Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Trade Accounts Receivable Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Receivable Type [Axis] Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Amount payable to related party Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Total trade accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $14,649 and $13,237, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Receivables from related party Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of zero Amount receivable from related party Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network Other receivable - DISH Network Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Noncurrent Net amount of the allocated tax attributes receivable Accrued royalties Accrued Royalties, Current Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation (in dollars) Accumulated depreciation Cumulative foreign currency translation losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation 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] Advertising Costs Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising Expenses Advertising Expense Affiliated entity Affiliated Entity [Member] Allocated share-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable (in dollars) Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Debt issuance costs amortized Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Total assets Assets Assets Assets [Abstract] Total current assets Assets, Current Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Satellites acquired under capital leases Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] Total noncurrent assets Assets, Noncurrent Noncurrent Assets: Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Total Available-for-sale Securities Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Unrealized losses on marketable investment securities in a loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract] Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value 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 12 months or more Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Marketable investment securities Total marketable investment securities - current Available-for-sale Securities, Current Debt securities with contractual maturities of one year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Fair Value Debt security Debt security with contractual maturities of one year or less Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current Equity security Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Current Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Realized gains from the sales of available-for-sale marketable investment securities Realized minimal losses from the sales of marketable investment securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Investment Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Restricted marketable investment securities Available-for-sale Securities, Restricted, Noncurrent Award Type [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Progress billings offset against contracts in process Billed Contracts Receivable Buildings and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Acquisition Business Acquisition [Line Items] Percentage of issued and outstanding shares acquired Voting interest acquired (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Basic EPS (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted EPS (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Supplemental pro forma financial information (Unaudited) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Supplemental pro forma financial information (Unaudited) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Cash to be paid for each issued and outstanding share of common stock, vested stock option, unvested restricted stock unit and unvested stock option of Hughes pursuant to the Hughes Agreement (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Share Price Net income attributable to EchoStar Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Total revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Noncontrolling interests Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Acquisition related transaction costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Cash Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Marketable investment securities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Marketable Securities Other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Deferred tax liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Regulatory authorizations Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Other intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Total purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Purchase Price Allocation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities Long-term liabilities Other noncurrent assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisitions Increase (decrease) in capital expenditures included in accounts payable, net Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Capitalized costs related to development of externally marketed software Capitalized Computer Software, Additions Amortization expense relating to externally marketed software Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization Net carrying amount of externally marketed software Capitalized Computer Software, Net Capitalized Software Costs Capitalized Computer Software, Net [Abstract] Capital Leased Assets [Line Items] Capital lease obligation Number of satellites utilized under capital lease Capital Leased Assets, Number of Units Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Less : Current portion Capital Lease Obligations, Current Satellites and other assets financed under capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Long-term portion of capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Total minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due 2014 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2018 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years 2017 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2016 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2015 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Less : Amount representing interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Net minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Minimum Payments Present value of net minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Future minimum sublease rental income Capital Leases, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense Depreciation expense under capital leases agreements Accumulated depreciation on satellites acquired under capital leases Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation Acquisition of Hughes Communications, cash acquired Cash Acquired from Acquisition Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash equivalents (including restricted) Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Class of Stock [Domain] Stockholders Equity (Deficit) Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14) Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Class A common stock Common Class A [Member] Class B common stock Common Class B [Member] Class C common stock Common Class C [Member] Class A and B Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Temporary differences, which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to EchoStar Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Percentage of total revenue Concentration Risk, Percentage CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] SCHEDULE I - Parent Company Information SCHEDULE I - Parent Company Information Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Condensed Income Statement [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Contractual Obligation Satellite-related obligations Thereafter Contractual Obligation, Due after Fifth Year 2018 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year 2017 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth Year 2014 Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months 2015 Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year 2016 Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year Summary of contractual obligations Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block] Remainder of 2014 Contractual Obligation, Future Minimum Payments Due, Remainder of Fiscal Year Contract-based Contractual Rights [Member] Contribution of assets to Dish Digital Contribution of Property Contribution to Dish Digital Corporate bonds Corporate Bond Securities [Member] DISH Digital Corporate Joint Venture [Member] Cost method Cost Method Investments Cost of sales - equipment (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) Cost of Goods Sold Cost of Equipment and Services Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cost of sales - services and other (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) Cost of Services Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Costs and Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current benefit (provision) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current benefit (provision): Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Total debt and capital lease obligations Debt and Capital Lease Obligations. Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Debt Instrument [Axis] Carrying Amount Long-term Debt, Gross Principal amount of debt issuance Debt Instrument, Face Amount Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Weighted average interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period Effective interest rates for satellite capital lease obligations, maximum (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Effective interest rates for satellite capital lease obligations, minimum (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Interest Rates (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Prior to June 15, 2014 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Prior to June 15, 2015 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Debt redemption price as a percentage of the principal amount Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Issuance Cost Debt issuance costs incurred Debt Issuance Costs Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred tax provision (benefit) Total deferred benefit (provision) Deferred tax provision (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred benefit (provision): Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred revenue and prepayments Deferred Revenue and Credits, Current State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Capital loss carry forwards for federal income tax purposes Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Net Current portion of net deferred tax assets Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Noncurrent portion of net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Other asset Deferred Tax Assets, Other Unrealized losses on investments, net Deferred Tax Assets, Other Comprehensive Loss Federal tax benefits reflected as a deferred tax asset for depreciation and amortization Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment Stock-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Accrued expenses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Tax benefit from stock awards exercised Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Depreciation and amortization Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Provision for income and withholding taxes on undistributed earnings attributable to foreign subsidiaries Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability, Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Matching contributions made by the company during the year Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Discretionary stock contributions, net of forfeitures, under 401(k) plan Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match Employer matching contribution as a percentage of voluntary employee contributions under 401(k) plan (as a percent) Vesting percentage of matching contributions to eligible employees per year Defined Contribution Plan, Employers Matching Contribution, Annual Vesting Percentage Employer maximum annual