remanufactured Receiver Agreement Represents details pertaining to the Remanufactured Receiver Agreement. EchoStar XV Launch Service Represents the details pertaining to the EchoStar XV Launch Service. Weather Related Programming Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Weather Related Programming Agreement. Acquisition of Alta Wireless, Inc. Represents the details pertaining to the acquisition of Alta Wireless Inc. Sale of South.com, L.L.C. Represents the details pertaining to the sale of South.com, L.L.C. Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related party transactions Related Party Transactions Agreement Termination Required Notice Period from Related Party, Minimum Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party (in days) Related party transactions agreement termination required notice period from related party minimum. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Term Agreement term (in years) Related party transactions agreement term. Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Available Number of DBS transponders available to receive services Related party transactions, number of DBS transponders available. 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 Expected to Receive Services Number of DBS transponders expected to receive services Related party transactions number of DBS transponders expected to receive services Related Party Transactions Agreement, Automatic Renewal Period Automatic renewal period (in years) Related party transactions agreement automatic renewal period Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Agreement Required minimum notice for termination of agreement (in days) 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 (in days) Related party transactions required minimum notice period for termination of specific service. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity (in days) Related party transactions agreement termination notice required by reporting entity Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Option, Term Term of renewal option (in years) Related party transactions agreement renewal option term. 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, Fair Value of Rights Fair value of rights assigned Related party transactions fair value of rights. Related Party Transactions, Recorded Value of Rights Recorded value of rights assigned Related party transactions recorded value of rights. Related Party Transactions, Rights Excess Amount Paid Excess of paid amount over recorded amount of rights assigned Related party transactions rights excess amount paid. Fees included in Cost of sales-services and other Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Ownership interest in related party (as a percent) Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Purchases from NagraStar Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Commitments to purchase from NagraStar Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount Sales Not Related to Contribution, Commitment Associated with Investment [Abstract] Sales not related to the original contribution commitment associated with our investment: 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 Satellite Services Sales of satellite services Related party transaction sales of satellite services. Related Party Transaction, Cash Provided Cash provided to joint venture Cash provided to joint venture. Line of Credit Provided to Joint Venture Line of credit provided to joint venture Line of credit provided to joint venture. Line of Credit Provided to Joint Venture Balance, Outstanding Line of credit provided to joint venture, balance outstanding Line of credit provided to joint venture, balance outstanding. Telesat Canada Represents details pertaining to Telesat Canada. Promissory notes Represents details pertaining to promissory notes. Sale of interest in the entity Proceeds from Sale of Investment Projects Proceeds from Sale of Investment by Counter Party to Related Party Sale of interest in the entity by counter party Proceeds from sale of investment by counter party to related party. Percentage Equity Interest Acquired before Giving Effect to Earn-out Percentage equity interest acquired before giving effect to earn out. Percentage of equity investment acquired before giving effect to earn-out (as a percent) Percentage Equity Interest Acquired after Giving Effect to Earn-out Percentage of equity investment acquired after giving effect to earn-out (as a percent) Percentage equity interest acquired after giving effect to earn out. Percentage Ownership by Related Party Percentage ownership by related party. Ownership percentage by related party (as a percent) Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of related party transactions Schedule of related party transactions. Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Acquisitions Use of estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt Issuance Costs Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Subscriber Acquisition Costs Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Depreciation Expense, Satellites Acquired under Capital Lease Agreements [Table Text Block] Schedule of depreciation on satellites acquired under capital lease agreements Schedule of depreciation expense satellites acquired under capital lease agreements. Schedule of future maturities of contractual obligations Schedule of Future Maturities of Contractual Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of future maturities of contractual obligations Estimated dollar amount of future payments payable by EchoStar Litigation settlement total amount to be paid by entity through six annual installments. Litigation Settlement, Total Amount to be Paid by Echostar Through Six Annual Installments Schedule of share based compensation allocated non-cash stock-based compensation expense Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Allocated Noncash Stock-based Compensation Expense [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of allocated non-cash, stock-based compensation expense for all employees of the entity. Segment Reporting Satellites acquired under capital leases Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Purchase of additional equity interest Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Impairment of joint venture investment February 2008 Secured Financing Commitment Represents details pertaining to 15 percent Senior Secured Paid-in-Kind Notes, due in 2014. Debtor-In-Possession Credit Facility Represents details pertaining to 15 percent Senior Secured Paid-in-Kind Notes, due in 2014. 6 1/2 % Senior Exchangeable Paid-In-Kind Notes Due June 15, 2014 Represents details pertaining to the 6.5 percent Sneior Exchangeable Paid-in-Kind notes, due in 2014 Payments to Acquire Notes Receivable Aggregate principal amount of investment acquired Investment Owned, Balance, Principal Amount Amount owed to entity under terms of credit agreement Number of Board Members Entity May Appoint Under Master Investment Agreement Number of board members the Company may appoint under Master Investment Agreement Number of board members entity may appoint under Master Investment Agreement. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible Assets and Goodwill Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Investments in Debt and Equity Instruments, Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) [Text Block] Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Other Investment Securities Marketable Investment Securities, Restricted Cash and Other Investment Securities Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Summary of sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue Dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Amount [Line Items] Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount. Dilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share, Amount Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and other investment securities Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Components of our available-for-sale investments Available-for-sale Securities Debt Security Nine Months or More Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position nine months or more fair value. Available-for-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Nine Months or More Fair Value Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position less than six months aggregate losses. Less than Six Months Available-for-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less Than Six Months Aggregate Losses Available-for-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Six To Nine Months Aggregate Losses Six to Nine Months Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position six to nine months aggregate losses. Available-for-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Nine or More Months Aggregate Losses Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position nine or more months aggregate losses. Nine Months or More Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Unrealized and realized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities and other investments Unrealized gains losses on investments accounted for at fair value net. Unrealized Gains Losses On Investments Accounted For At Fair Value Net Unrealized gains (losses) on investments accounted for at fair value, net Future Amortization Expense, Year One 2012 Future Amortization Expense, Year Two 2013 Future Amortization Expense, Year Three 2014 Future Amortization Expense, Year Four 2015 Loss Contingency Terms [Abstract] Loss contingency terms 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 Amount of remanufactured receivers and accessories purchased from related party Amount of remanufactured receivers and accessories purchased from related party. Amount Of Remanufactured Receivers And Accessories Purchased From Related Party Proceeds From Sale Of Investment To Related Party Proceeds from sale of investment to related party. Sale of interest in the entity Due from Related Parties, Current Amount receivable from Dish Mexico Marketable Debt and Equity Securities Marketable debt and equity securities Marketable debt and equity securities. Debt and equity securities Marketable Securities, Noncurrent Marketable and other investment securities noncurrent fair value method Fair Value Method Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Executory Costs and Orbital Location Lease Capital leases future minimum payments executory costs and orbital location lease. 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 Related Party Joint Venture [Abstract] Related party joint venture Restricted Performance Units Restricted performance units awarded by a company to their employees as a form of incentive compensation. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Disclosures Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted-Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Award Terms [Abstract] LTIP Terms Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional General Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based compensation additional disclosures Employee Service Share-Based Compensation Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents Acquisition of Hughes, cash acquired Cash Schedule of Dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of antidilutive securities not included in the diluted EPS calculation Schedule of dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share. Major Customer Revenue Major customer revenue. Revenue Proceeds from rights assigned Under Contract Represents the proceeds received by the reporting entity for rights assigned under a contract. Proceeds from rights assigned under a contract Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Capitalized Software Costs Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Capitalized Software Costs [Abstract] Capitalized Software Costs Payments in connection with acquisitions 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 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 Liability payable due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses Liability payable due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses Liability payable due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses Portion of liability accrued due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses Portion of liability accrued due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses Liability payable due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses Period of liability payable due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses, low end of range (in months) Period of liability payable due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses, low end of range (in months) Period of liability payable due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses, low end of range in months Period of liability payable due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses, high end of range Period of liability payable due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses, high end of range (in months) Period of liability payable due to change of control bonuses and retention bonuses, high end of range in months Marketable investment securities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Marketable Securities Other current assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation FCC Authorizations FCC Authorizations Business acquisition purchase price allocation FCC authorizations. Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Other Noncurrent Assets Other noncurrent assets Current liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities Long-term liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Liabilities Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Noncontrolling Interest Non-controlling interest Business acquisition purchase price allocation noncontrolling interest. Hughes Communications Shareholder Lawsuit Loss Contingency Number of Shareholder Class Action Lawsuits Filed Against Entity Number of shareholder class action lawsuits filed against the entity Number of shareholder class action lawsuits filed against entity. Loss Contingency Settlement Number of Shareholder Class Action Lawsuits Contemplation of Dismissal Number of shareholder class action lawsuits, contemplation of dismissal under settlement Number of shareholder class action lawsuits, contemplation of dismissal under settlement 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. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term, Minimum Minimum expected term of options (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term, Maximum Maximum expected term of options (in years) Blockbuster Represents the details pertaining to Blockbuster, Inc. Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Investments Marketable and other investment securities - gains (losses) on sales/exchanges Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Acquisition Costs or Sale Proceeds Cash purchase price of assets Gamma Acquisition L.L.C. (Gamma) Represents a wholly-owned subsidiary of the entity. Assets purchase agreement with TerreStar Networks, Inc. (TerreStar) Represents the asset purchase agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of TerreStar Networks, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Estimated useful life of capitalized software costs, maximum (in years) Estimated Useful Life of Capitalized Software Costs, Maximum Capitalized Software Costs, Estimated Useful Life, Maximum. Amount Of Remanufactured Receivers And Accessories Purchased From Related Party Less Than Amount of remanufactured receivers and accessories purchased from related party, less than Amount of remanufactured receivers and accessories purchased from related party less than Related Party Transaction Revenues From Transactions With Related Party, Less Than Related Party Transaction Revenues From Transactions With Related Party, Less Than Related Party Transaction Revenues From Transactions With Related Party, Less Than Due From Related Parties, Less Than Due From Related Parties, Less Than Due From Related Parties, Less Than Scheduled Period to Complete Satellites Under Construction Scheduled period to complete satellites under construction (in years) Scheduled period to complete satellites under construction. Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities Deferred Revenue and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent This element represents the aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations of deferred revenue amount and liabilities not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Issuances Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis,Asset, Issues Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deferred Tax Liabilities Business acquisition purchase price allocation deferred tax liabilities. Deferred tax liabilities Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to EchoStar common shareholders Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to EchoStar common shareholders Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Percentage of issued and outstanding shares acquired (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Cash to be paid for each issued and outstanding share of unvested restricted stock and unvested stock option of Hughes pursuant to the Hughes Agreement (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash To Be Paid Per Unvested Share As Per Merger Agreement Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash To Be Paid Per Unvested Share As Per Merger Agreement Deferred Long-term Liability Charges Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Identifiable intangible assets not subject to amortization Related Party Transactions Agreement Term From Commencement Of Service Date Related party transactions agreement term from commencement of service date. Agreement term (in years) from commencement of service date