Finite Lived Identifiable Intangible Assets [Member] Represents information pertaining to identifiable intangible assets which are subject to amortization. Amortization of intangible assets and other Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Other [Member] Represents the furniture, fixtures, equipment and other related items owned by the entity. Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other Satellites [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity. Satellites EchoStar VI [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VI. EchoStar VI EchoStar III [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellite assets owned by the entity, EchoStar III (fully depreciated). EchoStar III - fully depreciated AMC16 [Member] Represents information pertaining to satellite AMC-16, which was leased from other third parties. AMC-16 Favorable Leases [Member] Represents the favorable leases of the entity. Favorable leases Technology [Member] Technology-based intangible assets such as innovations or scientific advances. Technology-based Hughes Communications [Member] Represents details pertaining to the acquisition of Hughes Communications, which comprises Hughes Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Hughes Acquisition Brazilian Orbital Slots [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Brazilian Orbital Slots. Brazilian Orbital Slot Amendment Description E Contact Technologies Llc Lawsuit [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the E-Contact Technologies, LLC (E-Contact) lawsuit. E-Contact Amendment Flag Mortgage and Other Notes Payable [Member] Mortgages and other notes payable Represents details pertaining to mortgages and other notes payable. Senior Notes 7.625 Percent, Due 2021 [Member] 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2021 Represents details pertaining to 7 5/8 percent senior notes, which are due in 2021. Senior Secured Notes 6.50 Percent, Due 2019 [Member] 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 Represents details pertaining to 6 1/2 percent senior secured notes, which are due in 2019. Strategic Marketable Investment Securities [Member] Strategic Investments in debt or equity securities of public companies that are highly speculative and have experienced and continue to experience volatility. Equity security - strategic Dish Mexico [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Dish Mexico. Dish Mexico Hughes Systique Corporation [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Hughes Systique Corporation. Hughes Systique Terre Star Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to TerreStar Agreement. TerreStar Agreement DBSD North America Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to DBSD North America Agreement. DBSD North America Agreement DISH Network [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Dish Network. DISH Network Satellite Services Leased from Dish Network [Member] Represents details pertaining to satellite services leased from Dish Network. Satellite capacity leased from Dish Network Echo Star Professional Services Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the EchoStar Professional Services Agreement. EchoStar Professional Services Agreement Echo Star Management Services Agreement [Member] Represents details pertaining to the EchoStar Management Services Agreement. EchoStar Management Services Agreement Blockbuster Inc [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Blockbuster, Inc. Blockbuster Telemetry Tracking and Control Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to TT and C Agreement. TT&C Agreement Quetz Sat1 Lease Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Agreement. Quetz Sat-1 Agreement Current Fiscal Year End Date DISH Telesat Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the DISH Telesat Agreement. DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $14,430 and $16,769, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Trade accounts receivable, net Telesat Canada [Member] Represents the details pertaining to Telesat Canada. Telesat Nimiq5 Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Nimiq 5 Agreement. Nimiq 5 Agreement EchoStar XVI [Member] Represents the details pertaining to EchoStar XVI. EchoStar XVI Satellite Services Business [Member] 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. EchoStar Satellite Services Business EchoStar Satellite Services Segment Hughes Business Segment [Member] Represents Hughes segment which provides equipment and services to the broadband communications marketplace. Hughes Business Hughes business Other Major Customers [Member] Represents other major customers of the entity. All other North America [Member] Represents information about transactions with North American locations of the entity. North America All Other Geographic Segments [Member] Represents information pertaining to other geographical segments of the entity. Other Document Period End Date EchoStar XVII [Member] Represents the information pertaining to satellite assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XVII satellite. EchoStar XVII Contractual Obligations Type [Axis] Information pertaining to the future maturities of contractual obligations of the entity. DISH Broadband [Member] Represents the details pertaining to DISH Broadband. DISH Broadband RUS Service Implementation Agreement [Member] Represents information pertaining to RUS Service Implementation Agreement. RUS Implementation Agreement Document and Entity Information Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable from Related Parties, Current A valuation allowance for trade and other receivables from related parties due to an entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that are expected to be uncollectible. Allowance for doubtful account on trade accounts receivable - DISH Network (in dollars) Entity [Domain] Income Taxes Paid Related Party Cash paid to EchoStar for income taxes Cash paid to EchoStar for income taxes. The value of reduction in capital lease obligations and associated assets due to entering into new capital leases in connection with satellite services agreement during the period. Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations and Associated Assets Value Reduction of capital lease obligations and associated asset value for AMC-15 Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations and Associated Assets Value, 1 The value of reduction in capital lease obligations and associated assets due to entering into additional capital leases in connection with satellite services agreement during the period. Reduction of capital lease obligations for AMC-16 Decrease in Capital Lease Obligation Due to Reduction in Recurring Payment Represents the decrease in capital lease obligation due to reduction in recurring payment. Reduction of capital lease obligations for AMC-16 Reduction of capital lease obligations due to reduction in monthly recurring payment related to satellite anomalies Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information Condensed Consolidating Financial Information for Subsidiary Guarantors and Non Guarantors Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed consolidating financial information for subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantors. Supplemental Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information Marketable Investment Securities and Other Investment Securities [Table Text Block] Marketable Investment Securities and Other Investment Securities Table. Schedule of marketable investment securities and other investment securities Schedule of Depreciation and Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense. Schedule of depreciation and amortization expense Schedule of Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of a condensed balance sheet. Disclosure may include, but is not limited to, balance sheets of consolidated entities and consolidation eliminations. Schedule of condensed consolidating balance sheet Schedule of Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of a condensed income statement. Disclosure may include, but is not limited to, income statements of consolidated entities and consolidation eliminations. Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of operations Schedule of Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of a condensed cash flow statement. Disclosure may include, but is not limited to, cash flow statements of consolidated entities and consolidation eliminations. Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of cash flows Number of Owned and Leased in Orbit Satellites Number of owned and leased in-orbit satellites. Number of owned and leased in-orbit satellites Reporting Segments, Number Reporting segments number. Number of business segments Other Investment Securities Noncurrent [Abstract] Other investment securities - noncurrent: Marketable Investment Securities and Other Investment Securities Total marketable investment securities and other investment securities Marketable investment securities and other investment securities. Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by the 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 under Leases Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by the reporting entity under leases. Number of satellites utilized under lease Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity under Capital Leases Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by the reporting entity under leases. Number of satellites utilized under capital lease Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity under Operating Leases Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by the reporting entity under operating leases. Number of satellites utilized under operating lease Number of Amplifier Loss in Reporting Period Represents the number of satellites that experienced the loss of travelling wave tube amplifiers. Loss of TWTAs Total Number of Amplifier Loss Represents the total number of satellites that experienced the loss of travelling wave tube amplifiers. Increase in loss of TWTAs Number of Solar Power Anomalies in Reporting Period Represents the number of satellites that experienced solar-power anomalies, which caused a partial power loss that further reduced their capacity. Solar-power anomalies Future Amortization Expense after Year Four The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized for the remainder of the finite-lived intangible asset useful life after the fourth succeeding fiscal year. Thereafter 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, vested stock option, unvested restricted stock unit 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 share as per merger agreement. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation Orbital Rights Business acquisition purchase price allocation orbital rights. Orbital rights Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deferred Tax Liabilities Business acquisition purchase price allocation deferred tax liabilities. Deferred tax liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncontrolling Interest Business acquisition purchase price allocation noncontrolling interest. Noncontrolling interests Schedule of Contractual Obligations [Table] Schedule of information pertaining to 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. Contractual Obligations [Line Items] Commitment and contingencies Value of Bid Value of bid. Value of bid Bid Exchange Rate Exchange rate for bid. Bid exchange rate (in Brazilian reais per dollar) Period of In Orbit Insurance Period of in-orbit insurance. Period of in-orbit insurance (in years) Contract Obligation Represents the remaining contract obligation at the end of the period. Remaining contract obligation Number of Subsidiaries Against which Lawsuit Filed Number of subsidiaries against which lawsuit filed. Number of subsidiaries against which lawsuit was filed Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Earnings before Interest Tax, Depreciation and Amortization Earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortization EBITDA Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Percentage of Total Revenue Percentage of total revenue. Percentage of total revenue 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. Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation (in dollars) Related Party Transactions Agreement, Term Related party transactions agreement term. Agreement term (in years) Related Party Transactions, Agreement Term from Commencement of Service Date Related party transactions agreement term from commencement of service date. Agreement term from commencement of service date (in years) Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Available Related party transactions, number of DBS transponders available. Number of DBS transponders available to receive services Entity Voluntary Filers 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. Number of DBS transponders expected to receive services Entity Current Reporting Status Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Receiving Services Related party transactions number of DBS transponders receiving services. Number of DBS transponders currently receiving services Entity Filer Category Related Party Transactions Agreement, Automatic Renewal Period Related party transactions agreement automatic renewal period Automatic renewal period (in years) Entity Public Float Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Agreement Related party transactions required minimum notice period for termination of agreement. Required minimum notice for termination of agreement (in days) Entity Registrant Name Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Specific Service Related party transactions required minimum notice period for termination of specific service. Required minimum notice for termination of individual service (in days) Entity Central Index Key Related Party Transactions Agreement, Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity Related party transactions agreement termination notice required by the reporting entity. Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity (in days) Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Option, Term Related party transactions agreement renewal option term. Term of renewal option (in years) Related Party Transactions Agreement, Maximum Number of One Year Renewal Options Related party transactions agreement maximum number of one year renewal options. Number of successive one year renewal options Percentage Ownership in Variable Interest Entity by Other Related Parties Percentage ownership in variable interest entity by other related parties. Ownership interest percentage by related party Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Related Party Transaction, Sales of Satellite Services Related party transaction sales of satellite services. Satellite services revenue Equity in other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries Other Comprehensive Income, Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Arising During Period, Net of Tax Represents the amount after tax, resulting from the earnings from subsidiaries accounted under equity method. Acquisition of Hughes Communications, net of cash acquired of $98,900 Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisition of Hughes Communications, net Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Legal Entity [Axis] Document Type Additional Paid in Capital Additional paid-in capital Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable (in dollars) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Amortization of debt issuance costs Amortization of Financing Costs Intercompany note payables Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Advances from affiliates CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Percentage of issued and outstanding shares acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Pro forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Purchase price allocation Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] Other intangibles assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Total purchase price Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Cash Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents 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 Current liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities Goodwill (non-deductible) Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Long-term liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Liabilities Other noncurrent assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Assets Property and equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Acquisition Business Acquisition [Line Items] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest) Interest Paid Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Trade accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net Changes in current assets and current liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Related Parties Accrued expenses and other Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, 1,000 shares issued and outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to HSS Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects Contract-based Contractual Rights [Member] Cost of sales - equipment Cost of Goods Sold Cost of sales - services and other Cost of Services Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Total debt and capital lease obligations Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Carrying Value Long-term Debt, Gross Interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt and capital lease obligations Debt Instrument [Line Items] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Deferred tax expense (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities Deferred Long-term Liability Charges Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Depreciation and amortization (Notes 6 and 7) Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Total depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization expense Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Non-cash, stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Name of Major Customer [Domain] Equity method Equity Method Investments Cost method Cost-method Investments, Aggregate Carrying Amount Fair Value Measurements Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Amortization expense Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Total Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense Estimated future amortization of the entity's intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract] 2016 Future Amortization Expense, Year Four 2013 Future Amortization Expense, Year One 2015 Future Amortization Expense, Year Three 2014 Future Amortization Expense, Year Two CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Goodwill Goodwill Beginning of period End of period FCC authorizations Indefinite-Lived License Agreements Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Interest Expense, Debt Cash received for interest Proceeds from Interest Received Total inventory Inventory Inventory, Net Marketable Investment Securities and Other Investment Securities. Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Investment in subsidiaries Total liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities and shareholder's equity (deficit) Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity (Deficit) Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Total other investment securities - noncurrent Long-term Investments Other investment securities Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Commitment and Contingencies Loss Contingencies [Table] Available-for-sale Securities, Current Total marketable investment securities Marketable investment securities - current: Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Axis] Net cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net income (loss) attributable to HSS Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Total other income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other Income (Expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other Income (expense): Total noncurrent assets Assets, Noncurrent Noncurrent Assets: Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Noncurrent Liabilities: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Organization and Business Activities Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax amount Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract] Total other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, Before Tax Amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, Tax (Expense) Benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Other current assets Other Assets, Current Accrued expenses and other Other Sundry Liabilities, Current Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Contributions from parent Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,420,725 and $1,281,930, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Property and Equipment Purchases of marketable investment securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Trade Accounts Receivable Related Party [Domain] Advances to affiliates, net Due from Related Parties, Current Account receivable balance due Intercompany note receivables Due from Related Parties, Noncurrent Fees included in Cost of sales-services and other Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related party transactions Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Accumulated earnings (deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total revenue Revenue, Net Revenue Total revenue Equipment revenue Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Services and other revenue Sales Revenue, Services, Net Intangible assets subject to amortization Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Debt security with contractual maturities of one year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current Debt security Marketable investment securities Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Operating segment data and reconciliation of EBITDA to reported Net income (loss) attributable to HSS Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Principal Business Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill, Orbital Rights and Other Intangible Assets Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for income taxes Income Taxes Paid Total current assets Assets, Current Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Trademark portfolio Trademarks [Member] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Restricted cash and cash equivalents Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Eliminations Affiliated Entity [Member] Affiliated entity Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum Property plant and equipment useful life, minimum (in years) Building and Building Improvements [Member] Buildings and improvements Research and development expenses Research and Development Expense Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] VRDNs Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member] Fair value of marketable investment securities in a loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract] Less than 12 months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Debt securities with contractual maturities greater than one year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Noncurrent Components of the entity's available-for-sale investments Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Other Other Debt Obligations [Member] Total assets Assets Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net Interest income Investment Income, Interest Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Contractual maturities of debt securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Adjustments to the Hughes acquisition (non-deductible) Goodwill, Allocation Adjustment Assets Assets [Abstract] Statement Statement [Line Items] Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Other comprehensive income, before tax amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Accumulated net unrealized gains, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Other noncurrent assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Goodwill Goodwill [Roll Forward] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Marketable investment securities and other investment securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Marketable investment securities Parent Company [Member] HSS Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustments, Tax (Expense) Benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment Equity in earnings of subsidiaries Gain (Loss) on Sale of Stock in Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee Total HSS shareholder's equity (deficit) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Foreign currency translation adjustments, Before Tax Amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Income tax (provision) benefit, net Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax benefit (provision), net Trade accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Expense recorded for services provided Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Useful life, low end of the range (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum Useful life, high end of the range (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Maximum Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed consolidating balance sheet Condensed consolidating statement of operations Condensed consolidating statement of cash flows Costs and Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and Expenses: (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below) Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Major Customers [Axis] Comprehensive Income (Loss): Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Shareholder's Equity (Deficit): Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Total shareholder's equity (deficit) Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Hughes Acquisition Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10) Commitments and Contingencies. Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net 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 Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Advances from affiliates, net Due to Affiliate, Current Advances from affiliates, net Due to Related Parties, Current Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Accrued expenses and other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest All Other and Eliminations All Other Segments [Member] Segment [Domain] Long-lived assets Long-Lived Assets Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Geographic Information Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] 2012 (remaining six months) Future Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Other current assets Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Current Other noncurrent assets, net Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Marketable Investment Securities and Other Investment Securities Investments in Debt and Equity Instruments, Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) [Text Block] Organization and Business Activities Trade Accounts Receivable Hughes Acquisition Summarizes sales to DISH Network and percentage of total revenue Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Summarizes total long-lived assets and revenue attributed to the North American and other foreign locations Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Final allocation of the purchase price Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Schedule of inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Goodwill, Orbital Rights and Other Intangible Assets Schedule of tax effect allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Debt Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of unrealized gain (loss) on marketable investment securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Deferred revenue and other Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities, Current