contribution per employee under 401(k) plan Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Amount Total depreciation expense Depreciation Depreciation expense Depreciation [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Technology-based Developed Technology Rights [Member] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Earnings per share - Class A and B common stock: Earnings per Share Basic (in dollars per share) Basic Earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings per share - EchoStar common stock: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Earnings per share: Basic and diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Diluted (in dollars per share) Diluted Earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Total effective tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Effective income tax rate (as a percent) Actual tax provision reconciliation to the amounts computed by applying statutory Federal tax rate to income before taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Statutory rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Valuation allowance (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Dividend received deduction (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Dividend, Percent Permanent differences (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Percent Stock write-off (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other, Percent Other (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent State income taxes, net of Federal benefit (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Tax credits (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Stock-Based Compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation expense Unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Period for recognition of compensation cost Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee Stock [Member] Stock options Performance based options Employee Stock Option [Member] Sales to each customer and its percentage of total revenue Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Other Investment Securities - Cost and Equity Method Equity and Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Common Stock Repurchase Program Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity Component [Domain] Equity interest in joint venture (as a percentage) Ownership percentage of voting securities in investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity interest owned (as a percent) Equity method Equity Method Investments Other Investments - Noncurrent Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity securities - strategic Strategic equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Total Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair value of marketable securities Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Schedule of fair value measurements Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Asset Class [Domain] Level 3 Investment Securities Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Changes in Level 3 instruments Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Schedule of changes in Level 3 instruments Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair value measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Orbital incentive obligations Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair value measurements on recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Net realized gains included in earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Issuances Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Issuances Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Balance at the end of the period Balance at the beginning of the period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Fair Value Measurements Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite useful lives, Accumulated amortization Cost Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five 2014 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Estimated renewal costs Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Cost Incurred to Renew or Extend Estimated future amortization of intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Cost Finite useful lives, Cost Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Other intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Other intangible assets, net Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Remaining expected term for amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Useful life Weighted Average Useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net Realized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities and other investments (includes reclassification of realized (gains) losses on available-for-sale ("AFS") securities out of accumulated other comprehensive loss of $27, ($1,754), ($7) and ($36,252), respectively), net Gain (Loss) on Investments Realized gains on marketable investment securities and other investments, net Gains on investments accounted for at fair value, net Gains on investments accounted for at fair value, net Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Investments Balance at the end of the period Goodwill Goodwill (non-deductible) Goodwill Balance at the beginning of the period Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment [Abstract] Impairments of Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill impairment charge Impairment Goodwill Goodwill [Line Items] Contribution to DISH Digital Goodwill, Other Changes Goodwill associated with various acquisitions Goodwill [Roll Forward] Deferred tax adjustment Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset Impairment of terrestrial wireless licenses Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment of long-lived asset Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Impairment charge Impairment of Long-lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Domestic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Components of income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates, net Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity in the net loss of joint venture CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Taxes Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Cash paid for income taxes Income Taxes Paid Income tax benefit (provision), net Total income tax benefit (provision), net Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax benefit (expense) Provision for taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Trade accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Trade accounts payable - DISH Network Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Related Parties Trade accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Trade accounts receivable - DISH Network Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Accrued expenses and other Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Changes in noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities, Net Changes in restricted cash and marketable investment securities Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash and Investments Change in restricted cash and marketable investment securities Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Dilutive impact of stock awards outstanding (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Impairments of Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Fair value of terrestrial wireless licenses Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Fair Value Disclosure Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Capitalized interest related to satellites under construction Capitalized interest Interest Costs Capitalized Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized Interest Expense Interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations Interest Expense [Member] Interest Income (Expense), Net Interest income and expense, net Cash paid for interest (including capitalized interest) Interest Paid Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Intersegment Elimination Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Inventory Total inventory Inventory, Net Inventory Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Dividend income from one of the entity's strategic investments Investment Income, Dividend Nonrecurring dividend from a strategic investment Interest income Investment Income, Net Non-operating interest income Aggregate principal amount of investment held Investment Owned, at Fair Value Total marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investments Investments Investment Securities Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investments Investments and Cash [Abstract] Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of investments Investments in consolidated subsidiaries, including intercompany balances Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Other investments Total other investments-noncurrent Investment Securities Investments in Debt and Equity Instruments, Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) [Text Block] Investment Securities Investments [Member] Land Land [Member] Total rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Total liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Capitalized in-orbit incentive obligations Liabilities Assumed Liabilities Assumed Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Noncurrent Liabilities: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Settlement amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Trade Accounts Receivable Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion Long-term portion of debt and capital lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Less: Current portion Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term debt obligations Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Other investments Long-term Investments Other investments-noncurrent: Other Investments Securities - Cost and Equity Method Long-term Investments [Abstract] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Commitment and Contingencies Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Table] Alleged damages Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Customer [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Marketable Investment Securities Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising Costs Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract] All Other and Eliminations Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Other noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Changes in valuation and qualifying accounts Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Customer [Domain] Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Net cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations 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 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] 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 EchoStar Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Less: Net loss attributable to EchoStar Preferred Tracking Stock Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar common stock Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar common stock Net income attributable to EchoStar Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Liabilities assumed in regulatory authorization acquisition Assumed liabilities Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Liabilities Assumed Acquisition of Hughes Communications Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Long-lived assets Long-Lived Assets Total other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other Income (Expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] North America: North America [Member] Number of business segments Number of Reportable Segments Favorable leases Off-Market Favorable Lease [Member] Operating income Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Sublease rental income Operating Leases, Income Statement, Sublease Revenue Net operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating segments Operating Segments [Member] Organization and Business Activities Organization and Business Activities Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Accrued expenses and other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Estimated