Estimated future amortization of the entity's intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Segment Reporting Related Party Transactions Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Marketable investment securities included in capital contributions Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Given Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Capitalized interest Interest Paid, Capitalized Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Change in noncurrent assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Unaudited pro forma revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Unaudited pro forma net loss Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Unrealized Gains Losses, Net Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) Schedule of Investments [Table] Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] SES Latin America [Member] SES Represents the details pertaining to SES Latin America S.A. Quetz Sat 1 Transponder Agreement [Member] QuetzSat-1 Transponder Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement. EchoStar Majority Shareholder [Member] Dish Quetz Sat 1 Lease Agreement [Member] Dish Quetz Sat-1 Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Dish QuetzSat-1 Agreement. Business Combination, Ownership Percentage Acquired by Related Party Ownership interest acquired by related party (as a percent) Business combination, ownership percentage acquired by related party. Ownership interest in related party (as a percent) Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage Related Party Transactions, Grants Receivable by Related Party Related party transactions, grants receivable by related party. Grants receivable by related party Amount of services provided to related party Related Party Transaction, Revenues from Transactions with Related Party Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Inventory Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value 12 months or more Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract] Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses Less than 12 months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses 12 months or more Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses Total Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of orbital rights Tabular disclosure of amortizable intangibles assets, in total and by major class, including the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization. It also discloses the carrying value of intangible assets not subject to amortization, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class. Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Tabular disclosure of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of the company. Brazil Authorization Rights [Member] Brazil authorization Represents the details pertaining to Brazil authorization rights. FCC Authorization Rights [Member] FCC authorizations Represents the details pertaining to Federal Communications Commission authorization rights. Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Orbital Rights, Intangible Assets and Goodwill Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Indefinite-lived orbital rights, intangible assets Orbital Rights Finite and Indefinite Gross Amount Total orbital rights, intangible assets Represents the gross amount of finite and indefinite lived orbital rights intangible assets. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life Amortization period (in years) Payments to Acquire Intercompany Notes Relating to Acquisition Intercompany note relating to Hughes Acquisition The cash outflow to acquire intercompany notes in connection with acquisition made by the entity. Proceeds from Intercompany Notes Relating to Acquisition Intercompany note relating to Hughes Acquisition The cash inflow from arising from intercompany notes in connection with acquisition made by the entity. Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Equity in Earnings of Subsidiaries Equity in earnings of subsidiaries Represents equity in earnings of guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, eliminated in consolidation. Intercompany note payables Notes Payable, Related Parties, Noncurrent Advances from affiliates Intercompany loans Proceeds from (Repayments of) Related Party Debt Liabilities Assumed Orbital rights obligation included in accrued liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, FCC Authorizations FCC Authorizations Business acquisition purchase price allocation FCC authorizations. Proceeds from Related Party Debt Advances from affiliates Acquisition of orbital right Acquisition Orbital Right Liabilities, Current Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities related to the acquisition of an orbital right. Acquisition of orbital slots Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Orbital Rights [Member] Total orbital rights Represents details pertaining to orbital rights. Orbital rights, net Other Intangible Assets, Net Services and other revenue - DISH Network Revenue from Related Parties Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Cash Acquired from Acquisition Cash Acquired for Acquisition of Hughes Communication Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Trade accounts payable Other Liabilities and Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Long-term deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Hughes Acquisition costs Change in Capital Expenditures Included in Accounts Payable Changes in capital expenditures included in accounts payable Represents the change in the amount of capital expenditures included in accounts payable as of the balance sheet date. Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of carrying and fair values of the entity's debt Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of the length of time that the entity's available-for-sale debt securities have been in an unrealized loss position Current Liablities Related to Acquisition of Orbital Rights Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of accrued contract obligations arising from transactions not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Amount is due within one year. Remaining contract obligation Gain (Loss) Due to Reduction in Recurring Payment Represents the gain (loss) due to reduction in recurring payment recorded in other net income on the entity's condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Gain recognized in connection with reduction in monthly recurring lease payment. Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Equity security Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Current Other Nonoperating Income Expense Miscellaneous Other, net Represents the net amount of other income and expense amounts which have not been itemized or categorized in the footnotes to the financial statements, resulting from ancillary business-related activities (that is, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business) also known as other nonoperating income (expense) recognized for the period.