fair value of future launch services Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Other noncurrent assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Tax effects on foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax Unrealized losses on AFS securities, net and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Tax effects on unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on AFS securities in net income (loss) Recognition of previously unrealized (gains) losses on AFS securities out of accumulated other comprehensive loss in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Related Tax Effects Other Comprehensive Income, Noncontrolling Interest [Text Block] Other Other (including restricted) Other Debt Obligations [Member] Other Income [Member] Other, net Regulatory authorizations, net Other Intangible Assets, Net Total regulatory authorizations, net Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities and Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other Noncontrolling Interests Other noncontrolling interests Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Other noncurrent assets, net Other receivable Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Realized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement EchoStar Corporation Parent Company [Member] EchoStar EchoStar Parent [Member] EchoStar Stockholders 6 1/2 % Senior Exchangeable Paid-In-Kind Notes Due June 15, 2014 Payment in Kind (PIK) Note [Member] Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Purchases of marketable investment securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Acquisition of Hughes Communications, net of cash acquired of $98,900 Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Business Two, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisition of Solaris, net of cash acquired of $1,657 Cash payment Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Transfer of regulatory authorization to DISH Network Purchase of strategic investments securities Payments to Acquire Investments Aggregate principal amount of investment acquired Payments to Acquire Notes Receivable Purchase of strategic investments Payments to Acquire Other Investments Purchases of property and equipment Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Cash paid for property, plant and equipment Amount funded Payments to Fund Long-term Loans to Related Parties Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Long-term performance based plans Performance Shares [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock outstanding (in shares) Preferred stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises Proceeds and Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Distribution received from investments in affiliates Distribution received from investment in affiliates Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Cash received for income taxes Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Cash received for interest Proceeds from Interest Received Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Cash Net proceeds from Class A common stock options exercised and stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Sales and maturities of marketable investment securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments Proceeds from sale of strategic investments Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale marketable investment securities Proceeds from asset transfer to DISH Network Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Property and equipment Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Estimated fair value Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure Total property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,804,862 and $2,499,889, respectively Property and equipment, net Carrying amount Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Depreciable Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Useful life Allowance for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Commitments to purchase from NagraStar Purchase Obligation Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Trade Accounts Receivable Total trade accounts receivable, net Receivables, Net, Current Accounts Receivable Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Receivable [Domain] Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transactions Related party transactions Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Principal Business Purchases from related party Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Interest rate (as a percent) Related Party Transaction, Rate Related Party [Axis] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] General and administrative expenses - DISH Network Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Reportable Entities Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Research and development expenses Research and Development Expense Research and development expenses Research and Development Expense [Member] Research and Development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Restricted cash and marketable investment securities Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Restricted stock units Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Revenue recognized from equipment and services provided to related party Revenue from Related Parties Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Geographic Information Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenue Sales [Member] Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Equipment revenue - other Total revenue Total revenue Revenue, Net Revenue Sales Revenue, Services, Net Services and other revenue - other Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of trade accounts receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Marketable investment securities: Marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investments Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of carrying amounts and fair values of the entity's debt Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of the benefit (provision) for income taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the effect of income (loss) on the entity's basic and diluted earnings per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of income tax rate reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of stock-based compensation expense Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of estimated future amortization of intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of other intangible assets subject to amortization Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of income (loss) before income taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Investments [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of quarterly results of operations Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Final allocation of purchase price Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of related party transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Summary of sales to major customer and its percentage of total revenue Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Summary of total long-lived assets and revenue attributed to the North American and other foreign locations Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of revenue, EBITDA, and capital expenditures by operating segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of restricted stock unit activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Schedule of exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock option activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of assumptions of Black-Scholes option valuation model Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of available-for-sale securities in continuous unrealized loss position by length of time and their fair value Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Segments [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation Share-based compensation additional disclosures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional General Disclosures [Abstract] Minimum period for which full-time employees employed by the entity are eligible to participate in the ESPP Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Awards vesting period Weighted - Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Forfeited and cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited and cancelled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted (in shares) Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted stock units (in shares) Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in shares) Restricted stock unit activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Total restricted stock units outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Total restricted stock units outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share) Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Expiration term Black-Scholes option valuation model assumptions Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Dividend yield percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected term of options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Volatility factor (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Risk-free interest rate (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Employee benefit plans Stock-Based Compensation Number of shares authorized for issue Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Number of common stock available for future grant under stock incentive plans (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Number of shares that remain available for issuance Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Exercisable at end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable at end of period, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited and cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, 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, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Stock options granted (in shares) Granted (in shares) Stock option grants (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Stock option activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Total options outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) Total options outstanding, end of period (in shares) Stock options (in shares) Stock options outstanding (in shares) Stock option activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] 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) Purchase price as percentage of closing market price on the last business day of each calendar quarter under ESPP Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent Equity Award [Domain] Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock-based Compensation Expense Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercise prices for stock options outstanding and exercisable: Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, low end of range (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Number of stock options exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Number of stock options outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercise prices, outstanding stock option awards, high end of range (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Segments [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Statement Statement [Line Items] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Statement [Table] Stock awards Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total EchoStar stockholders' equity Total stockholders' equity Beginning balance Ending balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity: Common stock Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Other, net Stockholders' Equity, Other Net increase in stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Number of shares of common stock purchased under ESPP Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Number of shares issued during the period Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Employee benefits paid in Class A common stock Employee benefits Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Issuance of Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (Note 2) Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Amount of shares authorized for repurchase Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsequent Events Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent event Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation ("HSSC") Subsidiaries [Member] HSS Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Hughes Retail Group Tracking Stock Targeted or Tracking Stock, Stock [Line Items] Carrying amount of net assets transferred from DISH Network Targeted or Tracking Stock, Stock [Table] Tax credits available to offset future tax liabilities Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Trade accounts receivable Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] Trademark portfolio Trademarks [Member] Transfer of Investments Assets received from DISH Digital (Note 6) Carrying amount of distributed assets Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury stock, at cost Treasury Stock, Value Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Gains on investments accounted for at fair value, net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments Schedule of unrealized gains (losses) on marketable investment securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Beginning Balance Ending balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions based on tax settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Additions from Hughes Acquisition Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Acquisition Additions based on tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Additions based on tax positions related to prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions based on expirations of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Net operating loss carryforwards attributable to stock-based compensation Unrecognized Tax Benefits Resulting in Net Operating Loss Carryforward Unrecognized tax benefits if recognized, could affect our effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Balance at Beginning of Year Balance at End of Year Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Charged to Costs and Expenses Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Valuation and qualifying accounts Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Ownership interest in related party (as a percent) Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage VRDNs Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member] Diluted (in shares) Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic and diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Class A and B common stock: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted-average common shares outstanding : Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic United States UNITED STATES Amendment Description Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Type Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Current Reporting Status Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Registrant Name Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Legal Entity [Axis] Interest rate (as a percent) Investment Interest Rate Schedule of marketable investment securities, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and other investments Investment [Table Text Block] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies [Table] Summarization of the disclosures for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Accounts Receivable Contracts in Process [Member] Contracts in process, net Amounts due from customers or clients for contracts in process. Additional Stock Issued During Period Shares Additional shares of the Tracking Stock issued Represents the additional number of shares issued by the entity during the period. Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital Capital Contribution DISH Digital exchange (Note 6) Amount in excess of carrying amount of existing equity method investment Represents the amount of increase in additional paid in capital (APIC) resulting from capital contribution. Adjustments to Reflect Equivalent Per Share Equity Adjustment to reflect equivalent per-share equity Represents the amount of adjustment to reflect equivalent per-share equity. Aggregate Additional Payment if Option to Extend Agreements is Exercised Less than Maximum additional aggregate payments required under cross license agreements if options are exercised Maximum additional aggregate payments required under cross license agreements if options are exercised. Aggregate Payment under Agreement Less than Maximum aggregate payments required under cross license agreements Maximum aggregate payments required under cross license agreements. Represents the information pertaining to all other geographical segments of the entity. All other All Other Geographic Segments [Member] All Other and Eliminations All Other Segments and Eliminations [Member] Represents information pertaining to segments not specifically identified and intersegment eliminations. All Other and Elimination Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable from Related Parties Current. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable from Related Parties, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable - DISH Network (in dollars) AMC-15 Represents information pertaining to satellite AMC-15, which is leased from other third parties. AMC 15 [Member] AMC-16 Represents information pertaining to satellite AMC-16, which is leased from other third parties. AMC 16 [Member] 12 months or more Available-for-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses Accumulated in Investments Amount of accumulated unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale securities that have been in a loss position for twelve months or longer. Total Available-for-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses Accumulated in Investments Amount of accumulated unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale securities, impacting investments. Less than 12 months Available-for-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses Accumulated in Investments Amount of accumulated unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale securities that have been in a loss position for less than twelve months impacting investments. Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities after Next Rolling Twelve Months Fair Value Debt securities with contractual maturities exceeding one year Amount of available-for-sale debt securities at fair value maturing after the next rolling twelve months following the latest balance sheet presented. Amount of accumulated unrealized gain before deducting unrealized loss on investments in available-for-sale securities impacting investments. Unrealized Gains Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated in Investments Amount of accumulated unrealized loss before deducting unrealized gain on investments in available-for-sale securities impacting investments. Unrealized Losses Available-for-Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated in Investments Bell TV Represents Bell TV, a major customer of the entity. Bell TV [Member] Blockbuster Represents the details pertaining to Blockbuster, Inc. Blockbuster Inc [Member] Brazil authorization Represents the details pertaining to Brazil authorization rights. Brazil Authorization Rights [Member] Breach of Fiduciary Duties [Member] Breach of fiduciary duties Represents details pertaining to breach of fiduciary duties. Represents details pertaining to the Broadcast Agreement for certain sports related programming. Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming [Member] Broadcast Agreement for Certain Sports Related Programming Broadcast Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Broadcast Agreement. Broadcast Agreement [Member] Represents the amount of contractual rights acquired to receive cash discounts on future launch services. Business Acquisition Contractual Rights Acquired Contractual rights to receive cash discounts on future launch services Business Combination, Ownership Percentage Acquired by Related Party Ownership interest acquired by related party (as a percent) Business combination, ownership percentage acquired by related party. Represents information pertaining to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). California Institute of Technology [Member] California Institute of Technology Canadian regulatory authorization Represents the details pertaining to Canadian regulatory authorization rights. Canadian Regulatory Authorization [Member] Capital Expenditures Incurred Capital expenditures incurred Represents the amount of capital expenditure incurred by the entity. Disclosure of accounting policy for costs incurred when both (1) the software is acquired, internally developed, or modified solely to meet the entity's internal needs, and (2) during the software's development or modification, no substantive plan exists or is being developed to market the software externally. This policy also may address the entity's amortization policy for its capitalized computer software costs and how it evaluates such capitalized costs for impairment. Capitalized Software [Policy Text Block] Capitalized Software Costs 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 Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Executory Costs and Orbital Location Lease Amounts to be paid by lessee to lessor for lease of orbital location, maintenance, insurance, and tax expenses related to the leased asset. Less : Amount representing lease of the orbital location and estimated executory costs (primarily insurance and maintenance) including profit thereon, included in total minimum lease payments Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc [Member] Ciel Represents information pertaining to Ciel Satellite Holdings Inc. CMB Star [Member] CMBStar Represents information pertaining to satellite CMBStar, which is owned by the entity and is under construction. Represents the Class D common stock. Class D common stock Common Class D [Member] Number of shares of Class A common stock into which each share of common stock is convertible Common stock convertible into number of shares of Class A common stock. Common Stock Convertible into Number of Shares of Class A Common Stock Votes per share in event of change of control Represents the number of votes per share in the event of change of control. Common Stock Voting Rights in Event of Change of Control Comprehensive Income Net of Tax Attributable to Other Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interests Represents the amount of comprehensive income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interest. Comprehensive Income Net of Tax Attributable to Preferred Tracking Stock Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock Represents the amount of comprehensive income (loss) attributable to preferred tracking stock. Construction in progress: Other Represents the information pertaining to other constructions in process. Construction in Progress Other [Member] Consumer Rental Program Period of Service Contract Consumer rental program period of service contract. Period of service contract under consumer rental program Contractual Obligations [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Contractual Obligations, Type [Axis] Information pertaining to the future maturities of contractual obligations of the entity. Contractual Obligations, Type [Domain] Represents the type of contractual obligations, such as long-term borrowings, capital lease obligations, interest expense on long-term debt and capital lease obligations, satellite-related obligations, operating lease obligations, purchase and other obligations. Customer rental equipment Represents information pertaining to customer rental equipment. Customer Rental Equipment [Member] DBSD North America Agreement [Member] DBSD North America Agreement Represents details pertaining to DBSD North America Agreement. Debt Instrument Issue Price as Percentage of Principal Amount Long term debt issue price as percentage of principal amount. Debt instrument issued, issue price (as a percent) Debt Instrument Purchase Price, Due to Change of Control as Percentage of Aggregate Principal Amount Represents the purchase price as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount at which the debt instrument may be required to be repurchased in the event of a change of control. Purchase price as a percentage of aggregate principal amount at which notes may be required to be repurchased in the event of change of control Debt Instrument Redemption with Net Proceeds from Equity Offerings or Capital Contributions as Percentage of Aggregate Principal Amount Percentage of the aggregate principal amount that may be redeemed Represents the percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the debt instruments that the entity may redeem with net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions. Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income taxes Represents the amount of deferred income taxes. Net operating losses, credit and other carryforwards Deferred tax assets operating loss tax credit and other carryforwards. Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Tax Credit and Other Carryforwards Defined Contribution Pension [Line Items] Employee benefit plans Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Axis] Disclosures about defined contribution plan. The name of the defined contribution plan. Defined Contribution Plan [Domain] Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar 401(k) Plan. EchoStar 401(k) Plan Defined Contribution Plan, EchoStar 401K Plan [Member] The period of service required for eligibility for matching contributions by the employer. Defined Contribution Plan Eligible Period of Service for Matching Contribution Eligibility for employer matching contributions, period of service Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Employee Contribution Level One Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 100% by employer Represents the first level of employee contributions (percentage of compensation) which are matched by the employer. Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 50% by employer Represents the second level of employee contributions (percentage of compensation) which are matched by the employer. Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Employee Contribution Level Two Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Level One Employer match of employee contributions of 3% of eligible compensation (as a percent) Represents the employer matching contribution of the first level of employee contributions. Represents the employer matching contribution of the second level of employee contributions. Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Level Two Employer match of employee contributions for 6% of eligible compensation (as a percent) Defined Contribution Plan Employers Matching Contribution Annual Vesting Percentage After Specified Period of Service Vesting percentage of matching contributions to eligible employees after specified period of service Percentage of employer's matching contributions to a defined contribution plan that vests in a given year after a specified period of service. Defined Contribution Plan, Hughes 401K Plan [Member] Represents information pertaining to the Hughes 401(k) Plan. Hughes 401(k) Plan Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Annual Contribution by Employee Amount Represents the annual dollar limit an employee may contribute to a defined contribution retirement plan. Maximum annual contribution per employee under 401(k) plan Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Annual Contribution Employee Percent of Eligible Compensation Maximum percentage of employee gross pay, by the terms of the plan, that the employee may contribute to a defined contribution plan. Contribution limit per employee, as a percentage of eligible compensation The limit of annual employee contributions made by highly compensated employees to the plan per calendar year as a percentage of compensation. Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Annual Contribution Per Employee for Highly Compensated Employees Percent Highly compensated employee contribution limit as percentage of eligible compensation for highly compensated employees Defined Contribution Plan Number of Plans Number of 401(k) employee saving plan Represents the number of plans under the defined contribution plan. Deluxe Echo Star LLC [Member] Deluxe Represents the details pertaining to Deluxe /EchoStar LLC. Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount due to contingency terms upon meeting certain company goal which was not probable of being achieved. Dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount [Abstract] Dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share DISH Broadband [Member] DISH Broadband Represents the details pertaining to DISH Broadband. Represents the details pertaining to Dish Mexico. Dish Mexico [Member] Dish Mexico DISH Network Represents the details pertaining to Dish Network. DISH Network [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the DISHOnline.com Services Agreement. DISHOnline.Com Services Agreement [Member] DISH Online.com Services Agreement DISH Remote Access Services Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the DISH Remote Access Services Agreement. DISH Remote Access Services Agreement [Member] DISH Telesat Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the DISH Telesat Agreement. DISH Telesat Agreement [Member] Document and Entity Information Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization EBITDA Represents the amount of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted [Line Items] Earnings per Share EchoStar 105 and SES 11 [Member] EchoStar 105/SES-11 Represents information pertaining to Echo Star 105/SES-11. EchoStar and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation [Member] EchoStar and HSSC Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar and Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation. EchoStar III Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar III (fully depreciated). EchoStar III [Member] Echo Star I [Member] EchoStar I Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar I. EchoStar IX Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar IX. EchoStar IX [Member] EchoStar Satellite Services Business Represents Echo Star Satellite Services Business, a business segment of the entity which uses ten owned and leased in-orbit satellites and related FCC licenses to lease capacity on a full-time and occasional-use basis primarily to DISH Network. Echo Star Satellite Services Business [Member] EchoStar Technologies Business Represents EchoStar Technologies Business, a business segment of the entity which designs, develops and distributes digital set-top boxes and related products and technology and also provides digital broadcast operations. EchoStar Technologies Business [Member] EchoStar VIII Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VIII. EchoStar VIII [Member] EchoStar VIII Satellite Capacity Leased To Dish Network [Member] EchoStar VIII capacity leased to Dish Network Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar VIII satellite capacity leased to Dish Network. Echo Star VII [Member] EchoStar VII Represents information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VII. Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar VI. EchoStar VI [Member] EchoStar VI EchoStar XII Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XII. EchoStar XII [Member] Echo Star XI [Member] EchoStar XI Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XI. Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XIV. Echo Star XIV [Member] EchoStar XIV Echo Star XIX [Member] EchoStar XIX Represents the details pertaining to EchoStar XIX. Echo Star X [Member] EchoStar X Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity, EchoStar X. Echo Star XVII [Member] Represents the details pertaining to EchoStar XVII. EchoStar XVII EchoStar XVI Represents the details pertaining to EchoStar XVI. EchoStar XVI [Member] Echo Star XV [Member] EchoStar XV Represents information pertaining to satellite assets owned by the entity, EchoStar XV. EchoStar XV Satellite Capacity Leased from Dish Network [Member] EchoStar XV capacity leased from Dish Network Represents information pertaining to the EchoStar XV satellite capacity leased from Dish Network. Echo Star XXIII [Member] EchoStar XXIII Represents the details pertaining to EchoStar XXIII. E Contact LLC Technology [Member] E-Contact Technologies, LLC Represents details pertaining to E-Contact Technologies, LLC. El Paso Lease Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the El Paso lease agreement entered into with DISH Network. El Paso Lease Agreement [Member] Employee Stock Purchase Plan Maximum Fair Value of Common Stock Permitted to be Purchased Per Annum Maximum fair value of capital stock permitted to be purchased by employees in any one year under ESPP Employee Stock Purchase Plan maximum fair value of common stock permitted to be purchased per annum. Represents details pertaining to the entity's stock awards. EchoStar Awards Entity Stock Awards [Member] Equipment revenue - DISH Network Equipment Revenue, Related Party Equipment revenue related party. Equity Interest Percentage Equity interest for which an option to acquire was provided for an unrelated party (as a percentage) Represents the percentage of equity interest for which an option to acquire was provided for an unrelated party. Equity Method Investment Non Voting Ownership Percentage Non-voting interest in joint venture (as a percentage) The percentage of non-voting ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Equity Method Investment Ownership Percentage Based on Assumed Dilution Equity interest accounted based on assumed dilution (as a percentage) Represents the percentage of equity interest accounted based on assumed dilution that would occur upon the exercise of the option. EUTELSAT 10 A [Member] EUTELSAT 10A ("W2A") Represents information pertaining to the EUTELSAT 10A (also known as "W2A") satellite. Represents information pertaining to the EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite. EUTELSAT 65 West A [Member] EUTELSAT 65 West A Eutelsat 65W Fair Value Measurement, Asset and Liability Transfers between Levels Amount of transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy Represents the amount of transfers between the levels of fair value hierarchy that have taken place during the period. Fair Value of Nonvoting Interest Fair value of non-voting interest Represents the fair value of non-voting interest in equity of related party. Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Domain] Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Regulatory authorizations Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Future Total Total Represents the total future estimated amortization expense for intangible assets. Finite Lived Regulatory Authorization [Member] Finite-lived regulatory authorizations Represents information pertaining to finite lived regulatory authorizations. Finite Lived Regulatory Authorizations Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization Accumulated amount of amortization of regulatory authorizations, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Finite Lived Regulatory Authorizations Cost Cost Amount before amortization of regulatory authorizations, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Furniture, fixtures, equipment and other Represents furniture, fixtures, equipment and other property, plant and equipment owned by the entity. Furniture Fixtures Equipment and Other [Member] Gain recognized due to decrease in capital lease obligation The amount of gain or loss recognized due to a contractual change in a capital lease obligation. Gain (Loss) Recognized Due to Capital Lease Reduction Gilbert Lease Agreement [Member] Gilbert Lease Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Gilbert Lease Agreement. Gross Fair Value of Marketable Securities Received for Release of Accounts Receivable Gross fair value of marketable securities received for release of accounts receivable Represents the gross fair value of marketable securities received for release of accounts receivable in noncash investing or financing activities. Harbinger Capital Partners Et Al [Member] Harbinger Capital Partners, et al. Represents details pertaining to Harbinger Capital Partners, et al and other. Represents the stock awards held by employees of the entity. Held by EchoStar employees Held by Employees of Entity [Member] Represents the stock awards held by employees of the related party. Held by DISH Network employees Held by Employees of Related Party [Member] Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement. Hughes Broadband Distribution Agreement [Member] Hughes Business Represents Hughes segment which provides equipment and services to the broadband communications marketplace. Hughes Business Segment [Member] Represents details pertaining to the acquisition of Hughes Communications and its subsidiaries. Hughes Acquisition Hughes Communications [Member] Payments in connection with Hughes acquisition Hughes Network Systems LLC [Member] HNS Represents information pertaining to Hughes Network Systems, LLC. Hughes Retail Group [Member] Hughes Retail Group Represents information pertaining to the Hughes Retail Group. Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation [Member] HSS Represents information pertaining to the Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation. Hughes Systique Corporation [Member] Hughes Systique Corporation Represents the details pertaining to Hughes Systique Corporation. Income (Loss) from Consolidated Subsidiaries This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its consolidated subsidiaries. Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries, net Equity in losses (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries, net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes Minority Interest and Income (Loss) from Consolidated Subsidiaries Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income or expense before, income taxes, extraordinary items, income or loss from consolidated subsidiaries, and noncontrolling interest. Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net Increase (Decrease) in Contractual Obligation Increase in contractual obligations Represents the amount of increase (decrease) in contractual obligation, as a result of the agreement entered into by the entity. Indefinite Lived Regulatory Authorization [Member] Indefinite-lived regulatory authorizations Represents information pertaining to indefinite lived regulatory authorizations. Initial Term of Satellite Capital Leases Initial lease term of satellite Initial term of satellite capital leases. Represents the disclosure of accounting policy for finite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Intangible Assets Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived [Policy Text Block] Regulatory Authorizations and Other Intangible Assets Inverness Lease Agreement Represent the details pertaining to Inverness Lease Agreement. Inverness Lease Agreement [Member] Investor Rights Agreement Represents information pertaining to the Investor Rights Agreement. Investor Rights Agreement [Member] Lease Term Lease term Represents information pertaining to capital lease term. Litigation Settlement, Initial Payment Initial settlement amount paid Litigation settlement initial payment. Litigation settlement, number of annual installments Litigation settlement number of annual installments. Litigation Settlement, Number of Annual Installments Litigation Settlement, Total Amount to be Paid Through Six Annual Installments Aggregate of six annual installment amounts between 2012 and 2017 Litigation settlement total amount to be paid through six annual installments. Represents details pertaining to the long-term, performance based stock incentive plan (the 2005 LTIP). LTIP 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] Long-term performance based plans Long Term Performance Based Plans [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the long-term incentive plans of the entity. Represents the information pertaining to purchases and other obligations of the entity. Long Term Purchase Commitment and Other Obligations [Member] Purchase and other obligations Loss Contingency, Contribution Towards Settlement Agreement Portion of the $300 million initial settlement agreement payment paid by EchoStar Loss contingency contribution towards settlement agreement. Estimated percentage of annual future payments payable by EchoStar Loss contingency estimated percentage of annual payments payable by entity. Loss Contingency, Estimated Percentage of Annual Payments, Payable by Entity Loss Contingency Number of Patents Infringed Number of patents infringed Represents the number of patents infringed. Management Services Agreement Represents details pertaining to Management Services Agreement. Management Services Agreement [Member] Marketable and Other Investment Securities Fair Value Method Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable and Other Investment Securities -Fair Value Method Marketable and other investment securities fair value method policy. Maximum Liability for the Unvested Stock Options of Acquired Entity Maximum liability for the unvested stock options of acquired entity Maximum liability for the unvested stock options of acquired entity. Minimum Period of Notice Required to be Given by Related Party to Extend Term of Agreement Minimum notice period required to extend the agreement term Represents the minimum notice period required to be given by the related party to extend the term of the agreement. Other Represents details pertaining to mortgages and other notes payable. Mortgage and Other Notes Payable [Member] Multiplication Factor for Conversion of Original Stock Option to Adjusted Stock Option Multiplication factor for conversion of original stock option to adjusted stock option Multiplication factor for the conversion of original stock option to adjusted stock option. Multiplication Factor for Conversion of Original Stock Option to New Stock Option Multiplication factor for conversion of original stock option to new stock option Multiplication factor for the conversion of original stock option to new stock option. NagraStar Represents the equity method investee of the entity. NagraStar LLC [Member] Net Assets Transferred in Exchange for Preferred Tracking Stock Net assets transferred from DISH Network in exchange for Tracking Stock (Note 2) Represents the amount of net assets transferred in exchange of preferred tracking stock. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest EBITDA Adjustment Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests EBITDA adjustment for net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Other Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interest. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Preferred Tracking Stock Less: Net loss attributable to Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock (Note 2) Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to preferred tracking stock. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Preferred Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest Allocation of net loss Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to preferred tracking stock noncontrolling interest. Net income (loss) attributable to EchoStar Tracking Stock Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Shareholders [Abstract] Net income attributable to EchoStar shareholders: Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock Represents the amount of net income (loss) attributable to subsidiary preferred tracking stock noncontrolling interest. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Subsidiary Preferred Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Subsidiary Preferred Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest EBITDA Adjustment Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock EBITDA adjustment for net income (loss) attributable to subsidiary preferred tracking stock noncontrolling interest. Net Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Tracking Stock Net proceeds from issuance of Tracking Stock (Note 2) Represents the cash inflow associated with amount received as proceeds from issuance of preferred tracking stock. New Stock Options for Portion of Original Stock Options Portion of the number of shares that were exercisable under the original option needed to receive a new stock option Represents new stock options for a portion of original stock options. Nimiq 5 Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Nimiq 5 Agreement. Nimiq5 Agreement [Member] Nimiq 5 Represents information pertaining to satellite Nimiq 5, which is leased from other third parties. Nimiq 5 [Member] Noncurrent Deferred Tax Liabilities [Member] Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities Primary financial statement caption encompassing noncurrent deferred tax liabilities. Represents details pertaining to the non-performance based awards of the entity. Non-Performance Based Stock Awards Non Performance Based Stock Awards [Member] Represents information pertaining to North America other than the United States. Other North America Other than US [Member] Number of Amplifier Loss in Reporting Period Loss of TWTAs Represents the number of satellites that experienced the loss of traveling wave tube amplifiers. Number of Functional Solar Array Circuits Number of functional solar array circuits The number of functional solar array circuits remaining after solar anomalies. Represents the number of Ku-band FSS transponders. Number of Ku-band FSS Transponders Number of Ku-band FSS transponders Number of Major Customers Represents the number of major customers of the entity. Number of major customers Number of Reexamination Petitions Pending Number of reexamination petitions pending before the United States Patents and Trademark Office Number of reexamination petitions pending. Number of Satellites Number of satellites Represents the number of satellites. Number of Satellites in Geostationary Orbit, Utilized by Reporting Entity Number of functional solar array circuits Number of satellites in geostationary orbit utilized by reporting entity. Number of Satellites in Geosynchronous Orbit Utilized by Reporting Entity Number of satellites utilized in geosynchronous orbit Represents the number of satellites in geosynchronous orbit utilized by the reporting entity. Number of Series of Preferred Tracking Stocks to be Issued by Entity Number of series of preferred tracking stocks to be issued by the entity Represents the number of series of preferred tracking stocks to be issued by the entity. Number of Solar Array Circuits Affected Number of solar array circuits affected Number of solar array circuits affected due to anomalies. Number of Spot Beams Option One Number of spot beams Represents the number of spot beams. Number of indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries against which lawsuit was filed Number of Subsidiaries Against which Lawsuit Filed Number of subsidiaries against which lawsuit filed. Number of Transponders Available for Use Number of transponders available for use Represents the number of transponders available for use. Number of Transponders Available Option Two Number of transponders available, option two Represents the number of transponders available under option two. Number of Transponders, Option One Number of transponders, option one Number of transponders option one. Represents the number of votes per share of common stock owned. Number of Votes Per Share of Common Stock Votes per share Offering Costs Offering costs, net of tax Represents the amount of direct costs of the Tracking Stock offering. Operating Lease Obligations [Member] Operating lease obligations Represents operating lease obligations of the entity. All other Represents other major customers of the entity. Other Major Customers [Member] Other Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Other Noncontrolling Interests Represents information pertaining to the other noncontrolling interests. Patent Cross-License Agreements Represents the details pertaining to the Patent Cross-License Agreements. Patent Cross License Agreements [Member] Payments for Capital Contributions to Related Party Represents the cash outflow associated with capital contributions during the period. Capital contribution to DISH Digital Cash Contribution Represents the percentage of capital stock held by related party. Percentage of Capital Stock Held by Related Party Percentage of capital stock held Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired by Related Party Voting interests acquired by related party (as a percent) Represents the percentage of voting equity interests acquired by the related party. Percentage ownership in variable interest entity by other related parties. Ownership percentage by related party Ownership percentage by related party (as a percent) Personalized Media Communications Inc [Member] Personalized Media Communications, Inc. Represents information pertaining to Personalized Media Communications, Inc. 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 Represents shares of preferred tracking stock issued by the reporting entity. Preferred Tracking Stock Issued by Entity Preferred tracking stock issued by the entity Preferred Tracking Stock [Member] Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Represents information pertaining to tracking stock, a type of capital stock that the issuing company intends to reflect or track the economic performance of a particular business component within the company. EchoStar Tracking Stock Represents the amount of stockholders' equity attributable to preferred tracking stock noncontrolling interest. Preferred Tracking Stock Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest in HSS Tracking Stock Principles of Consolidation [Abstract] Principles of Consolidation Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Represents the principles of consolidation and basis of presentation policy. Prior Broadcast Agreement [Member] Prior Broadcast Agreement Represents details pertaining to the Prior Broadcast Agreement. Prior Receiver Agreement [Member] Prior Receiver Agreement Represents details pertaining to the Prior Receiver Agreement. Prior Telemetry Tracking and Control Agreement [Member] Prior TT&C Agreement Represents details pertaining to the Prior TT&C Agreement. Proceeds from Payments to Contributions Distributions from to Affiliates Contributions to subsidiaries and affiliates, net The cash inflow or outflow from (to) an entity that is affiliated with the entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. Proceeds from Transfer of Launch Contract Transfer of launch contract to DISH Network Represents the cash inflow from transfer of launch contract during the period. Product Support Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Product Support Agreement. Product Support Agreement [Member] Professional Services Agreement Represents details pertaining to the Professional Services Agreement. Professional Services Agreement [Member] Satellite under construction: Other Represents the information pertaining to progress amounts of other satellite constructions. Progress Amounts for Satellite Construction Other [Member] Prohibition Period for Transfer of Tracking Stock Prohibition period for transfer of tracking stock Represents the prohibition period for transfer of tracking stock. QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement. Quetz Sat1 Lease Agreement [Member] QuetzSat-1 Represents the information pertaining to satellite QuetzSat-1, which is under construction. Quetz Sat 1 [Member] QuetzSat-1 Transponder Represents the details pertaining to the QuetzSat-1 Transponder Agreement. Quetz Sat1 Transponder Agreement [Member] Range of Exercise Prices $00.00 - $10.00 Represents the range of exercise prices from 0.00 dollars to10.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 00.00 to 10.00 [Member] Range of Exercise Prices $10.01 - $15.00 Represents the range of exercise prices from 10.01 dollars to15.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 10.01 to 15.00 [Member] Range of Exercise Prices $15.01 - $20.00 Represents the range of exercise prices from 15.01 dollars to 20.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 15.01 to 20.00 [Member] Range of Exercise Prices $20.01 - $25.00 Represents the range of exercise prices from 20.01 dollars to 25.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 20.01 to 25.00 [Member] Range of Exercise Prices $25.01 - $30.00 Represents the range of exercise prices from 25.01 dollars to 30.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 25.01 to 30.00 [Member] Range of Exercise Prices $30.01 - $35.00 Represents the range of exercise prices from 30.01 dollars to 35.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 30.01 to 35.00 [Member] Range of Exercise Prices $35.01 - $40.00 Represents the range of exercise prices from 35.01 dollars to 40.00 dollars. Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 35.01 to 40.00 [Member] Range of Exercise Prices from Dollars 40.00 and Above [Member] Range of Exercise Prices $40.00 and above Represents the range of exercise prices from 40.00 dollars and above. Reallocation Based on Relative Liquidation Values Reallocation based on relative liquidation values Reallocation based on relative liquidation values. Receivable for the sale of marketable securities Represents the amount receivable for the sale of marketable securities. Receivable for Sale of Marketable Securities Receiver Agreement 2012 [Member] 2012 Receiver Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the 2012 Receiver Agreement. Reduction in Asset Carrying Amount Due to Reduction in Capital Lease Obligation Reduction in asset's carrying amount due to reduction in capital lease obligation The reduction in the carrying value of assets held under capital lease due to a contractual change in a capital lease obligation. Reduction in Contractual Obligation Reduction in satellite related obligations under the launch services agreement with Arianespace, SA Represents the amount of reduction in contractual obligation, as a result of the agreement entered into by the entity. Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations and Associated Asset, Value 2 Reduction of capital lease obligations and associated asset value Represents the amount with respect to reduction of capital lease obligations. Reduction of capital lease obligation for AMC-16 Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations And Associated Gain Value. Reduction of Capital Lease Obligations and Associated Gain Value Regulatory Authorization Included in Accrued Liabilities Regulatory authorization included in accrued liabilities Represents the amount of regulatory authorization included in accrued liabilities, as of the balance sheet date. Regulatory Authorizations [Member] Total regulatory authorizations Represents information pertaining to the regulatory authorizations. DISH Network Awards Related Party Awards [Member] Represents details pertaining to the related party stock awards. Represents the amount agreed to be funded under the term loan facility. Related Party Transaction Amount Agreed to be Funded under Term Loan Facility Amount agreed to be funded under term loan facility Related Party Transactions Agreement, Automatic Renewal Period Automatic renewal period Related party transactions agreement automatic renewal period. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Maximum Number of One Year Renewal Options Number of successive one year renewal options Related party transactions agreement maximum number of one year renewal options. Related Party Transactions Agreement Maximum Number of Three Year Renewal Options Number of successive three year renewal options Related party transactions agreement maximum number of three year renewal options. Related Party Transactions, Agreement Renewal Option Additional Term Additional term of renewal option Represents the additional term of renewal option. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Renewal Option, Term Term of renewal option Related party transactions agreement renewal option term. Related Party Transactions Agreement, Term Agreement term Related party transactions agreement term. Related Party Transactions Agreement Term from Commencement of Service Date Related party transactions agreement term from commencement of service date. Agreement term from commencement of service date Related Party Transactions Agreement, Termination Notice Required by Reporting Entity Required minimum notice period for termination of agreement by the reporting entity Related party transactions agreement termination notice required by the reporting entity. Related Party Transactions Agreement Termination Required Notice Period from Related Party, Minimum Minimum required notice period for termination of agreement by related party Related party transactions agreement termination required notice period from related party minimum. Related Party Transaction, Sales of Digital Set Top Boxes and Related Accessories Digital set-top boxes and related accessories Related party transaction sales of digital set top boxes and related accessories. Related Party Transaction, Sales of Other Services Other services Represents the sale of other services to related parties. Related Party Transaction, Sales of Satellite Services Sales of satellite services Related party transaction sales of satellite services. Uplink services Related Party Transaction Sales of Uplink Services Related party transaction sales of uplink services. Related Party Transactions, Grants Receivable by Related Party Grants receivable by related party Related party transactions, grants receivable by related party. Related Party Transactions, Minimum Notice Period Required for Termination of Lease Agreement Minimum notice period required for termination of lease agreement Represents the minimum notice period required for termination of lease agreement. Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Available Number of DBS transponders available to receive services Related party transactions, number of DBS transponders available. Number of DBS transponders expected to receive services Related party transactions number of DBS transponders expected to receive services per agreement. Related Party Transactions Number of DBS Transponders Expected to Receive Services Per Agreement Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Receiving Services Number of DBS transponders currently receiving services Related party transactions number of DBS transponders receiving services. Related Party Transactions, Number of DBS Transponders Receiving Services Sublease Number of DBS transponders currently receiving services subleased back from related party Related party transactions number of DBS transponders receiving sublease services. Related Party Transactions Number of Owned Satellites Transferred Number of satellites transferred Represents the number of owned satellites transferred. Number of owned satellites transferred Related Party Transactions Percentage of Economic Interest Held Percentage of economic interest held Represents the percentage of economic interest held an entity. Represents shares of preferred tracking stock issued by a related party. Represents the preferred tracking stock issued during the period by related party. Related Party Transactions Preferred Tracking Stock Issued by Related Party Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Agreement Required minimum notice for termination of agreement Related party transactions required minimum notice period for termination of agreement. Related Party Transactions, Required Minimum Notice Period for Termination of Specific Service Required minimum notice for termination of individual service Related party transactions required minimum notice period for termination of specific service. Remanufactured Receiver Agreement Represents details pertaining to the Remanufactured Receiver Agreement. Remanufactured Receiver Agreement [Member] Restricted Cash and Marketable Investment Securities [Member] Restricted cash and marketable investment securities Represents information pertaining to restricted cash and marketable investments securities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Restricted performance units awarded by a company to their employees as a form of incentive compensation. Restricted Performance Units Restricted Performance Units [Member] RUS Service Implementation Agreement [Member] RUS Service Implementation Agreement Represents information pertaining to RUS Service Implementation Agreement. Santa Fe Lease Agreement [Member] Santa Fe Lease Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the Santa Fe Lease Agreement. Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction [Member] Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction Represents information pertaining to the Satellite and Tracking Stock Transaction. Satellite Leasing Service Agreement [Member] Service agreement to lease certain satellite capacity Represents information pertaining to satellite leasing service agreement. Satellite Related Expense Satellite-related expenses Represents the amount of satellite-related expenses incurred during the period. Satellite Related Obligation [Member] Satellite-related obligations Represents the information relating to satellite-related obligations of the entity. Satellites in Geosynchronous Orbit, Length above Equator Length of satellites utilized in geosynchronous orbit above the equator (in miles) Represents the length of satellites in geosynchronous orbit above the equator. Satellites Represents the information pertaining to satellites assets owned by the entity. Satellites [Member] Satellites - owned Schedule of Carrying Amount of Net Assets Transferred under Tracking Stock Transaction [Table Text Block] Schedule of carrying amounts of net assets transferred from DISH Network to EchoStar and HSS Tabular disclosure of the carrying amounts of net assets transferred under Tracking Stock Transaction. Schedule of Construction in Progress [Table Text Block] Schedule of construction in progress. Schedule of construction in progress Schedule of Contractual Obligations [Table] Schedule of information pertaining to contractual obligations of the entity. Disclosures about defined contribution plans. Schedule of Defined Contribution Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of depreciation expense Schedule of depreciation expense. Schedule of Depreciation Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted [Table] The table contains disclosure pertaining to an entity's basic and diluted earnings per share. Tabular disclosure of amortizable intangibles assets, in total and by major class, including the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization. It also discloses the carrying value of intangible assets not subject to amortization, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class. Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of regulatory authorizations with finite and indefinite useful lives Tabular disclosure of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of the entity. Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of net amounts credited to stockholders' equity Tabular disclosure of net amounts credited to Stockholders' equity in consolidated financial statements. Schedule of Net Amount Credited to Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reconciliation of EBITDA to Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of total consolidated EBITDA to reported Income (loss) before income taxes Tabular disclosure of information which reconciles EBITDA to reported income or loss before income taxes. Schedule of satellites. Schedule of Satellites [Table Text Block] Schedule of satellites Schedule of Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Holder [Axis] Pertinent data describing and reflecting the required disclosures pertaining to an equity-based compensation award originally issued to employees by the entity prior to the spin-off. Pertinent data describing and reflecting the required disclosures pertaining to an equity-based compensation award originally issued to employees by the entity prior to the spin-off. Schedule of Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment, Original Award Issuer [Axis] Schedule of unrecognized non-cash, stock-based compensation expense under the 2005 LTIP Schedule of unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense under the 2005 LTIP. Schedule of Unrecognized Non Cash Stock Based Compensation Expense under the 2005 LTIP [Table Text Block] 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2021 Represents details pertaining to 7 5/8 percent senior notes, which are due in 2021. Senior Notes 7.625 Percent, Due 2021 [Member] Senior Secured Notes 6.50 Percent, Due 2019 [Member] 6 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 Represents details pertaining to 6 1/2 percent senior secured notes, which are due in 2019. Represents details pertaining to Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes collectively known as Notes. Notes Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes [Member] Services and Other Revenue, Related Party Services and other revenue - DISH Network Services and other revenue - Related Party. SES Latin America [Member] SES Latin America Represents the details pertaining to SES Latin America S.A. Set Top Box Application Development Agreement [Member] Set-Top Box Application Development Agreement Represent the details pertaining to the Set-Top Box Application Development Agreement. Weighted-Average Exercise Price Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Disclosures Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested Right to Receive Award upon Holding One Unit of Award Restricted stock unit converted into new restricted stock units Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options nonvested right award upon holding one unit of award. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Estimated Future Forfeiture Rate Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award estimated future forfeiture rate. Future forfeiture rate (as a percent) Details pertinent to an equity-based compensation award held by employees. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Holder [Domain] Stock option grants attempted (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Attempted Grants in Period Gross Gross number of share options (or share units) which the entity attempted to grant during the period. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Grants in Period Determined Invalid Options granted during period determined to be invalid Represents the number of options granted under the plan determined to be invalid. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options Outstanding, Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Aggregate intrinsic value Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Percentage, Awards Vested Per Year after First Four Years Percentage of awards vesting per annum after first four years Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award percentage awards vested per year after first four years. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Percentage, Awards Vested Per Year During First Four Years Percentage of awards vesting per annum during first four years Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award percentage awards vested per year during first four years. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Right to Receive Award upon Holding One Unit of Award Stock option converted into new stock options Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award right to receive award upon holding one unit of award. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment, Original Award Issuer [Domain] Details pertinent to an equity-based compensation award held by employees. LTIP Terms Share Based Compensation Award Terms [Abstract] Represents the details pertaining to the Sling Service Services Agreement. Sling Service Services Agreement [Member] SlingService Services Agreement Software Useful Life Software useful life Useful life of software that is either acquired, internally developed, or modified to meet the entity's needs. Solaris [Member] Solaris Represents details pertaining to the acquisition of Solaris. Solaris Mobile [Member] Solaris Mobile Represents details pertaining to the acquisition of Solaris Mobile. SPACEWAY 3 Represents the information pertaining to SPACEWAY 3 satellite. SPACE WAY 3 [Member] Stock Awards Outstanding by Company and Award [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock awards outstanding Stock awards outstanding by company and award. Stockholders Equity Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Net amount credited to stockholders' equity Subscriber Acquisition Costs [Policy Text Block] Deferred Subscriber Acquisition Costs ("SAC") Disclosure of the entity's accounting policy for subscriber acquisition costs. Targeted or Tracking Stock Portion of Vote Entitled to Each Share Portion of one vote entitled to each share Represents the portion of one vote entitled to each share of tracking stock. Targeted or Tracking Stock Related Party Transactions Transferred Cash Cash Represents the amount of cash transferred by related party under the transaction. Targeted or Tracking Stock Related Party Transactions Transferred Current Liabilities Current liabilities Represents the amount of current liabilities transferred by related party under the transaction. Targeted or Tracking Stock Related Party Transactions Transferred Net Assets Transferred net assets Represents the amount of net assets transferred by related party under the transaction. Transferred net assets Targeted or Tracking Stock Related Party Transactions Transferred Noncurrent Liabilities Noncurrent liabilities Represents the amount of noncurrent liabilities transferred by related party under the transaction. Targeted or Tracking Stock Related Party Transactions Transferred Property and Equipment Property and equipment, net Represents the amount of property and equipment transferred by related party under the transaction. Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock Targeted or Tracking Stock, Stock Disclosure [Text Block] Hughes Retail Preferred Tracking Stock The entire disclosure for information related to target or tracking stock. Tax Sharing Agreement [Member] Tax Sharing Agreement Represents information pertaining to the tax sharing agreement. Technology Development and Licensing LLC [Member] Technology Development and Licensing, LLC Represents details pertaining Technology Development and licensing, LLC. TT&C Agreement Represents the details pertaining to the TT and C Agreement. Telemetry Tracking and Control Agreement [Member] Telesat Canada Represents details pertaining to Telesat Canada. Telesat Canada [Member] TerreStar-2/EchoStar XXI Terrestar 2 and EchoStar XXI [Member] Represents information pertaining to TerreStar2 and EchoStarXXI. Terre Star 2 Development Agreement [Member] T2 Development Agreement Represents information pertaining to TerreStar-2 (T2) Development Agreement. TerreStar-2 Represents details pertaining to Terrestar 2. Terrestar 2 [Member] Terre Star Network Inc. Represents details pertaining to TerreStar Network Inc., a legal entity. TerreStar Network Inc [Member] TiVo vs Dish Network and EchoStar Corporation [Member] TiVo vs. Dish Network and EchoStar Corporation Represents information pertaining to legal proceedings of TiVo vs. Dish Network and EchoStar Corporation. Total Number of Amplifier Loss Total number of TWTAs lost on the satellite Represents the total number of satellites that experienced the loss of traveling wave tube amplifiers. Transaction Agreement [Member] Transaction Agreement Represents information pertaining to the Transaction Agreement. Transfer of Regulatory Authorization to Related Party Transfer of regulatory authorization to DISH Network included in accounts receivable Represents the amount of transfer of regulatory authorization to related party. Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers Number of traveling wave tube amplifiers Represents the number of traveling wave tube amplifiers. Troppus [Member] Troppus reporting unit Represents information pertaining to the Troppus reporting unit of the EchoStar Technologies Business. Unrecognized Non Cash Stock Based Compensation Expense on Vested Portion Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion. Unrecognized non-cash stock-based compensation expense on vested portion Uplinking equipment Represents the information pertaining to Uplinking and Gateway equipment satellite. Uplinking and Gateway Equipment [Member] Varick Sublease Agreement Varick Sublease Agreement [Member] Represents the details pertaining to the Varick sublease agreement with DISH Network. Watts Per Channel Option One Represents the watts per channel in option one. Watts per channel, option one Watts Per Channel Option Three Watts per channel, option three Represents the watts per channel in option three. Watts Per Channel Option Two Watts per channel, option two Represents the watts per channel in option two. XiP Encryption Agreement [Member] XiP Encryption Agreement Represents details pertaining to the XiP Encryption Agreement.